These Thule Packing Cubes Save Room in My Carry-on

When it comes to packing cubes, there are a lot of options on the market. From just regular cubes that keep everything in one place (for the lovers of the roll and stack method) to compression types that work to press everything down into a smaller space, there are options for every type of traveler. But many travelers will tell you that not all cubes are made the same. And that’s why the Thule Compression Cube Set, $45, is my absolute tried-and-true favorite (and the top choice of many others, as well). 

The Thule Compression Cube Set, which comes with a small and medium bag, is my favorite for a number of reasons, but the biggest one is that the compression part is super easy to use. First, you pack the cube with your items. Then you zip the first zipper. After that, you zip the secondary zipper, which basically squeezes everything together — compressing all that’s in the cube. If you’re asking yourself, “Isn’t that how all compression packing cubes work?” then you’d be correct — except, not many work as well as this set.

Thule Compression Packing Cube Set

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https://www.amazon.com/Thule-Compression-Cube-setPond-Gray/dp/B0CY3KFPHD/

$45

https://www.rei.com/product/207409/thule-compression-packing-cube-set

$45

While other compression cubes have you huffing and puffing trying to zip the secondary zipper (I’ve sat on others before, like a suitcase, trying to zip it to compress) or hardly even condense your belongings, the Thule cubes are like magic; they always zip easily, they fit so much, and they stand up to wear and tear. (Believe me, I’ve used them for 45+ trips at this point, and they’re still looking and zipping like new.) 

Unlike many other packing cubes, the Thule ones are made using YKK zippers, which are high-standard zippers that close seamlessly. I also love the nylon material that can withstand some heavy use. Plus, the cubes are semi-transparent, so you can see what’s inside before unzipping it. Another thing I love about this set? Each cube features a webbed handle, which lets you easily grab it from your personal bag or carry-on and hang it up should you be short on space in your hotel. (Pro tip: I hang the medium bag and fill it during my trip with my dirty clothes. By the end of the trip, I’ve separated dirty clothing — ready for the wash at home — and clean clothes.) 

Thule Compression Packing Cube Set

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https://www.rei.com/product/207409/thule-compression-packing-cube-set

$45

While some may not like that the set comes with only two bags, I find it perfect for my packing style: I use the smaller one for things like underwear, swimsuits, and socks, and the medium one for shirts, dresses, and skirts — I’ve fit multiple outfits in this cube. I pack the smaller one on one side of my carry-on with my shoes and toiletries (or in my personal bag), and the medium goes on the other side, along with more sizable items, like a jean jacket, jeans, or sweaters. If you want to buy an additional cube (or you don’t want to buy them as a set), they’re also available to purchase separately at Amazon. 

I can’t recommend these packing cubes enough — and the multiple five-star reviews show that I’m not the only one obsessed with them. 

Shop More Packing Cubes at Amazon:

Tripped Compression Cubes

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https://www.amazon.com/Packing-Travel-Organizer-Compression-Orange/dp/B078RQYLD6/

$27

Bagail Compression Cubes

bagail-ultralight-compression-packing-cubes-83cfa46f148247baa5fae895d911d172.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/BAGAIL-Ultralight-Compression-Organizer-Accessories/dp/B0BNQ1FQZM 

$29 / $25

Nomatic Packing Cubes

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https://www.amazon.com/NOMATIC-Packing-Cube-Black/dp/B07YLY1C8L/

$30 

Sdgfui Compression Packing Cubes

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https://www.amazon.com/SDGFUI-Compressible-Expandable-Organizer-Organize/dp/B0CR3YMH3P/

$17 / $14

Mossio Compression Cubes

Mossio-4-set-compression-packing-cubes-913b60a74f9d4997b7e6f0c189a75ba4.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/Compression-Mossio-Expandable-Organizers-Accessories/dp/B0C6T44KTG/

$10

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