I'm kind of a packing cubes princess, have used several brands for the past 15+ years of world and domestic travel. I use the Eagle Creek Specter cubes, purchased several years ago, which fully open on 3+ sides. I wouldn't even consider a cube that didn't have this feature. A cube that doesn't fully open is just too hard for me to correctly load, with minimal to no wrinkles. I have so many cubes I should never have to buy more, and I'm not sure if EC even makes the design now that I think is best. I can see why the "fully opening" cubes aren't widely available now, they require longer zippers so they cost more to manufacture. Thanks for your thorough review.
I've sworn by Eagle Creek cubes for years. Thanks to the EC cubes I was able to go to Antarctica for 3 weeks with only a carry-on bag (I found a duffel from REI that only weighs 9 ounces) and waterproof backpack for landings and camping. The airline limited me to 22 pounds and I still had to bring ski pants and a ski jacket. It all fit in the EC cubes just fine. That said, I recently treated myself to a Briggs & Riley carry-on and plan to take full advantage of the fact that it's completely flat inside (the handle mechanisms are totally on the outside) so I've purchased the Biaggi 2 sided packing cubes to see if I can fill the space better. I do love my EC cubes, but the rounded corners once compressed tend to waste some space.
Putting my staff discount to good use, I bought some Eagle Creek packing cubes 10 years ago from the store where I worked; they’re still going strong. I use a mix of the compression cubes and regular packing cubes. When compressed the compression cubes are inflexible little bricks. The regular ones can be squished and stuffed to utilize pockets of space. I also sometimes pack packing cubes within packing cubes in that I pack my socks and underwear into the smallest size EC regular packing cubes then pack them inside larger compression cubes. I just like my stuff to be organized. We’ve downsized the amount we pack so much that I have a couple of extra packing cubes left over. I took one of the large ones and wrote an “L” on it in sharpie and it’s our designated laundry bag.
Bagail makes a set of Ultra light compression cubes that I recently purchased. I've used them on one trip so far and they worked well. They are very light weight and don't take up much room, but still seem very strong and really compressed the clothes down. Just another cheaper option that seems more comparable to your Eagle Creek than the regular Bagail compression cubes.
I haave been using the original Nomatic compression cubes. They are double sided and very solidly made. Since I bought mine, they have introduced multiple sizes, but the ones i have paired with a couple of shirt organizers work great for me.
Planning trip at some point. Never heard of packing cubes before. Now I can see why they should have been in my luggage years ago. Who knew? Now I know. Next stop Amazon.
Peak Design cubes are the very best in features and quality. The zippers having an opening at the top and the mesh in between is a huge plus in my opinion because it allows my clothes to “breathe” and not get moisture and odor build-up. I often unpack by uncompressing the cubes and placing them in drawers so they act as liners.
Are the zippers really good? I've had some packing cubes that always snag and eventually get stuck. Then they break off the zipper line😢. I'm willing to spend good money for good cubes. Are they worth it in your opinion?
@@NutsackfartThe zippers are super duper smooth. And the way you can pull it open with the tabs is so convenient. You won't ever have to touch the zippers when opening it with the tabs
Good review. For my electronic accessories, such as cables & plugs, I use packing cubes with a transparent side (and put a removable coloured tab on it, writing a count of the number of accessories that should be in the packing cube).
Bought a set of Baigail and will be using them for the first time for my 3 week UK trip with carry on only. Nervous but determined to make it work! I’ve watched a bunch of your videos foe inspo, thank you!
I bought a number of Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Compression cubes. Best purchase I made. I 💜 the 3 side open like a book cube to easily pack folded or rolled clothes. I pack socks, underwear & bras in the small. I also pack a swimsuit & sunshirt in the small. Another great feature is that two smalls stack on top of a medium in your suitcase/backpack. I recently bought some knockoff compression cubes but they aren’t as good as EC. Heavier, bigger & noisier zippers and odd shaped size. But for the cost if I can find the specialty top zipper that EC uses I can easily modify the bags to be a much better compression cube that zips open on 3 sides. I was going to try and make my own but the knockoffs were too good of a price and colors I like.
Nice vid. I will be picking up some. Suggestion to add metric size and weight to the graphics (the majority of the worlds population use metric, so great inclusion for the audience).
