We have used Packing Cubes since we went fully nomadic in 2014 – and, without a doubt, they rank #1 on our travel accessories list!
Many travelers are hesitant to invest in packing organizers – and we understand, because we were once there, too! When we learned how to use Packing Cubes, however, we were instant converts.
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To help you gauge if Packing Cubes are worth it, we are sharing how and why they’re one of our top Travel Hacks.
Plus, we are giving our best advice for fellow travelers for how to pack with cubes and divulging what we feel are the best packing cube brands.
Why We Started Using Packing Cubes for Travel
To be honest, when we first heard about Packing Cubes for traveling, we did not believe the hype. We had questions – oh so many questions – about these little luggage helpers and we wanted answers before we shelled out the cash.
Investing in Packing Cubes
The more we researched how to pack using cubes, the more we understood their value. Organization, space and simplicity are factors that cannot be ignored by any traveler.
As avid travelers, it was becoming clear that packing with cubes was the way to go. When we became full-time travelers, we took the plunge and invested in a Packing Cube Set.
It was one of the best pre-trip decisions that we made! Simply put: they made packing so much easier. Honestly, my only regret is that we didn’t start traveling with luggage packing cubes a lot sooner!
You are likely still questioning, How do Packing Cubes help? So we are going to share exactly how they make packing easier!
Additionally, we detail the different types, how to pack them and our top picks for the absolute best packing organizers.
Spoiler Alert! If you are looking for the best travel luggage Packing Cubes that are lightweight and durable, we wholeheartedly recommend Eagle Creek!
How To Use Packing Cubes for Easier Travel
Using a luggage organizer set of packing cubes was life changing (at least in regards to my relationship with the dreaded task of packing).
I’m not joking. I used to be a terrible packer. At first, I was the notorious over packer. Then, I became the breezy I’ll-buy-what-I-forget-when-I-get-there packer.
Now, using Packing Cubes – and my packing list – I feel as if I have been elevated to the status of a Superstar Packer! So, how exactly do they work? Here are 5 ways Packing Cubes have made travel easier for us!
#1 The Best Travel Cubes Help You Stay Organized
With a Packing Cubes Set, it is easy to organize clothing. Rather than tossing all of your clothes into the abyss of what sometimes seems like a bottomless bag, you use them to separate your belongings.
Each traveler has their own method for the best way to use Packing Cubes for organization. Some people pack cubes based on climate. Warmer clothes go in one and clothes for warmer days go in another.
However, I use different luggage organizers for different types of clothing – like one for tops and another for pants.
I like to use one of my medium Packing Cubes for shirts, another one for pants and dresses and one of my small cubes for underwear and socks.
For my bulkier clothes – like my coat and fleece – I use a medium compressed Packing Sack. Smaller bulky items – like my gloves and hats – are packed in small compression Cubes for Packing.
Because I have a standard method for how to pack a my cubes – that shirts go in one and pants in another – all of the clothing within the packing cell stays organized.
If you are a little confused about all the different styles of Packing Cubes, don’t worry. I review the most popular types in more detail later.
How To Pack with Packing Cubes
How you pack each individual cube can help with organization, too. I always pack the same contents the exact same way.
Not only does that make packing easier, but it also allows me to quickly locate items at a glance.
For example, my shirts are folded and stacked in one cube. I start with a thin hoodie on the bottom and long sleeve shirts on top of the hoodie (in color order from dark to light).
Then short sleeve shirts on top of the long sleeve shirts (also from light to dark) and tank tops on the top of the stack.
It took a few tries before I settled on the best method – and I would guess that it might be a little different for every traveler.
How To Fold Clothes in Packing Cubes
There is a big debate about how to pack in Packing Cubes: Fold or Roll. After trying it both ways, we are firmly in the Fold Camp. (That said, the one item of clothing that I do roll is my underwear!)
First, if you fold your clothes, when you unzip the end, you can visually see all of the contents of your cube.
