{"id":394754,"date":"2026-01-07T21:47:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T21:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/394754\/"},"modified":"2026-01-07T21:47:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T21:47:19","slug":"i-tested-26-packing-cubes-on-14-trips-here-are-best-ones-to-travel-smarter-life-and-style","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/394754\/","title":{"rendered":"I tested 26 packing cubes on 14 trips \u2013 here are best ones to travel smarter | Life and style"},"content":{"rendered":"

Packing cubes can turn travel<\/a> prep from chaotic to calm. Not only do these compact, zippered pouches help you sort and organize your clothing, but they can also prevent overpacking, as you\u2019re forced to think about what you actually need on a trip. Suddenly, that cramped carry-on has space for an extra pair of shoes or souvenirs.<\/p>\n

The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.\u00a0Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As a product editor and reviewer for over 20 years, I have tested many packing cubes and luggage<\/a> of all sizes as part of my job, but also for personal travel. I use them to make trip-planning less stressful.<\/p>\n

As other travelers have seen the light, the last few years have brought an explosion of options at various price points. Some are from names you may have never heard of, while others are from prestigious bag makers. Through researching recommendations from travel experts and my experience, I narrowed down my list to the most popular and well-reviewed options to test. Ultimately, all packing cubes did their job, but here are the ones that did it better.<\/p>\n

How I tested packing cubes Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian<\/p>\n

To test fit, I filled each cube with a benchmark load that reflects real-world travel \u2013 for a medium-sized cube, that\u2019s three T-shirts, a knitted shirt, four pairs of underwear, and four pairs of socks. I also checked if a cube could hold a little extra, like a pair of joggers or a light jacket. I tried both rolling and stacking. For smaller cubes, I filled them with accessories, but I also checked whether I could fit items like shirts.<\/p>\n

\u200bI used packing cubes with a Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet commuter backpack<\/a>, a Cotopaxi relyAllpa 28 travel backpack<\/a>, a Travelpro Crew Classic Spinner soft carry-on suitcase<\/a> and a Travelpro Platinum Elite large checked suitcase<\/a>. Over the course of four months, I took 10 short trips and four long ones using a mix of different bags and cubes. When packing cubes came in a set, I used them all to check how well they work together.<\/p>\n

\u200bDuring technical testing, I checked material quality, zipper performance, and ease of use by opening and closing a cube repeatedly, both empty and filled. I rubbed them on rough surfaces and tugged on the zippers to test durability. For compression cubes, I checked how much space was saved, how easy it was to compress, and whether they wrinkled contents. I also looked at shape retention, breathability, ease of identifying the contents, and any unique features.<\/p>\n

To select the top contenders, I looked at how well they held up during my travels and any notable experiences I had. I also considered value, warranty and even my experience with a particular brand\u2019s product-quality history.<\/p>\n

The packing cubes I tested were either purchased, provided by the companies for review, or ones I already own. The Guardian will retain top contenders for long-term testing, and return or donate the rest.<\/p>\n

Photograph: Les Shu\/The GuardianAt a glance<\/p>\n

Best overall<\/p>\n

$72 at Eagle Creek<\/a><\/p>\n

Best budget<\/p>\n

$10.29 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Best compression<\/p>\n

$47.78 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Best budget compression<\/p>\n

$22.99 at Bagail <\/a><\/p>\n

Best premium<\/p>\n

$46.95 at B&H Photo Video (enter email for discount)<\/a><\/p>\n

Best for backpacks<\/p>\n

$35 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Best for overpackers<\/p>\n

$49.95 at REI Co-op<\/a><\/p>\n

Best for luggage<\/p>\n

$48 at Away<\/a><\/p>\n

Best for water resistance<\/p>\n

$35 at Aer<\/a>Best Overall:
Eagle Creek Pack-It Essentials Packing Cube Set\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Eagle Creek <\/p>\n

Pack-It Essentials Packing Cube Se<\/p>\n

from $72<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian$72 at Eagle Creek<\/a>$72 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Why we love them<\/p>\n

Eagle Creek has been making packing cubes for as long as I can remember \u2013 their original Pack-It cubes, which I still use today, were my gateway into this product category. They have gone through redesigns over the years, and the latest iteration is near perfect. I tested the Essentials three-piece set, which includes a medium Pack-It Reveal Clean\/Dirty Packing Cube, Pack-It Isolate Shoe Sack, and small Pack-It Isolate Shoe Sack, along with the medium Pack-It Isolate Packing Cube. They can be purchased separately or as a bundle.<\/p>\n