Would like to see u fill each of them up with the same amount of clothes to see how much they actually compress the clothes to ur standard packing cubes. And which compression cube compresses the best.
I use a softsided carryon with one deep compartment. Trunk-like. The problem is that you are going through your clothing every time you need something. That's where the cubes come in handy! Tees and underware in one, shirts in another, pants in another. Need a shirt, pull out the cube, grab a shirt, zip it back up and everything else remains organized. If you are going to use cubes...it only makes sense to use compacting cubes.
Great review, I need to pull the trigger on some and I’m already buying a Monos bag so I was thinking of buying theirs. I’d love to know which ones didn’t make the cut in your comparison. 🙏
Another con for the peak design is the difficulty of compressing the bag as the main compartment's zippers tends to open while performing that operation.
Great video! I have used regular packing cubes for several years. Love them for organizing my bags! I have a 10 day trip to Israel coming up and am seriously considering getting compression cubes! Thanks for great information!
Comment 103, Aug 12, 2024. Hoping you see this Nik! Okay I'm now sold on compression packing cubes! My 1st question is simply how many should I be looking at buying? I just joined the Away Together list and downloaded your packing list. Using your Mens packing list and a standard size carry-on, (Solo mail traveler here.) have you done a separate video on organizing compression cubes that might offer suggestions on how many you use? I like the idea of using the cubes at an Airbnb as organizers. Curious if you use the compression cubes in your backpacks? Nik, recent video u mentioned avoiding specialty hiking boots in favor of almost collapsible footwear. I love my waterproof Vessi from BC. Is there any specialty compression bag for such shoes?
Thanks for the great video. Question, though. You said you bought cubes that didn't make the cut. Could you do a video on those so we know which ones to avoid?
A good comparison video but I wish your background was not so dark as I found it difficult to see, particularly when the cube was dark as well. Sorry to complain but I did enjoy it.
Hi Nik and Allie. Kindly advise. First overseas trip is 3 Jan 2024. Watched your video and ordered Tripped Compression packing cubes. In short, my order has been lost and now I sit without these. Question is do I go buy normal packing cubes from a nearby Retailer or do I pack without cubes. The town I stay in dont sell compression packing cubes. Looking forward to your answer or even answers from anyone who had experienced something similar. Thanks
i bought a peak design, its not really worth the $$. i have some tom Bihn cubes and when i need compression... i just over pack it and push down with my hand while zipping. never really understood compression cubes. also, i keep an empty cube in the bottom of my bag for dirty. having a cube that has extra divider just adds bulk and weight.
Hi Nicole! This is very common and I’ve found it happens regardless of brand. My trick to put a finger behind the compression zipper while I’m pulling it to keep fabric from getting caught there.
I'm totally pro packing cube, but I've found no value at all to the compression ones I've tried. First, I don't want to put my dirty clothes back in with my clean, so I either have to travel with additional cubes or not compress anything once it's been worn. Second, I don't find that the compression helps all that much because it squeezes the outside but the middle still bulges out, so they don't really fit in the suitcase any better than uncompressed. I really want to like them, but I've not found any that live up to the promise.
Update with the new(er) tripped premium packing cubes? Just saw them on Amazon when I was about to get the normal set. It seems like they are just marketing it to be used uncompressed?? And they call them premium.
Tripped makes an exact clone of the PD Medium cube that's half the cost (rather, it's the same cost for the 2 pack from Tripped as the single cube from PD).
If the point of this comparison is to narrow down the choices in effort to avoid a bad purchase, then why didn’t you include a list of the ones that didn’t make the cut? This makes no sense. Curious why you didn’t compare the zipper cubes to the styles like the Indemand “4D Pack: triple your backpack & suitcase capacity” from Indiegogo?
100% agree. Compression packing cubes are significantly better for travel than plain packing cubes. Nice review.
Mark, I've been watching your videos for years. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch one of ours - and for leaving a comment. Cheers!
@@awaytogether no problem :)
Wolter!!!
What about for us women that might have clothes that wrinkle? Do compression cubes make your clothes more wrinkled? Not wanting to use an iron…thanks!
@@lyyou6339Use a wrinkle release spray! I did for 6 yrs as a road warrior! It works!
