The Ultimate Packing Cubes Guide | How To Use & Choose The Best Packing Cubes For Travel
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 เม.ย. 2024
- There are hundreds of different packing cubes, and it can get pretty confusing. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use and choose the best packing cubes for travel. View Our Full Written Guide: packhacker.com/guide/best-pac...
0:00 - Intro
0:58 - How To Use Packing Cubes
4:40 - Best Packing Cubes To Choose
8:19 - Considerations Before You Buy
When you open your bag, do you prefer a neatly organized system that’s easy to navigate or a jumbled mess of creased clothing? If you’re the former, great! We’re going to get along just fine, and you’re definitely in the right place.
First and foremost, packing cubes are used to organize the contents of your bag. But they can also help save space, as a cube will compress your clothes together. There are even specific “compression cubes” that take this a step further, which we’ll get into a bit later. The point is, when you’re cramming your life inside a carry-on sized backpack, you’ll want to save space where you can-and packing cubes are one of the best ways to do that.
And if you’re still thinking packing cubes are a waste of time, we should mention that these nifty things make packing and unpacking way easier. Whether you’re an ultra-minimalist, an “I need absolutely everything for any situation” packer, or something in-between-being able to just swap a few bags in and out of your pack is a dream.
At the end of the day, there is no “best packing cube,” but hopefully this guide will help steer you in the right direction to pick up the best packing cube for you. It all comes down to personal preference, travel style, and personal use-case. You may not get it right the first time, and that’s okay! Sometimes you need to iterate.
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Do you use packing cubes?
Packing cubes are very helpful to travel more efficiently and I use them every time I travel. I've yet to find better cubes than the ones mad by Peak Design.
Hey Tyler - thanks for sharing! We're glad you're digging the Peak Design Packing Cubes and that they're working so well for you. 😊🙌
- Rebecca
Yes I do use packing cubes (Eagle creek's), very very helpful, also use the Nomatic vaccum bag and the Tom Bihn Packing cube shoulder bag, thanks Pack Hacker for all of your hard work.
Kifaru’s
I like using packing cubes. One real good use I've found its not just the packing element but for leaving clothes in my car as follows -
I regularly have just single night stops when on business, I use a packing cube to get spare undies/socks and some casual clothes in. I use a super cool spacious Vans back pack with a stiff laptop segment, paper organising and pockets through out the day and leave a medium cube in the car with my overnight essentials. That then slots neatly into my bag at the end of the day as well as a small toiletry bag and I only have 1 bag at the end of the day still.
I've also used cubes for a few multi stops - where I've been off on a flight and when returned for another onward domestic journey, swapped a cube for clean, alternative clothes that I didn't need on the flight. This helped keep carry on luggage to a minimum.
I love this guy, he looks like an Oblivion character
😄😄🙌
- Rebecca
Lol, that comment was so unexpected, yet so perfect. Best laugh of the day!
Yes!!! As soon as I saw him I thought Thoronir!
I can’t with this comment 🤣🤣🤣
Hahaha nailed it.
What an absolutely stellar guide video. Takes you from absolute zero information, to having everything you need to start making purchases. Excellent communication, pacing, flow, and pleasant visuals too. This guide video is what I wish every guide video on TH-cam could be!
Thanks for watching and for the kind words 😃
-Eric
Packing cubes are a no-brainer. A good one can also be used as a pillow for when you're stuck at the airport :)
They sure can Travel With This - thanks for sharing! What are your go-to packing cubes? 😊
- Rebecca
@@PackHacker Love using the eagle creek specter cubes. They've been used for years now and I haven't had to replace them. Good purchase! 😎
That's awesome to hear! The Eagle Creek Specter Cubes are a solid choice, we're so glad they're working well for you! 🙌👍
- Rebecca
I’ve been using Ziplock freezer backs for about 30 years. Variety of sizes, clear, multiple uses while travelling, light-weight, waterproof and very inexpensive.
easy for smaller objects. I haven't seen big enough to fit hoodies for example.
