Airline Baggage Fees Got You Down? Fit More in Your Bag With Packing Cubes

It’s a debate that always comes to the surface when travel is on the horizon. “What are the best packing hacks?” From bloggers to business pros, everyone has their own theory on the best way to pack a suitcase. Some say, “Just throw it all in,” but others suggest, “Rolling is the most efficient answer.” We’re not here to judge anyone, but we are here to offer our selection of the best packing cubes available to help you in your organizational quest.

Why Choose Packing Cubes? 

While there is certainly a debate to be had about how to fit the most things in one suitcase, you’d struggle to argue against the effectiveness of packing cubes. Because packing cubes separate and compress, they allow you to fit far more in a single bag than you would otherwise packing normally. Furthermore, they provide the quickest and easiest way to organize an open block of luggage space. By separating your clothes by type and storing them together in a cube, not only do you eradicate the time it takes to locate them in a disorganized mess, but you’ll also know when something has been worn, giving you the ability to quickly differentiate between clean and dirty clothes.

How to Use Packing Cubes

Using packing cubes is a simple process. If you’ve never used packing cubes before, it’s worth learning how to use them to pack effectively. Once you feel like you know how packing cubes work, pick the right set for your needs.

Here is a quick overview of the process broken down into a step-by-step guide:

1. Unzip the packing cube.
2. Prepare your clothing for packing inside the cube. Our advice is to roll your clothing for several reasons. Rolled clothes are more easily crammed into each cube to maximize the amount inside and minimize lost space. When rolled, your clothes are also less susceptible to creases than when folded flat or pushed inside. Lastly, several shirts, pants or underwear pieces are more easily identified when placed alongside each other.
3. Place your clothing into the packing cube.
4. Seal the packing cube with the zipper.
5. If you have more than one packing cube, place them Tetris-style inside your backpack or suitcase to finish the job.

Depending on how long you’re traveling for and how much you’re taking with you, an example packing cube organizational structure could look something like:

• Underwear (Small)
• Socks (Small)
• T-Shirts (Medium)
• Shorts/Trousers (Large)
• Miscellaneous (Large)

However, this process can be a very personal experience and one which should be decided by each individual traveler to ensure your bags meet your needs.

Below you can check out our collection of the 15 best packing cube sets available on Amazon. Each set is well-reviewed, so no matter which cubes you choose, you’re making a wise decision for your next trip. We’ve also included a range of options, from single cubes all the way up to packs of seven.

1. Shacke Pak Travel Organizers

BEST OVERALL

With over 11,000 five-star ratings from Amazon users, any investment in the Shacke Pak Travel Organizers is one you can be confident in. The five-piece pack includes four packing cubes, in four different sizes, as well as a handy, drawstring laundry bag for keeping your dirty clothes separate. Each of the organizers is four inches deep and made from high-quality, water-resistant nylon material with double stitching, making them more than capable of withstanding the rigors of regular travel. Furthermore, you’ll have nine different colors to choose from, so each family member can have their own to avoid any confusion.

2. TravelWise Packing Cube System

BEST BUDGET

TravelWise have made packing simple with their TravelWise Packing Cube System. It includes three cubes: one small, one medium and one large. That means you have plenty of packing space for any length trip. The different sizes are ideal for separating your clothing items, and the durable nylon build allows you to pack them full without fear of tearing the cubes. The material is lightweight to ensure you don’t go over your weight limits, and the cubes come in a range of colors to match your case or ensure you don’t mix up your cubes with those of other family members. These well-reviewed cubes are also available in a five-piece kit for packers who love that little bit of extra storage space.

3. Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Cube Set

BEST SPLURGE

For something of a little higher quality, give the Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Cube Set a try. It comes in one of four colors, which include both all-blue and all-green options. The user-friendly design incorporates large handles and large mesh screens for greater convenience when identifying what’s inside each cub. These packing cubes are also made from a material that is lightweight, durable and water-resistant, which may come in handy in watery environments or if unforeseen in-transit spillages occur. In addition, this three-piece set, which includes a large, medium and small cubes, comes backed by Eagle Creek’s no-matter-what, lifetime warranty.

4. JJ POWER Travel Packing Cubes

BEST FOR COUPLES

For a choice of pastel-colored storage options, try the JJ POWER Travel Packing Cubes. This six-piece set includes five clothes cubes and an additional shoe bag. The shoe bag also features a handy pocket for storing slippers or flip flops alongside a pair of shoes and has a reinforced handle for easy and comfortable carrying. All of the cubes are constructed from a tough and durable material, which is both waterproof and has double stitching at the joints to improve the cubes’ strength and longevity. The set includes two smaller cubes, one medium cube and two larger cubes, which means there’s plenty of storage space for long trips away.

5. PRO Packing Cubes Packing Cubes

BEST FOR FREQUENT FLYERS

Whether you’re hiking, traveling for business, camping or cruising, this versatile set of PRO Packing Cubes is made to come with you. Not only is each of the four cubes made from lightweight materials, but they also sport double YKK zippers, double-stitched seams and a carry handle mounted on the side for easy carrying and moving. Furthermore, all the top panels are constructed from a tough mesh, which allows you to see into your cube without opening it, preventing any messes as you search for a particular piece of clothing. In addition, the set is available in a range of colors, including a mixed color option which makes identifying the cube you’re after even easier.

