Packing and organizing for a trip can be a daunting task but there's no denying that travel organizers can make it easier to have things accessible at any time. I [Espinal] have been using compression packing cubes and regular packing cubes for over two years now and I can vouch that they have made my travel experiences easier. Yes, there is a difference between the two.
While all compression packing cubes are packing cubes, not all have that compressive feature. "A packing cube is a soft-sided bag of sorts that (usually) opens and closes with a zipper that helps you organize the contents of your luggage. It’s usually rectangular or cube shaped because this helps you maximize luggage space as they can fit into corners nicely," says travel expert Nora Dunn.
Packing cubes come in different sizes, materials and colors to elevate your organization, and they also minimize the extra bulk of thicker clothing and materials. "This is an important distinction because the kind of packing cube you use (and, in turn, the material you look for) will differ depending on your packing needs," adds Dunn.
To streamline your packing process, I consulted experts who share how to pack like a pro and make the most of limited luggage space. Whether you're stuffing a backpack of everyday essentials or need to pack for a two-week tropical vacation, scroll down for the best cubes to cram your belongings.
What are compression packing cubes?
"A compression packing cube is a packing cube that has an extra zipper that goes around one whole side, thus allowing you to compress the contents of the cube. This can help get bulky clothing like sweaters down to a more reasonable size so they can fit into your luggage," shares Dunn.
Also, they help compress the air from your clothing so you can pack more. These are great for longer trips, for those who pack a lot or those who have smaller suitcases and want the most from their space. Most compression packing cubes have a square design and have reinforced zippers to help them compress.
Best compression packing cubes
Slim package: Baggallini Long Compression Cube
- Heavy mesh
- Very sturdy
- Fits standard carry-on
Set includes: 3 | Material: Polyurethane
Cueto recommends this packing cube for its slim design and great carry-on capacity. While it might be hard to fit bulky items, this packing cube is great for standard carry-on luggage. It compresses the items well and has a sturdy zipper to keep things tidy.
Weekend-ready: Cor Surf Compression Packing Cube Set
- Doesn't open when packed
- Cute design
- Doesn't open all the way
Set includes: 3 | Material: Polyurethane
These are great for backpacks and have been on my packing list for a while. The packing cubes come in a set of three, four, five or six and each comes with a laundry or shoe bag to store extra items with bigger dimensions. They are easy to slip into a backpack and have a strap to reach comfortably if they're deep inside a bag.
Editor-trusted: Bagail Compression Packing Cubes
- High quality
- Great zipper strength
- Mixed reviews on compression
Set includes: 27 | Material: 100% nylon
According to associate editor Kamari Stewart, she started using more packing cubes since trying a compressive one. "These are the packing cubes that convinced me that compression cubes are the way to go. I bought them before I went to Europe for the first time a few years ago and I was in awe at how much they fit and were able to compress. They can be a little hard to close when overstuffed but they still do close which was the important part. I used the set of four cubes and was able to pack enough for just about two weeks abroad," says Stewart.
Social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo is also a fan of these compression packing cubes noting that they're good for small and big bags alike.
Pack safely: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
- Zips easily
- Compresses well
- Mixed reviews on compression
Set includes: 4 | Material: Nylon
With 18 colorways to choose from, these packing cubes are the best for protecting clothes from interior damage. Plus, they were awarded as the Best Packing Cubes during our last Travel Gear Awards. The bags are made from water-resistant rip-stop nylon, which keeps items safe and clean. Even with its lightweight construction, the material feels sturdy and compresses along the four edges.
Stuff with ease: Thule Compression Cube Set
- You can expand the cube
- Very durable
- Not ideal for heavy sweaters
Set includes: 3 | Material: 100-denier diamond ripstop nylon
I've been using these compression packing cubes for the last three trips and I appreciate the durability of the material. The zippers are very sturdy, expandable and efficient at flattening the clothes. I also like that you have an extra handle to carry the packs around. Since the fabric is semi-transparent, it's easier to see what's inside without having to open the packs.
Separate properly: Bagsmart Blast Compression Travel Packing Cubes
- Lightweight material
- Great for small items
- Not as compressive
Set includes: 3 | Material: Polyester
I own a set of these compression packing cubes and I like the smaller oblong shape for backpacks and tote bags. These are great for packing socks, underwear and lighter items with ease. The set also comes with a shoe bag and features one large bag for large clothes (which I used on a recent trip to the gym). While the material feels lighter than other compressive fabrics, it still holds the items in place.