This seems like the actual best idea unless you want some deeper organization for some reason
I tried using cheap own brand bags and quickly realised my error
I've always done the "lasagna" layering method where garments are laid flat one atop another then rolled smaller items stuffed around the edges. My tour guide is always amazed how many outfits I can pack in my two carry-ons. The drawback is having to dig through and down to find an item. This video has great info about choices and I'm going to try cubes on my next trip. Maybe compare the cubes w/the layering to see which can pack more.
Have you done it? Can you share the results
i travel a LOT. I swear by packing tubes. I Love love love love them. This is a great intro to same. Well, well done !!!
I LOVE ultra-light ones! I use them for everything. Even if it's not full, it's easy to fold and squeeze on the tiniest corner of the pack.
Compression cubes for bulky winter wear like chunky sweaters and padded jackets but I don't like them for normal packing. They're hard to stack up as you said.
I have a netted one as well which I use to bring stuff inside hostel showers or when I have damp clothes, I clip them on my bag to air out.
Thanks for sharing your go-to packing cubes with us Katrina! It sounds like you have a great system going on here, with an option for almost any use case and travel style. 😊🙌
- Rebecca
Nathan, thanks a million. This is a really good and clear comparison of products. I am really glad I found your video before ordering. And the comments are educational as well.
You got it, Flor! We're so glad you found the video helpful. Which packing cubes did you decide on? 😊
- Nathan
I've been wanting to buy packing cubes for years. Thank you, this was very helpful!
Just came across this channel when looking into packing cubes and wow. Thanks a million I will be subscribing!
Such a well made, professional and informing Video! I love it.
What a great video with a beautiful energy coming my way 😄🙌
great informative and organized video. appreciate the voice over as you walked through the features, pros and cons. how do i give you guys 3 thumbs up! thank you for sharing.
i just sort of happened upon this video, and it was amazing. great job and great information! thanks for sharing!
I have the Ikea set and what I do sometimes (works only with a very specific amount of clothing) is put all my clothing in the bigger one, and then stuff it in the smaller one. That way you still get that compression effect.
I LOVE a jumbled mess! 😄 Just kidding. I actually bought a sewing pattern to make my own packing cube knockoffs and now I can make them to match all my duffle bags and backpacks, purse, hat...yes, I'm THAT crazy lady. 😂😂😂😉
As an amateur traveller and someone eager to organize, this video brings me a lot of joy 🥲🥲🥲
Thanks for watching! 😃
-Eric
Your video has been really helpful for me, thanks!
You got it, Claudia - we're glad you found it helpful! 😊👍
- Rebecca
Thanks. Prefer handles for hanging a packing cube ex. in a foreign toilet, with dubious surfaces, like changing before or after a bus ride, flight etc. Prefer mesh and bright colours to easily see what is in there.
Professionally made video, 👏 very good learned a lot, God bless you man!!!
Super good vid! Love the detailed look at the various types and purposes to packing cubes! Well Done!!
Thank you for sharing this very educational video, I've sucked at packing and would always ended up having a very bulky handcarry/bagpack as my luggage. Watching this really helped!
That's awesome to hear! We're so glad you found the video helpful. Let us know which packing cubes you decide to go for! 😊
- Rebecca
Very well explained. Your a great teacher.
So helpful - I never thought of measuring my bag and seeing how the cubes would fit!!
Thanks to you guys, I now use packing cubes. Thank you for explaining the benefits very well, I became a better organised person whenever I travel.
Hey Paul - that's awesome to hear! We're so glad that you found the video helpful and that you've been able to optimize your packing. Thanks for sharing! 😊🙌
- Rebecca
This guy is a legend!
Thanks for the info. Wish I had known about your site sooner!
Thank you all so much for this channel. These reviews helped me pick the perfect travel backpack and cubes for my month long trip abroad. You rock!
Great to hear Dustin - it's comments like this that keep us going!
- Tom
Just like everything else ....... soooo many choices with so many options!!!!
