The Ultimate Guide to Packing Cubes for Travel
Packing cubes are an absolute essential for traveling. They make storing and moving items around incredibly easy. If you don’t have any, and you’re an avid traveler, you should really get a few.
What Are Packing Cubes?
Packing cubes help your luggage to remain organized. They are used for clothing, toiletries, you name it. For example, they are great for travel shampoo, a toothbrush, toothpaste, your hairbrush, etc.
They are small, square or rectangular containers typically made out of fabric and nylon. You can fit four or five of them in a standard suitcase, carry-on, backpack, daypack, etc.
They come in different shapes and sizes for different needs. For example, a small square one is great for toiletries. A larger packing cube is great for fitting clothing and shoes.
The Different Types of Packing Cubes
Interestingly enough, there are a handful of types of packing cubes. Getting a certain type will help you to maximize as much luggage space as possible.
Small Packing Cubes
As previously stated, small packing cubes are great for toiletries. They ensure that, should a cap break, the rest of your luggage will be safe from the spill. They are awesome for travel-sized items.
Large Packing Cubes
This type of packing cube is perfect for clothing, travel shoes, travel friendly hairdryer, etc. Though these take up more room than smaller packing cubes, they are still essential. They leave much-needed space for other items. They are also great in a snap should you need to change luggage for whatever reason.
Double-Sided Packing Cubes
This type of packing cube is your best bet for maximizing as much free space in your luggage as possible. For example, a larger double-sided packing cube is great for clothing. You can put dirty clothes on one side and your clean clothes on the other. This type is especially great for beach trips and regions with rainy weather.
Structured Packing Cubes
If you want a packing cube with a shape that will not move, a structured one is for you. They keep their shape and are great for not wrinkling your clothes up. Although, this can be a challenge to fight with depending on how many you’re using. For example, if your luggage is too full with no wriggle room, this type may be the problem.
Flexible Packing Cubes
The majority of this type are crafted from an ultralight, ultra-sil fabric. This makes them extremely easy to pack and store when not in use. They weigh next to nothing, are fully compressible, etc.
If you’re trying to fit a few more things in your case, this type is the way to do it. They are usually very small, as well! However, they do wrinkle clothes, so they are better for items.
How to Choose Packing Cubes
When it comes to the amount of packing cubes you’ll actually need, remember that less is more. An average of 3 packing cubes will be enough. However, knowing how to choose the right cubes for you is another story.
Think about the amount of clothing and items you will need to pack. If you have a large amount of clothing and items, you will need a larger packing cube. For a smaller amount of clothing and items, a smaller packing cube will do you just fine.
You will also need to look at the piece of luggage you will be using. Does it have room for a couple of large cubes and one smaller one? Depending on this case, you will need to do some measuring.
Take the approximate size of your luggage and the sizes of a couple choice cubes. From there you should be able to figure out whether or not everything will fit. Then you can look at the best packing cubes to see which ones you want. Surprisingly, everything is very easy!
What Packing Cubes Should I Use for a Backpack?
The best packing cubes for backpacks are ones of the smaller variety. Although, if you have a small daypack for hiking, a medium-sized one will do just as well. As previously stated, the size of the needed cube depends on a few things. For one, the amount of gear you will be carrying around.
You will also need to look at the size of your backpack. If it’s a small one, get the smallest packing cube you can find. If it’s large enough for a large cube, get a large one. Packing cubes definitely go a very long way in terms of saving space and protecting your gear.
Are Packing Cubes Good for Backpacking?
Absolutely! Packing cubes are great for virtually anything, even an overnight trip locally. They are especially great for backpacking. They are great for keeping your clothes, essentials, etc separate from your gear. This could include your sleeping bag, tent nails, etc. Practically anything.
Packing cubes are good for daypacks, backpacks, hiking, backpacking, you name it. At this time of writing, there is nothing a packing cube isn’t good for. You can even use them in your home for storing cosmetics, for example.
- Complete Toiletries Packing List for Travelers In short, yes, packing cubes are great for backpacking. They protect and store your gear within your pack with almost no effort at all.
The Top 3 Packing Cubes
Finding the best packing cube is no easy feat. There are hundreds of manufacturers making them now. Thankfully, however, we have the top 3 packing cubes right on one page.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube 3 Piece Set
This set comes with packing cubes in 3 different sizes. You can choose from 3 different set colors, as well! It’s made of nylon lining and 300D poly micro-weave for added durability. It comes with a quarter cube, half cube, and a full-sized cube.
eBags Packing Cubes 4 Piece Set
This set includes 4 pieces and comes in 4 different colors. It’s made with YKK zippers and Techlite Diamond nylon for maximum durability. The interior seams and soft mesh tops ensure that your clothing and items won’t wrinkle or be damaged.
AmazonBasics 4-Piece Packing Cube Set
This packing cube set comes with 4 pieces that come in small, medium, large and slim. You can also choose from 6 different colors, as well! They’re made of 100% polyester and have double zippers. The mesh top allows for ventilation and won’t damage any of your fabrics.
The Best Packing Cubes for Travel
Now that you know how essential packing cubes are, you’ll no doubt want a few. They help to ensure that traveling is as easy as possible. Storing as much as you can in your luggage doesn’t have to be a nightmare anymore!
Written By Noah Smith
Noah is a freelance writer who has traveled over 32 countries so far. Onebagger is the place where he shares trip details, travel itineraries, planning and booking tips and travel tales. His aim- to help you plan your travel adventure on your terms, choose best travel gear and to your budget.
