Packing for a trip can often feel like a strategic game of Tetris. Trying to fit everything you need into your suitcase while keeping it organized can be a real challenge. This is where Travel Cubes, also known as packing cubes, come to the rescue. These simple fabric containers can revolutionize the way you pack, turning luggage chaos into streamlined efficiency.
Travel cubes are essentially zippered pouches designed to compartmentalize your clothing and accessories within your suitcase. They help compress your clothes, separate items, and make it much easier to find what you need without unpacking everything. Whether you are a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, incorporating travel cubes into your packing routine can significantly enhance your travel experience.
There are numerous travel cubes available on the market, each with its own set of features, materials, and price points. To help you navigate the options, we’ve looked at a variety of brands and sets, considering aspects like quality, durability, and value. Let’s explore some of the popular choices and what makes them stand out – or fall short.
Some budget-friendly options, like the Amazon Basics 4 Piece Packing Cube Set, promise savings, but often compromise on quality. While inexpensive, the nylon material can feel cheap, and the stitching may not hold up to frequent use. Investing in slightly higher quality cubes can prove more beneficial in the long run.
Amazon Basics packing cubes in black, showcasing their basic design and zippered closures, ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking simple luggage organization.
For those seeking a balance between quality and price, the Away The Insider Packing Cubes are a noteworthy option. These cubes are designed with deeper walls, offering ample space, and feature minimalist aesthetics. They include a mesh viewing window and reliable YKK zippers, which are generally considered more durable. Once pricier than competitors, they are now more competitively priced, offering good value in a four-piece set.
Away Insider packing cubes in navy, highlighting their structured, brick-like shape and mesh window for visibility, suited for travelers who appreciate minimalist design and functional organization.
Several sets available on Amazon, such as Bagail 6 Set Packing Cubes, Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes, Bago 4 Set Packing Cubes for Travel, TravelWise 5-Piece Packing Cube Set, and Shacke Pak 5 Set Packing Cubes, share similar characteristics. Often made from thick nylon or ripstop panels with mesh sections, these sets can suffer from issues like snagging zippers and a less refined feel. The fabric and stitching may not always inspire confidence in terms of long-term durability.
Bagail 6-piece packing cube set in grey, displaying a variety of sizes and mesh tops for identifying contents, aimed at travelers needing comprehensive and affordable organizational solutions.
Brands like Eagle Creek are known for their quality travel gear, and their Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Set is no exception. Well-constructed like other Eagle Creek products, these cubes offer compression features to save even more space. However, some may prefer fully zippered designs, like those from REI, which offer rigidity and ease of packing.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate compression cubes in black and white, showcasing their durable construction and compression zippers for maximizing luggage space, designed for experienced travelers prioritizing quality and space-saving features.
GoRuck Packing Cubes are designed to fit perfectly within GoRuck bags. These split down the middle, featuring mesh panels on both sides for visibility and separation. While brand-specific designs can be a great fit if you already use their luggage, they might be less versatile for general use. The price point of GoRuck cubes has become more competitive recently, making them a more attractive option.
GoRuck packing cubes in black, emphasizing their robust, military-inspired design and central zipper for compartmentalized packing, targeting adventure travelers and those needing highly durable organizers.
For a more stylish and feature-rich option, consider the Peak Design Packing Cube. These cubes have unique tear-away dual zippers for easy one-handed opening and compression zippers for space saving. While feature-packed, they can be heavier and pricier than simpler alternatives, which might be a drawback for some travelers.
Peak Design packing cube in black, highlighting its innovative tear-away zipper and stylish design, appealing to travelers seeking premium features and aesthetically pleasing organizational solutions.
PKG Union Compression Packing Cubes offer compression features but come at a higher price than other top compression cube sets. Similarly, the Topo Designs Pack Bag 10L Cube, made from durable high-denier nylon, is a solid and well-made cube. Its main drawback is the lack of a mesh viewing panel, which can be helpful for quick identification of contents.
Topo Designs Pack Bag 10L cube in black, showcasing its rugged nylon construction and simple, durable design, suitable for travelers who value robust, matching gear within the Topo Designs ecosystem.
If budget is not a primary concern and ultimate durability and water resistance are key, Trakke Foulden Packing Cubes are worth considering. These are very strong and waterproof, but come with a premium price tag and are shipped from the UK, which can add to the overall cost.
Trakke Foulden packing cubes in brown waxed canvas, emphasizing their handcrafted, waterproof, and highly durable nature, catering to discerning travelers who demand premium quality and are less price-sensitive.
The Travelpro Essentials Packing Cube Set is designed to fit Travelpro carry-on suitcases. While reasonably priced, they may not match the quality and ease of use of top picks. Users have noted issues with zippers catching and the lightweight material being slightly harder to pack compared to similar sets like the Eagle Creek Isolate set.
Travelpro Essentials packing cube set in grey, demonstrating their functional design and compatibility with Travelpro luggage, targeting frequent travelers seeking brand consistency and practical organization.
Lastly, Yeti Crossroads Packing Cubes offer expandable features and good construction, surprisingly at a more accessible price point for a premium brand. However, even these are more expensive than sets like the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set, while offering similar functionality.
Yeti Crossroads packing cube in navy, highlighting its expandable feature and durable build, appealing to Yeti brand enthusiasts and travelers looking for robust, versatile packing solutions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel cubes depends on your individual needs and travel style. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, basic sets might suffice, but investing a bit more can get you improved durability and features. For frequent travelers, opting for mid-range to premium cubes from brands like Away or Eagle Creek can offer a better balance of quality and value. Features like compression, viewing windows, and durable zippers can further enhance the functionality of your travel cubes. Ultimately, travel cubes are a fantastic tool for any traveler looking to optimize luggage space and stay organized on the go. By considering your priorities and exploring the available options, you can find the perfect travel cubes to make your next trip more enjoyable and less stressful.
