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The Best Packing Cubes

Last updated on March 15, 2024

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Imagine opening your suitcase during any day of travel and knowing precisely where every piece of clothing, accessory and sock is located. This is not a dream, this is real life. At least it is for everyone who uses packing cubes.

Even if you think you have your packing routine down to a science, rolling clothing, tucking socks into boots and playing Tetris with miscellaneous items, prepare to have your mind blown. Packing cubes are the revolutionary accessory that will transform your packing routine and turn you into an organizing professional, at least when it comes to travel. At their most basic, packing cubes are small zippered bags made of durable, lightweight materials.

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There are a few things you need to know when you start shopping for packing cubes. For starters, there are a variety of materials available. Most are made of canvas or nylon. These fabrics are durable, lightweight and washable.

Be wary of those made of plastic. Plastic won’t allow airflow to your clothes. However, plastic will protect them from spills or a soaking from another source.

Packing cubes made with mesh components or transparent materials enable you to see what’s inside. However, the mesh can easily snag or rip, making it less durable.

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Another important characteristic to consider is the weight of the packing cubes. When it comes to luggage and travel, both space and weight are scarce. Most packing cubes only add a few ounces to your luggage. They are well worth it for the space-saving benefits.

The best part of packing cubes is that a budget-friendly set can be just as good as a pricey pack.

Most sets of packing cubes are designed with a standard carry-on bag in mind. They also work wonders to compartmentalize and organize duffle bags and backpacks. These types of bags can turn into black holes for clothing without the extra compartments and structure.

Packing cubes offer many more benefits beyond organization. They keep all shapes and sizes of clothes neatly tucked away, so nothing goes astray during any part of your journey. You can rest assured you won’t have any embarrassing security episodes or the chance of an errant pair of undies appearing during a luggage search. Thankfully, most packing cubes sets don’t come with a high price tag to match their versatility.

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Not to mention, packing cubes consolidate clothing and accessories. As a result, they allow you to squeeze more into less space. Consider any piece of luggage loaded with packing cubes similar to a Mary Poppins bag. They really are that impressive and almost magical. They compress materials and maximize luggage space. Many sets also include folding tips and tricks to help you use the cubes well and maximize your luggage space.

All those organizing benefits don’t end when you zip up your luggage and head to the airport. Packing cubes are the travel gift that keeps on giving, throughout a vacation and also with unpacking once you return home. There is a place for everything, and everything is in its place. In fact, some packing cubes include additional compartments to separate clean and dirty clothes.

Suffice it to say, once you start traveling with packing cubes, you will never go back.

Our Picks For The Top Packing Cubes

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Best Overall

TRIPPED Compression Travel Packing Cube & Luggage Organizer Bag, 6-Piece

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

TRIPPED

Compression Travel Packing Cube & Luggage Organizer Bag, 6-Piece

Skip the need for a vacuum and go with these packing cubes instead. After filling each back, all you need to press down while pull the compression zipper closed and your items will instantly take up less room in your bag. Each set comes with two large bags, two small bags, a laundry bag and a slim tube.

Overall Take

Variety of SizesYou can't go wrong with these bags, which are durable and built to last for all the trips you want to take.

 Cute Prints

Mossio Nylon Travel Packing Cubes, 7-Piece

Mossio

Nylon Travel Packing Cubes, 7-Piece

If you're searching for a luggage organizer bag that can also be used to accomplish other tasks, this model is your best bet. The seven pieces can be used as carry-on bags, gym bags, beach bags or camping bags. They are available in six different colors and prints, including a blue set with circles and a maroon set with flowers.

Overall Take

Best Multipurpose BagsYou'll save space in your suitcase when you opt for this set of packing cubes.

 Best Basic

AmazonBasics 4-Piece Packing Cube Set

AmazonBasics

4-Piece Packing Cube Set

This packing cube set is as easy on the wallet as it is for organizing and traveling. The fabric containers keep all belongings neatly stored and organized. We're fans of the fact that the material goes beyond storage, helping to protect against wrinkles as well. These cubes are also available in six different colors to keep travelers' items separa...

Overall Take

Neat and TidyKeep your clothes neat and tidy while you travel the world with these packing cubes, which come in six fun colors.

 For World Travelers

TravelWise Packing Cube System, 5-Piece

TravelWise

Packing Cube System, 5-Piece

The lightweight nylon used in this 5-piece set will give you peace of mind in the durability of your packing cubes. Coming in a few of the most useful sizes, these packing cubes will work well for a variety of clothing types.

Overall Take

Durable Packing CubesThese bags make up a durable packing cube set that comes in useful sizes.

What to Look For

  • Packing cubes consolidate, compress and streamline packing so any shape and size luggage stays organized throughout your trip.
  • Packing cubes come in sets of three to six different shapes and sizes. A set is generally made to fit in a standard carry-on suitcase.
  • Packing cubes are especially handy when packing up less structured luggage, like backpacks and duffle bags.
  • Some manufacturers make color-coded packing cubes so it’s easy to pack up a whole family worth of clothes into one suitcase without getting items mixed up.
  • Most are made of canvas or nylon. These fabrics are durable, lightweight and washable.
  • Some packing cubes are made of plastic. Plastic won’t allow airflow to your clothes. However, it will protect them from spills or a soaking from another source.
  • Some sets are made with mesh components or transparent materials, which enables you or your family members to see the items inside. When buying or using these, it’s important to consider that the mesh can easily snag or rip, making them less durable.
  • Helpful features to look for include high-quality zippers, interior seams and durable materials, which all add to the product’s longevity and versatility.
  • There is a slew of color options, prints and designs suitable for the whole family. Purchasing sets of different colors can help separate and distinguish each family member’s clothing. It’s form and function at its best.
  • Though space and weight are limited when it comes to luggage, you can rest easy knowing that most packing cubes only add a few ounces to your bags.

This review has been updated by DWYM staff.

More to Explore

Packing cubes seem like a trendy new convenience, but they’ve been around for decades now. Eagle Creek, proudly known as the “organization nerds” in the packing world, created a set of packing cubes more than 20 years ago. According to the Eagle Creek website, “Since 1996 we’ve been providing packing solutions to help travelers stay organized… Providing peace of mind, and creating more space in your bag, we have the solution to help you keep track of it all.”

While their original Pack-It system is still available today, Eagle Creek and many other companies have introduced new and innovative updates since then. And, veteran travelers around the world have embraced them and sung their praises. They earn new devotees daily, racking up incredible rave reviews and many frequent flier miles around the world from their organized owners.

Packing cubes may seem like a superfluous accessory, but according to many travelers, they are ingenious and an absolute necessity. They work like mini-luggage inside your suitcases. They keep charging cords separate from your socks and your socks from your shirts.

It seems every luggage company and remotely related travel company is getting in on the packing cube bandwagon. There are new cubes made by Herschel, Away, and even Ikea and REI designed their own packing cube sets. There’s no telling who will get in the packing cube business next.

More to explore