Our writers and editors look for the best gear available. We test, research and review the best products in different categories with a focus on quality, durability and the overall value for the price.
The best packing cubes will be those items that make packing better and traveling easier. Get the right ones and you’ll never not use them.
In this guide, we will review the best packing cubes by material, durability, and packability. Needs and preferences differ, so we will take a look at the best ultralight, budget , and compression packing cubes.
Find the option that works with your luggage, activity and type of gear you plan on packing.
The Top 6 Packing Cubes in 2023
-
1
Best Against the Elements: Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cubes -
2
Most Durable: Osprey Ultralight Packing Cubes Review 2022 -
3
Sleek, Quality, Compression: Peak Design Packing Cubes -
4
-
5
Low-Cost: AmazonBasics -
6
All the Packing Cubes We've tested
In a perfect world, packing for your next trip would be as easy as throwing everything in a duffel bag and forgetting about it. Staying organized is difficult in the best of circumstances, and this gets considerably more complicated if you’re rooting around in the dark through your backpack, or trying to hunt down a toothbrush after the inevitable bag explosions of extended travel.
Packing cubes are nothing new, but these models from Sea to Summit borrow from their drybag series. Their water resistant capabilities help protect your travel essentials from liquids (obviously) but also from dirt, dust, and the other fun substances of travel outdoors or otherwise. We put the Hydraulic Packing Cubes to the test with a few flights and romps around the outdoors, stick with us while we dive into our first impressions and beyond.
Specs & Features
- Materials: Ripstop Nylon
- Dimensions: 10.4 x 5.5 x 3.9” (M), 8.3 x 4.3 x 2.8” (S), 5.7 x 3.7 x 2.4” (XS)
- Number of Cubes: 3
- Weight: 4.4 oz (combined)
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Lightweight and water resistant build -
See through panel helps you find gear in a hurry
-
Keeps liquids sealed for travel purposes
Things we don't like:
-
A bit pricier than other packing cubes we’ve tested
Where to buy:
We gave Osprey Ultralight Packing Cubes the title of the most durable for a good reason — compared to the rest of the packing cubes, these are able to withstand sufficient pressure and damage without breaking apart. Thanks to the 40-denier nylon ripstop fabric and YKK zippers, they will last you a long time no matter how frequently you use them.
Specs & Features
- Material:: 40-denier nylon ripstop
- Dimensions:: small (1L, 7.5 x 5 x 2 in.), medium (2L, 10 x 7 x 2 in.), large (5L, 14 x 10 x 2 in.)
- Number of Cubes: 3
- Weight:: 2.20 oz. for all 3 cubes
- Colors:: venturi blue, electric lime, lunar grey, and shadow grey
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Despite being small in size and light in weight, they fit plenty of clothes
-
The ripstop material is as durable as it gets
-
The zippers are strong enough to withstand heavy loads
-
There are plenty of colors to choose from
-
The packing cubes are super lightweight
Things we don't like:
-
No compression featureWe’ve put Osprey Ultralight Packing Cubes to the test to see if they will live up to the claims from the manufacturer. They’ve traveled with us across the country and accompanied our weekend getaways when we didn’t entirely fill them up. The experience we had with them pleasantly surprised us.
We know how Peak Design optimizes its entire travel line to create a solid setup. It works for weekend warriors, full-time backpackers, and every type of wanderer in between.
After testing different Peak Design products, we finally met their packing cubes for travel. And if you’re having trouble organizing your bag every trip, these might be your new besties.
There are many options in the market with what seems like a simple design and purpose. It’s hard to distinguish what makes a packing cube different from the rest. With this PD model, there is a difference.
But can these packing cubes for travel keep up with their expected value? Do they have value with bags other than Peak Design’s own?
We tested Peak Design packing cubes with their line of backpacks as well as with another brand. Here’s our verdict.
Specs & Features
- Materials: 100% Recycled 70D Nylon/Polyester Blend, PU and DWR Coating, UltraZips, UHMWPE Thread
- Small: 12.6” x 6.7” x 3’1”, 4.5L Compressed Capacity, 9L Expanded Capacity, 3.99 oz.
