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Whether you're packing for a weekend getaway or planning an adventure around the world, packing cubes can help you streamline the packing process. Packing cubes are bags that come in a variety of sizes. Helps organize your clothes and save space in your suitcase. Frequent traveler Kaylee King uses packing bags every day to organize her clothes in her van while traveling. “Honestly, I can't imagine not using it after traveling for so long,” she says.
After speaking with Mr. King, we compared packing bags and looked for a durable travel cube with a functional design and a variety of sizes. Our top overall pick is the Gonex compression packing cube. With compression zippers, handles, and a low price, this set is the best in every way.
Recommendations for the best packing cubes for traveling
Packing cubes perfect for travel
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Why we like it: Gonex Compressed Packing Cubes are our pick for the best overall packing cube. Despite being one of the most affordable travel cube sets on this list, these compression bags come with many features such as ripstop nylon, reinforced seams, and handles. Compress through double zippers that pull the edges of the travel packing bag together. Packing cubes can hold everything from socks to jackets and are designed to fit together like puzzle pieces. There are more than 10 colors available.
Remember: These packing cubes only open halfway, so you'll need to stuff your clothes inside instead of laying them flat. Some reviewers have noted that compression zippers are difficult to use for people with arthritis or reduced mobility.
Product Details: Size: Set of 4: 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches (Small), 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches (Medium), 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches (Large), 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches (Extra Large) | Material: Ripstop Nylon | Weight: 12 oz (set)
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Why we like it: At 4.2 ounces, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is half the weight of other packing cubes on this list, but it's by no means flimsy. Made from ripstop polyester with a “self-healing” zipper. If there is a gap in the chain, you can slide one of the zippers over it to close it. Eagle Creek also offers a warranty that covers fabric tears and zippers. These travel cubes are lightweight and durable, making them perfect for hikers and campers who want to keep their backpack organized.
Please note: This set only includes 3 travel cubes in the smaller size. Great for backpacks and carry-on luggage, but you may need larger packing cubes for checked luggage.
Product Details: Size: Set of 3: 4.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches (extra small), 7.25 x 10 x 3.25 inches (small), 10 x 14.25 x 3.25 inches (medium) | Material: Ripstop Polyester | Weight: 4.2 oz (set)
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Why we love it: The packing cubes in the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set are the opposite of compression bags. Each cube has a second zipper that expands to 6 inches wide when unzipped, making it twice the size of the other packing bags on this list. Made from ripstop polyester with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, it's built to last. Packing cubes also meet the Bluesign standard, the highest environmental standard for sustainable textile manufacturing.
Keep in mind: REI Co-op recently updated its packing cubes, but some buyers believe the quality has decreased as a result. Third-party reviews mention thin materials, unreinforced zippers, and snag-prone mesh.
Product details: Size: 3-piece set: 8 x 6 x 3 inches (small), 12 x 8 x 3 inches (medium), 14.5 x 10.5 x 3 inches (large) | Material: Ripstop nylon, polyester mesh Weight: 8.3 ounce (set)
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Why we love it: The brightly colored Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube bundle is an upcycled option that will make you feel good. Packing bags are made from 100% recycled nylon and mesh. Kayli King likes that the mesh panels allow things to ventilate and that the handles allow for hanging.
Cotopaxi's commitment to sustainability extends beyond packing cubes. The company says 94% of its products contain reused, recycled or responsible materials. We also offer a program to repair and trade-in items to keep them out of landfills.
Please note: Despite the competitive price, this bundle only comes with 3 packing cubes. The size range is narrow compared to other packing cube sets. However, King prefers this set for long trips.
Product details Size: Set of 3: 7 x 8 x 2 inches (2 liter bag), 6 x 11.5 x 3 inches (3 liter bag), 10 x 11.5 x 5 inches (10 liter bag) Material: 100% recycled nylon and mesh | Weight: 9 oz (set)
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Why we like it: Many packing cubes seem to be more about functionality than fashion, but the Calpak Packing Cube Set strikes a balance between both. The packaging bags have patterns such as “cheetah” and “lime viper” and are available in over 20 colors. It's durable, with thick polyester sides and a mesh cover that allows you to see what's inside. Each packing cube has a zippered pocket for storing small essentials and an ID tag to note the contents. If five travel cubes aren't enough, you can purchase additional his Calpak travel organizers, including shoe bags and laptop totes.
Keep in mind: The Calpak Packing Cube set is the heaviest and most expensive option on this list. If you're traveling with only carry-on luggage or are concerned about overweight luggage, you may need lightweight packing cubes.
