6 Top Packing Cubes: Traveler & Backpacker Reviewed!

Let's face it... It's always a struggle to pack for a trip, regardless of how long or short it is.

For some, it may be due to the lack of planning (psst ... if this is you, we have just the app to solve all your headaches!).

But for most, packing is a struggle, no matter how prepared you are. It can get pretty stressful, from managing to stuff everything into your suitcase to reopening the luggage every 5 minutes to check whether you've packed enough socks or shirts.

For me, even when I meticulously plan and pack everything beforehand, there's almost always something I leave behind.

Imagine this.

You've carefully planned out your perfect itinerary, including the cheapest flights and the most exciting destinations and attractions. While you get hyped up for the trip, you realize that the biggest nightmare is yet to come. Packing for the trip. YIKES.

Keep reading to find out what a packing cube is and why I rarely travel without it anymore!

What's a Packing Cube Set?

Packing cubes are flexible compartments of bags designed to help travelers stay organized by compartmentalizing clothes inside their luggage.

Packing cubes aren't actually always cubes!

They can come in multiple shapes and sizes, but their end goal is always the same, to reduce the amount of space your clothes take up in your suitcase. Depending on the length of your trip and the number of clothes you're planning on bringing, you can opt for larger or smaller packing cubes.

Can you buy them separately?

While you can purchase packing cubes individually, many come in sets (some even come with the purchase of a new suitcase!), giving you various size options.

With packing cubes, you can organize your suitcase and know exactly how much space a cube will take up before you've even packed it. Typically packing cubes use zippers to close, which means that anything you put in them will be easily contained.

There's no risk of them opening during travel. You can fit loads of clothes or anything really into a packing cube, zip it up, and have it slot easily into your suitcase. This is especially handy when flying airlines that have strict luggage size restrictions.

Even better, they can double as laundry bags or something to put your valuables in during a day trip.‍‍‍

Packing cubes vs compression bags

While packing cubes are a great way to save space and organize your packing, they’re not always the most space-saving packing option. If you’re looking to take up as minimal space as possible in your suitcase, compression bags might be a good option for you.

Compression bags are specifically designed to be squished down to remove all the air in them prior to packing so that they take up very little space. Due to this, compression bags are typically plastic, almost bigger versions of Ziploc bags, with either a vacuum hole or a sealed close.

One big difference between the two is the amount of effort it takes to pack them.

With packing cubes, you only need to fold or roll your clothes and zip them shut.

Compression bags, on the other hand, require slightly more attention. Since you have to remove the air from the compression bags, this is an additional step that you don’t have to take with packing cubes.

It’s also important to think about where you’re going. You don’t want to use compression bags that require vacuums only to discover you don’t have access to one when you’re packing to leave!

Best Packing Cubes to Buy!

Without further delay, let's get into my recommendations of the best packing cubes you can possibly buy to start your travels right!

With so many brands out there, and while many packing cube sets are similar, here are a few I've picked out of the bunch that are the best in quality and affordability!

1. Ebags Packing Cubes

These lightweight packing cubes are a great alternative to optimize space without adding any extra weight to your suitcase.

This highly-rated set comes with five packing cubes, designed to stand up when empty so you can easily pack.

They also are designed to neatly fit together, no matter the set you buy so your packing will be organized and efficient.

Our Rating: 4.4/5

Pros:

• Durable & lightweight
• Premium Zippers
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Tons of reviews!

Cons:

• No compartments
• Few varieties
• Expensive!

2. Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes

Eagle Creek is known for making quality packing cubes (or as they call it, "Pack-It" cubes). Their Reveal cubes, for example, is a quality choice. Made with denier polyester, they can withstand a great amount of wear and tear, while being super lightweight and portable.

They also come equipped with a top mesh panel, which allows you to easily identify what you've packed in the cubes.

These packing cubes come with a handle so you can easily carry them or use them for more than just packing in your suitcase. This set comes with a small and medium cube.

They're also highly featured and advertised on amazon.

Our Rating: 4.3/5

Pros:

• Durable & lightweight
• TSA-Approved
• Compressible mesh-top

Cons:

• No Warranty
• Few varieties
• Comes with fewer cubes
• Expensive!

3. Bagail Cubes

‍This six-piece set offers packing cubes in three separate sizes to give you multiple options for your packing. Complete with handles, you can grab and go with these packing cubes anywhere.

If you don’t fill one up completely, they’re designed to squish down to remove excess air so the cube takes up even less space!