Second, in my experience, rolling does not save space. In fact, it made my Packing Cube lumpy and uneven.
Third, Rolling your clothes is much more time consuming that folding. Packing is not my favorite chore, and I like to spend the least amount of time possible doing it!
In order to make the most use of space, it is essential to neatly fold your clothing. Furthermore, each item needs to be folded to the same size.
I worked in retail for many years, so folding shirts into neat stacks is one of my secret skills, but for many travelers, it takes some practice.
A cheap folding board can help you get the hang of it. Once you have your stack of clothes, place them in the bag – making sure to push the clothing into the upper corners.
In order to get the bag to zip, you may need to pull the material closer together. If you have a Zippered Compression Bag, zip up the outside zipper to condense the space. And that’s it!
#2 Saves Space in Your Suitcase
Before we purchased the Eagle Creek Pack-It Set, we couldn’t help but speculate, Do Packing Cubes really save space? Yes, they do! In fact, it is one of the top benefits of Packing Cubes.
I have tested the efficiency by packing with and without them. Without a doubt, using travel packing organizers creates more space in my luggage. Actually, with my set of Eagle Creek Packing Cubes, I am able to cut my bulk nearly in half.
Consider Total Weight when Using Packing Cubes
One thing to mention is that while they do save physical space, the weight of your items stays the same. The more room you have, the more you can pack.
This is fantastic for fitting everything you need into smaller luggage (possibly even a carry on). However, the more you pack, the more your luggage will weigh.
It is important to keep in mind your overall bag weight if you are checking it on a long haul flight with weight limits.
It is perhaps even more crucial if you are packing a backpack, as you don’t want your bag to be too heavy to carry!
We recommend using a Luggage Weight Scale to ensure you don’t exceed your target bag weight.
#3 Makes Security Screenings Simple
When we bought our luggage packing organizers, we did not even consider how they might help at airport security. But now, it is one of the top reasons why Packing Cubes are worth every penny.
Regardless of how mindful I am about adhering to airport security rules and regulations, my carry on bag can be pulled for an additional screening.
You’ve seen the frustrated passengers in the security line, helplessly watching the TSA dig through a mound of clothing and personal belongings.
Perhaps you’ve even been that passenger, I have! But, that was before I started using travel cubes for luggage.
How Packing Cubes Help at Security Checkpoints
Now when I use Packing Cubes for carry on luggage, the security agent doesn’t need to stick their hands in my bag and rifle through my luggage.
All of my clothing – from my outer layers to underwear – are stowed in individual Packing Cubes within my luggage.
Rather than exposing the entire contents of my luggage, they can simply scan one cube at a time, until they locate the offensive item (or nothing at all).
Plus, after the hold up at security, rather than struggling to repack the entire contents of my luggage, all I need to do is replace each cube into place – and off to the gate I go!
#4 Luggage Cubes for Packing Fit Like a Puzzle
I have created a packing strategy that utilizes the same cubes every time that I pack. I know exactly how much clothing I can fit (which keeps me from overpacking) and how each cube fits into my backpack (which keeps it simple).
Because each has its place in my bag, using Packing Cubes saves time, eliminates unnecessary stress and makes is easy to find exactly what I’m looking for.
How Luggage Organizers Simplify Packing
Tied to both organization and space, the fact that each Packing Cube fits precisely into place allows me to quickly pack and unpack.
Like putting a puzzle together, my system ensures each cube is packed the same way for every single trip.
There is no more fumbling around and getting frustrated. Now, I pack each cube of my set, then slide them right into place inside my bag.
Additionally, when I need to locate a specific item in my luggage, I know exactly what cube it is in and where it is located within my bag.
The Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (which is what I own) makes it even easier, as there is a convenient and easy-to-grab handle on the bag, too.
#5 Luggage Packing Cells Act as Drawers
Packing Cubes for travel are not just packing accessories…collectively, they are a mini, transportable dresser. What I mean by that is when I arrive at my destination, each Packing Cube acts as a drawer.
