Packing cubes are fabric containers that organize the contents of a suitcase or backpack. Fans say they make packing and unpacking faster and keep bags tidy. Skeptics say they add weight and cost without saving space. The truth depends on how you travel.
This guide explains the pros and cons of packing cubes, the different types and how to use them well.
What Packing Cubes Do
Packing cubes group items into separate compartments, such as tops in one cube and underwear in another. Instead of a jumble of clothes, your bag holds a few organized blocks.
Benefits of Packing Cubes
Organization
Cubes make it easy to find items without digging. You can grab the cube you need and leave the rest packed.
Faster Unpacking and Repacking
At a hotel, you can put cubes straight into drawers or leave them in your bag. Repacking is quicker, which helps on multi-stop trips.
Keeping Clean and Dirty Separate
Many travelers use one cube or a laundry bag for worn clothes.
Family Packing
Families can give each person a different colored cube in a shared suitcase. See luggage for families.
Compression
Compression cubes have an extra zipper that squeezes contents. This can save some space, especially with soft clothing.
Drawbacks of Packing Cubes
- Added weight, usually small but noticeable with weight limits
- Cost
- Wasted corners, since rectangular cubes may not fill every space in a bag
- Overstuffing with compression cubes, which can make bags heavy and strain zippers
Standard cubes save little space on their own. Their main benefit is organization.
Types of Packing Cubes
Standard Cubes
Simple zippered cubes, often with a mesh top so you can see contents.
Compression Cubes
These have a second zipper that compresses the cube once packed.
Double-Sided Cubes
Two compartments, often used to separate clean and dirty clothes.
Slim or Shoe Cubes
Thin cubes for tops, and shoe bags to keep dirt off clothing.
Toiletry Organizers
Toiletry bags with hanging hooks and compartments. Keep liquids in a separate clear bag for security screening. See travel toiletries and liquids.
Choosing Sizes
Most sets include small, medium and large cubes. Measure your bag’s interior and choose sizes that fit together. Some bag brands make cubes sized to their bags. For carry-on travel, a set of two medium cubes and one small cube often works well.
Materials
- Ripstop nylon is lightweight and durable
- Polyester is common and affordable
- Ultralight fabrics save weight but may be less durable
Check zipper quality, since zippers often fail first.
How to Pack With Cubes
- Plan your outfits first. See our carry-on packing list.
- Assign categories: For example, tops in a medium cube, bottoms in another and underwear and socks in a small cube.
- Roll or fold clothing to fit the cube’s width.
- Fill cubes firmly but do not overstuff.
- Place cubes in your bag, heaviest near the wheels or your back.
- Use gaps around cubes for shoes, chargers and small items.
Rolling vs. Folding in Cubes
Rolling soft items fits neatly into cubes, while folding structured clothing to the cube’s width reduces wrinkles. Experiment to see what works for your clothing.
Do You Need Cubes for a Backpack?
In clamshell backpacks, cubes help organize the main compartment. In top-loading packs, cubes make it easier to pull out groups of items. Some travelers prefer compression sacks or stuff sacks instead. See how to choose a travel backpack.
Alternatives to Packing Cubes
- Stuff sacks and dry bags
- Reusable zip bags
- Folding boards for business clothing
- Built-in organization in some suitcases
Who Benefits Most
- Multi-stop travelers
- Families sharing luggage
- Business travelers who want organized outfits
- Anyone who likes to unpack quickly
Who Might Skip Them
- Ultralight travelers counting every ounce
- People who pack very little
- Those whose bags already have many compartments
Caring for Packing Cubes
Most cubes can be hand washed or machine washed on gentle cycles. Check labels. Air dry to protect coatings and zippers.
Packing Cube Strategies for Different Trips
Weekend Trips
One medium cube for clothing and a small cube for underwear and socks is often enough. Keep toiletries and tech in separate pouches.
Multi-City Trips
Pack a separate cube with the next day’s outfit and sleepwear. When you arrive late, you can open one cube instead of unpacking everything.
Mixed Climates
Use one cube for warm-weather clothes and another for cold-weather layers so you can reach the right items as conditions change.
Business Trips
Fold dress shirts to the cube’s width and place them on top of the bag to reduce pressure and wrinkles.
Common Mistakes With Packing Cubes
- Buying a set before measuring your bag, leading to cubes that do not fit together
- Overstuffing compression cubes until zippers strain
- Using too many cubes, which adds weight and makes packing slower
- Mixing categories, which defeats the purpose of organization
- Forgetting a laundry bag for worn clothing
Start with a small set and add cubes only if you find you need them.
Do Packing Cubes Help With Security Screening?
Cubes do not change security rules, but they can make bag searches tidier. If an officer needs to inspect your bag, organized cubes are easier to remove and repack than loose clothing. Keep your liquids bag and electronics outside cubes so you can reach them if your airport requires removing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do packing cubes save space?
Standard cubes mainly organize. Compression cubes can save some space.
Are compression cubes worth it?
They can help with soft clothing but may add weight and strain zippers if overstuffed.
What size packing cubes should I buy?
Measure your bag and choose a set that fits together.
Do packing cubes reduce wrinkles?
Packing items snugly can reduce shifting and some wrinkles.
Can I use cubes in a backpack?
Yes, especially in clamshell backpacks.
The Bottom Line
Packing cubes are worth it for many travelers because they make organization, unpacking and repacking easier. They do not save much space unless you use compression cubes. Choose sizes that fit your bag, avoid overstuffing and decide based on how you travel.
Editorial note: Trail Packed is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.