If you’ve ever opened up your suitcase to find a jumbled mess of clothes, chargers, and rogue socks, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there’s a solution savvy travelers swear by: the humble packing cube. Once brushed off as a gimmick, these zippered organizers have become must-have accessories for everyone from minimalist backpackers to organized vacationers.
For decades, I thought my own method of meticulous folding and rolling was enough—why add more weight with packing cubes? That is, until I tried a set. A single trip was all it took to convert me, and I haven’t gone back since. Packing cubes aren’t just about saving space (though compressible sets like Eagle Creek’s or Thule’s do wonders for over-packers). Even the basic versions, like Beis’ color-coded cubes, completely transformed my routine, helping me pack and unpack faster and keeping everything organized and clean.
Packing cubes are especially useful for duffel bags or backpacks, protecting your clothes from dirt and spills, and keeping them from getting wrinkled. They also make TSA inspections less invasive—agents can check just one cube instead of rifling through everything. For families or friends sharing suitcases, color-coded cubes keep everyone’s clothes separate and make repacking at the airport a breeze.
Unpacking at your destination is easy—just transfer the cubes to a drawer, no mess or re-folding needed. Whether you travel often or just take the occasional vacation, packing cubes will quickly become essential. If you’re considering trying them or upgrading your old set, here’s a rundown of our favorite, road-tested options for every type of traveler.
Why Not Just Use a Ziploc Bag?
It’s a fair question—Ziploc bags are cheap and transparent. But in practice, packing cubes are much better. They’re breathable, so your clothes won’t smell musty. They’re more durable, so no more mid-trip rips or shampoo leaks. And, crucially, some are compressible, letting you fit more clothes in your bag—without risking a burst seam or squished snacks.
How We Tested
Over months of daily use and on several trips, I tested each set for quality, zipper smoothness, and the ability to compress bulky clothes. Every set was put through its paces: Would it keep my clothes organized? Was packing intuitive? Would anything get lost or damaged? The best options made it to this list.
Our Favorite Packing Cubes
Best Overall: Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Carry-On Set
- Excellent compression, sturdy build, and mesh panels for visibility.
- Water resistant and features a handle for easy carrying.
- Set includes cubes of various sizes, including a split cube perfect for keeping clean and dirty clothes separate.
Best Budget: Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes
- Affordable, with a compression feature and a stylish finish.
- Comes in different sizes and options (2, 4, or 6 cubes).
- Durable and provides great space-saving.
Best Compression: Thule Compression Packing Cube Set
- Rigid and lightweight with impressive compression.
- Translucent Bluesign-approved nylon for easy identification and water resistance.
Best Luxe: Monos Compressible Packing Cubes
- Satiny nylon twill finish, antimicrobial interior, and gold-toned hardware.
- Designed to fit perfectly in Monos luggage; both 4 and 6 piece sets available.
Best Structured: Dagne Dover Roma Packing Cube
- Mesh design with stiff wire edging, great at keeping clothes perfectly folded and wrinkle-free.
- Stylish and safe for delicate items.
Best Lightweight: Peak Design Ultralight Mesh Packing Cube
- Extremely light; the XXS weighs just over 1 ounce.
- Made from recycled materials, highly compressible, and durable.
Most Versatile: Gossamer Gear Packing Cube Bundle
- Ultralight and capacious, with several shapes and sizes (including clear tech pouches).
- Particularly good for camping and work trips.
Best Machine Washable: Cram Packing Cubes
- Fully machine washable and tumble-dryable.
- Durable mesh design, best for trips likely to get dirty.
Best for Organization: Beis Packing Cubes
- Label inserts for the ultimate organizing experience.
- Comes in both compression and non-compression versions.
Also Worth Mentioning:
- Calpak Packing Cube Set: Lightweight, available in many colors, and includes a slot for labels.
- Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder: For business travelers wanting their clothes to stay folded.
- Travelpro Versapack+ Carry-on: Carry-on luggage with built-in packing cubes.
- Royce & Rocket Castle: A suitcase with built-in shelves designed around packing cubes.
- Other good alternatives include Amazon Basics, Away, GoRuck, Shacke Pak, and Gorilla Grip.
The Bottom Line
Packing cubes aren’t simply about fitting more in your bag; they’re about making your travel experience smoother, more organized, and stress-free. Once you try a quality set, it’s unlikely you’ll ever go back to the old way.
For further recommendations, check out WIRED’s guides for the Best Toiletry Bags, Best Luggage, Best Carry-On Luggage, and Best Travel Pillows.