How To Use Packing Cubes at Your Destination
Let me explain a little bit better; not all accommodations have dressers…but with clothes cubes, you don’t need a dresser. The cubes can be placed on a desk or table or even on top of your suitcase or backpack.
In the case that there is a dresser, you can slip the entire bag into the drawer. This way, your clean clothes are protected from dust and whatever the previous guest may have stored in the same space.
When you need clothing, you simply unzip your cube – but your clothes stay inside until you need them, keeping them neat and tidy.
Because of how I pack my packing cubes (tank tops on top of short sleeves, on top of long sleeves), finding the item I am looking for is a breeze.
What Are Packing Cubes?
OK, I feel like we have gotten a bit ahead of ourselves. Let’s back up and chat about what exactly Packing Cubes are.
Essentially, the cubes – or Packing Cells – are space-saving packing organizers that help travelers attain perfectly packed luggage.
Literally, they are zippered fabric bags specifically designed to organize everything on your packing list, so they ideally fit into a suitcase or backpack.
You mean I can use packing cubes for backpacks or as a suitcase organizer? YES! You can even use them for carry on luggage.
Types of Travel Packing Cubes
Packing Organizers have come a long way in recent years. There used to be only a couple of choices of luggage organizer bags, but now there is a wide variety of traveling cubes.
In addition to the assortment of styles and functions, cube bags for travel come in a plethora of sizes and colors, too.
To help familiarize you with the options, I am going to review the most popular packing cube options.
Classic Packing Cubes
The most basic cubes for clothes are rectangular in shape. They do not expand or compress, but they do come in a range of materials and sizes.
This basic cube is the most popular type for travel, so we are going to discuss them in detail.
Basic Travel Luggage Packing Organizer Materials
Choosing the right material for your packing travel cubes is important – because the different materials each serve a different purpose.
Let’s take a quick look at a few of the most popular materials used in the best luggage organizers.
Canvas
Canvas cubes are the original packing organizers for travel. The zippered travel pack cubes are durable and unzip on three sides (so that it opens like a mini suitcase).
They are best for organization and simplicity. However, they are not the lightest or most space-saving bags.
Mesh
Mesh material is used on cloth packing cubes for two reasons. First, to allow a peek into what is inside. Second, (and perhaps more importantly) they allow air to circulate through the bag to keep your clothes fresh.
Super Lightweight
Travel pack cubes made with ultra lightweight – yet incredibly durable – materials are fantastic for travelers. The material is practically weightless, yet the bags are strong enough to be crammed full of clothes.
Eagle Creek uses a quality ultra-lightweight Silnylon ripstop fabric that is water resistant and backed by their lifetime warranty.
Waterproof
Keeping clothes dry is a major concern for some adventurous travelers, which is why waterproof travel cubes were invented. They may be the best packing cubes for backpacking.
Basic Luggage Packing Organizer Sizes
While the material used for the luggage organizers is a very important aspect, choosing which size is just as significant.
- Large Packing Cubes are best for coats and sweaters – and any other bulky items that you would pack for travels.
- Medium Packing Cubes are generally the size of a folded shirt and are, by far, the most common size of travel luggage organizer.
- Small Packing Cubes – sometimes called Half Cubes – are ideal for under garments and accessories.
Compression Packing Cubes
Packing compression cubes take the idea of the basic ones to a whole new level. By condensing air, compression packing bags are masters at saving space. However, there are two main kinds of compression cubes for travel.
Vacuum Packing Cubes
The best compression packing cubes with vacuum seals are ones that you manually press the air out of. Some vacuum compression cubes can save up to 80% of space!
How Vacuum Compression Packing Cubes Work
Packing Cubes compression bags are designed with one open end (which is resealable like a Ziplock) and the other end is fitted with a one-way pressure valve.
The first step is to fill the bag with items that are neatly folded in uniform size and stacked. It is best to fold the apparel to the approximate size of the bag.