The Reveal Clean\/Dirty system gives you two divided pockets in each cube to use as you please: use one side for clean clothes and the other for dirty apparel, or simply use them to separate shirts and pants. So far, I haven\u2019t noticed any odor permeating from one side to the other, but I personally prefer to keep my dirty clothes in a separate bag; the Essentials kit\u2019s shoe bag is perfect for that duty.<\/p>\n

Eagle Creek has redesigned many of its cubes with an angled opening, giving you more room to maneuver while keeping clothes in order. With my testing load, compression saved about an inch of space, although other options tested better (see below). I found the thin, lightweight material durable and the zippers smooth, despite overstuffing them. And, based on my nearly decade of using Eagle Creek\u2019s packing cubes, I expect the standards to remain high. Eagle Creek also makes the Reveal series with a compression option, though I haven\u2019t tested it.<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a shame that \u2026 the options can be overwhelming. Do you want a cube with a partial mesh, or completely covered? Do you need compression, or is the dual-compartment system more beneficial? Which zippers? Material? While options are nice, you will need to evaluate your travel needs before you pick one. A recent price increase has also made Eagle Creek packing cubes a bit less attractive, despite the brand\u2019s quality.<\/p>\n

Eagle Creek Pack-It Essentials Specs<\/p>\n

Material: recycled 70D nylon (compression cube and shoe bag), recycled 300D polyester (clean\/dirty cube)<\/p>\n

Sizes available: small compression cube<\/a>, medium clean\/dirty cube<\/a>, one-pair shoe bag<\/a>; available as a set<\/a> or separately<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Eagle Creek <\/p>\n

Pack-It Essentials Packing Cube Se<\/p>\n

from $72<\/p>\n

Best budget:
Amazon Essentials 4-Piece Packing Cubes\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Amazon Essentials <\/p>\n

4-Piece Packing Cubes<\/p>\n

$10.29<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian$10.29 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Why we love them<\/p>\n

I recommend spending more for a higher-quality product, but if cheap and no-frills are what you\u2019re after, this four-piece set does the job. I\u2019ve been using different versions of this set for a few years, when they were called Amazon Basics (there\u2019s no noticeable difference between Basics and Essentials other than the name). Despite their seemingly dubious construction, the cubes have held up, which is their best attribute, aside from the low price.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s a short weekend trip with a backpack or a longer stay with a carry-on or a checked bag, the four sizes (large, medium, small and slim) offer sufficient capacity for whatever your journey\u2019s length. You can also buy them in different combinations.<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a shame that \u2026 there\u2019s noticeable fraying when new, and the mesh weaving isn\u2019t as tight when compared to pricier options. While it endured my light zipper tug test, I was reluctant to pull any harder. I managed to squeeze in extra clothing, but constant pressure on the zipper can\u2019t be good for the long run.<\/p>\n

Amazon Essentials 4-Piece Packing Cubes Specs<\/p>\n

Material: polyester<\/p>\n

Sizes available: large<\/a>, medium<\/a>, small<\/a>, slim<\/a>; available as a set<\/a> or in other combinations<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Amazon Essentials <\/p>\n

4-Piece Packing Cubes<\/p>\n

$10.29<\/p>\n

Best compression:
Thule Compression Cube Set\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Thule <\/p>\n

Compression Cube Set<\/p>\n

from $47.78<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian$47.78 at Amazon<\/a>$48.49 at Staples<\/a><\/p>\n

Why we love them<\/p>\n

It was difficult to choose between this Thule bundle and the Cotopaxi Cubo Expandable Packing Cube Set. Both came in neck-in-neck in my technical testing, use premium materials, cost the same, and are made by two reputable bag makers. You won\u2019t be disappointed by either if you\u2019re looking for premium compression packing cubes, but I\u2019m giving the nod to Thule for its use of lightweight, strong 100D ripstop nylon, and better compression.<\/p>\n

The Thule Compression Cubes (set of two, one small and one medium) have rigid sides along the zippers that help them keep their shape. It uses a sealed YKK zipper, along with the nylon, to bolster water resistance. I was able to fit another pair of joggers or a light jacket, in addition to my testing load of clothes, while saving about half an inch with compression. For the quality and performance you get at this price, these cubes are a great value.<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a shame that \u2026 the compression isn\u2019t as effective when you jam in extra clothes, although I\u2019ve discovered that\u2019s a given with all compression cubes (except REI). There\u2019s no mesh to let clothes breathe, which is something I will be keeping an eye out for as I retest the cubes in the future.<\/p>\n

