11 Best Compression Packing Cubes: Pack Like a Pro
Best Compression Packing Cubes (Updated April 2023)
Maybe you are as obsessed with carry-on only travel as I am, or maybe you are a chronic over-packer. Either way, packing cubes is my go-to travel gear that will help you be more organized when you travel, and the compression ones will help you fit more in less space.
I researched what’s available and these are my picks for the best compression packing cubes available today. I actually own five of the packing cube sets on this list so can review these travel packing cubes with experience. Now you can travel lite, in style, and with organization.
Our Top Picks
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases on Amazon, and also from affiliate links from other retailers you may find on the site.
Product Image | Product Name | Highlights | Find it Here |
  |
| ||
  |
| ||
  |
| ||
  |
| ||
  |
| ||
  |
| ||
  |
| ||
  |
| ||
  |
| ||
  |
| ||
  |
|
What is a Packing Cube and Why Use Them?
Such small items, such a big impact. One of the things that drives me nuts when I travel is the mayhem that can occur in my suitcase. After just one day my suitcase can become a jumble of clothing where it is difficult to find anything
Packing cubes solve this for me, they are lightweight fabric cubes that you pack your clothes into, and by doing so you can:
- Pack your wardrobe by type, with all the tops, bottoms, dresses, etc together
- Keep things organized at your destination
- Unpack easily. You can actually use the cubes as little drawers so you just move the cube with all the clothes in it.
- Repack easily if you are switching hotels or changing location.
- Keep dirty clothes separate from clean clothes.
- Reduce wrinkles and creases because clothing does not shift around in transit
Types of Packing Cubes
Two primary types of packing cubes exist.
First is more of an organizational tool. They are literally lightweight fabric cubes that you can use to organize your clothing and keep your suitcase in order. We have used them for years and love them.
The second is a compression packing cube. These are also cubes you put your clothing into, but they typically have an additional zipper. Once the cube is packed, you zip it another time and as the second zipper closes, the clothing compresses. This way your luggage space is optimized and you can fit more into a smaller space.
It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. In any case, packing cubes (whether compression or not) are worth a shot on your next trip!
How to Choose Your Packing Cubes
I have several sets of packing cubes, some of which are also compression. These are the criteria I used to choose them:
Compression Packing Cubes vs Regular Packing Cubes:
As discussed above, one is used to organize your clothing and the other has an extra zipper that allows you to compress the items so you can either use a smaller bag or bring more!
PROTIP: If you prefer to travel with a carry-on suitcase only, the best option is compression packing cubes. They help you to take advantage of every bit of space in your luggage, even if it is an extra-small bag or a travel backpack for a long weekend or overnight trip.
Weight:
Cubes are used to organize and even add more clothing to your suitcase, which will add more weight. You want the cubes to be lightweight enough that they don’t add extra weight to your suitcase.
Durability:
You fill these up and then zip tight. Make sure you choose a thin fabric that is also a durable material. Finally, you want construction and smooth zippers that will last. Types of fabrics that you can look for are tear-resistant nylon twill or other types of ripstop fabric. Some are even made of a water-resistant nylon or other fabric that will protect your travel capsule in case of a spill en route to your destination.
Size:
The worst thing is to buy packing cubes, fill them up, and then find out that they do not fit nicely in your suitcase. Most are designed for your standard suitcase sizes but do keep this in mind. Many come in sets of a large packing cube or two, medium packing cubes, and a small cube (or two). With a packing cube set of multiple sizes, you can mix and match them into your luggage to make sure they fit.
Breathability:
We don’t want our clothes smelling musty as travels proceed. Some bags are constructed with a mesh panel or entire mesh top, and others are constructed with breathable fabrics that will keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Visibility:
Using a packing cube that has a mesh top will make getting dressed much easier because you can identify what is in each cube.
