HOW TO USE PACKING CUBES FOR TRAVEL
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This post is about how to use packing cubes when packing for travel
If you’ve ever been trying to pack for a travel adventure and found yourself buried in the chaos of all your travel essentials - you’re not alone.
Packing cubes have been one of my biggest packing essentials that I’ve been using for years and if you’re not already using them - I believe you should be and I’m going to tell you why.
Firstly, what are packing cubes? Think of them as your secret weapon for organised travel. These handy tools can turn even the most cluttered suitcase or backpack into a well-ordered masterpiece.
In this guide, I’ll share with you the best packing cubes for carry-on luggage and share expert tips on packing a backpacking backpack to maximise every inch of space.
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This post is about the best packing cubes and how to use packing cubes when packing for travel
Quick Guide to the Best Packing Cubes
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WHAT IS A PACKING CUBE?
A packing cube is basically a lightweight fabric pouch with a zipper, designed to keep your suitcase organised. Think of it as a mini drawer for your luggage. They come in different sizes, so you can pack things like socks, shirts, or even whole outfits into separate cubes. Most are made from nylon or polyester, which makes them super light and durable.
There are different types of packing cubes.
The standard waterproof packing cubes are great for your everyday items. There are also slim packing cubes for backpacking trips and for slotting into smaller, awkward spaces in your luggage. A great style of packing cubes are compression packing cubes for travel. These are exactly as they sound. They have two zips and you pack everything in, zip up one zip to close then zip the other to compress it all.
Using packing cubes is just organising your belongings whilst you’re travelling. They help reduce wrinkles in your clothes and another benefit is if you have to take things out of your bag at airport security. You no longer have to rummage through your belongings to find something as you can just easily take out different packing cubes.
Pro tip: get cubes with mesh tops. They let you see what’s inside without unzipping everything. And if you’re sharing a suitcase with someone, different coloured cubes make it easy to keep your stuff separate.
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Why use packing cubes
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If you’ve ever felt like packing for a trip is more stressful than it should be, packing cubes might just become your new best friend. They’re simple, lightweight, and incredibly effective at transforming a chaotic suitcase into a tidy, organised travel kit. Here’s why you should consider using them:
Stay Organised: Packing cubes help you separate your clothes into categories - tops in one cube, bottoms in another, and socks or undies in a smaller one. You can use them to keep your electronics and chargers together, stash away your toiletries, or even as a makeshift pillow in a pinch. No more digging through a jumbled mess to find what you need!
Save Space: By folding or rolling your clothes into the cubes, you can pack more efficiently. The cubes compress your items, freeing up extra room in your suitcase for souvenirs!
Quick Access: Need your swimsuit for the beach? Grab the cube you packed it in without disturbing the rest of your bag. It’s like having drawers in your luggage.
Reduce Wrinkles: Clothes stay put inside the cubes, which means less shifting and fewer wrinkles. No one wants to spend their vacation ironing!
Easy Unpacking: You can keep your clothes in the cubes and slide them directly into a hotel drawer. It saves time and keeps everything neat during your trip.
Packing cubes are affordable, lightweight, and available in all sorts of sizes. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional road tripper, they make packing - and your overall travel experience - so much smoother. Trust me, once you try them, you won’t look back!
Best packing cubes for your needs
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Choosing the right packing cubes depends on your travel habits, budget and what you value most in a product. With so many brands offering different features, it can be tricky to know where to start. After experimenting with various options, I’ve found that certain brands stand out for specific needs.
If you’re looking for something reliable and versatile, Eagle Creek is one of the best-known names in the packing cube world. Their Pack-It Cube line is one of my favourites, because of its high-quality materials, durability, and thoughtful design. The cubes are made of lightweight nylon and often feature a mesh panel on top, which makes it easy to see what’s inside without unzipping. They’re a bit of an investment, but they’re built to last, making them ideal if you travel often or need gear that can withstand heavy use.
If you are on a tight budget, Amazon Basics Packing Cubes are a fantastic choice. They’re simple, functional, and affordable. They come in a set of four at a price point that won’t break the bank. While the materials might not feel as premium as higher-end options, they hold up surprisingly well for casual use. If you’re new to packing cubes or only travel occasionally, these are a great way to test the waters without spending too much.
