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Packing cubes, also called compression cubes, are a huge space saver and make it super easy to get organized and they'll save you tons of time when unpacking and repacking.
As someone who's been travelling for over 20 years and often only with carry on luggage, I think packing cubes and compression cubes are almost as essential as a suitcase.
Note, not all packing cubes compress, so if you want to save space, check that they say 'compression'. But even if you don't need to save space, packing cubes will help keep everything neat and organized.
Whether you're looking for packing cubes for carry-on luggage, packing cubes for backpacking, or cute kids packing cubes we've got you covered.
Explore top brands for packing cubes and compression cubes like Eagle Creek and Baggu. Start packing smarter-shop our recommended packing cubs on Amazon.
What are Packing Cubes?
Let's tackle the basics.
A packing cube is a smaller zip-up case that you can use to pack your clothing and essentials into. Essentially, packing cubes are organizational tools for your luggage.
These smaller cases come in different-sized cubes which can be easily packed into your suitcase. I love the fact that they keep my clothes wrinkles-free too!
They can be used for everything from clothing, underwear, socks, cables, toiletries, and even your shoes. They make your luggage so much easier to navigate that once you've tried them, you won't want to pack any other way. Plus, they're available in a variety of colors for whatever travel aesthetic you're going for.
So now that you know what a packing cube is, you're one step closer to asking the more essential question:
Do Packing Cubes Really Help?
In my humble opinion? 100% Here are 4 reasons why I recommend them.
Packing Cubes Keep Your Luggage Organized
Whether you are packing for a long vacation, or just taking a carry-on, they're perfect for organizing your luggage. Plus, they're a great way to keep your clean clothes from touching your dirty ones.
Don't you hate when while on vacation and can't find one thing and the result is having to unpack and re-pack everything again?
Well, packing cubes help you avoid this situation. They make it easier for you to choose how to organize your clothing and other travel essentials so that it is easier for you to reach what you need. If you know that you won't need a particular outfit until a week into your travels, you can simply pack it separately without having to unpack it to get to your other essential travel items.
This saves you time and effort. And if you are like most travel-lovers out there, re-packing your suitcase is not how you would want to spend your time.
The fact that they help you organize everything and save you time so that you can get to the good stuff, like sipping that margarita makes packing cubes an essential travel item.
If you're a messy packer, which admittedly many of us are, then rest assured that these nifty little bags can make all the difference.
Compression Packing Cubes Save You So Much Space
Compression cubes are incredibly space-saving and can save you up to 30% space. That means you won't have to choose whether to bring the pink hiking outfit or the purple one. You can bring both! Check that the ones you're buying specifically say 'compression' since not all travel cubes will compress your clothing.
The space savings means that you might be able to travel with carryon luggage only, and you can find packing cubes designed specifically for carryon, saving you money on luggage checkin and the hassle. This side-by-side comparison demonstrates this.
Some Packing Cubes Are Waterproof/Water Resistant
Some packing cubes are waterproof, or at least water resistant. So you can put your toiletries into a waterproof/water resistant cube and prevent your clothes from getting covered in conditioner or toothpaste. Before I started using them, I had this happen so many times.
Packing Cubes Help Keep Your Clothes Wrinkle-Free
Some packing cubes are designed to prevent wrinkles. So instead of spending your vacation ironing, you can be doing something fun, like exploring a castle.
Which are the Best Packing Cubes?
Choose the perfect compression cubes for your travel needs by checking out our curated list on Amazon and following these 3 tips:
1) Choose compression cubes made of high quality fabric.
Most cubes on the market are made of nylon which is great as it is malleable and won't damage your delicate clothing. When looking at the quality of fabric you should also note whether it is water-resistant which comes in handy for toiletries or if you travel in a wet climate.
2) Look for travel cubes that have a handle.
This is an optional feature, but you may find it handy if you want to take just the cube with you. For example, if you're changing clothes on a long-distance flight, I think the handle comes in handy.
3) Look for compression cubes with a mesh viewing panel.
The mesh viewing panel makes it easier to find things if you're travelling with several different packing cubes, especially if you roll your clothes when packing the cube. But, it's not a necessity and really is a matter of personal preference.
How To Use Packing Cubes
Now that you know what you should be looking for, let's get to the easy part, how to best use them.
You can use them for almost anything, not just clothing.They're great for packing shoes, toiletries, charger cables and even jewelry. They keep everything where it's supposed to be, so you won't lose a pair of socks amongst all your other stuff.
Use the different sizes to help you differentiate between everything. For instance, you could use a larger cube for your pants, a medium for your shirts, and a small cube for your underwear and socks.
The most asked question, and probably the most important one, is how to pack your clothes in the cube. Rolling is by far the most efficient way to pack and to save space when travelling. Rolling your clothing also helps eliminate wrinkles more effectively and in a mesh-topped cube, you can see what you're looking for without having to pull everything out.
Where Can I Buy Packing Cubes?
You can buy packing cubes almost anywhere. The most convenient place to buy them is on Amazon through our list of curated Packing Cubes. Otherwise, you'll also find them at your local luggage store and sometimes at your local outdoor and camping store.
Packing cubes are great for organizing your things for any travel or adventure. They also make a perfect gift for avid outdoor adventurers. Go check them out for yourself!