- Medium: 12.6” x 12.6” x 3.1”, 8L Compressed Capacity, 18L Expanded Capacity, 5.1 oz.
- Colors: Black, Sage, Raw
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Made using recycled yet durable materials that auto-heals any tiny tear
-
Not only that it has PU coating, but DWR is also there as well for optimal weather protection
-
They open a lot and compress a lot
-
The pull tabs make it super easy to access
-
There’s a nylon webbing you can hold onto in the expansion/compression zip for ease of use
-
Works great with Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack
-
There’s a separate zippered pocket for dirty clothes
-
You get a lifetime warranty
Things we don't like:
-
We hope they’re available in more sizes
Where to buy:
Packing cubes have become popular travel accessories lately. By keeping your luggage organized all the time, they help save yourself the hassle of having to rummage through it as you look for your stuff.
By design, packing cubes maximize the capacity of any suitcase. They can compress your soft travel items and help organize all your belongings. They make packing quick and efficient.
They are useful for backpacking, camping and for weekend trips as well as longer stays where the cubes can be useful for other things like laundry.
If you are new in this product category, you can start with the Eagle Creek PACK-IT SPECTER TECH CUBE SET S/M/L. It is a three-cube set that lets you organize your travel bag effortlessly. Let’s dive in to find out if it is worth the purchase!
Specs & Features
- Capacity: 5 L (Small), 12 L (Medium), 23 L (Large)
- Dimensions: 6.75” x 9.75” x 3.25” (Small), 10” x 13.5” x 3.25” (Medium), 13.5” x 18” x 3.25” (Large)
- Weight: 1.3 oz (Small), 1.8 oz (Medium), 2.4 oz (Large)
- Material: 30D Ripstop Nylon
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Heavy-duty fabric with reinforced fibers
-
Ultralightweight
-
Eco-friendly construction without PVC coatings
-
Durable compression zippers
-
Water- and stain-resistant
-
Different-sized cubes make organization effortless
-
Translucent design makes it easy to spot items
Things we don't like:
-
Cubes can’t stand up on their own
Where to buy:
Amazon Basics is a brand we have come to love. Not only are their packing cubes durable, but they are also really cheap. This makes them more accessible to the average traveler that has a limited budget they are working with. These four cubes come in 6 fun colors to choose from and are designed with a mesh top lid to easier see items you would like to access and to provide ventilation to your items.
Specs & Features
- Material: Ripstop Polyester
- Number of cubes: 4
- Dimensions: 2 medium-sized cubes (13.75” x 9.75” x 3”) and 2 large-sized cubes (17.5” x 12.75” x 3.25”)
- Weight: 0.85 lbs. (all four)
- Colors: Black, Blue, Gray, Red, Sky Blue
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
One of the most affordable but far from disposable packing cubes
-
The mesh panel at the lid makes it easier to spot your clothing and prevents wrinkling
-
The cube shapes are easy to stack onto each other inside your bag.
-
Available in various fun colors
Things we don't like:
-
Not the most durable option.
-
Not compressible/expandable
-
Zippers feel flimsy
If you’re still puzzled about which compression packing cubes to get, you might want to see this 4-piece set from Travel Dude.
It’s a budget-friendly option crafted from plastic bottles. Meaning you get a few compression packing cubes and help reduce waste.
It is an exciting set that anyone short on budget needs to check out. If you’re an eco-warrior traveler, these might tick all your boxes.
Can it keep up with rugged use? Or the cheap price translates to cheap build?
Let’s take a closer look at Travel Dude compression packing cubes and find out.