If saving space is your top priority, Gonex Compression Packing Cubes are a lifesaver. They feature an extra zipper that compresses the contents of the cube, allowing you to pack more in less space. These are perfect for longer trips or if you are trying to fit everything into a carry-on. The cubes are made from durable ripstop nylon, so they can handle a bit of overstuffing without tearing.
If you love outdoor adventures, Osprey Ultralight Packing Cubes are worth a look. They are designed for backpackers and hikers. These cubes are incredibly lightweight and slim, making them perfect for fitting into narrow backpack compartments. They may not hold as much as traditional cubes, but their minimalist design is ideal if you prioritise weight and efficiency.
If you frequently deal with wet or dirty clothes, BAGAIL Waterproof Packing Cubes are a great option. These cubes are made with water-resistant materials, so you can throw in damp swimsuits or dirty hiking gear without worrying about the rest of your clothes getting wet or stained. They’re also great for separating clean and dirty laundry on the way home.
Finally, if you like a touch of luxury, brands like Antler offer packing cubes that are both stylish and functional. They are known for their sleek and modern designs, that often feature high-quality materials, durable zippers, and thoughtful details that make them feel premium.
When it comes to size of packing cube most brands offer a variety of cube sizes in a set, which are perfect for different items and suitcase sizes. The small cubes are great for underwear, socks, and accessories, while the larger ones are ideal for clothing items. And for those who need to pack a bit more, extra-large cubes are also available.
The best packing cubes for you will depend on your unique needs and travel style. Whether you’re after durability, affordability, or specialty features like compression or waterproofing, there’s a brand out there to match your priorities.
Eagle Creek Pack-It
Amazon Basics
Gonex
Osprey
Bagail
Antler
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How to use packing cubes
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Packing cubes are a game-changer for keeping your suitcase organised and your travel stress-free. If you’re new to them, here’s a quick guide on how to use packing cubes effectively:
Choose the Right Sizes: Packing cubes typically come in sets with small, medium, and large sizes. Use small cubes for socks, underwear, and accessories; medium cubes for shirts and shorts; and large cubes for bulkier items like sweaters or jeans. Matching the cube size to your items ensures everything fits snugly.
Decide on Your Packing Method: Organise your cubes by clothing type (e.g., tops in one cube, bottoms in another) or by outfits (e.g., day-by-day outfits in a single cube). Some travellers also use dedicated cubes for workout gear, sleepwear, or beach clothes, depending on the trip.
Fold or Roll Your Clothes: Rolling works great for maximizing space and minimizing wrinkles, while folding is better for bulkier items or clothes that need to stay crisp. Neatly arrange items in each cube to make the most of the available space.
Pack Your Suitcase Strategically: Once your cubes are packed, arrange them in your suitcase like Tetris blocks. Place larger cubes at the bottom, medium cubes on top, and smaller ones tucked into corners or gaps. This not only maximizes space but also keeps everything organized.
Unpack with Ease: When you arrive, either keep your clothes in the cubes or transfer them directly to drawers. If you’re moving between multiple destinations, the cubes keep your suitcase tidy and make repacking effortless.
Use Compression Cubes Wisely: If you’re using compression cubes, avoid overstuffing before zipping the compression layer. They’re excellent for saving space, especially for longer trips or carry-on packing.
Packing cubes make packing, unpacking, and staying organized on the go so much simpler. Once you try them, you’ll never look back!
The best packing cubes
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Best Overall: Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube Set
Eagle Creek is a fan favourite for a reason. Their Pack-It Cube Set includes three cubes of varying sizes (small, medium, and large) that are perfect for any trip. The lightweight nylon material is durable and easy to clean, and the mesh top lets you see what’s inside without opening them. I’ve used these on trips ranging from weekend getaways to two-week adventures, and they always hold up beautifully. They’re a little pricier, but they last forever, making them worth the investment.
