A Packing Expert’s 5 Best Packing Cubes From $16

As a travel journalist and the writer of a packing list newsletter, I can definitively say that I’ve tried every packing hack, tip, and trick in the book. I’ve tested different luggage brands and styles, experimented with rolling versus folding, and dedicated hundreds of hours to finding the most versatile, travel-friendly clothes. Out of all the different techniques for efficient packing, there is one I return to again and again, no matter the destination or the length of the trip: packing cubes. 

Packing cubes are the key to a variety of travel conundrums. For starters, they encourage organization. I like to sort my clothes into different categories (socks and underwear, workout clothes, nice shirts, etc.) and place them into appropriate-sized cubes. Packing cubes are also a multi-purpose tool. Most of the time, I use them to hold my clean clothes while in transit, but I’ll always set one or two aside to serve as a dirty clothes bag or a way to keep my shoes separate from the rest of the contents of my suitcase. And if you invest in a quality set of compression packing cubes — the kind with a zipper system that cuts down on bulkiness — you’ll be able to squeeze a few more items into your luggage.

I’ve tried a variety of packing cubes in my quest to streamline the packing process, but there are only a select few I keep in frequent rotation — most of which are under $50. Shop my favorite packing cubes below starting at just $16.

Away Insider Packing Cubes, Set of 4

This set from Away was my first foray into the world of packing cubes. After bringing them on their inaugural trip — a week in Laguna Beach, California — I was obsessed. The set comes with four cubes in total, each of which serves a slightly different purpose. I use the two larger cubes for dresses, tops, or pants (although I usually roll my denim and save the precious packing cube real estate for less durable fabrics). The smaller cubes are reserved for undergarments or bathing suits. 

While they’re not the best cubes for compression, they are incredibly useful; I tend to bring them on trips where I’m more worried about staying organized than I am about a lack of space. The luggage brand does note, however, that one set of four cubes fits perfectly into one of its carry-on suitcases. As someone who almost exclusively travels with the Away Bigger Carry-On, I can confirm this is accurate. 

Bagail Packing Cubes, Set of 8

When I started packing for a four-month trip to the UK a few years ago, I quickly realized I’d need another set of packing cubes to complement my Away set — preferably one that came with larger cubes. I immediately went to Amazon and started to scroll through the endless options. Thanks to the positive reviews, the low price tag, and the variation in cube sizes of this Bagail set, my decision was relatively easy. 

The set comes with eight different pieces: a cosmetic bag, a shoe bag, a sock bag, a drawstring bag, an underwear bag, and three mesh cubes. On most mid-length trips (anywhere from four to seven days), I’ll use all three of the cubes, the shoe bag, and the underwear bag. The drawstring bag comes along as well, serving as my on-the-go laundry basket.

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes, Set of 4

Ski season might be one of my favorite times of the year, but it does come with its own set of packing problems. Namely, bulky gear and clothing. Everything, besides maybe the base layers, takes up a substantial amount of space in a suitcase. To help combat this issue, I like to use the compressible packing cubes from Monos, which come in either a set of four or six. 

Designed with compression zippers that flatten the height of the cube by 60 percent, the cubes are handy for packing sweaters, snow pants, and jackets. Plus, they’re made with tear-resistant, water-resistant twill and anti-catch zippers, so you don’t have to worry too much about overstuffing. As an added bonus, the mesh top panel allows you to see what’s inside each cube without opening them and having to repack everything. 

Ecohub Packing Cubes, Set of 7

As opposed to ski trips, warm-weather travels and tropical vacations don’t require as much compression; the fabrics are lighter and fewer layers are needed. Still, when I’m headed somewhere like St. Barts or Anguilla, I want my suitcase to maintain a decent level of organization. 

Enter the Ecohub packing cubes. Just under $30, this set comes with two roomy suitcase organizer bags (think of them as extra large cubes), four smaller travel cubes, and a drawstring bag. The cubes feature durable zippers, reinforced stitching, and cross straps that ensure the clothes lay mostly flat. Once you’ve packed all your beach essentials in the cubes, all you have to do is play a quick Tetris-like game to fit them in your suitcase.

Paravel Compression Cubes, Set of 2

When anyone asks me about gifts for the traveler in their life, I always recommend packing cubes. Sure, any of the other packing cubes on this list would make a good gift, but a personalized set of the Paravel compression cubes feels even more thoughtful (plus, even Oprah is a fan of the brand, so you’ll be in good company). 

The set of two cubes comes in several different colorways (I have the safari green), and you can add an embroidered monogram, up to three letters, of your choosing. According to the brand, each one fits anywhere from three to six sweaters, and the compression zippers end up saving around three vertical inches of space inside luggage. They’re cute and functional — what more could you want in a packing cube?

Shop More Packing Hack Essentials:

Travel Inspira Luggage Scale

Chelmon Luggage Strap

Depoza Travel Bottle Set

BV TSA-Accepted Luggage Travel Lock

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