How To Use A Packing Cube
Based on many of the reviews we read, rolling your clothing seems to be the best way to pack your clothes in a packing cube. The issue is that you need your clothing to be evenly distributed throughout the cube when you use that compression zipper, and if the clothes are not rolled (ie folded flat), things tend to just bunch up in the middle. When that happens it becomes difficult to pack the cubes because they are not flat.
So, roll those clothes before you compress them!
The Best Packing Cubes We Found
»» Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes
SHOP: Amazon
The 8 Piece Deluxe set from Well Traveled covers all my travel needs. I like the feel of the twill fabric-it feels simultaneously lightweight and strong. The set varies-. You get five cubes that compress, two smaller size cubes that do not compress but are great for organization, and one laundry bag. While these bags do not have mesh panels to see inside, they do come with a luggage tag and cards that you can use to identify contents of each cube.
What We Like
- Variety of sizes
- Lightweight Durable Fabric
- Laundry Bag
- Lifetime Warranty
- Machine Washable
- Tags to label contents
What To Watch Out For
- Higher price tag (although I think its worth it)
- Not able to see inside
»» Taskin Compression Packing Cubes
SHOP: Amazon
This six-piece set of bags are designed to have a clean side and a dirty side so that as you travel your clean clothes stay fresh. The zipper has a system to keep from getting stuck and mesh makes them breathable while allowing you to see what is inside. We actually own these bags and we love them.
What We Like
- Clean clothes/ dirty laundry sides means no need for a laundry bag
- Easy no catch zipper
- Capacity
- Lightweight
- Mesh window allows you to see what is inside
- Compression bags
What To Watch Out For
- A higher price tag (although I think its worth it)
»» Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
SHOP: Amazon
Made from a super lightweight material, these will make organization a breeze. The handles are convenient to grab and go, and they are waterproof. Some reviewers that they are great, you simply need to make sure not to overstuff them, others said that the zipper snags quite easily. I use one of the smaller sizes as a shoe bag.
What We Like
- Lightweight material
- Great sizes for carry on bags
- Largest cube is excellent size for bulkier items
- Handle makes carrying convenient
- Compression allows you to pack more
- Durable and last for many uses
What We Don’t Like
- Not able to see what is inside
- Need to zip very carefully to avoid snags
»» LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes
SHOP: Amazon
They are stylish and sturdy cubes that actually look more “cubey” than some of the others. Reviewers love them and find that they do compress and stack well, especially when you have rolled the clothing inside. A few different sizes are available. I actually own these, and like the compression. I do find the big one to be really big, and sometimes skip it in favor of the smaller ones which fit in our carry on nicely. One reviewer uses ONLY the big one for weekend trips and we are going to try that for our next weekend away.
What We Like
- More structure than some of the others
- Durable and sturdy look and feel
- Zippers are easy
- Elegant look
What We Don’t Like
- Not as lightweight as other options
- Big sizes do not fit as well in our small carry on
- Not a lot of visibility
»» eagle creek’s Pack-it Compression Cubes
SHOP: Amazon
The first packing cubes I ever purchased were eagle creek, although they were not compression. I can attest to the good quality of the eagle creek brand! This cube set is has a mesh top and handle for easy use.
What We Like
- Great addition to other eagle creek products
- Handle
- Mesh top
- Quality
What We Don’t Like
- Potential for zipper snag
»» BeeNesting Waterproof Compression Packing Cubes
SHOP: Amazon
Many of the compression packing cubes claim a 40% gain of space. These BeeNesting Cubes claim 50%! Like most of the others, they use a zippered compression system but have larger capacity than most. They have a clean/dirty side which we always appreciate and the larger ones actually have a luggage handle so can be treated as their own carry-on. You could use it as an extra bag to bring home goodies!
What We Like
- Clean/Dirty Sides
- Higher Compressibility
- Luggage Handles on larger cube
What to Watch Out For
- Not as lightweight as others
»» BENTO Compression Packing Cubes
SHOP: Amazon
We like the look of these bags. They are clean and minimalist. They are meant to be stackable once packed and boast of a stick-free zipper.