I think you need to add a ranking system when you do these styled reviews,I would help the indecisive people like me 😂
I'm kind of a packing cubes princess, have used several brands for the past 15+ years of world and domestic travel. I use the Eagle Creek Specter cubes, purchased several years ago, which fully open on 3+ sides. I wouldn't even consider a cube that didn't have this feature. A cube that doesn't fully open is just too hard for me to correctly load, with minimal to no wrinkles. I have so many cubes I should never have to buy more, and I'm not sure if EC even makes the design now that I think is best. I can see why the "fully opening" cubes aren't widely available now, they require longer zippers so they cost more to manufacture. Thanks for your thorough review.
I've sworn by Eagle Creek cubes for years. Thanks to the EC cubes I was able to go to Antarctica for 3 weeks with only a carry-on bag (I found a duffel from REI that only weighs 9 ounces) and waterproof backpack for landings and camping. The airline limited me to 22 pounds and I still had to bring ski pants and a ski jacket. It all fit in the EC cubes just fine. That said, I recently treated myself to a Briggs & Riley carry-on and plan to take full advantage of the fact that it's completely flat inside (the handle mechanisms are totally on the outside) so I've purchased the Biaggi 2 sided packing cubes to see if I can fill the space better. I do love my EC cubes, but the rounded corners once compressed tend to waste some space.
This is a great video! Very informative
Putting my staff discount to good use, I bought some Eagle Creek packing cubes 10 years ago from the store where I worked; they’re still going strong. I use a mix of the compression cubes and regular packing cubes. When compressed the compression cubes are inflexible little bricks. The regular ones can be squished and stuffed to utilize pockets of space.
I also sometimes pack packing cubes within packing cubes in that I pack my socks and underwear into the smallest size EC regular packing cubes then pack them inside larger compression cubes. I just like my stuff to be organized.
We’ve downsized the amount we pack so much that I have a couple of extra packing cubes left over. I took one of the large ones and wrote an “L” on it in sharpie and it’s our designated laundry bag.
I LOVE MY TRIPPED TRAVEL GEAR CUBES! USING ONE FOR A PILLOW(stuffed with a thin throw) IN MY TRIP IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS😊
Tripped has worked very well for us. I'm purchasing some for my sons to use so that we can all carry on for our international flight next month!
Bagail makes a set of Ultra light compression cubes that I recently purchased. I've used them on one trip so far and they worked well. They are very light weight and don't take up much room, but still seem very strong and really compressed the clothes down. Just another cheaper option that seems more comparable to your Eagle Creek than the regular Bagail compression cubes.
I haave been using the original Nomatic compression cubes. They are double sided and very solidly made. Since I bought mine, they have introduced multiple sizes, but the ones i have paired with a couple of shirt organizers work great for me.
Planning trip at some point. Never heard of packing cubes before. Now I can see why they should have been in my luggage years ago. Who knew? Now I know. Next stop Amazon.
I'm sold on Eagle Creek. I'll update how my trip goes next month. Thank you for the review.
how'd it go?
RIP
Packing cubes are a game changer especially when traveling with my toddler !
Similarly, I started with the Eagle Creek bags and later found the Tripped bags and made the switch.
Peak Design cubes are the very best in features and quality. The zippers having an opening at the top and the mesh in between is a huge plus in my opinion because it allows my clothes to “breathe” and not get moisture and odor build-up. I often unpack by uncompressing the cubes and placing them in drawers so they act as liners.
Are the zippers really good? I've had some packing cubes that always snag and eventually get stuck. Then they break off the zipper line😢. I'm willing to spend good money for good cubes. Are they worth it in your opinion?
@@Nutsackfart Zippers on my peak bags are top-quality, far superior to any other cubes I've owned. They are worth every penny, IMO.
@@NutsackfartThe zippers are super duper smooth. And the way you can pull it open with the tabs is so convenient. You won't ever have to touch the zippers when opening it with the tabs
@@josiah3043 I keep getting comments deleted about to make another account. Maybe it's my name?
@@josiah3043 ok thanks for the info
Good review. For my electronic accessories, such as cables & plugs, I use packing cubes with a transparent side (and put a removable coloured tab on it, writing a count of the number of accessories that should be in the packing cube).
