Nobody likes spending their trip fishing through a bag looking for a charging cord, which is why packing cubes are an extremely useful packing tool for travelers. The best packing cubes organize and separate clothes and gear within a bag, plus they can help compress said gear to help you fit more into your luggage. 

The staff at GearJunkie is constantly on the move, so most of us already have our favorite packing cube setup. But there are countless options out there, so to find the best ones, we loaded up our gear and tried out dozens of packing cubes. Over the course of a few months (and thousands of miles), we settled on our favorite options for organizing clothes, keeping our tech handy, and for separating our dirty laundry.  

You can head straight to our comprehensive buyer’s guide and price & value section at the bottom of the article. Our comparison chart can also help you make a decision. Otherwise, read our complete gear guide below.

Editor’s Note: For our November 14, 2024 update, we added a Price & Value section to show what buyers get with different price points. 

The Best Packing Cubes of 2024

Packing Cubes Comparison Chart

How We Tested Packing Cubes

Our Expert Tester

GearJunkie Affiliate Managing Editor Billy Brown has traveled to almost every corner of the world testing gear. Over the years, he has lost too many checked bags, so he’s obsessed with traveling only with carry-ons. This makes him a stickler for maximizing bag space, making packing cubes an essential item for him. 

Billy’s obsession with not checking bags made him an excellent candidate for testing a packing cube’s ability to fit more gear into a small space. His need for organization was also ideal for evaluating specialty items like tech cubes and toiletry bags. 

Our Testing Process

We evaluated over a dozen different packing cubes and sets over the course of six months. We tested the cubes at home, doing quality control and durability tests and we took them on the road with us to see how they performed in real-world situations. 

For the at-home tests, we stuffed the cubes to capacity and beyond. This showed us not only how much they could hold but also how well the seams and zippers held up to being overstuffed. We also did other durability tests, like pulling and twisting the zippers to test for fragility. Any cubes that did not survive the abuse did not make it onto this list. 

On the road, we tested how well the cubes fit into standard luggage, as well as the conditions of the clothes when we unpacked. When applicable, we tested a product to see how it performed its specific purpose. For instance, we checked to see how easy it was to access the Thule Subterra Power Shuttle’s inner pockets while in an airline seat and how well our toiletries stayed organized after being jostled and shaken in the Peak Design Wash Pouch.

This guide exclusively covers packing cubes. For more travel gear suggestions, check out our guides to the best travel backpacks and travel pants. 

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Packing Cubes

There is no end to the variety of packing cubes out there, which can make picking the right ones a chore. But there is a method to finding the right ones for you. Here are a few things to consider. 

Sizes 

It’s always a good idea to find packing cubes that come in multiple sizes. That way, you can have a cube for different items, like a larger one for shirts and pants, and smaller ones for socks and underwear. Varying sizes also allows you to Tetris them into whatever bag you’re using. The Thule Subterra Power Shuttle and Orvis LT Small Packing Cube come in multiple sizes.  

Material

If you want to cram as much into your packing cubes as possible, you’re going to need one with durable material. Subpar packing cube material can rip or burst at the seams when you try to overstuff them. Look for packing cubes with ripstop nylon or heavy-duty Cordura, like the Thule Compression Cube Set or the Orvis Trekkage LT Field Notes Wallet.

Zippers

The zippers can be a weak point in a packing cube. Weaker ones can burst open when they’re put under the stress of an overpacked cube. Also, the pull tab can get jammed when you try to ratchet it closed. Every cube on this list had zippers that held up to extensive stress testing. 

Visibility

Being able to see the interior of a packing cube isn’t a necessity, but it’s a nice perk. Mesh or clear material allows you to see the contents inside a cube for easy identification. This can prevent you from having to fish around in a bunch of cubes to find your lucky boxers. The Thule Compression Cube Set and Orvis LT Small Packing Cube both offer excellent interior visibility. 

Compression

If you want more space in your pack, compression cubes like the Thule Compression Cube Set are an excellent choice. These cubes have a zipper running the perimeter of the cube. You can pack the clothes when it’s unzipped, then crank the zipper down to compress the contents down to a smaller size. 

This is extremely useful for saving luggage space, but it will most likely result in wrinkling your clothes. If you have dress clothes that you’d like to keep wrinkle-free, compression cubes should be avoided. 

Types of Packing Cubes

Most compression cubes are similar in shape and utility. They’re cube-shaped (duh) compartments that separate your clothes and organize your luggage. But there are also more specialized options that are designed for specific needs. 

Toiletry Bags

Most often water- and stain-resistant, toiletry bags are designed for carrying your bathroom gear. The best ones, like the Peak Design Wash Pouch have compartments for things like your toothbrush, razor, toothpaste, shaving cream, deodorant, contact lens case. They’re extremely useful for keeping your toiletries in one place. 

Tech

If you travel with electronics, a tech pouch like the Thule Subterra Power Shuttle is a lifesaver. These pouches are usually on the smaller side, so you can stash them in an outer pocket for easy access. They often have elastic bands that will keep your charging cords separate and organized. There should also be compartments for power bricks, earbuds, and other electronic accoutrement. 

Documents

Many travelers have had that moment of panic when they can’t find their passport/wallet/keys/important documents during a trip. A travel wallet like the Orvis Trekkage LT Field Notes Wallet is a great way to avoid those mad scrambles through your luggage. Think of it as a tiny packing cube for paper and plastic.  

Shoe Bags

A shoe bag may be on the more peripheral side of things, but they’re a great way to keep your shoes and clothes separate. This can come in especially handy if you’ll be walking on sand or hiking off-trail. Shoe bags like the Peak Design Shoe Pouch can often fit one or two pairs of shoes. You should also be able to turn it inside out and give it a good washing once you get home.

Price & Value

Taken as a whole, packing cubes generally range in price from under $20 to around $60. The pricing depends on variables like material durability and heft to special features like compression and specific pockets for tech or toiletries. Here’s what you get in various price ranges. 

Budget

At the lowest end of the price spectrum, you can expect to spend around $20 for a smaller packing cube. You won’t find any dividers or compression here, but there are still some gems to be found. Our budget pick, the Orvis LT Small Packing Cube ($19), can fit seven extra large men’s t-shirts in each one with room for a few pairs of socks. Plus, the mesh top lets you see what’s inside without opening it. 

Mid-Tier

Most of the packing cubes you’ll find are probably going to be in the $25 to $50 range. Here, you’re more likely to find more durable materials and compression. Our top pick, the Thule Compression Cube Set ($45), is a good example: It’s made with durable 100-denier ripstop nylon and has a compression zipper to help maximize your packing space. 

Premium

If you’re looking for a more specialized packing cube, you might find yourself spending $55 or more. The Peak Design Wash Pouch ($60) is on the pricey side, but its multiple pockets and thoughtful design are very effective at keeping your toiletries organized and easy to find. Plus, the 200-denier nylon exterior means that this’ll probably be the only one you ever buy.

Frequently Asked Questions