The Best Packing Cubes For Travel & How To Use Them
You see packing cubes everywhere nowadays. They are used to help you stay organized when packing suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks. But which are the ones to own, and what should you be looking for before you purchase one?
Let’s take a look.
What Makes A Good Packing Cube
Packing cubes are only as helpful as you make them. Some attributes to look for are:
- Waterproof material
- Zip all around
- Have compression capabilities
- Come in different sizes
- The top has a window or net so you can see what’s inside
Top Packing Cubes To Consider For Purchase
Now that you know the qualities of a good packing cube, here are some of the best ones on the market to try. Since everyone shops at Amazon, this list is compiled from there based on bestsellers and ratings.
Veken Packing Cubes
Rating: 4.7/5.0 (24k+ reviews)
This set of six is super affordable and hits all the bullet points mentioned above except for being compressible.
Otherwise, there is a see-through top, it is made of waterproof material and comes in different sizes.
Bagail Packing Cubes
Rating: 4.6/5.0 (11k+ reviews)
This set of 8 comes with not just cubes for clothing but for cosmetics, undergarments, and socks, specifically. It makes your organizing that much easier. The only downside with these is that there is no see-through window to give you a sneak-peak or a reminder of what you packed inside.
Shacke Pak
Rating: 5/5 (17k reviews)
This highly-rated packing cube set is sure to fit your needs, featuring five pieces, including a laundry bag. The only issues are they are not compressible.
DIMJ Packing Cube Set
Rating: 4.4/5 (3.4k reviews)
This lovely packing cube set made the list because of its variety of sizes, plus the addition of a hanging toiletry bag and cubes for your shoes and travel gadgets. The versatility of options alone makes this set worth consideration.
The Best Compression Packing Cubes
In our research, most packing cubes are not compressible. In order to find that function and check it off the must-have list, you have to look for it specifically.
Why does compression capability matter? It’s especially important if you’re trying to pack lightly, minimize bulk and save space. For instance, if you’re only traveling with a backpack, then compression packing cubes can be a huge space saver.
Of course, it’s important to remember that compression cubes only work to save space, not create it where it doesn’t exist. So, don’t overpack the cubes! Instead, pack them approximately 70% of the way full so the compression function will work best.
A downside to selecting only for the compressible function is that your cubes are limited to carrying clothes only. As you can imagine, compressing shoes or toiletries will prove tricky!
Here are some of the highly-rated compression packing cubes we found on Amazon.
Gonex
Rating: 4.6/5 (8.7k reviews)
What’s great about this kit is the variety of sizes, and they all have compression capabilities.
Bagail
Rating: 4.6/5 (8.7k reviews)
This company is also listed above. This is their highly-recommended compression version of the packing cube. Watch their video as well so you can see how it works!
Cambond
Rating: 4.5/5 (1.8k reviews)
Here’s another popular product option to fulfill your travel packing needs.
How To Use Packing Cubes
You can divvy up how you decide to use packing cubes based on the trip, your suitcase, and your travel needs.
Organization
You can use packing cubes to organize how you pack your clothes. For instance, pack tops in one, bottoms in another, and intimates in the next.
To Divide Usage
You can also use them to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. In this way, they function as an alternative to laundry bags and save you from having to pack one.
To Keep Clothes Clean
Depending on your suitcase or bag, packing cubes can form the simple function of keeping your clothes separate from everything else. Doing this keeps them clean and allows you to pack the rest of your items worry-free of entanglement or dirt.
To Compress Space
There are regular packing cubes and then compression ones. Compression ones obviously have more power to compress your clothes and save space; however, regular packing cubes can do this as well, just on a smaller scale.
This function is super useful if you have limited space and want to pack more!
Create Capsules
Capsule wardrobes are an excellent way to pack. They ensure that everything you take with you matches with the next thing, creating unlimited outfit options.
Use packing cubes to separate capsule wardrobe categories, e.g., workout gear, day-to-night outfits, and swimwear.
Alternate Uses
While packing cubes are generally reserved for travel, you can also use them around the home. This is especially true of the larger sizes.
Consider using them to pack away seasonal clothing or items such as blankets or throws. An even more unique use is to pack away outgrown clothing you don’t want to donate (e.g., baby clothes).
Packing Each Cube
The advantage of using this product is that it creates efficiency and saves space while traveling. To further this advantage, roll your clothes within the cube itself. Doing this allows you to fit more clothing.
The exception to this is larger, bulky items like jeans and sweaters. Pack those folded flat and then layer the rolled clothing items on top.
Advantages & Disadvantages Of Using Packing Cubes
Pros of using packing cubes include:
- They save space and allow you to stay organized.
- Packing cubes help keep clothes clean.
- Using them allows you to unpack only portions of your suitcase, allowing easy access to items you need without disrupting the rest.
- They are water-repellant.
- Most are lightweight and easy to use.
Alternatively, there are some cons, including:
- You can’t see all of your clothes at once, which could make it difficult to find what you need.
- You somewhat lose the ability to get creative with packing to make everything fit, which can sometimes limit the amount in the suitcase.
- Most packing cubes are made of fabric and susceptible to damage, wear, and tear during travel, which means your clothes could be exposed.
In Summary
There are, of course, numerous packing cube options on the market. These are some of the most highly-rated and easily accessible through Amazon.
As always, take a look and see which will best suit your travel needs, and then take a chance and try it out!
Final Thoughts
Packing cubes are a simple and affordable way to make traveling easier. They are also a great travel gift for the traveler in your life. With the holidays coming up and winter vacation plans taking shape, a packing cube gift set could be the perfect thing!
Happy Travels!
Related Articles:
