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Best Packing Cubes 2024, Reviewed By Travel Experts

Best Packing Cubes 2024, Reviewed By Travel Experts

Just the right size to hold clothes, toiletries, shoes and more, the best packing cubes make packing your suitcase a more organized and streamlined process. Some cubes are sold in sets, like our top overall pick from Wandrd, while others are sold individually, like our favorite single cube from Peak Design. While sets offer the best value, buying individual packing cubes allows you to customize your own system.

From compression cubes to mesh organizers, we consulted with several frequent travelers, as well as Forbes Vetted senior travel editor Astrid Taran and gear editor Cam Vigliotta, to identify the best packing cubes from top luggage brands to help you stay organized in 2024. Ahead, you’ll find all the best packing cubes that meet the needs of your journey while protecting the contents you pack.

MOST POPULAR

Wandrd Packing Cubes (3-Piece)

Pieces: 3 | Dimensions: Small: 6 x 6 x 2.5 inches; medium: 6 x 11 x 2 inches (4.5 inches expanded); large: 12 x 11 x 2 inches (4.5 inches expanded) | Material: Nylon

Wandrd has somehow managed to work in nearly all of the most important qualities and features that a great packing cube should have. Not only do these attractive cubes have see-through front panels and handy grab handles, but the largest cube also has a separate expandable laundry pocket, so clean clothes don’t have to mingle with dirty ones. Best of all, the expansion and compression zippers let you squeeze out extra air to save space in your suitcase. Wandrd also offers 30-day returns and a lifetime guarantee.

What our travel expert says: “See-through packing cubes make a big difference,” says Forbes Vetted senior travel editor Astrid Taran. “Sometimes, in the midst of quick packing, I’ll forget which type of garment I assigned to each cube. These mesh front panels are stylish and make things easier to reach for.”

Pros:

  • Expandable laundry pocket
  • Compression zippers
  • Lifetime guarantee

Cons:


The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.


Thule Compression Packing Cubes (2-Piece)

Pieces In Set: 2 | Dimensions: Small expanded: 10 x 7 x 4 inches, compressed: 10 x 7 x 1.25 inches; medium expanded: 14 x 10 x 4 inches, compressed: 14 x 10 x 1.25 inches | Material: Nylon

These Thule packing cubes do the dirty work of pushing out all of that unnecessary air and saving several inches of space per cube, allowing you to fit quite a bit more clothing (or souvenirs) into your luggage. The two cubes are made from eco-friendly ripstop nylon that is extremely durable and water-repellent. Semitransparent covers allow you to see what’s inside the cubes, while handles make it easy to grab, carry and pack them. They’re also compatible with all different types of luggage; most carry-on suitcases can fit two medium-sized Thule compression cubes or one medium and two small.

What our travel expert says: “Durable, easy to use, perfect for a weekend away or an international voyage—I wind up using these cubes whenever I leave town,” says frequent traveler Makenzi Malvey. “Normally, I designate one cube for socks and underwear and the other for shirts, but they could just as easily fit bottoms or thicker layers as well. I didn’t think I’d use them as much as I do, but now I can’t really see traveling without them.”

Pros:

  • Semitransparent covers
  • Compression zippers
  • Sturdy handles for easy carrying

Cons:

  • Some customers say the cubes run small

Pieces: 6 | Dimensions: Small slim: 6.9 x 4.1 x 4.3 inches; small wide: 10 x 4.1 x 8.25 inches; medium slim: 10 x 4.1 x 4.3 inches; medium wide: 13 x 4.1 x 10 inches; large slim: 13 x 4.1 x 6.9 inches; large wide: 17 x 4.1 x 12.8 inches | Material: Nylon

Buzzy luggage brand Away is known for its aesthetically pleasing travel essentials; this set of six packing cubes strikes the perfect balance between form and function. Made of water-resistant nylon with transparent mesh panels, the pared-down cubes keep your belongings organized and secure while en route. The variety of sizes allows you to mix and match your cubes depending on the length of your trip. And, if you already own an Away Checked suitcase, this set nestles perfectly inside (those with the brand’s Carry-On should opt for the four-piece set instead).

What our travel expert says: “I love the Away packing cubes and after trying many types, these are the only ones I’ll ever use,” says Forbes Vetted beauty editor Neha Tandon. “The mesh is a nice touch for when I’m packing shoes or bringing back dirty laundry, and I like that they’re really easy to clean. I’ve tried less expensive packing cubes before, and they wore out and got dirty pretty quickly. They’re also very light and easy to compress.”

Pros:

  • Transparent mesh windows
  • Variety of sizes
  • Designed to fit perfectly inside Away suitcases

Cons:

  • Entire set won’t fit inside a carry-on

Briggs & Riley Large Packing Cubes (3-Piece)

Pieces: 3 | Dimensions: Medium: 8.5 x 13 x 3 inches; medium double-sided: 8.5 x 13 x 4 inches; large: 13 x 17 x 3 inches | Material: Polyester

If you prefer to pack belongings in a few larger cubes instead of many small cubes, then this set from Briggs & Riley is the perfect choice. While it’s specifically sized for the brand’s checked bags, it easily works with other suitcases and even backpacks. The set comes with three pieces, including one large cube and two medium cubes. One of the medium bags is a double-sided cube, which allows clean clothes to be separated from those that need laundering. The front panels on these cubes are made of breathable mesh, so you can quickly see what’s inside.

