After Testing Dozens of Packing Cubes, Here Are the Ones I Actually Recommend
For more than 40 years, I traveled without packing cubes. I thought I had packing figured out—roll everything tight, stuff it in a carry-on, and go. Spending money on little fabric organizers seemed unnecessary.
Then I bought a set. Now I won't travel without them.
Yes, packing cubes add a bit of weight—usually less than a pound. But compression models like Eagle Creek's Pack-It Reveal set ($104), Thule's Compression Cube set ($54), or Bagsmart's Compression Cubes ($43) can transform how you pack. Even non-compression versions like Beis' cubes ($68) come with labels that help keep everything organized.
Cubes are especially useful for duffel bags and backpacks, where clothes tend to shift. They protect items from dirt and sand, reduce wrinkles, and offer privacy if TSA needs to search your bag—they'll only open the offending cube. Color-coded sets make it easy to pack for multiple family members in one suitcase. Overpacked a checked bag? Just pull out a cube.
Unpacking is faster too. You can place cubes directly into hotel drawers without removing clothes.
After testing dozens of sets, I found standouts at every price point. Amazon Essentials offers a four-pack for $14 that rivals pricier brands. Bagsmart's Blast cubes ($50 for five plus a shoe bag) compress well and have breathable mesh windows. Calpak's set ($68 for five) comes in 18 colors with handy label windows. Dagne Dover's Roma cubes ($30 each) hold more than they appear to and keep clothes wrinkle-free, though they're on final sale.
For those who prefer machine-washable options, Cram's three-pack ($60) survives the dryer. Aer's sleek ripstop cubes ($35 each) match their minimalist bags perfectly. And for Rux system owners, the Mesh Bundle ($140) uses roll-top bags that hook securely inside.
I also tested compression alternatives like Ekster's vacuum bag ($89), which maintained its seal overnight but didn't save as much space as traditional cubes. The FlipSide 22-inch carry-on ($349) essentially works as a giant packing cube on wheels, with compartments on both sides.
Bottom line: Packing cubes aren't for everyone, but if you've ever struggled with a disorganized suitcase, they're worth trying. Start with an affordable set and see if you, like me, never look back.