Packing cubes help you avoid messy bags. They are among the most useful travel accessories because they keep your clothes organized and save space.
When you separate your clothes into different cubes, you don’t have to dig through your bag to find what you need.
With packing cubes, you can unpack quickly by moving them straight from your bag to a hotel drawer. Packing up again is just as fast.
Compression cubes reduce the space your clothes take up. An additional zipper venting air reduces the heat your clothes absorb by 20-30%. This often means you can use only a carry-on instead of checking a bag.
- Maximize your volume. See our complete Guide to Backpack Accessories and Modular Packing Strategy.
The Packing Cube Capability Profile Enforces Order
This accessory is engineered to transform soft, shapeless clothing into rigid, stackable units.
Compression Zippers vs. Standard Volume
Standard cubes help you organize, while compression cubes fit your clothes more tightly. A strong compression zipper lets you pack bulky items like fleece or wool into a compact shape.
However, this creates a rounded, football-shaped pile that is harder to stack when overstuffed. Standard cubes keep a flat, rectangular profile perfect for stacking.
Mesh Visibility vs. Weather Resistance
See what you pack.
- Mesh panels let you see what’s inside and help your clothes breathe, preventing musty odors. They are great for most types of travel.
- Ultralight silnylon cubes are waterproof and smooth, so they slide easily into tight spaces. They are ideal for hikers who need to protect their gear from the weather.
The “Tetris” Geometry
Cubes must fit well. Most are made to match the width of standard carry-on bags, which are usually 13 to 14 inches wide.
Using different sizes, small, medium, and large, helps you fill every part of your bag. Tube-shaped cubes fit into spaces next to handle rails or between bigger cubes.
Top-Rated Packing Cubes for Travelers
We’ve identified different types of packing cubes to help you choose between the most compact and the lightest options.
Our ratings are based on feedback from real buyers to help you find reliable options. We recommend choosing products rated Exceptional or Excellent, as they receive the most praise. Good-rated cubes work well for most people, but results can vary, so it’s a good idea to check recent reviews. See our Methodology.