There sure is Paulette, let us know what you decide! 😊👍
- Rebecca
I actually have the bright blue Eagle Creek cube. I use it to hold diapers, wipes, bottle of hand sanitizer, and a semi-disposable changing mat. I have two, I've been using them regularly for 6 years, and they still look brand new. I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone traveling with a child in diapers. Diapers are the one thing you should always over pack, and you can fit so darn many in one of these cubes. I've used everything from newborn diapers to S/M size GoodNites (they're pretty big). That handle on top is essential too. The bight colors and handle make it so easy to see and grab in any lighting situation. You can easily carry the bag and a kid who may or may not be compliant, and the handle makes it so you can clip it to yourself (via a small carabiner) or hang in on a changing table or bag hook. Oh, and I got mine for free when Eddie Bauer had $15 off anything coupons. But I'd 100% pay full price for them.
What travel bag do you use as your diaper bag?
Thank you for so much detailed analysis on the various cubes. A lot I didn’t think about that I will definitely factor in to my choice now. 👍
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the support!
- Austin
Very helpful video. I've been looking to get some. Thanks!
Glad you found it helpful Brandon, let us know which packing cubes you decide on! 😊
- Rebecca
Peak design! Love them, I have 4 sets
Awesome! Glad the Peak Design Packing Cubes are working well for you Corey! 😊🙌
- Rebecca
Just commenting because you guys are great, I love your work and want to support you somehow 💪
Glad you're digging the content, Elias! 😊👍
- Rebecca
Never heard about packing cubes :)
Will try it...
Thank you for making this video, I am just getting into packing cubes and this is really helping me to make an informed desition as to which type of packing cube I'm going to buy.
Hey Victor - we're so glad you found the video helpful. Let us know what packing cubes you decide on! 😊🙌
- Rebecca
Stop! This is the best thing I’ve ever discovered. Oh my gosh!!
Really helpful video as I was totally confused by the myriad of choice out there and what suits which situation. Many thanks as feel much better informed now.
That's awesome to hear, Michelle! We're so glad you found the video helpful. Let us know which packing cubes you decide on, we'd love to hear what works for you. 😊👍
- Rebecca
Thanks for the through information in this video! I'm travelling to Europe for a month next year and was wanting to know the pros and cons about the packing cubes before I made my decision
Have a great trip!
- Tom
Get a compression sack instead, it'll compress your clothes down to 1/3 the size, meaning you can take a smaller carry on only bag.
Nice review. I love packing cubes. Discovered what they were a few years ago. I use Bagail and Shacke Pak. Love the many colors they come in and they've lasted well for me over the years. Both are basically the same thing. They also come with a free laundry bag to add dirty clothes until I can get to a laundromat. I like that at hotels the cubes can be placed in drawers for easy access. I use them no matter if I'm doing a road trip, air travel or on a ship. Don't know how I managed without them before. And I do like them to be different from my bag color. That's a good point. My bag is a sky blue and my cubes are purple or hot pink.
That's awesome Scary Fear! We're so glad these packing cubes are working well for you. It sounds like you have a great system going on. Thanks for sharing! 🙌😊
- Rebecca
Loved this video! Everything was so clearly and efficiently explained. I have the information I need now to choose the right packing cubes. Thank you.😊
Thanks for watching! 😃
-Eric
Best review..saw a lot, yours was the best!
Thanks for the important information : )
Excellent crib vid. Thank you
Great video-thanks!
I like the clamshell style. You can unzip the whole thing, fold the flap over, and just put it directly in a drawer.
I use the ikea cubes in my dance bag, to protect delicate materials (like silk veils) or items that are easily damaged (like fans or fringed items). When I go to cons (like Dragon Con), I use them to protect costume pieces.
But I never use them for real travel, because I don’t feel comfortable really stuffing them. They just aren’t as sturdy. But Amazon Basics cubes have worked out well for that.
Eventually I want some ultralight cubes, but it’s all about prioritizing!
