The Best Packing Cubes of 2024

Nobody likes spending their trip fishing through a bag looking for a charging cord, which is why packing cubes are an extremely useful packing tool for travelers. The best packing cubes organize and separate clothes and gear within a bag, plus they can help compress said gear to help you fit more into your luggage.

The staff at GearJunkie is constantly on the move, so most of us already have our favorite packing cube setup. But there are countless options out there, so to find the best ones, we loaded up our gear and tried out dozens of packing cubes. Over the course of a few months (and thousands of miles), we settled on our favorite options for organizing clothes, keeping our tech handy, and for separating our dirty laundry.

You can head straight to our comprehensive buyer’s guide and price & value section at the bottom of the article. Our comparison chart can also help you make a decision. Otherwise, read our complete gear guide below.

Editor’s Note: For our November 14, 2024 update, we added a Price & Value section to show what buyers get with different price points.

The Best Packing Cubes of 2024

Best Overall Packing Cube: Thule Compression Cube Set
Best Budget Packing Cube: Orvis LT Small Packing Cube
Best Packing Cube for Tech: Thule Subterra Power Shuttle (Medium)
Best Packing Cube for Toiletries: Peak Design Wash Pouch
Best Shoe Pouch: Peak Design Shoe Pouch
Best Field Wallet: Orvis Trekkage LT Field Notes Wallet

Specs

Material: 100D ripstop nylon
Dimensions: Small: 10.2” x 7.1” x 4.3” expanded, 10.0 x 7.0 x 1.25” compressed; Medium: 14.0 x 10.0 x 5.9” expanded, 13.4 x 9.1 x 1.25” compressed
Sizes Available: Medium, small
Window: Yes

Pros

Compresses clothes to save space
Opaque nylon lets you see what’s inside
Ripstop nylon is extremely durable

Cons

Not waterproof
Compression can leave clothes wrinkled

From luggage to rooftop cargo boxes, Thule makes some killer gear. So it makes sense that its Thule Compression Cube Set ($45) would make the top of this list. This two-pack includes a medium Compression Packing Cube and a small Compression Packing Cube, both made from durable and semi-transparent 100-denier ripstop nylon.

We loved the little design details like handles that make it easy to pull the cubes out of a backpack and opaque material to see what’s inside each cube. But what really made these cubes stand out was how effective the compression was. We were able to fully load each cube with shirts, underwear, jeans, and socks, and the heavy-duty compression zippers were still able to close fully.

The result? During testing on a flight to Dallas, we were able to cram 10 pairs of boxer briefs in the small cube. That’s 10 days of underwear compressed into the size of a hardback book. The packs slid easily and out of our backpacks, and despite overpacking and wrenching down on the zippers, we never busted a seam.

We searched for a way to criticize the Thule Compression Cube Set, and the only thing we could come up with is that they’re not totally waterproof. But if your trip entails anything but total submersion, you’ll be good to go.

Specs

Material: 100% recycled polyester
Dimensions: 10" x 7" x 4"
Sizes Available: Large, small
Window: Yes

Pros

Mesh top for visibility
Hande for easy access
Under $20

Cons

No compression
Mesh top can snag easily

If you’re looking for a bargain and just need to add a bit of organization to your pack, the Orvis LT Small Packing Cube ($19) is an excellent choice. Made of recycled polyester, the base and sides of this cube are lightweight, yet tough.

The open mesh top makes it easy to see what you’ve packed in each cube. Dual zippers allowed us to close the cube relatively easily, even when we overstuffed it. You may have some trouble overstuffing it, however. Even in this smaller size, the mesh top expanded a bit to allow for extra stuff. We were able to squeeze seven extra-large men’s T-shirts in it. We even had room for a few pairs of socks left over.

That mesh top is a double-edged sword, however. It had a habit of snagging on any pokey items like pens and keys when we threw everything willy-nilly into a backpack. Plus, some compression would have been helpful for saving some space.