Thule Compression Cube Set Specs<\/p>\n

Material: 100D ripstop nylon<\/p>\n

Sizes available: small<\/a>, medium<\/a>; available as a set<\/a> or separately<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Thule <\/p>\n

Compression Cube Set<\/p>\n

from $47.78<\/p>\n

Best premium:
Thule Chasm Gear Cube\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Thule<\/p>\n

Chasm gear cube <\/p>\n

from $46.95<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian$46.95 at B&H Photo Video (enter email for discount)<\/a>$64.95 at Amazon <\/a><\/p>\n

Why we love them<\/p>\n

The soft, leather-like exterior feels luxurious, and even smells like expensive leather goods. Not even the luxe luggage brand Tumi has anything comparable. The material is heavy-duty 900D polyester coated for water resistance, and it also held up well during abrasion testing. Its initial stiffness is good for durability and keeping its shape when filled, but it can be hard to zip up at times. It also looks awkwardly shaped, but it fits inside my carry-on just fine. It\u2019s available in small, medium, and large; the medium size had enough room to fit my testing load of clothes, plus a pair of joggers. The large has the extra capacity if you need to pack extra clothes, two pairs of sneakers, or a pair of heavy boots, and it\u2019s the only size with compression. With the large and medium sizes, I especially like the two handles on either side, which make it easy to pull out of a bag. No other packing cubes tested offer this feature..<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a shame that\u2026 only the large model offers compression, which can save about an inch of space. The three cubes aren\u2019t available as a bundle. The thick material also adds weight, so it isn\u2019t the best for anyone traveling light.<\/p>\n

Thule Chasm Specs<\/p>\n

Material: 900D recycled coated polyester<\/p>\n

Sizes available: small<\/a>, medium<\/a>, large<\/a>; available separately<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Thule<\/p>\n

Chasm gear cube <\/p>\n

from $46.95<\/p>\n

Best for overpackers:
REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

REI Co-op <\/p>\n

Expandable Packing Cube Set<\/p>\n

$49.95<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian$49.95 at REI Co-op<\/a><\/p>\n

Why we love them<\/p>\n

Let me say that REI\u2019s packing cubes could also be considered the best pick overall and for compression, as they scored in the top three of my technical testing. The ripstop nylon and mesh construction is solid, and the set of three (small, medium, and large) is reasonably priced. But its superhero trait is that it can fit more clothes than other compression cubes without bulging, shaving off anywhere from 1 to 3 inches. In addition to my testing load, I was able to fit a pair of joggers and a lightweight hoodie, although compression takes a hit. If you don\u2019t like the overall pick, take a look at REI\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a shame that \u2026 some customer reviews mentioned the quality isn\u2019t as good as REI\u2019s previous version. I haven\u2019t used my tested cubes long enough yet to make such a comparative statement, but so far they have held up well. I do like REI\u2019s warranty and network of stores as safety nets.<\/p>\n

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set Specs<\/p>\n

Material: ripstop nylon (shell), polyester (mesh panel)<\/p>\n

Sizes available: small, medium, large; available as a set<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

REI Co-op <\/p>\n

Expandable Packing Cube Set<\/p>\n

$49.95<\/p>\n

The best of the restBest budget compression:
Bagail 4-Set Compression Packing Cubes\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Bagail<\/p>\n

4-Set Compression Packing Cubes<\/p>\n

from $22.99<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian$22.99 at Bagail <\/a>$24.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

For $25 (often less on sale), Bagail has a four-piece set (small, medium, large and extra large) that suits different trip lengths. For the price, the materials are impressive, especially the sealed zipper track and generous handle, which makes it easy to retrieve from my backpack. But most importantly, the compression is good, saving about an inch. For an upgrade, Bagail offers compression cubes with 70D fabric, which is sturdier but at a higher cost.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a shame that\u2026 this version doesn\u2019t have any mesh for breathability. The zipper quality seems to be a recurring complaint reported by some users, which could be due to overpacking. While I haven\u2019t encountered any issues, I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if they popped up in the future, given that Bagail is budget-oriented.<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian<\/p>\n

Bagail 4-Set Compression Packing Cubes Specs<\/p>\n

Material: Polyester<\/p>\n

Sizes available: Small, medium, large, extra-large; also available in sets of 6<\/a> or 8<\/a>, and with <\/a>or without mesh<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Bagail<\/p>\n