Hey Dea, sounds like you have a great system going on here, thanks for sharing! It's great to hear how you use different packing cubes for different use cases whether it's for protection or to save space. It's awesome that the Amazon Basic cubes are working well for you too. 😊🙌
- Rebecca
Excellent Video. Thank you so much ! 😉
Glad you're digging it, Katie! 😊
- Rebecca
Fantastic advice. I'm going to start using them now.
Glad you're digging the video Joseph, keep us updated. Thanks for watching! 😊👍
- Rebecca
You didn't mention these in the video, but I'm all about the cubes with clean & dirty sides. If done right, they don't take up any extra space and let you slowly start to migrate clean clothes to the dirty side as your trip progresses, which is awesome.
I've been loving my Acteon clean/dirty cubes! Eagle Creek makes some too, and I'm pretty sure there are others.
Hey Scott! We're glad you've found some packing cubes that are working well for you. It sounds like the Acteon are pretty solid from your experience, thanks for sharing! 😊👍
- Rebecca
I have a brand called taskin that I fell in love with, clean/dirty side. Clamshell, Compression cubes with double ykk zipppers. They're incredible
@@twistedxvengeance thanks for the recommendation, those seem to be EXACTLY what I was looking for!!
Im glad i found this video
Thanks for this great guide! Really brought up some points I wasn't considering before. I saw you showing the eagle creek and osprey packing cubes quite often (not only in this video). I was wondering now, as they are both made from nylon how sustainable they are. Do you have any information if they are made e.g. from recycled material? Or do you know of more sustainable alternatives?
Thanks again for your great work makes it actual fun to do the research on new travel gear :)
You got it, Daniel! We're glad to hear that you found the guide helpful. Eagle Creek also have their Pack-It Specter Tech Cubes that are made with bluesign® approved materials. You can check them out in our Eco-Groovy Gift Guide here th-cam.com/video/TQJoiLp-txk/w-d-xo.html 😊🙌
- Rebecca
I don't know how responsibly their made, but I have the blue Eagle Creek one and have been using it for 6+ years. I use it for diapers and related supplies on flights and it gets a LOT of use. We travel a lot, and in a 6 hour flight you might need to do 3 or more changes just on the plane. So lots of in and out of the bag, rough handling, etc. I like the travel packs of wipes for flights and the edges of the package can be sharp. It's held up with no visible wear whatsoever. So if nothing else, it's quality and isn't going to end up in the landfill after 2-3 years of use.
I used them for a long weekend break - perfect!
What sort do you recommend for: 1. electrical stuff eg chargers.
2. Toiletries?
i love this video!!! thank you so much for your information and easy explanation. im not naturally organized, so all the tips you gave may seem simple to others, but were super helpful for me. thank youuuuuu!!!😃
Thanks for watching 😃
-Eric
Great reviews - super helpful!
Glad you're finding the reviews helpful, Sarah. Stay tuned for more! 😊👍
- Rebecca
Amazing video!! Thank you for sharing it ✈️
Glad you're digging it Travelstagram! 👍👍
- Rebecca
Very helpful, thanks!
Glad you found the video helpful, Sonja! 😊
- Rebecca
Wonderful tips. Thank you.
I bought some packing cubes on Amazon and I'm very happy with them. They were very reasonably priced and still good quality
That's awesome, Delphine! It's great that they're woking well for you. Packing cubes really are a game-changer.
- Rebecca
Amazing video, loved the details that usually you dont find in other guides, well done!
Thanks for watching! 😃
Thank you
Great channel and great camera angles. I went overboard buying too many Eagle Creek packing cubes: tube cubes, garment options with folding boards. I've had great experience with Eagle Creek's ultra thin, transparent, and durable Spectre series featured in this video. I've found I've trended toward using fewer and bigger cubes. Before, I'd use separate cubes fit boxers, socks, undershirts, t-shirts. I've stated consolidating multiple categories into the same cube. I'm in the habit of using separate cubes for dirty clothes. I use blue for dirty clothes, transparent white for clean. [Conclude OCD too much information droning.]. Chase Reeves had the same experience of trending toward fewer and bigger packing cubes.