6. Samsonite Compression Packing Bags

BEST COMPRESSION

Inside this pack of Samsonite Compression Packing Bags, you’ll find 12 individual pieces for carrying all of your luggage. They come in a range of different sizes, from carry-on to large, and while a little different from the typical packing cubes, the compression capabilities of these see-through pouches create a more efficient way to compress and store your belongings while still being able to see what’s inside. Additionally, these packing bags are both airtight and waterproof, adding a greater level of protection to your belongings in transit.

7. YAMIU Packing Cubes

MOST COMPREHENSIVE

This packing cube set has truly thought of everything and includes four packing cubes alongside a shoe bag and two toiletry bags to boot. The set includes two small cubes, one medium cube and one large cube, and each is made from a water-resistant fabric, which is lightweight and durable. All the cubes have carry handles and mesh fronts for easy identification of what’s inside. The shoe bag sports an easy carry handle, too. In addition, the two toiletry bags are different sizes, one is for larger toiletries like towels and washcloths, while the other TSA-approved bag is carry-on friendly, so you can carry what you might want on any long haul flights. When you order this set, you’ll also get the choice of six attractive colors and an accompanying lifetime guarantee.

8. JJ POWER Travel Packing Cubes

PASTEL PICK

For packing cubes in an appealing pastel color, it’s hard to look beyond these popular JJ POWER Travel Packing Cubes. From blue to cream, these bags with 2,500+ five-star ratings come in five different colors and use a premium-quality nylon fabric in the production process to ensure they’re ready for any kind of adventure. Further adding to this high-quality construction is the double stitching and strong, two-way SBS zippers. Two large cubes, one medium cube and two smaller cubes are included in this visually appealing set. Additionally, the set features a free shoe bag to ensure you have every clothing item covered.

9. Bagail Packing Cubes

EDITOR’S PICK

With over 10,000 five-star ratings, these Bagail Packing Cubes were vying for the top spot on our list. This six-piece set features pairs of cubes in three different sizes as well as a range of different designs, including more attractive, patterned designs, too. The bags are made from quality nylon and use interior seams to provide great durability. In addition, the mesh top panels make it easy to identify what’s inside each pouch, while the built-in handles make carrying your cubes just that little bit easier.

10. Veken Packing Cubes

BEST VARIETY

If you like the idea of having cubes in a range of different sizes, the Veken Packing Cubes could be the right choice for you. No two are the same size, meaning you get four cubes, a shoe bag and a laundry bag to help you stay organized when packing. These cubes are also available in eight different colors and come backed by over 6,000 five-star ratings from happy Amazon users. Plus, the double zippers and built-in handles make these cubes supremely user-friendly and convenient for anyone who travels regularly.

11. Dot&Dot Large Packing Cubes for Travel

BEST FOR OVERPACKERS

These Dot&Dot Large Packing Cubes are a great choice for packers who want a balance between organization and chaos. All four cubes are the same size and provide plenty of space for organizing your belongings. However, because there are no smaller-sized cubes, it may be more convenient to use smaller items to pad your case and maximize the space available. Each of the cubes sports a durable mesh front, durable zippers and a honeycomb, water-resistant fabric. This set has also received top marks from 88% of Amazon users, making it one of the best reviewed options on our list.

12. AmazonBasics Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set

MOST UNIQUE

AmazonBasics products are usually a solid, middle-of-the-road option that tick most boxes for the average user, and this AmazonBasics Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set is no different. The four-piece set includes one large, one medium, one small and one rather unique, slim packing cube. The set has received over 7,000 five-star ratings from Amazon users and comes in six bright colors, making it easier to locate your bags. The set is also made from high-quality fabric with mesh tops for greater convenience when identifying what’s inside each cube.

13. Bago Packing Cubes

MOST COLORFUL

Choosing a set like the Bago Packing Cubes offers an additional way to remember what’s inside each cube. While it is simple enough to write on them, having a red cube for underwear, a yellow one for T-shirts and a purple one for shorts can make the identification process faster. This set is also available in either a four or five-piece option and comes backed by 3,000+ five-star reviews from Amazon users. Alternatively, you can also choose from a range of one-color options, which include orange, purple and blue.

14. TravelWise Luggage Packing Organization Cubes

BEST ONE-COLOR

With blue, green, pink, black and silver colors to choose from, the TravelWise Luggage Packing Organization Cubes are a great option for families or friends who want to assign a different color to each person. Whether you’re sharing a suitcase or simply like to know whose is whose, these quality cubes tick all the right boxes functionally and aesthetically. Each five-piece set includes one small, two medium and two large packing cubes, which are made from a lightweight and durable material capable of withstanding the test of time. Furthermore, each cube includes a centrally located mesh window to allow for easy identification of what’s inside.

15. Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

BEST HANDLES

By including large handles on each of the cubes included in this six-piece set, you’ll enjoy a hard-to-beat level of convenience for carrying them around. The set includes cubes in a range of different sizes, from large to small, as well as a handy, drawstring laundry bag to further add to the impressive convenience of this set. Each of the cubes sports a large, mesh cover for easier identification of what’s inside, while the double zipper design ensures you never pick the wrong side when it comes to closing them up. Lastly, the range of 13 different colors ensures there’s one to suit every preference.

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