Packing cubes are a game-changer for travel organization, allowing you to compress clothing, separate items, and maximize space in your luggage. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right ones can be overwhelming. After extensive testing of over 20 brands and types at various price points, here’s a breakdown of the best packing cubes for every kind of traveler.
Other Great Packing Cubes
- Shacke Pak Packing Cubes: These Amazon brand packing cubes offer good value for the price. They have a sturdy handle, slightly thicker material, and a mix of mesh for breathability and opaque fabric for privacy. They come in nine colors, though the shades are quite vibrant, and the mesh design resembles a jockstrap. Despite claims of YKK zippers, I couldn’t find any insignia on closer inspection.
- Calpak Packing Cubes Set: These lightweight polyester cubes were the ones that kicked off my obsession with travel organization. Their mesh front allows for visibility and breathability, and a label window is incredibly useful, especially when packing cubes are similar sizes. They come in 18 different colors and prints.
- Amazon Essentials: This four-pack offers comparable quality to brands costing four times as much. While Bagsmart cubes are slightly sturdier and more affordable, these remain a solid Amazon option.
Dagne Dover Roma Packing Cubes
These shallow, all-mesh packing cubes with stiff wire edging and label windows are initially surprising, given the price. However, testing revealed they hold more than they seem and keep clothes wrinkle-free. The breathable, sturdy mesh is also private and slightly padded, making them a great choice for items like jewelry. While they aren’t space savers, they ensure items don’t move around or get squished. They come in four stylish colors.
Rux Packing System Bundle (3)
These lightweight, cinchable roll-top bags are essential for anyone using Rux bags or bins, including the new Rux Duffel Box. Made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene gridstop, they fit perfectly inside any Rux system and secure with hooks.
Ekster Vacuum Travel Kit
This IPX7 waterproof, vacuum-powered compression bag comes with a portable travel pump and impressed me with its ability to maintain a vacuum seal during an overnight trip. However, it didn’s save as much space as expected compared to traditional packing cubes, and the inability to separate clothing was a drawback.
Away the Insider Packing Cubes
These cubes come in 10 trendy colors that match Away luggage, but they didn’t stand out during testing. The thin material and unbranded, small zippers were comparable to cheaper Amazon brands.
Antler Packing Cubes
These lightweight, mesh-front compression cubes come in nine colors and coordinate with Antler luggage. While they have solid zippers with extended pulls and solid compression, they aren’t as hardy as the top picks.
Gorilla Grip Packing Cubes
These are the least expensive packing cubes tested, and it showed. The thin material and janky zippers were drawbacks. However, the inclusion of a shoe and laundry bag, and their ability to fold down small when not in use, are positives. They have nice mesh panels and the fabric is not totally see-through. Hand wash only.
Great Suitcases for Packing Cubes
- Travelpro VersaPack+ Carry-On: This expandable soft-sided spinner comes with two approximately 9″ x 2″ packing cubes on a divider that clips in or out. Thick straps in the main compartment allow for compression, and the suitcase also includes a fabric zipper to hold items down.
- GuruNanda Ready-to-Go Disposable Mini Travel Toothbrushes: Bring your own toothbrush for an eco-friendly option. Otherwise, these disposable toothbrushes are great for camping or trips where you don’t want to reuse a dirty toothbrush.
- Kusshi Travel Jewelry Organizer: This hanging pocket bag is perfect for space-saving jewelry organization. The medium size features three tiers of soft-lined, zippered pockets, plus a necklace holder with loops and snaps. The large size has the same features but with twice as many sections. When closed, it folds up about the size of an iPad.
Other Travel Accessories We Like
- WanderFull HydroBag: This comfortable, wide-strapped water bottle bag is ideal for hikes and long walks.
- Calpak Luka Zippered Passport Wallet: This stylish, puffy passport wallet holds cash, cards, and even a phone. It is quite large, about the size of a contemporary paperback book, and lacks a handle or loop, making it awkward to carry without a suitable purse.
- Aer Street Sling: This unisex crossbody is a great option for anyone who wants to travel light and carry a passport wallet (up to 8 x 5.5 inches).
- Dosey Pill Compact: This slim pill compact with a mirror and seven labeled compartments is surprisingly practical for travel.
- Gorilla Grip Luggage Straps: These straps provide extra structure and security to hard-sided checked bags, especially when expanded. The bright color makes your bag easy to spot on the baggage claim carousel.
FAQs
How Does WIRED Test Packing Cubes?
I’m a WIRED Reviews team member and have been testing toiletry bags for seven months, using them daily and taking them on trips every few months. I evaluate cubes based on features, materials, zipper smoothness, and how they fit in various luggage types. During travel, I assess ease of use and any discomfort they cause.
Why Not Just Use a Ziplock Bag?
While Ziplock bags are inexpensive, packing cubes offer advantages such as breathability, durability, and compressibility. Packing cubes also prevent laundry odors from spreading if items become dirty during travel.
This revised version focuses on clarity and readability while retaining the key information from the original article. The FAQs section is also made more concise and informative