4-Set Compression Packing Cubes<\/p>\n

from $22.99<\/p>\n

Best for backpacks:
Osprey Daylite Packing Cube Set\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Osprey<\/p>\n

Daylite Packing Cube Set<\/p>\n

from $35<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian$35 at Amazon<\/a>$36 at Nordstrom <\/a><\/p>\n

The Daylite series (small, medium and large, available as a bundle or separately) uses a combination of recycled 150D, 200D, and 600D polyester for varying levels of robustness and weather resistance. They\u2019re lightweight, too, making them ideal for rugged travel and backpacking. A soft mesh front provides breathability, and they are sized appropriately to fit in backpacks (they\u2019ll also work in luggage, but there might be some extra space). Like most outdoor companies, Osprey offers a lifetime warranty.<\/p>\n

For about $10 more, you can upgrade to Osprey\u2019s Ultralight<\/a> packing cubes<\/a>. Made from high-tenacity 40D recycled nylon, the Ultralight is for backpackers who want to chisel off as much weight as possible.<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t make the final cut because \u2026 the \u201cJ-zip opening\u201d doesn\u2019t let you fully open the pack, which, depending on what type of clothes you\u2019re filling it with, might make the process a nuisance. It also restricts capacity somewhat; I couldn\u2019t fit my entire testing load in.<\/p>\n

Osprey Daylite Packing Cube Specs<\/p>\n

Material: 150D polyester (mesh and shell), 200D polyester (lining), 600D polyester (bottom)<\/p>\n

Sizes available: small<\/a>, medium<\/a>, large<\/a>; available as a set <\/a>or separately<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Osprey<\/p>\n

Daylite Packing Cube Set<\/p>\n

from $35<\/p>\n

Best for carry-ons:
Away the Insider Packing Cubes\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Away<\/p>\n

The Insider Packing Cubes<\/p>\n

from $48<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian$48 at Away<\/a>$48 at Nordstrom<\/a><\/p>\n

Nearly all the packing cubes I tried worked fine with luggage, but Away\u2019s the Insider is designed for carry-on bags \u2013 yes, Away\u2019s luggage specifically, but they worked just as well in my Monos and Travelpro bags. You get a set of four cubes (one large, two medium, and one small) that are sized perfectly in a carry-on, and they offer ample space should you need to pack a little extra. The mesh cover allows for breathability, and they come in a wide range of colors. Although Away says the material is water-resistant, the mesh can still allow water to seep in.<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t make the final cut because \u2026 I am slightly wary about the Insider\u2019s quality. The material is thin and sheer, and I felt a small ripping sensation during my zipper tug test, although I didn\u2019t see any actual ripping upon inspection. I also don\u2019t like that it doesn\u2019t have any handles. The price is reasonable, but with only a one-year warranty, it\u2019s not up to the standard of Away\u2019s luggage and bags.<\/p>\n

Away the Insider Packing Cubes Specs<\/p>\n

Material: nylon<\/p>\n

Sizes available: one large, two medium, one small<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Away<\/p>\n

The Insider Packing Cubes<\/p>\n

from $48<\/p>\n

Best for water resistance:
Aer Packing Cube\"\"<\/a>\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian$35 at Aer<\/a><\/p>\n

Aer gained recognition for its sleek, high-quality commuter backpacks and has since expanded its strong workmanship to other travel products, including packing cubes. Like Aer\u2019s bags, these compression cubes (available in small and medium, sold separately) are made from durable yet thin 100D Cordura ripstop nylon that\u2019s water-resistant. I brought it into the shower, and it mostly did the job, although a pair of undies got a little damp (remember: it\u2019s resistant to splashes, not waterproof). The YKK zippers are also premium, and the track is sealed for further water protection. The cubes are deceptively roomy when uncompressed, which could mislead you into thinking you can pack more.<\/p>\n

\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian\"A Photograph: Les Shu\/The Guardian<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t make the final cut because \u2026 while tough, I noticed some slight abrasion from rubbing the packs against a textured wall and carpeting. The fabric is opaque, so you can\u2019t easily identify what\u2019s inside.<\/p>\n

Our luxury pick, the Thule Chasm, is also water-resistant, but Aer cubes are lighter, more flexible, and less expensive.<\/p>\n

Aer Packing Cube Specs<\/p>\n

Material: 100D Cordura ripstop nylon exterior<\/p>\n

Sizes available: small<\/a>, medium<\/a>; available separately<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Other products we tested<\/p>\n

