The Best Packing Cubes, Tested And Reviewed By Frequent Travelers

Our score: 10 | 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

Best for:

• Helpful features, such as an expandable laundry pocket and compression zippers
• Lifetime guarantee

Skip if:

• You’re looking for a low-cost option

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.

“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.”

Our score: 9.5 | Pieces: 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

Best for:

• Those who want semitransparent covers
• Saving several inches of space so you can pack more clothing
• Easy carrying

Skip if:

• You need larger cubes, as some customers say the included sizes run small

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.

“Durable, easy to use, perfect for a weekend away or an international voyage—I wind up using these cubes whenever I leave town,” says Makenzi Malvey, a nursing student and frequent adventure traveler who travels six to eight times a year and has backpacked through Nepal, Peru and New Zealand. “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.”

Our score: 8 | 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

Best for:

• Transparent mesh windows
• Those who want a wide variety of sizes
• Pairing with Away suitcases

Skip if:

• You typically travel with a carry-on only (the entire set won’t fit inside)

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).

“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,” says Forbes Vetted contributor Neha Tandon. I’ve tried less expensive packing cubes before, and they wore out and got dirty pretty quickly. This Away set is also very light and easy to compress.”

Our score: 8 | Pieces: 3 | Dimensions: Medium: 8.5 x 13 x 3 inches; small: 6.5 x 8.5 x 3 inches | Material: Recycled polyester and mesh

Best for:

• Those who prefer larger cubes
• Transparent mesh panels
• Easy maintenance

Skip if:

• Not ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly option

If you prefer to pack belongings in a few larger cubes instead of many small cubes, consider this set from Briggs & Riley. While it’s specifically sized for the brand’s carry-on bags, it works with other suitcases and even backpacks. The set has three pieces, including two medium and one small cube. The front panels on these cubes have breathable mesh, which helps you quickly see what’s inside. “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 the design.”

Our score: 8 | 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

Best for:

• A well-priced, practical set for all types of trips
• Unique and stylish color options
• Extra-long rope cord zippers

Skip if:

• You need something that is fully water-resistant

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 quick access. Because of their ultra-light nature, these packing cubes are great to toss in a travel backpack, especially for outdoor excursions. The trio is available in a variety of shades, from green to yellow to black.

“I like that there are three different sizes and you can customize how you use them,” says Forbes Vetted updates writer Francesca Sales. “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. 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.”

Our score: 7 | Pieces: 4 | Dimensions: 3.8 x 9.8 x 3 inches | Material: Polyester

Best for:

• An affordable option with different sized cubes
• High visibility colors

Skip if:

• You’re looking for a sturdier set

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.

“These packing cubes are a bang-for-your-buck kind of product,” says Forbes Vetted editorial assistant Whitney Bruno. “The material 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 for their value.”

Our score: 9.5 | Pieces: 1 | Dimensions: 12.6 x 6.7 x 12.6 inches | Material: Nylon, polyester

Best for:

• A single cube that’s water-resistant and washable
• Durable construction
• Compression zippers

Skip if:

• You need a large set for longer trips

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.

“I really love the solid construction of this cube—it resists a lot of wear and tear 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 appreciate 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.”