7 Best Packing Cubes For Your Next Trip, According To Experts

If your suitcase is always a mess when you travel, or you’re a chronic over-packer and sit on your luggage to zip it up, you may want to invest in some packing cubes. Just like you would use storage bins in your closet or file folders in your file drawer, these travel organizers are used to compartmentalize clothes and other items inside your luggage. For instance, you can use a cube to separate your dirty clothes. Or you can have one filled with underwear and another for your socks. Most packing cubes are sold in sets, so you can stack them, keeping your suitcase neat and organized. They are made of lightweight materials like nylon or polyester for better visibility and ventilation. For your next travel adventures, we’ve gathered recommendations for the best packing cubes from organizational experts online.

Packing Tips:

Conquering cluttered suitcases and maximizing carry-on space becomes a breeze with the best packing cubes, your secret weapon for organized travel. But beyond choosing the right cubes, mastering packing techniques unlocks their full potential. Here’s how to optimize your packing game with the best packing cubes and expert tips:

Embrace Categorization:

• Cubes by Category: Dedicate cubes to specific clothing types (tops, bottoms, underwear) or activities (beachwear, hiking gear). This compartmentalization lets you unpack efficiently and find items instantly.
• Coordinate Outfits: Pack complete outfits within a cube, ensuring effortless ensemble creation and minimizing outfit mishaps.
• Gear Cubes for Bulky Items: Utilize designated cubes for shoes, toiletries, or electronics, preventing damage and maintaining organization.

Space-Saving Strategies:

• Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes saves space and minimizes wrinkles compared to folding. Tightly rolled items fit snugly in cubes.
• Utilize Compression Cubes: Compress bulky items like jackets or towels for maximum space efficiency.
• Fill Every Nook and Cranny: Invest in a variety of cube sizes to optimize empty spaces within your luggage.

Packing Cubes for Pro Travelers:

• Dirty Laundry Containment: Designate a cube for soiled clothes, keeping your clean items fresh.
• Shoe Cube Versatility: Pack shoes in cubes, but also use them for delicate items like scarves or hats.
• Tech Protection: Utilize cubes with padding or water-resistant materials for safeguarding gadgets.

Remember:

• Lightweight Fabrics: Opt for lightweight clothing and cubes to reduce overall weight.
• Matching Sets: Choose cubes from the same set for a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing packing experience.
• Label for Clarity: Clearly label each cube for quick identification and stress-free travel.

While travel often involves navigating a range of unpredictable elements, you can control how well you pack your suitcase to make sure it won’t burst open on the baggage claim conveyor belt. That’s why packing cubes are so helpful and can enhance your overall travel experience. Which packing cubes match your style and budget? We have the list of the best packing cubes that were most recommended across nine expert reviews.  Did we miss a set you can’t live without? Let us know in the comments.

The List: Best Packing Cubes, According to Experts

1. Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube Set

Travelers love the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set for its quality, versatility, and space-saving capabilities. GearLab praises the “noticeably higher quality” materials and stiff fabric that allows the cubes to stand upright, minimizing wrinkles. They also commend the set’s size range, suitable for five-day trips, and its organization potential, making it easy to find belongings.

New York Magazine‘s Editor Foster Kamer highlights the “Russian nesting doll” effect, where the cubes help maximize luggage space. The New York Times calls it an “updated classic” with a larger mesh window for better visibility, noting its durability and organization. Overall, these reviews showcase the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set as a reliable and convenient solution for organized travel.

2. Shacke Pak 5 Set Packing Cubes

If you don’t want to break the budget but want to be organized when you travel, GearLab says this is the packing cube set you should buy. Reviewers tout the set’s durability, large size options, and thoughtful design features like snag-free zippers and anti-bulging “x” reinforcements.

Gear Patrol emphasizes its impressive user ratings and versatility, while Travel & Leisure praises its affordability, spaciousness, and ability to accommodate trips of up to 14 days. Overall, these reviews paint a picture of a high-quality, feature-rich packing cube set at a budget-friendly price, making it a compelling choice for travelers seeking organization without breaking the bank.

3. REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cubes

For overpackers seeking maximum space efficiency, The New York Times hails the REI Co-op Compression Packing Cube Set as a must-have. Its unique design with two sets of zippers allows for both expansion and compression, fitting more clothes while taking up less luggage space.

Forbes applauds the handy features like mesh panels, water-repellent finish, and double zippers for versatility, while highlighting its eco-friendly credentials with bluesign certification. Finally, Travel & Leisure crowns it the best set for camping, praising its durability after months of use with heavy gear. Reviews showcase the REI Co-op Compression Packing Cube Set as a space-saving solution for organized travelers who tend to pack more than they need, especially for adventurous trips.

4. Peak Design Packing Cubes

Peak Design is known for its camera bags and outdoor gear but has now won over the travel crowd. Travelers seeking smart organization with eco-friendly options will appreciate the Peak Design Packing Cubes. These cubes boast clever features like expandable compartments, separate dirty laundry sections, and shoe pouches, maximizing space and keeping things tidy.

Travel & Leisure commends their spaciousness, water resistance, and durability, even after months of use. Additionally, they highlight the sustainable aspect, made from 100 percent recycled nylon with a solution-dyeing process to minimize water usage. Pack Hacker particularly likes the innovative quick access system and the self-healing fabric, although they express uncertainty about how exactly it works. The Peak Design Packing Cubes as a well-made, feature-rich, and eco-conscious choice for organized and sustainable travel.

For over packers seeking maximum luggage efficiency, Gonex Compression Packing Cubes are a crowd-pleaser. Good Housekeeping emphasizes their space-saving compression feature, perfect for “queens of overpacking,” and highlights the impressive number of positive reviews.

If you are constantly struggling to fit every thing you need in your suitcase, give these a try. Travel & Leisure praises their ability to fit more clothes and the durability of the zippers and stitching.

6. Bagail

Travelers seeking simple, organized packing solutions with a touch of style will appreciate Bagail Packing Cubes. Good Housekeeping commends their durable, water-resistant design and lightweight build.

You won’t feel as frazzled during packing as usual with these cute, easy-to-use cubes. Cookbook author and frequent flier Corky Pollan, featured in New York Magazine, loves the variety of sizes, making organization a breeze.

Plus, the different designs make it fun to tailor these cubes to your taste. Real Simple emphasizes the fun color options and practical features like handles and zippers for easy access. Bagail Packing Cubes are a functional and stylish choice for organized and efficient travel.

7. Away Packing Cubes

You may also be interested in:

• Best Away Luggage Alternatives
• Best Carry-On Luggage In 2023
• Best Luggage Sets
• Best Luggage for Kids

Sources:

• Good Housekeeping
• New York Times
• Forbes
• Pack Hacker
• Travel and Leisure
• CNN
• Real Simple
• Gear Lab
• Gear Patrol

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.