Those nitpicks aside, the Orvis LT Small Packing Cube punches way above its $20 price tag. For the price of one of some other packing cubes, you could snag two of these and have enough room to organize a week’s worth of shirts and undies.

Specs

Material: 800D nylon
Dimensions: 8.3” x 2.8” x 5.7”
Sizes Available: Regular (large), medium, small
Window: No

Pros

Plenty of cord storage
Key clip
Passport pocket
Elastic pockets for batteries

Cons

Power bricks fit awkwardly

Wrangling a power cord out of your backpack is one of the main inconveniences of modern travel. Fortunately, the Thule Subterra Power Shuttle (Medium) ($30) offers an elegant solution. This packing cube has enough elastic bands to hold four different cables, so you can instantly find the one you need.

In addition, it has four elastic pockets of varying sizes to hold portable batteries, memory cards, and more. There’s also a zippered pocket for documents like a passport with a key clip inside. Plus the whole pack is less than three inches thick; we were able to fit it in our backpack’s smaller external pockets with ease.

While it does have a surprising amount of space for flatter items (we fit a Kindle Paperwhite in the larger pocket), thicker items like power bricks took up a lot of space.

Overall, though, we were able to fit most of our tech into the svelte frame of the Thule Subterra Power Shuttle. More importantly, we were able to organize it and access it when needed.

Specs

Material: 100% recycled Weatherproof 200D nylon canvas shell
Dimensions: 10.2" x 6” x 4.4"
Sizes Available: Regular, small
Window: No

Pros

Sits upright for easy access
Stowable aluminum hook for hanging
Water- and stain-resistant
Tons of organization

Cons

Takes up a lot of packing space

The Peak Design Wash Pouch ($60) is a must for any type A traveler. With two large open storage spaces and eight separate pockets, this packing cube is clutch for organizing your toiletries. There’s even a magnetically-sealed toothbrush pocket with a removable lining for easy cleaning.

Plus, the cube has a stowable hook, so you can hang it from a towel ring to save space on a hotel bathroom counter. The fabric is water- and stain-resistant, and easily wipes clean if you tend to brush your teeth too zealously.

Our lead tester is painfully organized when traveling, and its many compartments were perfect for keeping everything in its place. He was able to store everything from contact lens gear to beard oil (if you know, you know) without creating a mess.

Made from a durable, 200-denier nylon shell, the Peak Design Wash Pouch should last a lifetime. But if it doesn’t, Peak Design offers a lifetime guarantee.

Specs

Material: Ultralight weatherproof ripstop 70D nylon/polyester
Dimensions: 12.6" x 6.7" x 6.7"
Sizes Available: One size
Window: No

Pros

Surprisingly roomy
Loops for carrying on the outside of a pack
Weatherproof ripstop shell
Very tough zipper
Packs into tiny integrated pocket

Cons

May be too small for men’s size 12 and above

The Peak Design Shoe Pouch ($25) is an excellent solution to letting your shoes mess up the rest of your luggage’s contents. Made with a tough 70-denier nylon/poly shell, this pouch seals off your shoes from your clothes. The #5 UltraZip zipper is tough enough to wrangle around awkwardly-shaped boots, and when not in use, it packs down into an integrated pocket.

Our tester knows the pain of scrounging around a hotel room for a plastic bag to stow muddy boots in after a trip. So he was very impressed when he was able to cram two men’s size 11 Salewa mid-height boots into the pouch.

The zipper held up, even when he forced it over the boots’ tread, and with a little finagling, there was even enough room to cram in a pair of wet, muddy socks. The single-piece construction minimizes seams (aka weak points), which we appreciated when squeezing our shoes into the pouch. After the trip, the pouch turned inside out for easy cleaning.

And if you’re not going anywhere that you’ll need to separate your shoes, the Peak Design Shoe Pouch also works well as a plain old packing cube.