Hey jkirk1626 - thanks for sharing your experience with us. We know that optimizing your travel gear isn't always easy, but we're glad you've been able to find a system that works for you. Keep us updated! 😊👍
- Rebecca
I bought budget ones just to try out a few years ago and love them. They still work very well but the zippers are starting to get hard to zip. I'm hoping to invest in some better ones before my next trip because I think they are totally worth it.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us Finding My Star - we're glad to hear that they're working well for you and your travel style! 😊
- Rebecca
Thanks so much - very helpful!
Thanks for watching! 😃
-Eric
This is a brilliant tutorial. Straight to the point and no silly gimmicks, ie singing, dancing, loud music. I'm not a seasoned traveller but plan to go to the USA for a city break for 5 days then on to a cruise for another 5 days, all on the same trip. What type of cubes would you suggest for a female suitcase carrying all the paraphernalia, such as casual/evening wear, shoes and toiletries please? Once again, well done on this great video
Great video! very helpful
Glad you found the video helpful NorseRanger! 😊
- Rebecca
Impresionantes accesorios
i like the organized look of it, but if i dont want to get all my stuff wrinkled and compressed, i can pack much more stuff in a suitcase without cubes.
i bought cubes when staying in a place that had only shelves and no drawers and put my underwear and socks in them.
i use them now to organize smaller items if i have more space in my bag than i actually need.
this channel is making me a traveller... time to save money :D
Welcome to the club zagvot! 😊🙌🙌
- Rebecca
New subscriber, thanks for the help.
Why have I never used packing cubes, I only used plastic bags. This is a fenomenal invention!
brilliant young man
👍🙌😊
- Nathan
Great vid
Very informative
Thanks for watching! 😃
-Eric
+1 for budget cubes. My "Funny Fancy" brand cubes (I did not make that up) at something like $5 for 3 from eBay have held up perfectly to a solid year of use!
Good to hear Jed! Sounds like the "Funny Fancy"s are winners 😂
- Tom
I was initially skeptical of packing cubes. I tried a basic set of Eagle Creek cubes and folder back in 2012, and I became a convert. My favorite cubes are the Eagle Creek Clean and Dirty cubes as I like the fact of keeping my clean stuff separated from my dirty clothes. I work as a firefighter, and I also use a large one of those cubes as a miniature suitcase when I go to work. I treat it rough, and it has taken several years of abuse. I also bought a few different colors and sizes of cubes and folders to organize my my luggage.
That's awesome, Keith! We're so glad the Eagle Creek packing cubes are working well for you. The clean and dirty cubes are great for separating your clothing and keeping you organized at the same time. It sounds like you've really put these cubes to the test. Thanks for sharing your experience with us! 😊🙌
- Rebecca
You seem like a pleasant travel companion. And it's nice to hear tips from a non-American for a change!! ha,ha.😊
I dig "high end" packing cubes too but the basic and cheaper ones are great not just for occassional travellers. They work pretty well as an organizer or separater inside your drawers. Something you guys can consider.
There's also budget compression packing cubes. I've bought a set of them a year or so ago. And they are awesome.
Hey Maxim - we're glad you've found some packing cubes that are working well for you! 👍
- Rebecca
Can you tell me which ones you have plz
Thanks for this, very useful. Great channel/website! Really cool.
Glad you think so-thanks for the support!
- Austin
I’ve been wondering what you think of a centre zipped packing cube like the Trakke Foulden
Wouldn't travel without them. I use Eagle creek two sided for dirty clean. Best invention imo. As well as specter compression. Just awesome and make life so much easier when traveling.
Sounds like you have a great system going on here Miamis4me! Glad you're digging them. 😊🙌
- Rebecca
Can you provide which travel backpacks did you use on this video? Tks. Great content.
Hi Vaneh - can you share timestamps to the bags you're curious about? Then, we can better help you out with specifics. If you'd like a list of all the bags we've reviewed, you can head here! packhacker.com/travel-gear/category/bags-and-luggage/
- Tom
packing cube is a game changer for packing. seriously!
