Have you ever opened your suitcase after a long flight to find everything in a mess? I know I have, and it’s why I started using packing cubes. These little bags are a traveler’s best friend. In this easy-to-follow guide, we’re going to look at some of the best packing cubes for travel in 2024 including a few gems I’ve personally tried and loved. Whether you’re packing for a family holiday or a solo adventure, these cubes are great for keeping your clothes and other items organized and easy to find.
Why Use Packing Cubes For Travel?
Any traveler who wants to neatly organize their bags must have the best travel packing cubes. You may easily find and access various sorts of clothing and items by neatly separating them with the help of these tiny, zippered containers.
Packing cubes help you organize your possessions and keep your clothes from getting tangled or wrinkled by dividing them. In addition to saving time during the packing and unpacking process, this organizing technique makes the most of the space in your luggage, enabling simpler and more compact packing.
Top Picks For The Best Packing Cubes
Discovering the perfect packing solution for your travel needs has never been easier. Therefore, drawing from my experience, I have enlisted 8 of the best luggage cubes, each serving a specific travel need.
Antler Chelsea Packing Cubes
Antler Chelsea Packing Cubes stand out as the best overall with their set of four, comprising one large, one medium, and two small cubes. Each cube features a compression zip, allowing more items to be packed into a smaller space.
While the mesh can snag when overpacked, the cubes are otherwise very resilient, with strong zippers and good depth. These cubes are particularly suitable for cabin-sized luggage, making them an excellent choice for efficient and organized travel.
| Pros | Cons |
| Compressive feature for more efficient packing. | Mesh can snag under pressure. |
| Robust zippers handle stress well. | Compression zip is less effective with bulky items. |
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pods
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pods are among the best packing cubes for travel are ultra-lightweight and incredibly functional, suitable for both outdoor excursions and urban travels. Crafted with Dyneema fabric, these cubes offer exceptional durability and water resistance, akin to materials used in high-strength applications.
The pods come in four sizes, each featuring a unique flat lid design that maximizes interior space, allowing for efficient packing of various items. Although the material feels a bit stiff and tarp-like, it contributes to the pods’ overall durability and practicality.
| Pros | Cons |
| Ultra-lightweight, making them easy to carry. | Material is stiff and makes a crinkly noise. |
| Strong, water-resistant Dyneema fabric. | Limited color options, only available in gray. |
Shacke Pak 5 Set Packing Cubes
The Shacke Pak 5 Set from Amazon is a fantastic value choice, including four different-sized cubes and a laundry bag. These cubes are designed to accommodate a variety of clothing types, suitable for up to two weeks of travel.
The durable nylon material and sturdy zippers ensure that these cubes can withstand regular use. While the mesh tops don’t offer water resistance, they do allow for easy identification of contents, adding to the convenience. Given its affordability, this set is a great budget-friendly option for organized packing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great value for a set of five bags. | Mesh tops are not water-resistant. |
| Versatile size range for different packing needs. | May lack sufficient compression for over-packers. |
Away The Insider Packing Cubes
Away’s The Insider Packing Cubes, the best travel cubes provide excellent value, offering a set of four nylon cubes. These cubes stand out for their stretchiness, accommodating more items without needing a compression feature.
While they lack rigidity, making them somewhat challenging to pack, their soft and flexible design means they can easily be squeezed into a suitcase. The cubes’ lightweight and soft nature makes them a preferred choice for those who need adaptable and spacious packing solutions.
| Pros | Cons |
| Stretchy material allows for flexible packing. | The lack of structure makes them hard to pack. |
| Lightweight and easily fits into suitcases. | No compression feature for space saving. |
Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Packing Cubes
Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Isolate Packing Cubes are an ideal choice for travelers seeking a lightweight and no-frills packing solution. Available in various sizes and shapes, they cater to different packing needs, from small essentials to larger clothing items.
The cubes are made of washable, water-resistant polyester ripstop, offering durability and practicality. The unique angled zippers facilitate easy packing, and the paracord zipper pulls add to their user-friendliness, especially when the cubes are compressed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Variety of sizes and shapes for organization. | Can be challenging to compress when fully packed. |
| Water-resistant material offers extra protection. | The material may feel a bit slippery. |
eBags Classic Medium Compression Cube
The eBags Classic Medium Compression Cube is a single-cube solution perfect for travelers looking to maximize space. Its effective compression zipper reduces the cube’s height significantly, allowing room for additional items.
The cube is particularly impressive in accommodating several clothing pieces, including bulky items like winter jackets. Made from lightweight, water-resistant nylon, it’s ideal for frequent travelers. Although the zipper may snag if the cube isn’t fully packed, the cube’s overall functionality and space-saving ability make it a top pick.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent compression for saving space. | Zipper snags if not packed to capacity. |
| Durable material and construction. | A single cube may not be enough for extensive packing needs. |
Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set
For travelers seeking a budget-friendly yet high-quality packing solution, the Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set is an excellent choice. Comprising small, medium, and large cubes, the set is perfect for a variety of travel needs. Made from bluesign approved recycled material, the cubes not only offer durability but also an eco-friendly aspect.
They compact down well, making them suitable for minimalist travelers. While they lack transparency for viewing contents, their ease of use and affordability make them a great option for those looking to travel light without breaking the bank.
| Pros | Cons |
| Single cube may not be enough for extensive packing needs. | Inability to see inside the cubes. |
| Compact design suitable for small luggage. | Material can be slick, making stacking challenging. |
Peak Design Packing Cubes
Peak Design Packing Cubes stand out for their innovative design and durability. These cubes come with internal dividers, allowing you to easily organize and separate different types of clothing or accessories within the same cube. This feature is particularly useful for travelers who like to keep their items meticulously sorted.
The material used in these packing cubes is another highlight – it’s durable and waterproof, ensuring that your belongings stay protected, regardless of the travel conditions. However, they do come with a higher price tag, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious travelers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Innovative design with internal dividers for better organization. | Higher price point compared to other options. |
| Made of durable, waterproof materials for long-lasting use. | Complex opening mechanism may be less convenient for quick access. |
Bottom Line
In summary, when it comes to hassle-free travel, investing in the best packing cubes for travel is a game-changer. These compact wonders offer a simple yet effective solution for keeping your belongings organized, whether you’re off on a family vacation or a solo adventure. While each option comes with its unique features and considerations, the goal remains the same: stress-free packing and easy access to your essentials.
FAQs
Is it beneficial to invest in packing cubes?
Yes, packing cubes are worth it for efficient organization and less clutter in your luggage.
How can I make the most of travel cubes for better packing?
ravel cubes are best used to neatly separate and organize clothing and essentials in your suitcase.
Are there alternatives to packing cubes for organized packing?
Instead of packing cubes, you can use resealable plastic bags or packing pouches for a similar effect.
Can I bring packing cubes with me when flying?
Yes, packing cubes are allowed on planes, and they can make the security screening process smoother.