What are regular packing cubes?
What separates the two options is the compressive material. "For example, some packing cubes have mesh tops for breathability and so you can see what’s inside. But if you want to pack dirty laundry into your cube, or if you’re looking for a packing cube with superior compression qualities, mesh won’t be helpful," says Dunn.
In general, Dunn recommends looking for lightweight thin material (such as Ultra-sil fabric or 30D ripstop nylon) when choosing regular packing cubes. Most packing cubes are rectangular or square-shaped which help to compartmentalize the items inside your luggage. These are great for the packer who has space but still wants to protect their clothing, keep it organized and loves their quick convenience.
Best regular packing cubes
Light organization: Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set
- Feels lightweight
- High quality
- Not a clear fabric
Set includes: 3 | Material: 100% recycled 40D high-tenacity nylon
According to Dunn, a super lightweight thin material (such as Ultra-sil fabric or 30D ripstop nylon) is great because it doesn’t add weight or bulk to your luggage. This set comes with three different packing cube sizes and open wide in order to fit different type of clothes. Shoppers also say that the cubes feel very lightweight and don't add extra volume.
Bright organization: Cram Packing Cubes
- Malleable
- Can fit lots of items
- Only sold on brand's site
Set includes: 3 | Material: Recycled nylon
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger loves this set of packing cubes for its roomy interior and how well they fit inside her luggage.
"I received these from the brand and they've provided the perfect pop of color in an otherwise bland suitcase, while helping me remain organized while vacationing! It comes in a 2-pack with a small, medium and large cube that are very malleable, allowing me to stuff more items inside. I like them a bit better than my other packing cubes because they don't bulge as much and fit better inside my suitcase," says Hoeger.
Color coordinated: Calpak Packing Cubes Set
- Fits a lot
- Pockets in the back
- Organizing label
- Not sold separately
Set includes: 4 | Material: Polyester
Commerce editor Kelly Vaughan says she loves these packing cubes for their additional zipper pouches and durable fabric.
"I never thought I'd be a packing cube girl, but one day I took the leap with this set from Calpak and never looked back. From quick weekend getaways to 10+ day vacations, these packing cubes help to keep my clothes and accessories organized," shares Vaughan. She wishes that Calpak could sell the individual packing cubes in order to grow her collection based on her needs. I [Espinal] also own a set and it has become one of my go-to packing cubes when I need to keep things separated.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to travel expert Nicole Cueto, pack clothing that is non-bulky and accessories (scarves, gloves, bathing suits) in the cubes, and leave shoes, toiletries and other items like bulky clothing for other parts of your luggage."
As for travel expert Aly Smalls, she enjoys packing her items by outfits or by travel days. "I’m often changing hotels every two to three nights, so packing a few days at a time in each cube depending on my location prevents me from having to unpack my whole suitcase every time."
"For the most part, packing cubes save space, especially the compression ones because you can remove the air from them and they flatten out really nicely, especially when you’re dealing with bulkier items," says Cueto.
"High quality cubes can be thrown in the washing machine on the delicate cycle and then lay flat to dry," shares Smalls.
According to Smalls, there is a trick for folding clothes into packing cubes. "I have two favorite methods. The first is what I call the ‘Jenga Method’ where you lay each piece of clothing flat, but then alternate the bulky seams as you stack them in the cube. The other is a Marie Kondo style where you fold your clothes into 'bricks' and then stack them vertically inside the cube. The most important packing tip though is to line your clothing up with the width of the packing cube and then fold accordingly," she says.
How we chose
Before choosing the best compression packing cubes and packing cubes, we interviewed travel experts with years of experience in the travel industry and included their recommendations. We also considered affordability and materials advised by the sources when featuring editor-approved cubes.
Meet the experts
- Nora Dunn is an expert in long-term travel who coined the term financially sustainable travel. She also runs the blog The Professional Hobo.
- Nicole Cueto is a lifestyle and travel expert who is well-versed in the travel industry.
- Aly Smalls is a travel expert who specializes in stress-free travel and how to maximize your travel experience.