Specs & Features
- Material: Recycled plastic bottles
- Small: 11.02” x 5.51” x 3.94, 2.86 ounces
- Medium: 11.02” x 7.07” x 3.94”, 2.89 ounces
- Large with Waterproof Compartment: 13.78” x 11.02” x 3.94”, 7.05 ounces
- Laundry Bag: 13.39” x 20.47”, 1.59 ounces
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
There mesh lid keeps away wrinkles in your clothes
-
It comes with a laundry bag that can double as a daypack
-
There’s a waterproof compartment on the other side of the large-sized packing cube for wet items
-
They used recycled plastic bottles
-
It comes in an affordable set of four
-
Solid construction you can count on
Things we don't like:
-
It could've been better if you could select and buy sizes individually
-
The mesh lid compromises compression, causing bulging
-
We wish each packing cube has a waterproof compartment
Where to buy:
This set of 6 packing cubes are more like rectangular boxes made of fairly sturdy nylon. For traveling with a suitcase or even relying on the compression capacity of a duffel bag, these budget organizers come in different sizes for different items. An amazon packing cube favorite doesn’t mean that they are horrible products, it just means they’re cheap.
Specs & Features
- Material: 290D Nylon
- Number of cubes: 6:
- Dimensions: XLarge (17.5"x12.15"x4"), Large (13.75"x12.75"x4"), Medium (13.75"x9.75"x4"), Small (11"x6.75"x4"), Laundry bag (20"x14"), Shoe Bag (16.96"x9.06"x4.72")
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
6 bags for every item of everything you need
-
Finally a shoe bag
-
Seethrough plastic window to find your stuff
-
Useful at home too
Things we don't like:
-
Zippers aren’t rugged enough to withstand camping
These organizers are probably the most popular Walmart compression cubes sold. Probably because, as far as the best compression cubes go, these ones have features that count. Included in the 6 mesh bags is a hidden pocket to throw off would-be thieves or the prying eyes of your partner. Pack your clothes, stash your toiletries in the included 4 ziplock bags and keep your laundry separate too.
Specs & Features
- Material: Nylon
- Number of cubes: 5 (2small/2medium/1large)
- Dimensions: Small: 9.8’’x7.5’’x3.54’ & Medium: 11.8’’x9.1’’x3.54’’ & Large: 15.4’’x15’’x3.54
- Weight: 1.9 ounces
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
The hidden bag is great for cash and keys or secret documents
-
The handles make them useful as tote bags
-
With ziplock bags, these are suddenly camping friendly
-
Compression works well
Things we don't like:
-
Contrary to their description, they are not chic-looking
When we think of packing cubes, we don’t necessarily think of ziplock bags, but these plastic bags can be used for traveling. You won’t be taking these on your business trip but, they are useful for camping or outdoor hiking trips where your items are going to routinely get exposed to the elements. These ziplock bags are completely waterproof keeping clothes, food, and accessories perfectly dry.
Not only do they keep the water out, but they also keep it in. Separate your smelly wet clothes from the rest of your items, keeping all odors and water safely locked inside. These clear “packing cubes” have usefulness for specific trips or can be considered when complimenting more conventional cubes when packing.
Specs & Features
- Material: Plastic
- Number of cubes: 104
- Dimensions: 5 x 11.5 x 3 inches
- Weight: 0.3 ounces
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
They come with a very low price tag
-
Readily available in most stores
-
The plastic is completely waterproof to protect your items.
Things we don't like:
-
Takes up a lot of space in your bag.
-
Can only be used for small amounts of time
-
Not the most durable
These eBags packing cubes come with not one, not two, but 5 ultralight cubes for all your belongings. The mesh tops allow your clothes to breathe and prevent mold but it also helps you see your items to find things easier. They come in 3 fun colors you can choose from and works wonders to keep you organized without adding extra weight to your backpack.
Specs & Features
- Material: 30D siliconized Cordura
- Number of cubes: 5
- Dimensions: 1 Slim (13" x 6.5" x 3.5"), 2 Small (6.5" x 6.5" x 3.5"), and 2 Large (13" x 13" x 3.5")
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
The mesh top is breathable and allows you to see your items.
-
Comes with 5 cubes which is great value for money
-
Is lightweight and won’t add additional weight to your backpack.
Things we don't like:
-
The cubes don’t stand up by themselves if they are not fully packed.
-
May come across as flimsy.
If you are looking for packing cubes that allow you to travel light and maximize the space inside your luggage look no further. Simply pack all the items you need and then use the durable second zipper to compress your clothes down into a small compact bundle. The antimicrobial treated material makes these cubes ideal to store wet or dirty clothes keeping the moisture and odors locked away from the rest of your belongings.