Specs

Material: 600D Cordura
Dimensions: 6⅛" x 4" x 5"
Sizes Available: One size
Window: No

Pros

Tough 600D Cordura exterior
Six card compartments
Three larger compartments for documents
Elastic pen holder loop

Cons

Could easily get lost in a backpack
Won’t fit both a passport and a journal

If you’re trying to keep your valuables safe on the road, you should definitely consider the Orvis Trekkage LT Field Notes Wallet ($59). This field wallet can hold up to six credit or ID cards and has three stash pockets for cash and documents like vaccine cards, a passport, or a pocket journal. Plus, it has just enough room for a regular-sized pen or pencil and a loop to hold it in place.

To keep all these valuables safe, it’s covered with a tough 600-denier Cordura exterior. It also zips completely shut to prevent anything from falling out. It can fit easily into a pocket, but we made it a habit of keeping it in our sling back for extra security when we traveled.

We loved the ability to have all of our important documents in one place when we traveled. Keeping the passport, cards, and cash all in one spot. This not only kept everything readily available but also prevented our tester from performing his habitual pat-down to ensure he still had everything when he deplaned.

While it won’t fit a passport and a pocket journal, we do like the extremely slim nature of the Orvis Trekkage LT Field Notes Wallet. When we traveled with it, the wallet fit perfectly in the smaller pockets of backpacks, sling bags, and even our hip pockets. Just don’t toss it in your backpack’s main compartment. We spent a few panicky minutes searching for it an SMF International Airport when we made that mistake.

Packing Cubes Comparison Chart

Packing Cube	Price	Material	Dimensions	Sizes Available	Window
Thule Compression Cube Set	$45	100D ripstop nylon	Small: 10.2” x 7.1” x 4.3” expanded, 10.0 x 7.0 x 1.25” compressed; Medium: 14.0 x 10.0 x 5.9” expanded, 13.4 x 9.1 x 1.25” compressed	Medium, small	Yes
Orvis LT Small Packing Cube	$19	100% recycled polyester	10″ x 7″ x 4″	Large, small	Yes
Thule Subterra Power Shuttle (Medium)	$30	800D nylon	8.3” x 2.8” x 5.7”	Regular (large), medium, small	No
Peak Design Wash Pouch	$60	100% recycled Weatherproof 200D nylon canvas shell	10.2″ x 6” x 4.4″	Regular, small	No
Peak Design Shoe Pouch	$25	Ultralight weatherproof ripstop 70D nylon/polyester	12.6″ x 6.7″ x 6.7″	One size	No
Orvis Trekkage LT Field Notes Wallet	$59	600D Cordura	6⅛” x 4″ x 5″	One size	No

How We Tested Packing Cubes

Our Expert Tester

GearJunkie Affiliate Managing Editor Billy Brown has traveled to almost every corner of the world testing gear. Over the years, he has lost too many checked bags, so he’s obsessed with traveling only with carry-ons. This makes him a stickler for maximizing bag space, making packing cubes an essential item for him.

Billy’s obsession with not checking bags made him an excellent candidate for testing a packing cube’s ability to fit more gear into a small space. His need for organization was also ideal for evaluating specialty items like tech cubes and toiletry bags.

Our Testing Process

We evaluated over a dozen different packing cubes and sets over the course of 6 months. We tested the cubes at home, doing quality control and durability tests and we took them on the road with us to see how they performed in real-world situations.

For the at-home tests, we stuffed the cubes to capacity and beyond. This showed us not only how much they could hold but also how well the seams and zippers held up to being overstuffed. We also did other durability tests, like pulling and twisting the zippers to test for fragility. Any cubes that did not survive the abuse did not make it onto this list.

GJBG Orvis LT packing cube — A mesh or clear top helps to identify a cube’s contents; (photo/Billy Brown)

On the road, we tested how well the cubes fit into standard luggage, as well as the conditions of the clothes when we unpacked. When applicable, we tested a product to see how it performed its specific purpose. For instance, we checked to see how easy it was to access the Thule Subterra Power Shuttle’s inner pockets while in an airline seat and how well our toiletries stayed organized after being jostled and shaken in the Peak Design Wash Pouch.

