I tested 26 packing cubes on 14 trips – here are best ones to travel smarter
NEWS | 08 January 2026
Packing cubes can turn travel prep from chaotic to calm. Not only do these compact, zippered pouches help you sort and organize your clothing, but they can also prevent overpacking, as you’re forced to think about what you actually need on a trip. Suddenly, that cramped carry-on has space for an extra pair of shoes or souvenirs. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. As a product editor and reviewer for over 20 years, I have tested many packing cubes and luggage of all sizes as part of my job, but also for personal travel. I use them to make trip-planning less stressful. As other travelers have seen the light, the last few years have brought an explosion of options at various price points. Some are from names you may have never heard of, while others are from prestigious bag makers. Through researching recommendations from travel experts and my experience, I narrowed down my list to the most popular and well-reviewed options to test. Ultimately, all packing cubes did their job, but here are the ones that did it better. How I tested packing cubes View image in fullscreen Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian To test fit, I filled each cube with a benchmark load that reflects real-world travel – for a medium-sized cube, that’s three T-shirts, a knitted shirt, four pairs of underwear, and four pairs of socks. I also checked if a cube could hold a little extra, like a pair of joggers or a light jacket. I tried both rolling and stacking. For smaller cubes, I filled them with accessories, but I also checked whether I could fit items like shirts. ​I used packing cubes with a Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet commuter backpack, a Cotopaxi relyAllpa 28 travel backpack, a Travelpro Crew Classic Spinner soft carry-on suitcase and a Travelpro Platinum Elite large checked suitcase. Over the course of four months, I took 10 short trips and four long ones using a mix of different bags and cubes. When packing cubes came in a set, I used them all to check how well they work together. ​During technical testing, I checked material quality, zipper performance, and ease of use by opening and closing a cube repeatedly, both empty and filled. I rubbed them on rough surfaces and tugged on the zippers to test durability. For compression cubes, I checked how much space was saved, how easy it was to compress, and whether they wrinkled contents. I also looked at shape retention, breathability, ease of identifying the contents, and any unique features. To select the top contenders, I looked at how well they held up during my travels and any notable experiences I had. I also considered value, warranty and even my experience with a particular brand’s product-quality history. The packing cubes I tested were either purchased, provided by the companies for review, or ones I already own. The Guardian will retain top contenders for long-term testing, and return or donate the rest. View image in fullscreen Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian At a glance Best overall Best budget Best compression Best budget compression Best premium Best for backpacks Best for overpackers Best for luggage Best for water resistance Best Overall: Eagle Creek Pack-It Essentials Packing Cube Set Eagle Creek Pack-It Essentials Packing Cube Se from $72 $72 at Eagle Creek $72 at Amazon Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian $72 at Eagle Creek $72 at Amazon Why we love them Eagle Creek has been making packing cubes for as long as I can remember – their original Pack-It cubes, which I still use today, were my gateway into this product category. They have gone through redesigns over the years, and the latest iteration is near perfect. I tested the Essentials three-piece set, which includes a medium Pack-It Reveal Clean/Dirty Packing Cube, Pack-It Isolate Shoe Sack, and small Pack-It Isolate Shoe Sack, along with the medium Pack-It Isolate Packing Cube. They can be purchased separately or as a bundle. The Reveal Clean/Dirty system gives you two divided pockets in each cube to use as you please: use one side for clean clothes and the other for dirty apparel, or simply use them to separate shirts and pants. So far, I haven’t noticed any odor permeating from one side to the other, but I personally prefer to keep my dirty clothes in a separate bag; the Essentials kit’s shoe bag is perfect for that duty. Eagle Creek has redesigned many of its cubes with an angled opening, giving you more room to maneuver while keeping clothes in order. With my testing load, compression saved about an inch of space, although other options tested better (see below). I found the thin, lightweight material durable and the zippers smooth, despite overstuffing them. And, based on my nearly decade of using Eagle Creek’s packing cubes, I expect the standards to remain high. Eagle Creek also makes the Reveal series with a compression option, though I haven’t tested it. Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian It’s a shame that … the options can be overwhelming. Do you want a cube with a partial mesh, or completely covered? Do you need compression, or is the dual-compartment system more beneficial? Which zippers? Material? While options are nice, you will need to evaluate your travel needs before you pick one. A recent price increase has also made Eagle Creek packing cubes a bit less attractive, despite the brand’s quality. Eagle Creek Pack-It Essentials Specs Material: recycled 70D nylon (compression cube and shoe bag), recycled 300D polyester (clean/dirty cube) Sizes available: small compression cube, medium clean/dirty cube, one-pair shoe bag; available as a set or separately Eagle Creek Pack-It Essentials Packing Cube Se from $72 $72 at Eagle Creek $72 at Amazon Best budget: Amazon Essentials 4-Piece Packing Cubes Amazon Essentials 4-Piece Packing Cubes $10.29 $10.29 at Amazon Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian $10.29 at Amazon Why we love them I recommend spending more for a higher-quality product, but if cheap and no-frills are what you’re after, this four-piece set does the job. I’ve been using different versions of this set for a few years, when they were called Amazon Basics (there’s no noticeable difference between Basics and Essentials other than the name). Despite their seemingly dubious construction, the cubes have held up, which is their best attribute, aside from the low price. Whether it’s a short weekend trip with a backpack or a longer stay with a carry-on or a checked bag, the four sizes (large, medium, small and slim) offer sufficient capacity for whatever your journey’s length. You can also buy them in different combinations. Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian It’s a shame that … there’s noticeable fraying when new, and the mesh weaving isn’t as tight when compared to pricier options. While it endured my light zipper tug test, I was reluctant to pull any harder. I managed to squeeze in extra clothing, but constant pressure on the zipper can’t be good for the long run. Amazon Essentials 4-Piece Packing Cubes Specs Material: polyester Sizes available: large, medium, small, slim; available as a set or in other combinations Amazon Essentials 4-Piece Packing Cubes $10.29 $10.29 at Amazon Best compression: Thule Compression Cube Set Thule Compression Cube Set from $47.78 $47.78 at Amazon $48.49 at Staples Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian $47.78 at Amazon $48.49 at Staples Why we love them It was difficult to choose between this Thule bundle and the Cotopaxi Cubo Expandable Packing Cube Set. Both came in neck-in-neck in my technical testing, use premium materials, cost the same, and are made by two reputable bag makers. You won’t be disappointed by either if you’re looking for premium compression packing cubes, but I’m giving the nod to Thule for its use of lightweight, strong 100D ripstop nylon, and better compression. The Thule Compression Cubes (set of two, one small and one medium) have rigid sides along the zippers that help them keep their shape. It uses a sealed YKK zipper, along with the nylon, to bolster water resistance. I was able to fit another pair of joggers or a light jacket, in addition to my testing load of clothes, while saving about half an inch with compression. For the quality and performance you get at this price, these cubes are a great value. Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian It’s a shame that … the compression isn’t as effective when you jam in extra clothes, although I’ve discovered that’s a given with all compression cubes (except REI). There’s no mesh to let clothes breathe, which is something I will be keeping an eye out for as I retest the cubes in the future. Thule Compression Cube Set Specs Material: 100D ripstop nylon Sizes available: small, medium; available as a set or separately Thule Compression Cube Set from $47.78 $47.78 at Amazon $48.49 at Staples Best for overpackers: REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set $49.95 $49.95 at REI Co-op Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian $49.95 at REI Co-op Why we love them Let me say that REI’s packing cubes could also be considered the best pick overall and for compression, as they scored in the top three of my technical testing. The ripstop nylon and mesh construction is solid, and the set of three (small, medium, and large) is reasonably priced. But its superhero trait is that it can fit more clothes than other compression cubes without bulging, shaving off anywhere from 1 to 3 inches. In addition to my testing load, I was able to fit a pair of joggers and a lightweight hoodie, although compression takes a hit. If you don’t like the overall pick, take a look at REI’s. Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian It’s a shame that … some customer reviews mentioned the quality isn’t as good as REI’s previous version. I haven’t used my tested cubes long enough yet to make such a comparative statement, but so far they have held up well. I do like REI’s warranty and network of stores as safety nets. REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set Specs Material: ripstop nylon (shell), polyester (mesh panel) Sizes available: small, medium, large; available as a set REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set $49.95 $49.95 at REI Co-op The best of the rest Best for carry-ons: Away the Insider Packing Cubes Away The Insider Packing Cubes from $48 $48 at Away $48 at Nordstrom Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian $48 at Away $48 at Nordstrom Nearly all the packing cubes I tried worked fine with luggage, but Away’s the Insider is designed for carry-on bags – yes, Away’s luggage specifically, but they worked just as well in my Monos and Travelpro bags. You get a set of four cubes (one large, two medium, and one small) that are sized perfectly in a carry-on, and they offer ample space should you need to pack a little extra. The mesh cover allows for breathability, and they come in a wide range of colors. Although Away says the material is water-resistant, the mesh can still allow water to seep in. Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian It didn’t make the final cut because … I am slightly wary about the Insider’s quality. The material is thin and sheer, and I felt a small ripping sensation during my zipper tug test, although I didn’t see any actual ripping upon inspection. I also don’t like that it doesn’t have any handles. The price is reasonable, but with only a one-year warranty, it’s not up to the standard of Away’s luggage and bags. Away the Insider Packing Cubes Specs Material: nylon Sizes available: one large, two medium, one small Away The Insider Packing Cubes from $48 $48 at Away $48 at Nordstrom Best for water resistance: Aer Packing Cube Aer Packing Cube $35 $35 at Aer Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian $35 at Aer Aer gained recognition for its sleek, high-quality commuter backpacks and has since expanded its strong workmanship to other travel products, including packing cubes. Like Aer’s bags, these compression cubes (available in small and medium, sold separately) are made from durable yet thin 100D Cordura ripstop nylon that’s water-resistant. I brought it into the shower, and it mostly did the job, although a pair of undies got a little damp (remember: it’s resistant to splashes, not waterproof). The YKK zippers are also premium, and the track is sealed for further water protection. The cubes are deceptively roomy when uncompressed, which could mislead you into thinking you can pack more. Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian It didn’t make the final cut because … while tough, I noticed some slight abrasion from rubbing the packs against a textured wall and carpeting. The fabric is opaque, so you can’t easily identify what’s inside. Our luxury pick, the Thule Chasm, is also water-resistant, but Aer cubes are lighter, more flexible, and less expensive. Aer Packing Cube Specs Material: 100D Cordura ripstop nylon exterior Sizes available: small, medium; available separately Aer Packing Cube $35 $35 at Aer Other products we tested Standard packing cubes View image in fullscreen Alpine Sea Popcorn. Photograph: Courtesy of Alpine Sea Co. Alpine Sea Popcorn: These bags are made in the US out of a durable, water-resistant fabric. They stay flat when not in use. However, the small opening, limited capacity, and unconventional design make them impractical for long trips. They are better suited as additional bags for wet clothing. View image in fullscreen Calpak Packing Cubes Set. Photograph: Courtesy of Calpak Calpak Packing Cubes Set: You get four cubes and an envelope-sized bag. The cubes have an ID label to help quickly identify what’s inside, and there’s also a slot in the back. It’s a nice alternative to Away’s the Insider, but if you want just basic organization, there are less expensive options. View image in fullscreen Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle. Photograph: Courtesy of REI Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle: I use the Cubo Packing Travel Bundle with a Cotopaxi Allpa 28 travel backpack. In addition to fun colors, they are very breathable, well constructed, and come with a limited lifetime warranty. The shape of the cubes may leave extra space in a suitcase, however, and I found rolling to be more effective than layering. View image in fullscreen Ikea Rensare. Photograph: Courtesy of Ikea Ikea Rensare: For less than $10, you get one medium and two small cases. While I use these for personal travel, I’ll be the first to point out the very thin material that won’t hold its shape even when full. Fine for organization, but not great in quality. View image in fullscreen Level 8 Packing Cube Set. Photograph: Courtesy of Level 8 ​Level 8 Packing Cube Set: Illustrated Velcro labels help you identify what’s inside, since there’s no window or mesh. While the material is floppy, I can squeeze in extra items if I’m in a pinch. The set fits one entire side of my carry-on nicely, but there are no handles, and the material is slippery, making retrieval slightly annoying. My zipper tug test also gave me pause. View image in fullscreen Peak Design Ultralight Packing Cube. Photograph: Courtesy of Peak Design Peak Design Ultralight Packing Cube: Peak Design started as a company that made exquisite camera bags and accessories. This packing cube is great for packing light, but opening down the middle makes packing slightly difficult. The material is smooth, but hard to handle. It’s designed to work best with Peak Design’s backpacks, but it folds away nicely for storage. View image in fullscreen RUX Packing System Mesh Bundle. Photograph: Courtesy of RUX RUX Packing System Mesh Bundle: I was reluctant to include these, as they’re more mesh bags than packing cubes. They are unconventional and not right for everyone, but they can work in a pinch or for those who like RUX’s packing system and product suite. I found the closure design hard to use (there are no zippers). They’re not cheap, but they do come with a limited lifetime warranty. RUX makes non-mesh bags that may be more ideal as a packing cube, but I did not test these. View image in fullscreen Tortuga Packing Cubes. Photograph: Courtesy of Tortuga Backpacks ​Tortuga Packing Cubes: I’ve been using Tortuga’s travel backpacks for nearly a decade and find them among the best in terms of quality. I love the basic black look of these cubes (set of three). The zipper and mesh are great, and, thanks