That's a waste of more space. Special cable ties are the best for electronics. There are rubber and velcro straped ones so many to choose from
Really would have liked to see the list of the ones that didn't make the cut to know which ones to avoid
You never know when you need a video like this 🎉
Bought a set of Baigail and will be using them for the first time for my 3 week UK trip with carry on only. Nervous but determined to make it work! I’ve watched a bunch of your videos foe inspo, thank you!
I’m leaving for Europe for 3 weeks and definitely buying these. I really enjoy your videos.
I bought a number of Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Compression cubes. Best purchase I made. I 💜 the 3 side open like a book cube to easily pack folded or rolled clothes. I pack socks, underwear & bras in the small. I also pack a swimsuit & sunshirt in the small. Another great feature is that two smalls stack on top of a medium in your suitcase/backpack. I recently bought some knockoff compression cubes but they aren’t as good as EC. Heavier, bigger & noisier zippers and odd shaped size. But for the cost if I can find the specialty top zipper that EC uses I can easily modify the bags to be a much better compression cube that zips open on 3 sides. I was going to try and make my own but the knockoffs were too good of a price and colors I like.
Nice vid. I will be picking up some.
Suggestion to add metric size and weight to the graphics (the majority of the worlds population use metric, so great inclusion for the audience).
Great suggestion and very true!
Love Eagle Creek compression cubes! Packing cubes are a game changer, and have used them for many years.
Found you on Portable Professional, think im gonna get a Bagail set, THANKS
Welcome! Thanks for watching
Would like to see u fill each of them up with the same amount of clothes to see how much they actually compress the clothes to ur standard packing cubes. And which compression cube compresses the best.
Actually - what you see in this video was the same amount. Same exact clothes in fact!
I use a softsided carryon with one deep compartment. Trunk-like. The problem is that you are going through your clothing every time you need something. That's where the cubes come in handy! Tees and underware in one, shirts in another, pants in another. Need a shirt, pull out the cube, grab a shirt, zip it back up and everything else remains organized. If you are going to use cubes...it only makes sense to use compacting cubes.
Great review, I need to pull the trigger on some and I’m already buying a Monos bag so I was thinking of buying theirs. I’d love to know which ones didn’t make the cut in your comparison. 🙏
I’m a new subscriber and was wondering your thoughts on the Yeti packing cubes and the entire Yeti travel gear line ?
Another con for the peak design is the difficulty of compressing the bag as the main compartment's zippers tends to open while performing that operation.
I love the Eagle Creek!
Great video! I have used regular packing cubes for several years. Love them for organizing my bags! I have a 10 day trip to Israel coming up and am seriously considering getting compression cubes! Thanks for great information!
Very helpful thanks! Trying to avoid paying checked luggage fees.
Enjoyed all the goodies and I love Come Dine with Me and Four in a Bed - just found them on TH-cam !
Great video. Thank you! All of your videos are straight to the point. I appreciate it.
thanks, very helpful
Yes! I’ve been waiting for this video! We have some PD and REI ones but I need more!
Great to see a comparison of different brands, thanks!
P.S. Just curious, when did “colors” become “color ways”? 🤔
as always awesome, useful info!
Comment 103, Aug 12, 2024. Hoping you see this Nik!
Okay I'm now sold on compression packing cubes! My 1st question is simply how many should I be looking at buying?
I just joined the Away Together list and downloaded your packing list.
Using your Mens packing list and a standard size carry-on, (Solo mail traveler here.) have you done a separate video on organizing compression cubes that might offer suggestions on how many you use? I like the idea of using the cubes at an Airbnb as organizers. Curious if you use the compression cubes in your backpacks?
Nik, recent video u mentioned avoiding specialty hiking boots in favor of almost collapsible footwear. I love my waterproof Vessi from BC. Is there any specialty compression bag for such shoes?
Thanks for the great video. Question, though. You said you bought cubes that didn't make the cut. Could you do a video on those so we know which ones to avoid?
I won’t film a video but I’ll tell you here! Don’t get the cubes by Cambond
@@awaytogether Thank you so much! There's so many of them, it's a bit overwhelming
which are the best for carry on luggage not checked. trying for 2 weeks travel and will use hotel cleaning
Great review & succinct within that 10m range thank you.