Product details: Size: Set of 5: 13 x 10 x 1.5 inches (envelope), 12 x 8.8 x 3 inches (2 small), 5 x 11 x 3 inches (medium), 17 x 12 x 3 inches (large) ) | Material: Polyester and Mesh | Weight: 1 lb, 12.8 oz (set)
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Why we love it: The Tripped Checked Bag Set includes travel cubes for almost all your packing needs. The set includes seven packing bags, including two extra-large, a slim cube, a shoe bag, and a roll-top laundry bag. Mix and match Travel Cubes to suit your suitcase and packing needs. Most packing cubes in checked baggage sets also have a compression feature. Additionally, we have a wide range of colors and illustrated sets featuring national parks.
Keep in mind: The packing cubes are made from a ripstop blend, but reviewers say the material and stitching feel thin and flimsy. Some travel cubes don't fully defrost, making packing more difficult.
Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 12.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches (shoe bag), 12.5 x 4.5 x 3 inches (slim cube), 21 x 11.5 x 0.1 inches (laundry bag), 10 x 7 x 4 inches (small ), 14 x 10 x 4 inches (Large), 16 x 12 x 4 inches (2 Extra Large) | Material: Ripstop nylon and polyester blend Weight: 15.5 oz (Set)
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Why we love it: The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes comes with 6 packing cubes, including a laundry bag and a shoe bag. The price is less than half the price of most other packing bag sets on this list. However, low price does not mean low quality. The Veken 6-Set Packing Cubes are made from thick polyester with durable zippers and mesh panels to keep your clothes fresh. Additionally, there are 12 colors available.
Note: The laundry bag and shoe bag are small. Polyester is not ripstop and can melt when dried at high temperatures.
Product details: Size: Set of 6: 4.7 x 17 inches (shoe bag), 14 x 20 inches (laundry bag), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 17.5 x 12.15 x 5 inches (extra large) | Material: Polyester | Weight: 10.4 oz (set)
How to choose the best travel packing cubes
When selecting the best packing cubes, we weighed the following qualities:
Third-party reviews: We looked at reviews from sources other than company websites and spoke to experienced travelers to find out what they liked.
Brand Reputation: Everything you use for travel should be functional, long-lasting, and preferably earth-friendly. We looked for brands that value quality gear and sustainability.
MATERIAL QUALITY: We chose travel cubes that are built to last, with durable materials like ripstop nylon and polyester, reinforced seams, and strong zippers.
Size range: Packing bags in different sizes make packing easier. We have selected a set of packing cubes in different sizes from extra small to extra large.
Compression options: Some packing cube brands offer compression bags. This is a useful feature when space is limited.
Tips when buying packing bags
Here are some things to consider when choosing your own packing cubes:
brand reputation
Choose a brand you can trust with a good reputation. Brands with zipper and fabric warranties and repair programs can also work with travel organizers to help you get as much vacation time as possible.
size
If you only use carry-on luggage or smaller luggage, choose a smaller packing cube set with fewer travel cubes. If you prefer to use checked baggage, choose a packing cube set that includes more travel cubes and larger sizes.
weight
If you're traveling with just a carry-on or want to use packing cubes for hiking, choose an ultralight packing cube set. Every ounce counts when it comes to packing light, and some travel cube sets are nearly 1.5 pounds lighter than others.
material
Packing cubes are typically made of polyester or nylon, both strong synthetic fibers. If you want something even more durable, look for a nylon or polyester ripstop with extra threads to keep it from tearing too much.
type
Some brands offer compression bags that save space. But King found that the compressed bag's shape could be awkward and difficult to fit into a suitcase. If you have a lot to pack, shoe and laundry travel cubes can help keep the rest of your luggage tidy.
FAQ
Is it worth packing cubes?
Packing cubes saves space in your suitcase, improves organization, and reduces stress while traveling.
Does TSA allow packing cubes?
Packing cubes are TSA approved only if all contents are within regulations. Check with your airline to find out what is allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.
How many packing cubes does my suitcase need?
The number of packing cubes you need depends on the length of your trip and the size of your suitcase. A good starting point is 4 to 6 packing cubes. You can adjust the numbers as needed.
How much does packing cube cost?
The packing cube sets recommended here range in price from $20 to $70. Some companies may sell individual packing cubes for a cheaper price.
Chelsea Cook is an Alaska-based mountain guide and writer with bylines in Wide Open Space, Matador Network, and National Geographic. She holds an MA from the University of Cambridge and specializes in non-fiction, rewriting adventure stories for historically excluded people.
*While we are sharing our personal opinions about these experiences and products, National Geographic does not endorse these experiences or products on anyone's behalf. We have not conducted product safety testing on, manufactured, sold or distributed any of these products, and we do not guarantee the safety or quality of these products or their intended use for individual consumers. We are not making any representations about our experience. Prices and availability are subject to change from date of publication.