to the ample capacity, I was able to pack a few more items without them bulging too much. It’s not the most affordable option for most people, but Tortuga backs them with a limited lifetime warranty. Tortuga also makes a compression set, but I wasn’t able to test it during this round. Compression packing cubes View image in fullscreen Cotopaxi Expandable Packing Cube Set. Photograph: Courtesy of Cotopaxi ​Cotopaxi Expandable Packing Cube Set: This was a very close second for our best compression recommendation. There’s a lot to like, but the zipper, while strong, could be a little smoother than the Thule Compression Cube Set. View image in fullscreen Antler Packing Cubes. Photograph: Courtesy of Antler Antler Packing Cubes: You get a set of four, although the large size is comparable to medium in Amazon Essentials’s set. Compression is good, but I found the zipper tends to snag easily. There’s no handle other than a small loop, and zippers can become hard to use if the zipper pull comes off. View image in fullscreen Away Compression Packing Cubes. Photograph: Courtesy of Away ​Away Compression Packing Cubes: The large size is quite roomy, while the medium size fits my test load when using the rolling method. It also had one of the best compression results, and the zipper is smooth. These are worth considering, especially if you own Away luggage, but the higher price and one-year warranty hold them back. View image in fullscreen Bagsmart Blast. Photograph: Courtesy of Bagsmart ​Bagsmart Blast: I was surprised by how much I liked the compression cubes from Bagsmart, and it’s a good starter kit for compression newbies. It was only edged out by the Bagail on price, but this is worth considering. View image in fullscreen Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes. Photograph: Courtesy of Nomatic ​Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes: These compress the easiest, even when overfilled. The large shape is really a medium when compared to other cubes. The material is very good, as is the zipper, but considering the price, there are stronger options. View image in fullscreen ​Peak Design Packing Cube. Photograph: Courtesy of Peak Design ​Peak Design Packing Cube: These strike a good balance between capacity and compression. The zippers don’t fully close; instead, a small opening allows for fast, easy unzipping while providing some breathability. However, I found it unzipped too easily, especially unintentionally. There’s also no handle, and the material is slippery to grab on to. They’re pricey and available only separately, but they have a lifetime warranty. View image in fullscreen Yeti Crossroads Packing Cubes Set. Photograph: Courtesy of Yeti ​Yeti Crossroads Packing Cubes Set: While perhaps better known for their insulated drinkware, Yeti also makes terrific outdoor products. The zippers on these packing cubes are very good, but should you lose the zipper pull, they can become hard to use. They’re rigid to keep their shape, but compression was OK during testing. A set is also pricey, and the warranty is only three years. What else to know about packing cubes View image in fullscreen hule Chasm packing cubes. Photograph: Les Shu/The Guardian Are packing cubes worth using? Packing cubes are useful for organization and making the best use of the space inside luggage, particularly carry-ons. They are great for quickly locating clothes you need, and for easily moving out of a suitcase and into a hotel dresser drawer, and back into the suitcase when it’s time to leave. For an overnight stay or ultralight packing, packing cubes may seem unnecessary, but a smaller-sized cube can still help with organization and space savings. In larger checked luggage, packing cubes can shift around if it’s not completely filled, but they’re still handy for sorting. They are also great for separating items like dirty laundry and shoes from clean clothes, and they protect your clothes if you tend to pack a mix of things in your luggage. Are packing cubes better than vacuum bags? Packing cubes are better suited for travel, while vacuum bags are best for long-term storage, like for seasonal clothing. Vacuum bags suck the air out of your clothes (manually or with a vacuum), which flattens the bag. This helps the bag to take up less space, but severely impedes access: good luck pulling a sweater out in a chilly airport. An in-between solution is packing cubes with compression, which use a zipper to help press down on clothing. These can cut down on space by an inch or more. Will packing cubes wrinkle clothing? Standard packing cubes won’t create extra wrinkles, nor will they prevent them. Compression cubes may cause some wrinkling when pressed down, but I found that most fabrics come out fine after decompression. For testing, I used mainly cotton-based items. Avoid compressing wrinkle-prone clothing like silk or linen. Should I fold or roll clothes in a packing cube? Rolling or folding comes down to personal preference, but it may also be dictated by the size of a packing cube. For example, I found rolling to be more effective with a square-shaped packing cube, or if I’m using a smaller model and I want to squeeze in as much as possible. Personally, I prefer to fold and stack, as I do at home; this way, I can easily move from drawer to packing cube. Are packing cube sizes standard? No. One company’s large packing cube could be the same size as another’s medium. When shopping, consider the actual dimensions and volume based on how much you plan to pack.
Author:
Source