Absolutely! 😃
Awesome video
I'm a bit of a packing cube nerd... Peak and Eagle Creek compression cubes 100%. I found this to be an excellent video! I would like to see how the peak design cubes fit into the Radian... I own the Peak Travel bag and am on the fence on the Radian. I've seen both reviews and it seems that you scored the Peak quite high in comparison to the Radian.
Welcome to the club Brandon - we can't get enough of packing cubes either! We're so glad you're digging the video. 🙌😊
- Rebecca
Love it, thanks for the review! I love how he punches the packing cubes 😂
Thanks for watching 😃
-Eric
Great help thank you
You're welcome!
- Austin
Yes I do use packing cubes...even in my purse :)
Nice! What size of a cube goes in your purse Mello Lev?? Sounds interesting
- Tom
These are great tips
Thanks for watching, Trevor!
-Eric
Excellent VDO. Xx
👍🙌😊
- Rebecca
So helpful I’m in Australia and brands are limited - but now I know what I am looking for !!
Thanks for watching! We’re happy to help 😃
-Eric
I bought a basic 4 pack from Amazon's own brand, and they work okay but are huge. Only 2 of them work for my backpack. The other two large ones only got in my suitcase, which I don't use for the majority of my travel. I'd like to get more of the small sizes.
We hear you missiworld - you can also select the sizes if you'd prefer a small or slim four-piece set instead. packhacker.com/travel-gear/amazonbasics/packing-cube-set/ 😊
- Rebecca
Amazing video
Yes! I find them very useful. I'm interested in only 2 things: DURABILITY and WEIGHT. I wish you had done a comparison. When packing light, every ounce matters!
Hey World Recipe of Life - we found the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cubes are lightweight, with some pretty durable materials packhacker.com/travel-gear/eagle-creek/pack-it-specter-cubes/ 👍 What are your current go-to packing cubes? We'd love to hear what works for you too! 😊
- Rebecca
@@PackHacker Hi Rebecca! I've been using the ebags ultralight for many years now and the mesh has started to rip all along the zipper. Poor design in my opinion. Thanks for recommending the Specter. This seems like a much better durable design with partial opening. I'll have to put them both on the scale for comparison.
Sorry to hear the eBags packing cubes aren't holding up well. Keep us updated World Recipe of Life! 🙌
- Rebecca
I happenstance upon your video, as a gal (62) I can see your videos might be quite useful. I subscribed.
Glad you're digging them Yvonne - stay tuned for more! 😊👍
- Rebecca
Great feed 😎
Glad you're digging it The Vagabond Lawyer Shivangi Sharma! 👍
- Rebecca
An amazing video. You explained the types and styles so clearly and concisely. A well planned and delivered video. I will definitely be checking more of your videos and your web site. Great job !
Hey RefinedSimplicity - thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, we're so glad you're digging the video! Stay tuned for more! 😊🙌
- Rebecca
Hello,
Thankyou, I appreciate your get to the point style and will check you you website and will subscribe.
Does anyone make a compression cube that can also have access from two sides. Like a clean and soiled side.
Thankyou,
Douglas
What about dimension? Are most packing cubes at the right dimension to fit into the standard backpack (of limit dimension for a hand luggage for air flights)?
Hey Michael - most packing cubes are available in a range of sizes and some even come in sets. The majority of the time, the packing cubes are the right size for carry-on bags, but we always test this in our reviews. As an example, with the AmazonBasics Packing Cube Set packhacker.com/travel-gear/amazonbasics/packing-cube-set/ - we go through all of the sizes and how we use them, for instance, the largest packing cube which will take up almost all of the room in your pack. Hope this helps! 😊
- Rebecca
Traveling to Europe with a husband and 2 young children, I packed an outfit a day in a cube, so the kids could be independent when getting ready each morning. The dirty clothes went into the cube they just emptied. It took a bit of time to pack that way, but saved time and energy on the trip.
Good call 😃
-Eric