Putting a bag in a bag seems counter intuitive but apparently it works! So many travelers swear by them so I decided to take a closer look at the best travel packing cube sets. I have not included compression cubes in this list as I wanted to compare similar cubes. I'll let you know which one I'm getting after the reviews. The cubes in this review fit in your carry-on luggage but can be used for larger pieces or you can also purchase larger sets for more space savings
“One reviewer said he could fit 10 day's worth of clothes in his suitcase using packing cubes”
What is a Packing Cube
Packing cubes are used to organize items in your suitcase and to save space. There are a variety of videos on YouTube about the use and benefits of packing cubes and those that try them, seem to be sold on using them. The 2 primary types are compression cubes that compress the clothes to allow more space and those that organize your clothes to save space. One of the benefits of the packing cubes, aside from organizing your suitcase is that you can also take them from your suitcase and put them in the drawers in the hotel or cabin as is. This makes it easier to repack as needed and stay organized during your stay.
How to Use them
I'm not much on rolling clothes but I seem to be outvoted! While you don't have to roll them to use these cubes, it is recommended to reduce wrinkles and allow you to pack more in the cubes.
# 1 Bagail - 6 Set Packing Cubes, 3 Sizes Travel Luggage Packing Organizers
These cubes ranked as #1 best seller at Amazon and an "amazon choice" product.
Product Information:
6 cubes, 3 different sizes
Durable
Mesh top panel to allow visibility
All 6 will fit in a carry-on
Sizes
2* Large ( 17.5" x 13.7" x 4")
2*Medium (13.7" x 9.8" x 4")
2 *slim (13.7"x5"x4")
Pro:
I read many positive reviews on these cubes with 86% of purchasers giving it a 5-star rating. Positive comments include space savings, quality of product, easy to clean and price as compared to more expensive brands.
Con:
This product had 3% in total with less than 3 starts. The reviewers mostly discussed the quality of the zippers.
Side note: This brand also got a #3 best seller rating for the set of 4 with a laundry bag. I did not include a review on this since it is the same brand just a different configuration.
#2 Shacke Pak - 4 Set Packing Cubes - Travel Organizers with Laundry Bag
These cubes ranked as #2 best seller. This product has over 8,000 reviews!
Product Information
Sizes
4 Packing Cubes - 4" deep
Extra Large( 17.5" x 12.75" x 4") Large (13.75" x 12.75" x 4")
Medium (13.75x9.75x4) Small (11" x 6.75" x 4")
Laundry Bag for storing dirty clothes
Pro:
Shacke received 4.8 Stars with 87% giving 5 stars. The positive reviews mentioned durability, customer service, quality zippers, and how much they can fit in their luggage. One person who travels extensively raved about these cubes.
Con:
They only had 2% that rated less than 3 stars. They seemed to be disappointed with shipping issues. A few said they didn't get all 4.
Side note: Do not put them in the washer, they are specific about how to launder these.
#3 Bagail 4 Set Packing Cubes with laundry bag
See above review, this is the same bag just a different configuration so I am including it with #1.
There is a link below if you would like this smaller set.
#4 Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes, Travel Luggage Organizers with Laundry Bag & Shoe Bag
These cubes ranked as #4 best seller and has 4.7 Stars.
Product Information
26% thicker than other nylon bags [per Veken]
Waterproof fabric
Sturdy and recyclable
Unique logos on each bag to identify what is inside.
Shoe bag and laundry bag for storing dirty clothes
Sizes:
Extra Large Cube ( 17.5" x 12.15" x 4"),
Large Cube (13.75" x 12.75" x 4")
Medium Cube (13.75" x 9.75" x 4")
Small Cube (11" x 6.75" x 4")
Shoe Bag (16.96" x 9.06" x 4.72")
Laundry Bag (20" x 14")
Pro:
This product has 83% of the 508 reviewers giving it 5 stars with 10% giving 4 stars. The reviews discuss good value, the ability to organize and pack a more, and the quality and durability of this product.
Con:
It has only 508 reviews compared to the other two. Only 3% gave these bags less than 3 stars and the reviews spoke about receiving damaged product or ripping right away.
Whether you use these to organize or to add space, it seems they are all the rage now.
For my decision, I considered weight, durability, reviews of course, and configuration. They all weight about the same and are either water resistant or waterproof. Some come with more cubes than the others.
The Big Reveal
I decided to try the Shacke. I like the fact that it has so many reviews and 87% with 5 stars. I was also impressed by the full-page review written by a person that was a frequent traveler. My only hesitation is the hand washing requirement. Since I purchased these, I have used them twice. I did not roll the clothes but will try that next. I don't know that I saved any space (but I didn't roll them so that could be my problem). I was better organized for sure, but all that zipping and unzipping was a bit of an annoyance. I usually unpack but for these trips I did not, so that should be considered as well. It helped with wrinkles since the clothing could not bunch up at the bottom of my suitcase. My one caveat is that I used them with winter clothes and that means quite a few sweaters which call for extra space bags or not. I had no issues with the zippers or tearing. I'm off again next month to another cold climate but will try again. I'm not sure if I will roll the clothes or even use all of the bags this time. (Zipping and unzipping, ugh) So, I'm not sold on them as a must-have yet, but think that they are useful particularly with the items that get lost in the sea of clothes. (Socks, undergarments etc.) Love the laundry bag! Love that I can put shoes in them to keep the rest of my clothes away.
Click the Links to see the product on Amazon.
Please note the links are affiliate links and therefore as an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is solely your choice to use the link or go directly to the sites or purchase elsewhere.