The best way to pack efficiently is by using compression packing cubes, or simply put: packing cubes. Not only do packing cubes help you to organize and separate the items in your luggage, they compress the contents which let you carry more stuff. Compression packing using cubes helps to take the air out of smaller items- kind of like having mini suitcases inside your luggage. The best packing cubes we’ve ever seen are listed below.
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5 Best Packing Cube
| Packing Cubes | Pieces | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Shacke Pak | 5 | 4.8/5 |
| Eagle Creek Pack-it | 3 | 4.8/5 |
| eBags Classic Medium | 3 | 4.8/5 |
| Amazon Basics | 4 | 4.7/5 |
| Tumi | 1 | 4.6/5 |
Shacke Pak – 5 Set Packing Cubes
Extra Large: 18” x 13.75” x 4”
Large: 14” x 13” x 3.5”
Medium: 14” x 10” x 3.5”
Small: 11” x 6.75” x 3.5“
Laundry Bag: 20.75” x 14.5”
Our top pick is this awesome 5 pack by Shacke because of the great quality you get for the price. Their cubes are made from nylon, which is stronger, stretchable, and easier to clean than most alternatives. We’re big fans of all the color options (8 total). Each cube has an x-design webbed stitching, and durable YKK zippers. When it comes to value, it’s tough to beat this set. They even through in a bonus laundry bag!
Shacke provides a nice array of color choices, so you can match your luggage, or go with something totally different. Like all compression cubes, they aren’t just for luggage. People love using their Shacke cubes in places like dresser drawers, shelves and even backpacks. Anyplace you want to compact your apparel is a good place for these cubes.
Shacke recommends that you don’t throw these into a washer/dryer, but rather to wash them by hand in cold water. Doing this will help prolong the life of your cubes and to make sure everything is clean between trips and use.
Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It Starter Set
Large: 8” x 10” x 3”
Small: 5” x 7” x 3”
Medium Folder: 18” x 12”
Coming in 2nd is this Eagle Creek packing cube set. Eagle Creek is a well-known and respected luggage manufacturer. They don’t just make luggage, Eagle Creek makes some of the most popular packing cubes online, which is part of their “pack-it” system. You can find dozens of organizer combinations in the “pack-it” system, but we’ve chose to highlight their Starter Set.
We sorted through hundreds of Eagle Creek packing cube reviews, but our favorite is the Starter Set because of how simple it is. Eagle Creek provides a wonderful lifetime-warranty they proudly stand behind. The set also includes a garment folder which makes folding clothes a breeze. The folder can hold up to 12 shirts or pants and really comes in handy.
eBags Medium Packing Cubes – 3pc Set
All 3 Cubes: 13.75” x 9.75” x 3”
This set comes with three medium-sized cubes, each the same dimensions and a wide array of color options. eBags is another well-known luggage manufacturer who also dabbles in the packing cube space.
This pack is less than $30 and a great choice if you’re looking for a three cube set by a famous brand. If medium won’t work, you can get the exact same types of bags in different sizes like slim, small, and large.
Just like with the Shacke packs, eBags provides a nice choice of different color options. The medium size cubes are perfect for t-shirts and shorts. The large cubes are perfect for pants, sweatshirts and long dresses.
Amazon Basics Small Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set, Black – 4-Piece Set
All 4 cubes: 11″ x 6.75″ x 3″
When we first started this website there was no such thing as Amazon branded products. However, since we’ve began reviewing travel products Amazon has thrown their hat into the ring and really impressed us. They obviously don’t specialize in luggage like these other brands listed, but they still do a really good job.
We’ve talked before about how we like their suitcases because of the low price and durability creating a good value. Amazon Basics packing cubes are the same way, a good value pick if you’re looking for compression packing cubes.
Tumi Packing Cubes (a la carte)
Dimensions: varies
If you’ve spent any time on our site, you know that we love Tumi luggage and have written rave Tumi reviews blog posts here. Tumi also makes great travel accessories like this Journey packing cube. The downsides to this product are that there is only one cube provided, and it is the priciest on our list.
Just one cube will cost more than these entire sets, but Tumi owners know that’s well worth the price for the high-quality and attention to detail (yes, even for a packing cube). We have always considered Tumi to be a luxury luggage manufacturer. If you’re looking for the best packing cubes that money can buy, try purchasing Tumi packing cubes and creating a set of your own.
Something to note since we first wrote this post is that Tumi has since partnered with celebrity actor Chris Pratt to create a line of luggage and accessories under his name. The orange packing cube above is from his Tumi collection and is a new entry. We don’t know too much about them yet but they seem to be well-reviewed by purchasers. If you can afford it, you can’t go wrong with Tumi- they always find themselves on our annual best luggage brands writeup for good reason.
What are Packing Cubes?
Packing cubes are the best way to organize the items in your luggage – plain and simple. They’re also a great way to compress your clothes to save space when packing your luggage. Sure you could use plastic grocery bags, or any other type of container, but we’re huge fans of packing cubes.
These “cubes” are really just rectangular, fabric/plastic containers that zip shut and typically cost around $30. What you put inside them are only limited to your imagination – but typically people put things like clothes and accessories.
When looking to buy packing cubes online, it’s important to know how many cubes you want and how much money you want to spend. Prices vary of course, but tend to stay inside the $10 – $50 range. The amount of cubes in sets sold online vary from 1 – 5 cubes.
Air travelers already know that sometimes you need to stuff everything you can into your carry on and head to the airport. Packing cubes are the best way to ensure that you can fit everything you can into your carry on bag and comply with airline carry on size limits. Ensuring compliance with the airlines will help save you money and avoid overage fees.
Are Packing Cubes Worth the Money?
We sure think so, you don’t have to spend a ton of money on them either. Below are three main benefits to using packing cubes.
- Better organization – it’s easy to sort your belongings by type when using packing cubes.
- Added space – stuffing items in a packing cube and zipping it up creates a slight compression effect, which creates more room in the actual suitcase itself.
- Keeps your luggage cleaner – put your dirty clothes into a hand-washable cube.
How to Use Packing Cubes
Some of our favorite ways to organize items in packing cubes are:
- Standard: Shirts, underwear, pants, socks, etc.
- Family: Each family member has a packing cube if only traveling with one suitcase.
- Business: Separating work clothes from casual clothes can also be a helpful tactic.
- Activity: Separate out your swim clothes, or any other type of clothes/accessories by activity.
- Climate: Sweatshirts and jeans vs shorts and shirts, depending on climate of course.
- Hamper: Clean clothes kept separate from dirty clothes.
- Accessorize: Not just for clothes, you can also organize things like electronic devices and chargers.
Or any combinations or new ideas you can come up with.
Packing Tips
Keeping it fresh: Place scented dryer sheets inside the cubes (especially ones that will eventually hold your dirty clothes.
Roll your clothes: This is just a good packing tip in general, but try rolling your clothes and placing each roll in the cube. This is worth trying if you frequently battle wrinkled clothes when unpacking at your destination.
Here’s a video from our friend Sonia giving more tips using an Eagle Creek packing cube set:
Conclusion
People spend an average of about $130 on one piece of luggage and then stop there. We know that companies are always trying to sell you junk that you don’t need, just because they have you in the checkout process and it’s easy.
Getting a set of packing cubes will only cost around $30, and is well worth the money. We truly feel that packing cubes are a great addition to a suitcase purchase because the organizational benefits, saved space, and overall cleanliness.