What our travel expert says: “Briggs & Riley has a reputation for quality, and their packing cubes are just as thoughtfully made as their luggage,” says Taran. “I appreciate the mesh panels on these cubes and love their style.”

Pros:

  • Large sizes
  • Transparent mesh panels
  • Machine washable

Cons:

  • Not ideal for those who prefer smaller cubes

Eagle Creek Reveal Packing Cubes (3-Piece)

Pieces: 3 | Dimensions: X-small: 4.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches; medium: 6 x 11 x 2 inches; large: 12 x 11 x 2 inches | Material: Poly ripstop

These packing cubes from Eagle Creek are made of fully washable polyester, with a large mesh window that allows you to easily view your clothes and other belongings. Other helpful features include reinforced handles and extra-long rope cord zippers for easy access. Because of their ultra-light nature, these packing cubes are great for use with a travel backpack, especially for outdoor excursions. The trio is available in a variety of shades, from green to yellow to black.

What our travel expert says: “I like that there are three different sizes and you can customize how you use them. I tend to pack differently depending on the trip, so I end up using the cubes for a wide range of items, from charging cords to undergarments to base layers,” says Forbes Vetted updates writer Francesca Sales. “They’re very sturdy and I like how you can see what’s inside them because of the mesh. The top handles are nice, too.”

Pros:

  • Transparent mesh windows
  • Available in unique colors
  • Extra-long rope cord zippers

Cons:

  • Won’t protect clothes from moisture

Pieces: 4 | Dimensions: 3.8 x 9.8 x 3 inches | Material: Polyester

If you want to stock up on packing cubes, Amazon Basics offers a four-piece set for a very reasonable price. In addition to this pack of medium-sized cubes, you’ll find sets of large, small and slim cubes—there’s an option for every trip. The polyester bags feature large mesh windows and side handles for easy carrying. Besides black, there are high-visibility shades of red, blue and green.

What our travel expert says: “These packing cubes are a bang-for-your-buck kind of product,” says Forbes Vetted editorial assistant Whitney Bruno. “The material they’re made of is a little flimsy, but I’ve been able to get great mileage out of them when packing a lot of thick clothes into my tiny carry-on. I would highly recommend these cubes, as they’re great for their value.”

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Transparent mesh panels
  • Available in high visibility colors

Cons:

  • Some reviewers say the zippers feel a bit flimsy
  • Not as durable as other options

Peak Design Packing Cube (Medium)

Pieces: 1 | Dimensions: 12.6 x 6.7 x 12.6 inches | Material: Nylon, polyester

In some cases, an individual packing cube is all you need. This one from Peak Design offers dual compartments to separate clean and dirty clothes, as well as a zippered panel that can compress the cube down to half its size. The shell is made of a weather-resistant blend of polyester and nylon with an abrasion-resistant coating, so it’ll hold up well to frequent use. In addition to this medium size, Peak Design also sells a small individual cube for shorter trips.

What our travel expert says: “I really love the solid construction of this cube—it has a lot of wear and tear resistance and I like that it can be washed without falling apart,” says Taran, who reaches for this packing cube frequently during her travels. “I also love that it’s water-resistant, as I have been caught in many rainstorms where my luggage gets wet, but my clothes are safe and dry.”

Pros:

  • Water-resistant
  • Durable construction
  • Compression zippers

Cons:

  • May not have enough storage for longer trips

Pieces: 1 | Dimensions: 6.9 x 10.3 x 3.2 inches | Material: Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)

While many packing cubes are water-resistant, their zippers (where water is most likely to leak in) are not rated for actual submersion underwater. Nite Ize differs from the rest, as its RunOff line of packing cubes and pouches (each sold separately) is fully waterproof, even to the point of submersion. While you may not intend to fully submerse your items in water, if your backpack falls in a puddle or if you bring a cube of gear along on a boating, swimming or surfing day trip, your items could get wet. Not only can the waterproof and dust-proof RunOff series keep your electronics and clothing clean and dry, but the cubes can also compress bulky items to save space in your luggage.

What our travel experts say: “Most packing cubes are merely designed to organize your essentials, but the Nite Ize Runoff Cube has the added benefit of protecting them too,” says Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta. “Its construction features the same waterproof material you’d find on bike-packing bags or dry bags designed for river rafting, which means it’s incredibly durable and ready to seal out all manner of moisture. Add in a waterproof zipper and anchor points to lash it down, and you’ve got yourself a packing cube that’s truly built for those big adventures that go beyond the beaten path.”