Specs & Features
- Material: Antimicrobial 50D HT Diamond Ripstop Poly
- Number of cubes: 1
- Dimensions: Small: 5.5 L 7.25 x 10.25 x 1 inches
- Weight: 1.9 ounces
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Save room inside your bag by compressing your clothes down to half their size
-
Lightweight material won't add extra weight to your bag
-
Can be used compressed and uncompressed
Things we don't like:
-
The compression causes creases to your clothes
-
More expensive than non-compression cubes
These premium cubes are definitely made for a rugged outdoor adventure. They are completely waterproof making them ideal for protecting gear or items that could get wet when camping. Their round shape fits surprisingly a lot of items and leaves no inch unused. The clamshell opening also makes it easier to pack and find items you need.
Specs & Features
- Material: DCF11
- Number of cubes: 2
- Dimensions: 6.5" x 12.9" x 4.5" (S) | 6.5" x 12.9" x 6.5" (L)
- Weight: 1.20oz (S) | 1.31oz (L)
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Lightweight material won't add extra weight to your bag.
-
Its minimalistic style keeps your bag organized.
-
Great for rounded duffel bags
-
Price-point suits most budgets.
Things we don't like:
-
Its roundish shape makes it hard to stack on top of one another in travel luggage, though they work well in rounded duffel bags.
These could be the best compression packing cubes for camping based on the sturdy, water-resistant material (DWR) and the compatible design that works well with all kinds of bags. Not strictly compression models, all 3 cubes in this organizer shrink to ⅔ their size, making them smart when transferring clothes from the clean cube into the laundry cube when sullied.
Specs & Features
- Material: Ripstop Nylon
- Number of cubes: 3
- Dimensions: Small: 7.75’’x6’’x6.25’’ & medium: 11.75’’x’’7.75’’x6.25’’ & large: 14’’x10’’x6.25’’
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Great for camping--both waterproof and tear-resistant
-
Expandable means compression by zipper
-
Doesn’t feel like it’s going to tear or rip
-
Seems to fit both duffel bags and a suitcase
-
The 3 sizes hit that sweet spot for a week’s touring
Things we don't like:
-
2 mediums instead of the small would have been ideal for us
Related Reviews
Guide to Finding the Best Packing Cubes
To cube or not to cube? Cubes mean organization and easier travel, making it essential to all travelers. A quick recap: you can organize items in your bag for easier access. Cut down on weight with ultralight packing cubes, save space with compression cubes, or get budget cubes to suit your limited budget.
A lot of people do a combination that suits their duffel bag or travel bag. No matter what they’re not really that expensive but it pays to know a little more about them.
Ultralight Packing Cubes
Ultralight packing cubes are exactly what the name suggests. They are minimalistic and the lightest cubes on the market. These cubes allow you to stay organized without adding additional weight to your bag.
This makes it ideal to use with a hiking backpack where your back has to support the extra weight.
Materials
The weight of a packing cube is directly correlated to the material used. There are no rules however, there are a few standards you should look out for. Ultralight packing cubes are usually made with 30D or 40D Nylon that is lightweight, durable, and tear-resistant.
While some brands use low denier polyester we suggest sticking to Nylon since it’s stronger. Ultra-light packing cubes are reinforced with ripstop to prevent tears from forming or expanding.
Durability
There is a common misconception that thin materials aren’t that durable, but it all depends on the stitching. No matter how thick and durable the material is if you have bad stitching your packing cube won’t last.
Keep an eye out for clean lines and thorough stitching. This may be hard when you are shopping online so it’s important to read the respected reviews and do research on the brand before you make your purchase.
Packability
Ultralight Packing Cubes’ minimalistic style and lightweight feature ensure that they won’t take up to much space or add weight to your bag. This makes them extremely easy to pack and ideal for any bags you carry around like a duffle or a backpack.
Compression Packing Cubes
Compression packing cubes save you space by compressing your items twice as much as a regular packing cube would.