Standard packing cubes<\/p>\n

Alpine Sea Popcorn. Photograph: Courtesy of Alpine Sea Co.<\/p>\n

Alpine Sea Popcorn<\/a>: These bags are made in the US out of a durable, water-resistant fabric. They stay flat when not in use. However, the small opening, limited capacity, and unconventional design make them impractical for long trips. They are better suited as additional bags for wet clothing.<\/p>\n

Calpak Packing Cubes Set. Photograph: Courtesy of Calpak<\/p>\n

Calpak Packing Cubes Set<\/a>: You get four cubes and an envelope-sized bag. The cubes have an ID label to help quickly identify what\u2019s inside, and there\u2019s also a slot in the back. It\u2019s a nice alternative to Away\u2019s the Insider, but if you want just basic organization, there are less expensive options.<\/p>\n

Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle. Photograph: Courtesy of REI<\/p>\n

Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle:<\/a> I use the Cubo Packing Travel Bundle with a Cotopaxi Allpa 28 travel backpack. In addition to fun colors, they are very breathable, well constructed, and come with a limited lifetime warranty. The shape of the cubes may leave extra space in a suitcase, however, and I found rolling to be more effective than layering.<\/p>\n

Ikea Rensare. Photograph: Courtesy of Ikea<\/p>\n

Ikea Rensare<\/a>: For less than $10, you get one medium and two small cases. While I use these for personal travel, I\u2019ll be the first to point out the very thin material that won\u2019t hold its shape even when full. Fine for organization, but not great in quality.<\/p>\n

Level 8 Packing Cube Set. Photograph: Courtesy of Level 8<\/p>\n

\u200bLevel 8 Packing Cube Set<\/a>: Illustrated Velcro labels help you identify what\u2019s inside, since there\u2019s no window or mesh. While the material is floppy, I can squeeze in extra items if I\u2019m in a pinch. The set fits one entire side of my carry-on nicely, but there are no handles, and the material is slippery, making retrieval slightly annoying. My zipper tug test also gave me pause.<\/p>\n

Peak Design Ultralight Packing Cube. Photograph: Courtesy of Peak Design<\/p>\n

Peak Design Ultralight Packing Cube<\/a>: Peak Design started as a company that made exquisite camera bags and accessories. This packing cube is great for packing light, but opening down the middle makes packing slightly difficult. The material is smooth, but hard to handle. It\u2019s designed to work best with Peak Design\u2019s backpacks, but it folds away nicely for storage.<\/p>\n

RUX Packing System Mesh Bundle. Photograph: Courtesy of RUX<\/p>\n

RUX Packing System Mesh Bundle<\/a>: I was reluctant to include these, as they\u2019re more mesh bags than packing cubes. They are unconventional and not right for everyone, but they can work in a pinch or for those who like RUX\u2019s packing system and product suite<\/a>. I found the closure design hard to use (there are no zippers). They\u2019re not cheap, but they do come with a limited lifetime warranty. RUX makes non-mesh bags<\/a> that may be more ideal as a packing cube, but I did not test these.<\/p>\n

Tortuga Packing Cubes. Photograph: Courtesy of Tortuga Backpacks<\/p>\n

\u200bTortuga Packing Cubes<\/a>: I\u2019ve been using Tortuga\u2019s travel backpacks for nearly a decade and find them among the best in terms of quality. I love the basic black look of these cubes (set of three). The zipper and mesh are great, and, thanks to the ample capacity, I was able to pack a few more items without them bulging too much. It\u2019s not the most affordable option for most people, but Tortuga backs them with a limited lifetime warranty. Tortuga also makes a compression set, but I wasn\u2019t able to test it during this round.<\/p>\n

Compression packing cubes<\/p>\n

Cotopaxi Expandable Packing Cube Set. Photograph: Courtesy of Cotopaxi<\/p>\n

\u200bCotopaxi Expandable Packing Cube Set<\/a>: This was a very close second for our best compression recommendation. There\u2019s a lot to like, but the zipper, while strong, could be a little smoother than the Thule Compression Cube Set.<\/p>\n

Antler Packing Cubes. Photograph: Courtesy of Antler<\/p>\n

Antler Packing Cubes<\/a>: You get a set of four, although the large size is comparable to medium in Amazon Essentials\u2019s set. Compression is good, but I found the zipper tends to snag easily. There\u2019s no handle other than a small loop, and zippers can become hard to use if the zipper pull comes off.<\/p>\n