Best for Budget Travellers: Amazon Basics Packing Cubes
If you’re looking for something functional without breaking the bank, Amazon Basics Packing Cubes are a solid choice. You get a set of four cubes for a fraction of the cost of other brands, and they come in a variety of colours. The zippers are surprisingly sturdy for the price point, and while the material isn’t as high-end as pricier options, it gets the job done. I recommend these if you’re just dipping your toes into the world of packing cubes or want something affordable for occasional trips.
Best for Compression: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
If you’re an over-packer compression packing cubes are a lifesaver. The Gonex Compression Packing Cubes have an extra zipper that lets you compress your clothes even further, saving a ton of space in your suitcase. These are perfect for longer trips or when you’re trying to pack everything into a carry-on. They’re made of ripstop nylon, so they’re durable enough to handle heavier loads.
Best Packing Cubes for Checked Luggage : Gorilla Grip
The Gorilla Grip packing cubes are incredible when it comes to making the most of your suitcase space. They come in a set of six, giving you plenty of options to organise all your belongings. They are made from durable 210T polyester material which is tear resistant. They also feature 2 way, slip resistant easy pull zippers that make zipping the bags seamless as well as including a drawstring closure for the laundry bag
Best for Backpackers: Osprey Ultralight Packing Cubes
If you travel with backpacks instead of suitcases, Osprey’s ultralight cubes are a game-changer. They’re incredibly lightweight and slim, making them perfect for fitting into narrow backpack compartments. Despite their minimalist design, they’re surprisingly sturdy and can hold a good amount of clothing. I’ve used these for camping trips and loved how easy they were to pack and access.
Tips and Tricks: How to Pack Using Packing Cubes
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Here are some hacks for how to pack packing cubes like a pro:
Roll Your Clothes for Maximum Space
Rolling clothes isn’t just great for saving space; it also minimizes wrinkles. When you roll tightly, you’ll fit more into each packing cube, making the most of the space you have. This is especially useful for larger cubes where you can fit bulkier items like jeans or sweaters.Group Items Logically
Organise your cubes in a way that makes sense for your trip. For instance, keep similar items together, like tops in one cube and bottoms in another. Alternatively, you can pack by occasion - beachwear in one cube, formalwear in another. This makes it easier to grab what you need without unpacking everything.Use Compression Cubes for Extra Space
Compression packing cubes are a lifesaver for over-packers or when traveling with just a carry-on. Pack your clothes normally, then use the extra zipper to compress the cube, reducing its size. Just be cautious not to overfill before compressing, as it could strain the zippers.Keep Essentials Separate
Dedicate a small cube for essentials like underwear, socks, or toiletries. Having these items in one place saves you from digging through your suitcase when you need them quickly.Layer by Priority
Pack cubes you’ll need first on top. For example, if you’re heading straight to the beach, put your swimwear cube on top of your suitcase for easy access.Utilize Odd Spaces in Your Suitcase
Packing cubes make it easy to fill every nook and cranny of your luggage. Slide smaller cubes into gaps or lay flat cubes on top of others to make the most of your space.Repurpose Cubes During Travel
Once you’re at your destination, use your packing cubes to keep your hotel room organized. You can also use one as a laundry bag to separate dirty clothes from clean ones during your trip.
How to pack for backpacking with cubes: Final thoughts
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Packing cubes might seem like a small thing, but they can make a massive difference in how you approach travel. Whether you’re a minimalist who thrives on organisation or someone who struggles to fit everything into a suitcase, these handy tools are a game-changer. After a few trips with them, it’s hard to imagine packing any other way.
One of the best things about packing cubes is how versatile they are. They’re not just for keeping your clothes organised - though they’re amazing for that - but they also save space, help reduce wrinkles, and make unpacking a breeze.
The real magic of using packing cubes for travel is when you start to see how organised your suitcase can be. Instead of a chaotic jumble, you’ll have a neatly packed bag where everything has its place. It’s such a satisfying feeling - one that can make the start of your trip much less stressful.
At the end of the day, packing cubes are one of those simple travel hacks that’s worth trying. They’re affordable, effective, and once you’ve experienced the convenience they bring, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them.
I hope you’re now feeling confident about how to pack packing cubes and the best one that could suit your needs.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
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FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights using Skyscanner.
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