Hey, do you think you could review closet inserts that are out there, as an alternative to buying new luggage? Thanks!
needs to show how they arrange in a 20, 21, 24, 28 etc suitcase. thats the most important part.
Doubt - have ever tried vacuum bags instead of compression cubes?
A good comparison video but I wish your background was not so dark as I found it difficult to see, particularly when the cube was dark as well. Sorry to complain but I did enjoy it.
Thanks for your feedback Carole!
Hey Nick. Did you try Osprey packing cubes?
This video is so helpful. Thank you!
Great job! Thank you very much! Might I ask you what brand the red carryon was at the 45 second mark in the video and is it still available?
Thank you! That's the Porter 46 by Osprey: amzn.to/3JkSP23 (affiliate link)
@@awaytogether Thank you very much, but was not available in the Umber Orange or Red.
Are the “open mesh” compression cubes any better or worse than the regular “closed” ones that you show in your vids?
I want to know how many items each bag can hold
I love my eagle creek
Thanks for this video!!! You saved me lot of time.
My pleasure! What did you decide to go with?
Great information
Well done! :D
Hi Nik and Allie. Kindly advise. First overseas trip is 3 Jan 2024.
Watched your video and ordered Tripped Compression packing cubes. In short, my order has been lost and now I sit without these.
Question is do I go buy normal packing cubes from a nearby Retailer or do I pack without cubes.
The town I stay in dont sell compression packing cubes.
Looking forward to your answer or even answers from anyone who had experienced something similar.
Thanks
With all due respect why are you asking them this question? Do your own thinking...
Did make my own decision on this. End result disaster. Lesson learnt for next trip.
Any thoughts on the thule packing cubes? I head to Bavaria in 14 days and plan carryon only. Please advise.
i bought a peak design, its not really worth the $$. i have some tom Bihn cubes and when i need compression... i just over pack it and push down with my hand while zipping. never really understood compression cubes. also, i keep an empty cube in the bottom of my bag for dirty. having a cube that has extra divider just adds bulk and weight.
Gonna get some
have you tried the monos compression cubes? is it worth the extra price? they seem a little heavier but hard to tell from what you can find online.
Is the mesh in peak design to help with air? If garments can’t breathe are you at risk of mould during your travel?
amazing video thank you!
thank you. great video
hello, is there a brand or a hack for the compression zipper when it gets stuck .....my compression cub zipper is always getting caught.
Hi Nicole! This is very common and I’ve found it happens regardless of brand. My trick to put a finger behind the compression zipper while I’m pulling it to keep fabric from getting caught there.
I'm totally pro packing cube, but I've found no value at all to the compression ones I've tried. First, I don't want to put my dirty clothes back in with my clean, so I either have to travel with additional cubes or not compress anything once it's been worn. Second, I don't find that the compression helps all that much because it squeezes the outside but the middle still bulges out, so they don't really fit in the suitcase any better than uncompressed. I really want to like them, but I've not found any that live up to the promise.
I decided not to show, " Because they didn't make the cut " legend
Another awesome video!
Update with the new(er) tripped premium packing cubes? Just saw them on Amazon when I was about to get the normal set. It seems like they are just marketing it to be used uncompressed?? And they call them premium.
I have a confession. When I see packing cubes now, I think of y’all. 😂
"Packing Cubes w/ Nik and Allie" haha
@@awaytogether packing cubes and touring foods. 👍🏻
Tripped makes an exact clone of the PD Medium cube that's half the cost (rather, it's the same cost for the 2 pack from Tripped as the single cube from PD).
Do you have it? What are your thoughts?
I thought great. Exact clone of PD. But not correct. No mesh side and does not fully open like PD. Big big difference!😢
What size cube do you recommend for an Eddie Bauer eddie bauer microtherm 2.0 down jacket? How many L ?
If the point of this comparison is to narrow down the choices in effort to avoid a bad purchase, then why didn’t you include a list of the ones that didn’t make the cut? This makes no sense.
Curious why you didn’t compare the zipper cubes to the styles like the Indemand “4D Pack: triple your backpack & suitcase capacity” from Indiegogo?
Love how you never actually show how much they compress
All made in china?