Our Rating: 4.6/5

Pros:

• Cool patterns/Colors!
• Laundry bag included
• Sleek premium materials

Cons:

• No Warranty
• Smaller than it looks

4. Away Travel Cubes

‍If you’re a fan of the Away brand for suitcases, you’ll be pleased to know they also make packing cubes!

Even if you don’t own an Away suitcase, these water-resistant packing cubes would be a great addition to any traveler's suitcase.

In my opinion, packing cubes should not be this expensive, so I personally would not be buying any more of these from Away. While that's the case, I can definitely see the premium look that attracts other travelers though!

Wondering what Away luggages are like instead? We've wrote a separate full review on Away Travel, check it out!

Our Rating: 3.9/5

Pros:

• Sleek premium materials
• Water-resistant
• Variety of Colors

Cons:

• No Warranty
• Expensive
• Comes with fewer bags

5. Rick Steve Packing Cubes

‍The world’s well-known travel guide, Rick Steve, also has his own packing cubes! This set of three, easily collapsible packing cubes, are what you'd expect as a merchandise. Super functional, but no additional features.

With all sides made of mesh, you’ll easily know what’s in each cube as well. However, I think having the different choices of color and patterns can really brighten up your mood when packing for a trip, so that's a deal breaker for me.

Our Rating: 3.1/5

Pros:

• Rick Steve Merchandise
• Purely functional

Cons:

• No Variety
• No Warranty
• Barebone
• Comes with fewer bags

6. CalPak Packing Cubes

This five-piece set comes in a variety of colors so you can travel in style. The cubes include a water resistant envelope pouch, as well as an organizing label so you can keep it on top of what’s in each cube.

CalPak is a widely known travel brand, making travel-related products since 1989. While CalPak has gained quite some fans, I personally wouldnt spend 50+ dollars on packing cubes, CalPak or not.

Our Rating: 3.8/5

Pros:

• Variety of colors
• Premium look
• Branded with mesh-top

Cons:

• Expensive
• No Warranty

Do packing cubes really help?

Absolutely, they do!

Can you imagine not stressing and panicking about packing for your next trip and have everything neatly falling into place? That's the magic of packing cubes for me, I'm a huge believer. They help turn the chaotic mess that's your suitcase into a satisfying, organized game of Tetris.

With all your outfits zipped away securely, you can play around with arranging them in your suitcase, like you're a kid again with a new set of building blocks. And just like that, everything fits perfectly! Add on the benefit of compression packing cubes, they create more space for you to pack souvenirs, snacks, and even more new clothes!

But the magic doesn't stop there. Imagine being able to locate your favorite pair of socks or underwear in a pinch, without turning your suitcase inside out. That's right, packing cubes are also your secret weapon to increasing visibility and accessibility of your suitcases/backpacks, and for staying organized on the go.

The best thing about them is that they are super portable and versatile, meaning you can stuff them into your backpacking backpack, suitcase, regular backpack. These guys fit pretty much everywhere.

That's even more true when you grab them by the sets! You're able to use large cubes for coats, hoodies, or long-sleeves, while using medium cubes for regular t-shirts and pants, and small cubes for underwear, legging, socks, and even keys and toiletries.

And guess what? Packing cubes are also perfect for those pesky cords that love to tangle themselves up. Pop them in a cube, and voila! No more frustrating untangling sessions. When you arrive at your dream destination, you can jump right into the fun.

In short, packing cubes are the ultimate travel accessory. Take it from me, I stuff 2 week's worth of clothing in 1 packing cube, and they stayed organized throughout the trip (they usually are a mess).

They're not just practical - they add a splash of excitement to the packing process. So why not give them a try? Your next adventure deserves it!

Verdict: Are Packing Cubes Worth It?

Alright, let's cut to the chase: are packing cubes a gimmick or genuinely worth your money?

While their space-saving claims can be up for debate, no one can deny the game-changing organization they offer. If you're a digital nomad or an organized traveler, this tidiness alone might justify the cost.

Simply put, packing cubes can turn suitcase chaos into clean and easy order. Ready to zip up your suitcase and dive into your next adventure?

Consider packing cubes - they might just be your ultimate travel companion! If you'd like to read a more in-depth review on packing cubes and whether they're worth it, we've covered that as well!

Pack and plan ahead for your trip

Now that you've seen all of our recommended products, let's start planning your trip. Stay organized on your trip by both packing and planning ahead with Pilot!