What We Like
- Simple Design
- Good Customer Service
- Double Zippers
What to Watch Out For
- Some reviews reported quality issues
»» TRIPPED Compression Packing Cubes
SHOP: Amazon
These lightweight compression travel cubes hold a large amount of clothing and are extremely well priced. In general, reviews really liked them. Even the ones who had issues were pleased with how the company resolved the issue.
What We Like
- Lightweight Nylon Fabric
- Some Cute Style Options
- Good Value for Price
- Customer Service
- Different Colors Available
What to Watch Out For
- Zipper snags if you overstuff
»» SUITEDNOMAD Compression Packing Cubes
SHOP: Amazon
Lightweight durable compression cubes that are designed to hold up to the wear and tear of travel. They also come with a clear toiletries bag and luggage strap. Reviewers commented that the zippers are durable and that the set is sturdy, lasting through many cities over long trips.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Less Expensive than some brands
- Additional Accessories
What To Watch Out For
- Cannot see what is in them
»» Samsonite Compression Packing Bags
SHOP: Amazon
Ok, so these are not technically packing cubes, but these packing bags ARE used for compression. You put your item in the plastic bag, roll the air out and voila! extra space. I have a couple of bags like this and will pack them when I am headed to a beach vacation, typically using these compression sacks typically to bring home damp items. I find that it prevents the items from getting musty, even on long flights, and keeps the moisture away from the rest of our items.
What We Like
- Waterproof
- Pack Flat
- Clear
- Good for damp packing
What To Watch Out For
- Not all bags in set are vacuum sealed
»» Lewis N. Clark ElectroLight Expandable Compression-Packing Cubes
SHOP: Amazon
These super lightweight cubes have a mesh top for visibility and are water resistant. They have a grab handle and come in fun colors. Many reviewers love these bags. And, in the spirit of thorough research, we did find some who were not 100% happy with the quality, but it was only a few reviews that said that.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Mesh top
- Handle
- Different Colors Available
What To Watch Out For
- Not sure about durability
»» Amazon Basics 8-Piece Packing Cube Set
SHOP: Amazon
Finally, these traditional packing cubes are a great choice if your goal is to organize your carry-on luggage. You have a variety of sizes that you can use to fit into almost any size bag, and are a good option if compressible packing cubes are not what you are looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do compression packing cubes really work?
Yes, they do! We have used them for years and our packing is more organized than ever before and we can almost always fit our whole travel capsule in our carry on. The only exception is when we are going on a trip where lots of gear is required. In that case we sometimes need to up our suitcase size, but still use packing cubes to keep things organized.
(And pssst… you can get our FREE Travel Capsule Packing Guide HERE.)
Q: How do you pack with compression cubes?
We separate our travel capsule wardrobe into categories: Bottoms, tops, dresses, etc… You can use a large cube for all your shirts, another for all your bottoms, and a small cube for intimates and accessories. Then we pack the categories into individual cubes. Sometimes, two categories fit into one cube. You can use your best judgment here or even separate items into a medium cube as is appropriate. It depends on your bag and how they fit.
Q: Are Packing cubes better than rolling?
We combine packing cubes and rolling, as we find that rolling is a great way to fill the cubes neatly.
Q: Do packing cubes actually save space?
A set of packing cubes help you stay more organized. That said, if you use compression packing cubes you do save more space. Our favorite compression packing cubes are all listed above.
Q: What can I use instead of packing cubes?
For organization, you can use any number of things: canvas bags, shoe bags, or even ziplock plastic bags. For the compression part of it we did list one plastic vacuum bag in the post and others are available.
Q: What is the point of packing cubes?
The primary point of packing cubes is organization. Further, if you are looking for compression so that you can pack more in less space, they are wonderful travel accessories and you can see the list above for my favorites. You can find individual sized packing cubes, a three-piece set or more. Many travel experts swear by them for packing. They help you organize and make the best use of your available space.
We hope you like this post about the best compression packing cubes. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
