The 12 Best Packing Cubes for Travel

The many minimalists among us will assert that there is really only one right way to pack luggage: efficiently. Thus, one travel accessory most Gear Patrol staffers won’t hit the road without is packing cubes. These mini organizational tools are a low-lift way to keep your bag tidy; they offer some modularity (so you can customize them to the suitcase you’re packing), and you can even use them to compartmentalize your travel gear (keeping your travel pants separate from your dress shirts and other travel gear, for instance). Whether you’re packing a hard-sided roller, a duffel or a carry-on backpack, packing cubes streamline the process, so you never have to worry if you packed your extra pair of socks, undies or favorite jacket.

How to Use Packing Cubes (the Right Way)

The truth of the matter is that packing cubes are really not that complicated, and if you just want to stuff and/or shove all your clothes into one, you can do just that. But if you want to maximize their effectiveness, there are a few tips and tricks you might want to follow — and we’ve outlined them below.

Compartmentalize

There are two schools of thought regarding how to pack in a packing cube. The first is that each cube hosts one type of item — pants in one, shirts in another, socks and underwear in yet another, etc. This can help keep you organized when you travel and will also ensure you’re not rooting around in desperate search for a specific garment when the time comes. The other is that you can pack a full day’s worth of supplies into a single cube — meaning you’d just have your full outfit in a single bag rather than multiples.

We’ve found that the latter method works best for shorter trips and the former works best for longer ones, generally speaking. But you can and should figure out what works best for you through trial and error.

Roll, Don’t Fold

While folding (or hanging) your clothing might work at home in your dresser or closet, you can actually maximize your packing space by rolling your clothes into tight burrito-like rolls. Not only will this allow you to fit more into the same space, but it can help guard against wrinkles just as well, so long as you’re cautious and conscientious with your rolling.

Be Strategic About Sizes

While there are no standardized sizes for packing cubes, you should be careful when choosing which ones to use for which bags. A huge packing cube isn’t going to do you much good if it’s the same size as your carry-on and your checked luggage will be a pain to manage if you have to stuff 50 different tiny cubes into it. Think of packing your cubes into your suitcase like Tetris — there are lots of possible winning combinations, but you still want to be clever and careful with how you pack them, which sizes you choose and where you put them.

Compress

If your bag has compression straps, we highly recommend using them. They’ll help compress your cubes (and clothes) into a smaller area than you might be able to manage yourself, giving you more packing space than you might otherwise expect.

Don’t Assume They’re Good for Everything

Packing cubes aren’t the end-all-be-all of packing. In fact, it can be risky to use them for all your travel gear. For instance, toiletries probably belong in a waterproof dopp kit instead of a packing cube, as they were designed for things like haircare and skincare products, whereas a packing cube might have a mesh exterior — meaning if you stuff some toothpaste into a packing cube and it bursts, you could end up with toothpaste all over everything in your bag. Use your noggin and you should be fine.

How We Tested

Limited Stock!

Best Overall Packing Cubes

Peak Design Packing Cube

• $30.00 at peakdesign.com

• Material: 100% recycled 70D nylon/polyester
• Number of bags: 1-8
• Size Range: S-M

Peak Design has won over crowds of photographers with its innovative camera accessories and bags. It’s no surprise that when it launched a travel collection that also turned out to be incredible. The Travel Backpack anchors the line, but the under-the-radar winner might be the Packing Cubes. They’re available in two sizes, small and medium; they also expand and contract with clever zippers to accommodate more or less stuff and include a second compartment for dirties that gets bigger as the ratio of clean-to-dirty changes. There’s also a shoe pouch that’s perfect for bringing along footwear.

One other feature our tester loved is the opening mechanism: it uses two zippers on separate tracks divided by a tab you simply pull up for fast access. If our tester could change one thing, however, it would be adding a see-through panel so they could see what’s inside each cube without opening them.

Away

Best Upgrade Packing Cubes

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

• $3,237.00 at Away

• Material: Nylon
• Number of bags: 6
• Size Range: XS-XL

These strategically structured cubes from one of our favorite wheeled carry-on luggage brands fit perfectly in Away’s luggage — and presumably fit pretty well into any standard-size rolling carry-on. The waterproof nylon exterior keeps clothes free from dust and the mesh top allows you to see everything you packed, so you’re not scrambling to find that one button-up you need for the rehearsal dinner. The cubes come in nine colors, and while this is the priciest option here, you’re getting a total of six cubes, the most of any package deal on this list.

Amazon

Most Versatile Packing Cubes

OEE Packing Cubes

• $12.00 at Amazon
  $13.00 (8% off)

• Material: Nylon
• Number of bags: 6
• Size range: S-L

With a whopping six size options to choose from, OEE takes the cake for most versatile packing cube option. The nylon cubes are washable and water-resistant thanks to YKK zippers and have interior buckles to keep everything in its place. Use these to pack items from toiletries to clothing and everything in between.

