I have had the travel bug for a long time, but I only recently started to become smarter about packing.
This article if for you, if you are a notorious over packer like me and you have a hard time limiting yourself.
This is why I think that packing cubes for backpacking are an amazing! They truly help me keep my luggage super organised and are the ultimate solution for luggage organisation and can prevent overpacking.
But how do you choose the best packing cubes for backpacking, your suitcase or that fit your carry-on luggage?
This guide is going to show you which are the top-rated packing cubes to choose for your next adventure.
Are Packing Cubes Worth It?
If I were to mention the benefits of using packing cubes, I could fill pages and pages of why packing cubes are so very worth it.
But let's keep it short, here are the most important benefits of packing cubes:
- Keeping your things separate – it is very easy to keep your clothes separate when you use packing cubes. So, you can say goodbye to the minutes spent on looking for some specific item in your luggage.
- Sharing a suitcase becomes so much easier – especially when you travel with friends or family, packing cubes not only help you save space but it will also add money in your pocket as you won’t need to pay for additional luggage as you can simply share one.
- Packing cubes are reusable – this is a durable option, making them perfect for any items, no matter how big or small. Make sure you opt for quality and don't be afraid to pay a little more as the real sturdy will last you a long time!
- You don’t have to worry about your clothes getting wrinkles – some of the best packing cubes have compression features, helping you to save more space and preventing you clothes from those luggage wrinkles.
- When packed well, packing cubes can double as pillow – which is awesome because you don't have to take an additional travel pillow and save even more space and weight.
What To Look For When Buying Travel Cubes
My review of packing cubes wouldn’t be complete without sharing my experience on what to look for when you buy the best packing cubes for backpacks, suitcases and carry on luggage:
- Weight, size, and capacity – these are important factors when you decide to buy packing cubes. Depending on your trip duration, you can choose ultralight and small packing cubes or medium or large ones where you can easily pack enough clothes for couple of weeks. To save additional weight, I love using a quick-drying microfibre travel towel.
- Do they come in a set? – before you decide to purchase, think about how many pieces you would need. Many of the packing cubes you can buy online come in multi-packs. Depending on the number you want to get, you can decide if it more cost-effective to buy one big one individually or a whole set of mixed sizes.
- Are the travel organizers machine-washable? – all good packing cubes are re-usable and you can easily throw them into the wash them after a long journey.
- How easy it is to grab and hang them up? – especially when you travel long distances, you might want to get a change of clothes out and it comes it handy when the packing cubes are easy and comfortable to grab and carry.
- Choose sturdy zippers – you need your clothes to stay inside your packing cubes when you travel. So, test the zippers thoroughly before buying them and make sure you opt for quality over being cheap.
Top 10 Packing Cubes
Best Packing Cubes For Backpacking
eBags Packing Cubes
eBags are known for its durability thanks to the high-quality interior seams.
The set includes 3 medium-sized packing cubes, with generous dimensions. I like to buy a pack of those as they have a good size to fit into standard backpacks and can be stacked on top of each other.
What is more, the cubes are lightweight and very affordable. Impossible to not fall in love with your new organisation in your backpack. No mo unpacking the whole bag and repacking when travelling from place to place.
Amazon Basics
A lower price isn’t always equivalent to lower quality. Amazon Basics packing cubes is the best proof to show you this.
Why should you add this set on your packing list? You'll get 2 larger-sized cubes with generous dimensions where you can pack your hoodies, jeans and sweaters and 2 smaller ones where you can easily pack your t-shirts and underwear.
Moreover, the dual zipper is very simple, fast and safe to access all your things. I would also add the mesh front as a highlight, which will help you easily identify what you have packed in each individual cube.
Best Compression Packing Cubes
Eagle Creek Packing Cubes
My packing cubes comparison continues with an ultralight version from Eagle Creek. If you are looking for one of the best compression packing cubes, then this set should be your choice.
The ripstop nylon exterior might seem fragile at first, however, I can tell you from experience that it is very resistant over time.
In addition, the material is water-resistant, ensuring that your clothes will be protected in any weather or when your toiletries accidentally spill. Absolutely amazing to compress jackets or bigger clothing into small chunks, perfect for travelling between big climate differences too.
Well Traveled Compression Packing Bags
Since I first started traveling, I made a promise to myself: find out how to pack more in less space.
Well Traveled Compression Packing Cube set made my wish come true! This set has everything you could wish for. It is lightweight and durable. The fully compressible double-zipper helps you keep your clothes organized and saves you up to 40% of your packing space.
These water-resistant packing cubes offer you incredible packing compression and flexibility for long or short trips.
Best Packing Cubes for Suitcases
Pro Packing Cubes
This set will fit your suitcase perfectly. The rip-stop nylon is ultralight and durable, ensuring that you will use this set many years from now.
Moreover, the sturdy zippers will pass the test of time without problems. They don’t rust or get stuck. You even get lifetime guarantee!
They come in a variety of colours, meeting even the pickiest tastes. Comes in a set f four, which is perfect to fit sweaters, trousers, socks and underwear.
TravelWise Packing Cube System
My packing cubes review isn’t complete without this incredible set. When you are looking for an option for your extended travel, then this set is exactly what you need to keep your things organized. The mesh screen helps you identify what you packed in each cube. Furthermore, they are made of good-quality materials, which ensure durability in time.
Best Ultralight Packing Cubes (Perfect For Carry On!)
Shacke Packing Organizers
The water-resistant nylon makes these packing cubes excellent for your carry on.
The reason I like this set a lot is because it comes in a set of four plus an extra laundry bag. Especially when you travel from one location to another, then you know how useful a laundry bag is to put all those smelly clothes in there.
The strong material and mesh front make these packing cubes very popular among other brands.
Bagail Packing Cubes
There are many attributes that make this set a great choice for your airline carry-on luggage. First, I should mention the high-quality nylon. You have 4 different dimensions in the pack, just perfect for any travel needs. In addition, they are machine washable.
The seams and zippers are sturdy and durable, keeping you from unpleasant surprises while travelling. You can easily carry them separate from your luggage thanks to the convenient handles on each bag too, as you never know when you want to dip into the bathroom to change.
Best Complete Travel Packing Cube Sets
TRIPPED Packing Cubes
An ideal set when it comes to saving space while packing in more. I recommend you get the 6 piece set!
The double zipper compression system is perfect to compress your clothes and the rip-stop nylon is extra strong and lightweight. In addition, the material is water resistant, the zippers sturdy and snag free.
Not sure if the cubes are large enough for your needs? Well then, the large bag has enough room for a weeks' worth of shirts and the medium one holds roughly a week worth of clean underwear and socks.
OEE Packing Organizers
I strongly believe that it doesn’t matter how many packing cubes come in a set, you can never have enough!
The OEE 7 piece packing cube set is special as it also comes with 3 different sizes for your clothes, 1 dedicated underwear bag, 1 shoes bag, 1 toiletry bag and 1 laundry bag. Talk about a full set!
The lace buckle design is perfect to pack your clothes neatly. Furthermore, they have comfortable handles in case you want to carry the cubes separately. The durable zipper and washable material are some additional features which convinced me to buy these packing organizers. Plus the colour choices are awesome!
Don’t Go Without Travel Insurance
Why buy travel medical insurance from SafetyWing?
- Get insured, even if you already left your home country
- Covers visits to your home country if you’re travelling long-term
- Buy one-off or choose a start date and let your insurance extend every 28 days like a subscription until you cancel (no more paying upfront for long trips or open-ended adventures)
- COVID-19 cover is included
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