Traveling is an adventure that many cherish, but packing can often be a hassle. Frequent flyers and avid travelers understand the importance of keeping their luggage organized. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using packing cubes.
These small, flexible containers can transform the way you pack, making your travels smoother and more efficient. Here, we present the 15 best packing cubes that can help you travel better.
Why Packing Cubes?
Packing cubes are essential for anyone looking to keep their luggage organized and maximize space. They function much like drawers in a dresser or hangers in a closet, allowing you to systematically arrange your belongings.
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Here are five key reasons why you should consider using packing cubes:
- Enhanced Organization: Packing cubes help keep your items neatly separated, making it easier to find what you need without rummaging through your entire suitcase.
- Space Efficiency: Compression packing cubes can reduce the volume of your clothes, allowing you to fit more into your luggage. This is particularly useful for carry-on bags and smaller suitcases.
- Easy Unpacking: Once you reach your destination, you can simply transfer the cubes into drawers, making unpacking quick and hassle-free.
- Protection: Packing cubes protect your clothes from spills, snags, and wrinkles. They also provide a barrier against any potential leaks inside your luggage.
- Eco-Friendliness: Using packing cubes reduces the need for plastic bags, which are often used to separate items in luggage. This helps reduce plastic waste and is a more sustainable option.
The Best Packing Cubes
1. Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cubes
Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Specter Cubes are known for their durability and lightweight design. Made from ripstop nylon, they are durable and compressible, making them perfect for both travel and outdoor activities.
These cubes come in three sizes and have handles for easy maneuverability. Although they are primarily designed for outdoor use, their lightweight nature makes them a great choice for any type of travel.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quality zippers | Outdoor style |
| Lightweight | Do not stack well |
| Compression | |
| Lifetime warranty | |
| Water-resistant |
2. Shacke Pak Packing Cubes
Shacke Pak offers durable nylon packing cubes with water resistance. They come in a set of four, making them versatile for any travel bag.
Known for their quality zippers and good depth, these cubes offer ample packing space. However, the mesh on the front can be prone to tearing with heavy use. Despite this, Shacke Pak cubes are a reliable and affordable option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decent zippers | Weak seams |
| Mesh front | Mesh weak |
| Stacks well | Cheap bags |
| Color choices | |
| Lightweight | |
| Warranty |
3. Topo Designs Pack Bags
Topo Designs Pack Bags are robust and water-resistant, made from 1000D Cordura fabric. They are highly durable, though their waterproof nature can trap moisture inside.
These packing cubes are designed to withstand rough handling and are ideal for outdoor adventures. The classic look and sturdy construction make them a favorite among travelers who prioritize durability over weight.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heavy-duty zippers | Breathability |
| Stacks well | Price |
| Color choices | Heavy |
| Waterproofing | |
| Warranty | |
| Made in USA |
4. Away Travel Insider Packing Cubes
Away Travel offers stylish and structured packing cubes that add protection and help resist wrinkles. They are ideal for business travelers looking to keep their professional attire in top shape.
These cubes come in six different sizes, allowing you to organize an entire wardrobe efficiently. The structured sides add an extra layer of protection, making them a great choice for delicate items.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Style | Mesh top |
| Mesh top | Small zippers |
| Various sizes | |
| Good value set | |
| Stack well | |
| Mix and match | |
| Structured sides |
5. Peak Design Packing Cubes
Peak Design’s packing cubes feature a unique design with quick pull tabs, compression zips, and a separate compartment for dirty clothes.
They are weatherproof and made from 70D nylon/poly blend. These cubes are perfect for travelers who need both functionality and style. The innovative design makes packing and unpacking a breeze, and the dirty clothes compartment helps keep your clean items fresh.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quality zippers | Price |
| Stacks well | |
| Waterproofing | |
| Dirty clothes compartment | |
| Compression | |
| Warranty |
6. eBags Classic Packing Cubes
eBags are known for their affordability and quality. Their packing cubes come in fun colors and are made from tough tech lite diamond nylon, which adds rigidity and ease of stacking.
These cubes are a popular choice for families and frequent travelers due to their versatility and durability. The mesh front allows for easy identification of contents, making packing and unpacking more efficient.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Three different sizes | Small bags |
| Quality zippers | Style |
| Stacks well | |
| Mesh front | |
| Lightweight and durable |
7. AmazonBasics Packing Cubes
AmazonBasics offers affordable packing cubes made from nylon, making them water-resistant and machine washable.