REI

Best Expandable Set of Packing Cubes

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cubes

• $45.00 at REI

• Material: Nylon
• Number of bags: 3
• Size range: S-L

Made of ripstop nylon with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating, REI’s three-cube set is as sturdy and reliable as they come. If you’re the fastidious type, the mesh windows are for placing cards listing each cube’s contents. These cubes also feature a compression system similar to that of Peak Design and Eagle Creek, plus user-friendly top and side handles.

Amazon

Best Budget Packing Cubes

eBags Classic Packing Cubes

• $17.00 at Amazon
  $20.00 (15% off)

• Material: TechLite Diamond nylon
• Number of bags: 3
• Size range: S-L

These packing cubes come in three sizes and are made from TechLite Diamond nylon. Each has a self-healing zipper, so the bag is guaranteed for its lifetime, which is pretty hard to beat. Mesh top panels remind you what’s in each cube, and multiple color options allow you to coordinate with your carry-on — if that’s how you roll.

Our tester actually used these cubes over the course of years, to the point that a couple of them are getting worn out. That is to say: they really love these bags, especially for anyone looking for a reliable, long-lasting budget option.

Amazon

Best Packing Cubes on Amazon

Shacke Pak Packing Cubes

• $22.00 at Amazon
  $25.00 (12% off)

• Material: Nylon
• Number of bags: 5
• Size range: S-XL

You don’t garner more than 13,000 five-star ratings on Amazon without making something people can count on. And that’s what you get with the Shacke Pak, four durable, differently sized nylon cubes with mesh windows for visibility and x-shaped reinforcements to keep them from squishing or folding during travel — plus a laundry sack for stashing dirty clothes. In short, quite a lot of value for the price.

Mystery Ranch

Most Rugged Packing Cubes

Mystery Ranch Zoid Packing Cubes

• $24.00 at mysteryranch.com

• Material: 210d Hitra Robic nylon
• Number of bags: 1
• Size range: S-L

Mystery Ranch is known for its bomb-proof outdoor items, and its Zoid Packing Cubes continue that trend. Three different sizes (245 cu-in, 505 cu-in and 885 cu-in) mean you don’t have to compromise your wardrobe on the go, and lightweight yet durable 210d Hitra Robic nylon and YKK zippers up the hard-working aspects of the packs. The mesh lid provides visibility into the cube, making it simple to grab and go.

Our tester loves the durability of these cubes, as well as the semi-transparent top panels — which make it easier to discern what’s inside of them at-a-glance. However, the fact that each must be bought individually is a big drawback, as it can get pricey fast.

Tumi

Best Packing Cubes for Organization

Tumi Double-Sided Packing Cubes

• $125.00 at

• Material: Nylon
• Number of bags: 1
• Size range: M-L

This nylon packing cube does double duty with dual compartments — and it has a larger brother to expand on its versatility and organizational options. At under half a pound each, Tumi’s packing cubes fit everything you need and nothing you don’t. The dual compartments make it easy to organize by clothing type or for the cleanliness-conscious, to divide worn and unworn items.

Courtesy

Best Ultralight Packing Cubes

Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set

• $12.00 at osprey.com
  $42.00 (71% off)

• Material: 40D ripstop nylon
• Number of bags: 3
• Size range: S-L

Anybody that travels a lot can tell you that every ounce makes a difference when it comes to packing. Unfortunately, that means your packing cubes are eating up some of your bag’s weight. You can limit that as much as possible, however, with these incredibly lightweight cubes from lauded pack brand Osprey. This three-pack will have you organized and ready to go without costing you too much on weight.

If only these packing cubes had a transparent window, they might be perfect, according to our tester. Still, even without that, these are tough contenders for their combination of durability, ultralight weight, and super thin material (which saves on space).

Leatherology

Best Luxury Packing Cubes

Leatherology Nested Travel Organizer Trio

• $275.00 at Leatherology

• Material: Leather
• Number of bags: 1 or 3
• Size range: S-L

As rugged as it can be, nylon isn’t for everyone. If you’re a fan of the finer things, however, you’re not out of luck when it comes to packing cubes. That’s because the folks at Leatherology have made this set out of top-grain leather (in your choice of five different handsome colorways). And while they work great in use, they also nest inside one another to make storing them easier when you’re not using them.

REI

Most Colorful Packing Cubes

Cotopaxi Cubos Del Dia Travel Cubes

• $45.00 at REI

• Material: Repurposed nylon and mesh
• Number of bags: 3
• Size range: S-L

Cotopaxi has done wonders in using recycled materials that would otherwise be discarded in landfills. And these packing cubes are prime examples of just that. Made from nylon and mesh, albeit recycled, they’re just as tough and capable as any of the others on our list. Plus, they come in vibrant, unique colorways — no two are exactly the same. The only downside: you can’t pick your colors. You get what you get.

Calpak

Packing Cubes With the Most Color Options

Calpak Packing Cubes

• $34.00 at Calpak

• Material: Polyester
• Number of bags: 1-5
• Size range: XS-L

With a whopping 14 different colorways (including some sold-out special editions), Calpak’s packing cubes come in more available styles than just about any others on our list. And while we don’t love polyester (especially when nylon is an option elsewhere for comparable prices), these cubes are so versatile and stylish its hard not to love them, especially for anyone who puts style at the top of their list of gear wants.

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