Away Compression Packing Cubes. Photograph: Courtesy of Away<\/p>\n

\u200bAway Compression Packing Cubes<\/a>: The large size is quite roomy, while the medium size fits my test load when using the rolling method. It also had one of the best compression results, and the zipper is smooth. These are worth considering, especially if you own Away luggage, but the higher price and one-year warranty hold them back.<\/p>\n

Bagsmart Blast. Photograph: Courtesy of Bagsmart<\/p>\n

\u200bBagsmart Blast<\/a>: I was surprised by how much I liked the compression cubes from Bagsmart, and it\u2019s a good starter kit for compression newbies. It was only edged out by the Bagail on price, but this is worth considering.<\/p>\n

Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes. Photograph: Courtesy of Nomatic<\/p>\n

\u200bNomatic Compression Packing Cubes<\/a>: These compress the easiest, even when overfilled. The large shape is really a medium when compared to other cubes. The material is very good, as is the zipper, but considering the price, there are stronger options.<\/p>\n

\u200bPeak Design Packing Cube. Photograph: Courtesy of Peak Design<\/p>\n

\u200bPeak Design Packing Cube<\/a>: These strike a good balance between capacity and compression. The zippers don\u2019t fully close; instead, a small opening allows for fast, easy unzipping while providing some breathability. However, I found it unzipped too easily, especially unintentionally. There\u2019s also no handle, and the material is slippery to grab on to. They\u2019re pricey and available only separately, but they have a lifetime warranty.<\/p>\n

Yeti Crossroads Packing Cubes Set. Photograph: Courtesy of Yeti<\/p>\n

\u200bYeti Crossroads Packing Cubes Set<\/a>: While perhaps better known for their insulated drinkware, Yeti also makes terrific outdoor products. The zippers on these packing cubes are very good, but should you lose the zipper pull, they can become hard to use. They\u2019re rigid to keep their shape, but compression was OK during testing. A set is also pricey, and the warranty is only three years.<\/p>\n

What else to know about packing cubeshule Chasm packing cubes. Photograph: Les Shu\/The GuardianAre packing cubes worth using?<\/p>\n

Packing cubes are useful for organization and making the best use of the space inside luggage, particularly carry-ons. They are great for quickly locating clothes you need, and for easily moving out of a suitcase and into a hotel dresser drawer, and back into the suitcase when it\u2019s time to leave.<\/p>\n

For an overnight stay or ultralight packing, packing cubes may seem unnecessary, but a smaller-sized cube can still help with organization and space savings. In larger checked luggage, packing cubes can shift around if it\u2019s not completely filled, but they\u2019re still handy for sorting. They are also great for separating items like dirty laundry and shoes from clean clothes, and they protect your clothes if you tend to pack a mix of things in your luggage.<\/p>\n

Are packing cubes better than vacuum bags?<\/p>\n

Packing cubes are better suited for travel, while vacuum bags are best for long-term storage, like for seasonal clothing. Vacuum bags suck the air out of your clothes (manually or with a vacuum), which flattens the bag. This helps the bag to take up less space, but severely impedes access: good luck pulling a sweater out in a chilly airport. An in-between solution is packing cubes with compression, which use a zipper to help press down on clothing. These can cut down on space by an inch or more.<\/p>\n

Will packing cubes wrinkle clothing?<\/p>\n

Standard packing cubes won\u2019t create extra wrinkles, nor will they prevent them. Compression cubes may cause some wrinkling when pressed down, but I found that most fabrics come out fine after decompression. For testing, I used mainly cotton-based items. Avoid compressing wrinkle-prone clothing like silk or linen.<\/p>\n

Should I fold or roll clothes in a packing cube?<\/p>\n

Rolling or folding comes down to personal preference, but it may also be dictated by the size of a packing cube. For example, I found rolling to be more effective with a square-shaped packing cube, or if I\u2019m using a smaller model and I want to squeeze in as much as possible. Personally, I prefer to fold and stack, as I do at home; this way, I can easily move from drawer to packing cube.<\/p>\n

Are packing cube sizes standard?<\/p>\n

No. One company\u2019s large packing cube could be the same size as another\u2019s medium. When shopping, consider the actual dimensions and volume based on how much you plan to pack.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Packing cubes can turn travel prep from chaotic to calm. Not only do these compact, zippered pouches help…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":394755,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[49,48,61],"class_list":["post-394754","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-technology","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/394754","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=394754"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/394754\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/394755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=394754"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=394754"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=394754"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}