Best Packing Cubes for Every Kind of Trip (2026), Tested and Reviewed

The 12 Best Packing Cubes for Traveling Featured in this article I lived well over four decades of my life without thinking I needed packing cubes. I know how to pack, I thought. I can roll my things up tightly to fit in any carry-on suitcase or backpack . Are packing cubes really worth it? Why would I spend money on something simply to separate my workout pants and pajamas from my daily outfits? Then I bought a set, and I will never go back. Packing cubes are often scoffed at by r/onebag minimalists and those who can live three weeks out of a backpack with four outfits and a toothbrush. To their point, regular packing cubes do add weight (usually less than a pound), but compressible styles, like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Carry-On Set ($104) , , or Thule's Compression Packing Cube Set ($54) , are a game changer for overpackers. Even noncompression versions like Bagsmart Compression Cubes ($43) have labels that will help you take your packing organization to the next level. Beis' Packing Cubes ($68) Packing cubes are also critical for duffel bags and travel backpacks, where it’s harder to keep clothes folded and organized. They protect your things from dirt, damage, and sand. And they get your clothes to your destination with fewer wrinkles. They also provide privacy: If TSA decides to go through your stuff publicly right next to the security line (as happened to me one year when I packed an apparently suspicious-looking 20-ounce bottle of soda), they will only go through the offending cube instead of rifling through everything. You can also pack multiple family members’ clothes in the same suitcase using color-coordinated cubes. If you find you've overpacked your checked bag, it makes it easier to remove items to get it back to a proper weight. Unpacking is also much quicker and easier with a set of cubes. You don’t even have to take your clothes out-you can put the packing cubes right in the hotel drawers. If you're ready to give the packing cube life a try, or upgrade a current set, check out our list of road-tested favorites for every situation. For more travel gear, check out our guides to the Best Toiletry Bags , Best Luggage , Best Carry-On Luggage , and Best Travel Pillows . Updated January 2026: I've added packing cubes from Cotopaxi and Kulkea as picks, and cubes from Aer and a vacuum compression backpack from Airback as honorable mentions. I've also ensured up-to-date links and prices. I'm currently testing a packing cube-inspired carry-on from FlipSide. Other Great Packing Cubes Shacke Pak Packing Cubes for $29 (set of 8): These were pretty good quality for an Amazon brand; there's a sturdy handle and the material is slightly thicker than other packing cubes at this price point. I like the mix of mesh for breathability and opaque fabric for privacy. They come in nine colors, but the colors are clownishly bright (blue pictured above), and the...

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