These packing cubes feature an extra zipper around the outside that can be zipped up to compress the space inside similar to a vacuum sealer. It’s incredible to see the difference these cubes make when you have a small bag and a lot of clothes!
Materials
Compression packing cubes come in a variety of materials. The material however needs to be flexible since it needs to stretch and compress. That’s why most brands tend to use a low denier Nylon or polyester.
Keep in mind that Nylon is much stronger than polyester and when it comes to compressing you need the extra strength and durability. Some compression cube fabrics can go as low as 30D or 40D, making them an ultralight and compression cube.
Most compression cubes make use of some form of ripstop, to reinforce the stitching. If you’re unsure if your packing cubes have Ripstop lookout for small hexagonal or cubed lines in the material.
Durability
The craftsmanship for compression cubes is extremely important. When you compress your cube you put the stitching under a lot of strain so one loose strand can affect your cube significantly. It’s also important to double-check that the zipper is from a high-quality brand.
Packability
When it comes to space, compression packing cubes take up the least! (It’s kinda the whole point.) This makes packing easier than ever. However, these packs are slightly rounded making them hard to stack on one another while compressing your clothes this much may cause wrinkles.
This won’t be an issue if you are packing for a beach vacation where your clothes consist of bikinis and board shorts. We don’t however recommend using it for your collared shirts when you are going on a business trip.
Budget Packing Cubes
Budget packing cubes are great simply for the fact that they are really cheap and you can get them anywhere usually sold in sets for around $20. These cubes are great if you are on a limited budget or you’re only traveling for a month and don’t need cubes that will last a lifetime.
Brands like IKEA and Target are now making their own budget packing cubes making them easy and convenient to find. Not even to mention the millions of packing cubes on Amazon. Budget items aren’t necessarily bad as long as you’re mindful of what you’re buying and you’re careful with how you use them.
Materials
The low price tag on budget packing cubes all comes down to the low-quality material they use. After all, a packing cube is just a small container for your clothes, it doesn’t have to be indestructible, but it should still work.
Budget packing cubes are typically made with polyester, it’s lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and semi-durable. On the plus side, it’s abrasion-resistant and quicker dry than Nylon. Ripstop technology isn’t common in budget cubes so if a rip does appear it will inevitably get larger.
Durability
Budget packing cubes aren’t the most durable packing cubes you can get, but it also doesn’t mean they will break within a week. By handling them with care and not overpacking them they can definitely last you throughout your travels.
Keep in mind that when something does go wrong with your budget cubes they rarely come with guarantees like more technical brands would.
Packability
Budget packing cubes usually come in a basic rectangular shape that holds their form and structure well. This makes it easy to stack while you’re packing. However, they do take up more space and weigh more than compression or ultra-light cubes would.
Frequently asked questions
Packing cubes is a must-have if you need to keep your clothes organized in your bag. If your bag is a duffle bag it will come in handy since duffle bags are known for their minimal organization pockets.
Yes! Packing cubes ensure that your clothes stay organized in separate cubes. To save more space opt for compression packing cubes to maximize the space you have available. Compression cubes have two zippers that compress and flatten your clothes.
Clothes come out of your suitcase wrinkled because they shifted during your trip. It also may occur when you dig around your bag to find a specific item and you end up crumbling your clothes. Packing cubes keep your clothes still, so it’s less likely to wrinkle. Keep in mind that some fabrics like linen will wrinkle no matter what.
When purchasing packing cubes try to look out for the following:
- Weight – opt for lighter cubes to keep you organized without adding weight to your luggage.
- Material – Nylon is durable, washable, and lightweight. This is your best option.
- Breathability – mesh is your friend. You need air to prevent dampness causing mold on your clothes
It’s pretty simple, put your clothes in and zip them up. Most sets come with different-sized cubes. Small cubes for your underwear and larger cubes for shirts and pants. Rolling your clothes before packing them in your cubes will help them wrinkle less.
Do you have a favorite set of Packing Cubes?
What do you love about it?
Let us know in the comments below what you think makes the perfect Packing Cubes.
Comments