Pros:

  • Fully waterproof and can be submerged
  • See-through panel offers visibility

Cons:


Pieces: 1 | Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.7 x 5.5 inches | Material: Polyester

This packing cube from Mossio is cleverly designed to fit up to three pairs of shoes. You can place a pair of sneakers or heels in the middle compartment, slim slippers or sandals in the front mesh compartment and another slim pair in the interior mesh pocket. The shoe bag also has a handy trolly strap that slides right over the handle of a suitcase, which is convenient when you need to bring another pair of shoes but are maxed out on suitcase space. Plus, the trolly strap has a handy small zippered pocket on it that can stash keys, Band-Aids, blister pads or any other small item you want out of the way yet easy to find.

What our travel experts say: “A shoe cube has become essential for me,” says Taran. “There’s something unsettling about tossing my sneakers on top of my pajamas—I really prefer having shoes separated from the rest of my items. This cube’s trolley strap makes it a great option for those shoes that might not make the cut in your suitcase, like a hefty pair of hiking boots.”

Pros:

  • Fits up to three pairs of shoes
  • Trolley strap
  • Available in unique colors and patterns

Cons:


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

  • The Forbes Vetted team consists of avid travelers who are passionate about sharing their luggage shopping tips with readers, from finding the best carry-on backpack to the perfect hardside suitcase for any trip.
  • This article was written by Cassandra Brooklyn, a regular Vetted contributor and founder of the travel company EscapingNY, where she leads tours in Cuba, Mexico and Jordan.
  • The publishing of this story and its updates are overseen by senior travel editor and globetrotter Astrid Taran, who has used packing cubes on trips to more than 35 countries and heads up Forbes Vetted’s travel vertical.
  • To ensure our selections continue to stay first-rate, we update this roundup regularly. In its most recent March 2024 update, lifestyle editor Katherine Louie reassessed the picks on the list, checked all prices to ensure accuracy and and sourced expert quotes from Forbes Vetted staffers.

How We Chose The Best Packing Cubes

  • The Forbes Vetted travel writers read independent reviews and considered their own personal experience with having traveled extensively with packing cubes.
  • We took into account a recommendation from Forbes Vetted senior travel editor Astrid Taran, who uses Peak Design’s travel cubes during her own excursions, as well as Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who favors the Nite Ize Runoff cube on his many adventure trips.
  • We only selected products with stellar customer ratings—each one of our picks has earned an average of at least 4 out of 5 stars. We also considered common variables such as size, materials and features to guarantee a wide variety of packing cubes and sets for every type of traveler, at every price.

What To Consider In A Set Of Packing Cubes

To choose the best packing cubes for your travel needs, keep the following factors in mind:

Size

Consider what you typically pack, how much you usually pack and the sort of trips you tend to take. If you tend toward short trips with minimal luggage, you may be fine with a small set of cubes. Small packing cubes are ideal for toiletries, souvenirs or other small valuables, while medium-sized cubes can hold clothing, purses and shoes. However, if you tend to go on longer trips and lots of luggage, then you may want to go with a set that includes larger cubes.

Material

You’ll want to look for packing cubes made of durable materials that won’t rip with continued use. Nylon and polyester are popular choices, and each has the added benefit of being water-resistant. If you’re looking for something that’s waterproof, you should opt for a fabric designed for that purpose, like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). (The Nite Ize Runoff, listed above, is made with this material.) Some pieces feature mesh windows so you can easily view your belongings inside—the mesh also maximizes airflow, which can help reduce odors and keep your clothes feeling fresh.

Compression

Some packing cubes are designed with extra zippers that remove all the excess air between your belongings, creating several inches of extra room. Compression cubes are ideal for those who tend to overpack, since you can fit more in each compartment without sacrificing space. However, those who tend to pack light may prefer the hassle-free convenience of a packing cube without this feature, as the compression process is an extra step that adds a bit more time to your packing routine.


Are Packing Cubes Really Worth It?

While packing cubes may not be necessary for a quick weekend trip, they’re definitely worth it for longer excursions. Not only do they keep your clothes, undergarments and accessories neatly organized, they also save you precious suitcase space. In particular, compression packing cubes remove all excess air from your garments, so you can fit more items in your luggage. Plus, a tightly packed cube can help prevent your clothes from wrinkling while in transit.

How Many Packing Cubes Should I Get?

The number of packing cubes you purchase depends on what you plan on packing and the length of your trip. Generally, it’s a good idea to have one small cube for toiletries or small accessories, a medium-sized cube for clothes and a larger cube for bulky items. However, if you’re packing for a family vacation, you may benefit from a few extra cubes; this set from Away includes six pieces of all different sizes at a reasonable price.

Which Brands Make The Best Packing Cubes?

High-quality packing cubes are made by a wide range of brands, from luxury luggage companies to rugged backpack brands. After careful consideration, we named Wndrd Gear Packing Cubes the best overall, but there are several other brands with excellent designs for a variety of travel styles. Thule makes excellent compression-style cubes, Briggs & Riley is known for durable, well-made packing cubes and Eagle Creek offers incredibly lightweight cubes that won’t weigh down your luggage.


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