Once your belongings are inside, seal the open end of the bag. The best compression vacuum bags include an easy-to-seal slider.
Then, to squeeze out the air, you tightly roll the bag from the resealable end, pushing the air out, considerably condensing the amount of space it takes to pack the items.
The tighter you roll the travel compression cubes, the more air you get out of the bag. I have found that rolling the bag on a hard surface where I can really use my body weight gets the best results.
Zipper Compression Cubes
Zippered compressible Packing Cubes are absolutely amazing for saving space. These compressible cubes are made of the same lightweight material, but with an additional outside zipper to reduce the overall size of the bag.
The Eagle Creek Compression Cube, specifically the Pack It Specter Compression cubes – is one of the favorites in our collection.
How Do Compression Packing Cubes Work with Zippers?
Again, just like a basic cube, you fill the cube with your clothing – either neatly folded or tightly rolled – and zip it shut using the main zipper.
Then, using the additional zipper, carefully zip the outside of the bag. When fully zipped it condenses the size of the bag.
We believe zippered compression bags are the absolute best compression travel cubes for saving space and weight in luggage.
Packing Cubes vs Compression Bags
Many travelers agonize over which style of Packing Cube to buy; I know it was a real struggle for us!
When deciding between Packing Cubes vs Compression Cubes, you need to think about what types of clothes you will be packing.
If you are taking a winter trip, and will be packing bulkier clothing, compression bags are key. On the other hand, if you are headed to the beach, basic cubes may be best.
Furthermore, you need to consider your overall goal when determining whether to pack in Compression Cubes vs Packing Cubes.
Are you trying to save space so that you can pack for your entire trip in a carry-on? Or is it that you just crave organization in your massive suitcase?
In the end, we determined it was best to purchase a variety of bags. We own – and use – both types for our nomadic travels.
However, I will confess: If I had to choose one – and only one style – I would buy the Eagle Creek Compression Cubes with Zippers.
The Final Verdict: Best Packing Cubes for Travel
When we first started shopping for a luggage organizer set, we knew certain features were essential. They needed to be lightweight, but durable; space-saving and also easy to organize.
After reading hundreds of reviews of Packing Cubes and spending hours in stores comparing each brand, we determined that Eagle Creek makes the Best Travel Packing Cubes. And, we were right!
In fact, Eagle Creek cubes are so incredible that after more than a decade of full-time travel, we still pack using most of the same ones from our original set from 2014!
More Top Packing Bags for Travel
We aren’t shy about proclaiming Eagle Creek Packing Cubes the best of the bunch. That said, they aren’t the only brand in the game.
Fellow travels shout out the benefits of other brands – and we are highlighting a few that get top accolades.
Amazon Basic
The Amazon Basic 4 Piece Packing Cube set offers travelers a great value. They are made with good materials, well priced and do a good job of keeping your suitcase organized.
Peak Design
The Packing Cubes by Peak Design come in two sizes – small and medium. The bags are compressible and ultra lightweight.
Plus, the easy-to-open expandable packing cube features a floating interior to separate clean and dirty clothes.
Gonex Compression
The 6-Piece Gonex Packing Cubes feature one large, one medium, one small, one extra small, a slim cube and a shoe bag all at one low price! As a bonus, you have many color options for Gonex travel packing bags.
Paravel
Made from upcycled plastic bottles, the Paravel Packing Cube Quad includes four cubes – one large, one medium and two small cubes – that fit well together in a suitcase.
Osprey
We have always been impressed by the quality of Osprey products, so it is fair to assume that the Osprey Packing Cubes would follow suit.
The 3-piece set is made with lightweight materials that would be ideal for packing in a backpack, but would work just as great as packing bags for suitcases.
DIY Packing Cubes
Before we started packing with travel cubes by Eagle Creek, I used the DIY method – a.k.a. Ziplock Bags. While 1-Gallon and 2-Gallon resealable baggies can be used for packing in a pinch, they are not ideal for multiple trips!
Start packing and planning your next trip! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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