They are budget-friendly but may not be as durable as other brands. These cubes come in various colors and sizes, providing a cost-effective solution for organizing your luggage. While they may not have the longevity of more expensive options, they are a good choice for occasional travelers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quality zippers | Cheap seams |
| Breathable | Won’t last long |
| Stacks well | Style |
| Color choices | |
| Lightweight | |
| Warranty |
8. Osprey Ultralight Packing Cubes
Osprey is a reputable brand known for its lightweight and durable products. Their packing cubes are made from 40D ripstop nylon with a siliconized coating, offering durability and waterproofing.
These cubes are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable and lightweight packing solutions. The All Mighty Guarantee ensures that your cubes will last, making them a worthwhile investment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quality zippers | Outdoor style |
| Lightweight | |
| All Mighty Guarantee | |
| Water-resistant | |
| Stacks well |
9. REI Co-Op Packing Cubes
REI Co-Op’s packing cubes are high-quality and affordable. They are water-resistant and have small mesh features for breathability. These cubes are ideal for outdoor and adventure travel, providing reliable organization and protection for your belongings.
The lightweight design makes them easy to carry, and the water resistance ensures your items stay dry in various conditions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quality zippers | More suited for outdoors |
| Lightweight | |
| Water-resistant | |
| Stacks well |
10. Dot&Dot Packing Cubes
Dot&Dot offers spacious packing cubes that are durable and perfect for organizing various items in your luggage. These cubes come in multiple sizes and colors, making them a versatile choice for travelers.
The mesh front allows for easy visibility, and the diamond nylon fabric adds an extra layer of durability. While they may not feel as sturdy as other options, they provide good value for their price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Less durable feel |
| Mesh front | Large sets |
| Handle | |
| Diamond nylon fabric |
11. Patagonia Black Hole Cube
Patagonia’s Black Hole Cube is robust and perfect for adventure travel. Made from heavy-duty polyester ripstop and highly weatherproof materials, it’s ideal for organizing gear.
These cubes are designed to withstand harsh conditions and are perfect for organizing equipment and clothing for outdoor activities. The divided main compartment helps keep your items separate and organized.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | Odd fit for suitcases |
| Divided main compartment | Outdoor suited |
| Bluesign certified | Price |
| Good for duffel and backpacks |
12. TravelWise Packing Cubes
TravelWise offers lightweight packing cubes with open mesh fronts for easy item finding. They come in various colors and sizes.
These cubes are a great option for travelers who need an affordable and efficient way to organize their luggage. The open mesh front allows for easy identification of contents, making packing and unpacking more efficient.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable packs and lightweight | Users note the thinness of bags |
| Option for five-piece starter set | |
| Open mesh front |
13. Bagail Packing Cubes
Bagail’s nylon packing cubes are durable and water-resistant. They come in a set of four and are known for their quality zippers. These cubes offer good value for their price and are available in various colors and sizes.
The mesh front allows for easy visibility, though it can be prone to tearing with heavy use. Overall, they are a reliable and affordable option for organizing your luggage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decent zippers | Weak seams |
| Mesh front | Mesh weak |
| Stacks well | Cheap bags |
| Color choices | |
| Lightweight | |
| Warranty |
14. Travelon Packing Cubes
Travelon’s structured packing cubes offer protection and stackability, making them ideal for business travelers. They come in various prints and colors to suit your style needs.
These cubes provide excellent organization and protection for your professional attire, ensuring your clothes stay wrinkle-free and protected. The structured sides add durability and make them easy to stack in your luggage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Style | Mesh top |
| Mesh top | Small zippers |
| Various sizes | |
| Good value set | |
| Stack well | |
| Mix and match | |
| Structured sides |
15. Peak Design Camera Cube
Peak Design’s Camera Cube is perfect for travelers with camera equipment. It offers excellent protection and versatility, especially when used with Peak Design’s travel backpack.
These cubes are designed to keep your camera gear safe and organized, providing structured sides and various sizes to fit different equipment. While they are on the expensive side, they are worth the investment for photographers and videographers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Style | Expensive |
| Various sizes | Limited user base |
| Structured sides | Best use with Peak Design ecosystem |
| Excellent camera protection |
Takeaways
Packing cubes are a game-changer for travelers, offering organization, compression, efficiency, protection, and eco-friendliness. The right packing cubes depend on your travel needs and preferences.
Whether you’re looking for durability, affordability, or specific features like waterproofing and structured sides, there’s a perfect packing cube set for you.
Investing in these travel essentials will not only make your packing process smoother but also enhance your overall travel experience. With the right packing cubes, you can enjoy a stress-free and organized journey, no matter where your adventures take you.
