Packing Cubes: Essential gear you didn’t know you needed
For many travelers, including me, packing cubes are part of our essential travel gear. If you’re not familiar with packing cubes, they’re these brilliant things that make packing and unpacking so much easier! Packing cubes are like mini suitcases; they are fabric cubes with zippers on three sides. Some may have straps inside just like a little suitcase, and the cubes in different sizes or types depending on what you needs. There are some cubes specifially made for electronics too. Packing cubes elevate packing to a whole new level of organization. Imagine being able to keep everything all compartmentalized and arranged, even in a limited amount of space like a backpack.
It seems contradictory- add more items to your packing to reduce the space your items take up but that’s exactly what packing cubes do. They’re not just cubes either and come in a variety of types and sizes to truly customize your packing. I love them because I don’t actually have to unpack those little items like socks, underwear, slippery swimsuits, or toiletries. Just grab that particular cube, set it in your drawer or shelf, and TA-DA, easy access! You’ve unpacked a whole drawer of goodies! You can fit multiple cubes in a drawer and the contents stay tidy.
Some sets include a small laundry bag too for your dirty clothes for added convenience. There are also special versions for your electronics to keep all those cords and plugs organized. Even when not in use, packing cubes are nifty because most sets are made to fit inside each other so they take up less space when storing. If you’re traveling light such a backpacking, many packing cube sets are water-resistant which can be hugely helpful to keep your items from getting soaked or dirty.
BAGAIL 8 Set Packing Cubes Luggage Packing Organizers for Travel Accessories
The BAGAIL set comes highly reviewed in many travel sites so I gave them a shot. I went with the cute 8 piece flamingo set (above) must say I am happy with them. The set had three BIG cubes which worked well for clothing items like dresses and evening wear. The shoe bag was a nice little bag; I was able to get a pair of tennis shoes with some strappy heels and sandals all in one bag. The fabric is lightweight compared to some other sets. The zippers are not as strong as some sets but for the price, I’m happy. I also replaced my larger, bulky cosmetic/jewelry bag with the one in this set and was impressed with how much it held.
Packing Cubes vs. Compression Bags
Compression bags, sometimes known as Space Bags are not what we’re talking about here. You may have initailly thought of the more common vacuum bags, those giant Ziploc bags you stuff the contents like pillows, winter blankets, and comforters than vacuum the air out by sucking all the air out with your vacuum. Those are one type of compression bags but there’s also travel compression bags. The difference is the travel bags do not need a vacuum to work! Remember though, compression bags reduce the space but NOT the weight of whatever is in them. I wasn’t thinking and tried to stuff a whole bedding set into one of those giant Ziploc bags. The sucker was heavy!!
Compression bags can also cause serious wrinkling which is why I only use them at home for blankets, or bedding and not the travel versions. Many travel compression bags also come with rounded sides which can make packing trickier. Make sure if you’re wanting to use compression bags for travel that you get travel compression bags- trust me, there’s a huge difference! They are NOT interchangeable. If you would like to read more about compression travel bags, Tortuga has a great article.
How to use packing cubes
If you’re familiar with Marie Kwondo’s Cruise Tips TV, has a few other recommendations if you want to check out a few more versions of packing cubes.
NOTE: The following packing cubes are highly reviewed and well-liked from various reputable sites. I chose the top three brands which were found repeatedly. I have not personally used them but trust the sites who reviewed these particular packing cubes.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set
Pros
- Lightweight & flexible
- Angled zippers create small “tub” shape, which is easier for packing
- Good range of sizes and colors
Cons
- Rounded edges can make it challenging to pack the cubes in layers within your bag
- Compression cubes can be hard to zip when packed tightly
- Roll top shoe sac isn’t airtight
- Higher price than other, comparable sets
Shacke Pak – Packing Cube Organizers
This packing cube set contains five different-sized cubes (ranging from small to large) to help maximize space in your luggage and keep everything organized! The mesh tops of the cubes are great for viewing what’s inside without having to open everything up, and the different colors of each cube make it easy to distinguish between the clothing items you have packed.
TRIPPED Compression Packing Cubes For Travel
- 6-piece set comes with two small cubes, two medium cubes, one stuff cube, and a laundry bag
- ultra-lightweight and soft ripstop Polyurethane fabric.
- not your typical vacuum bags-these expandable cubes use a two-zipper system to help eliminate extra bulk
- reinforced zippers are smooth and easy to use
- water-resistant
- machine washable