This guide exclusively covers packing cubes. For more travel gear suggestions, check out our guides to the best travel backpacks and travel pants.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Packing Cubes

There is no end to the variety of packing cubes out there, which can make picking the right ones a chore. But there is a method to finding the right ones for you. Here are a few things to consider.

Sizes

It’s always a good idea to find packing cubes that come in multiple sizes. That way, you can have a cube for different items, like a larger one for shirts and pants, and smaller ones for socks and underwear. Varying sizes also allow you to Tetris them into whatever bag you’re using. The Thule Subterra Power Shuttle and Orvis LT Small Packing Cube come in multiple sizes.

Material

If you want to cram as much into your packing cubes as possible, you’re going to need one with durable material. Subpar packing cube material can rip or burst at the seams when you try to overstuff them. Look for packing cubes with ripstop nylon or heavy-duty Cordura, like the Thule Compression Cube Set or the Orvis Trekkage LT Field Notes Wallet.

GJBG Packing Cubes Thule Compression Cube — Cubes with compression zippers can help save space within your luggage; (photo/Billy Brown)

Zippers

The zippers can be a weak point in a packing cube. Weaker ones can burst open when they’re put under the stress of an overpacked cube. Also, the pull tab can get jammed when you try to ratchet it closed. Every cube on this list had zippers that held up to extensive stress testing.

Visibility

Being able to see the interior of a packing cube isn’t a necessity, but it’s a nice perk. Mesh or clear material allows you to see the contents inside a cube for easy identification. This can prevent you from having to fish around in a bunch of cubes to find your lucky boxers. The Thule Compression Cube Set and Orvis LT Small Packing Cube both offer excellent interior visibility.

Compression

If you want more space in your pack, compression cubes like the Thule Compression Cube Set are an excellent choice. These cubes have a zipper running the perimeter of the cube. You can pack the clothes when it’s unzipped, then crank the zipper down to compress the contents down to a smaller size.

This is extremely useful for saving luggage space, but it will most likely result in wrinkling your clothes. If you have dress clothes that you’d like to keep wrinkle-free, compression cubes should be avoided.

Types of Packing Cubes

Most compression cubes are similar in shape and utility. They’re cube-shaped (duh) compartments that separate your clothes and organize your luggage. But there are also more specialized options that are designed for specific needs.

Toiletry Bags

Most often water- and stain-resistant, toiletry bags are designed for carrying your bathroom gear. The best ones, like the Peak Design Wash Pouch have compartments for things like your toothbrush, razor, toothpaste, shaving cream, deodorant, contact lens case. They’re extremely useful for keeping your toiletries in one place.

GJBG Packing Cubes Peak Design Wash Pouch — Little details like this stowable hanging hook made the Peak Design Wash Pouch stand out; (photo/Billy Brown)

Tech

If you travel with electronics, a tech pouch like the Thule Subterra Power Shuttle is a lifesaver. These pouches are usually on the smaller side, so you can stash them in an outer pocket for easy access. They often have elastic bands that will keep your charging cords separate and organized. There should also be compartments for power bricks, earbuds, and other electronic accoutrement.

Documents

Many travelers have had that moment of panic when they can’t find their passport/wallet/keys/important documents during a trip. A travel wallet like the Orvis Trekkage LT Field Notes Wallet is a great way to avoid those mad scrambles through your luggage. Think of it as a tiny packing cube for paper and plastic.

GJBG Packing Cubes Orvis Trekkage Field Notes Wallet — A field wallet is a great way to keep your important documents safe; (photo/Billy Brown)

Shoe Bags

A shoe bag may be on the more peripheral side of things, but they’re a great way to keep your shoes and clothes separate. This can come in especially handy if you’ll be walking on sand or hiking off-trail. Shoe bags like the Peak Design Shoe Pouch can often fit one or two pairs of shoes. You should also be able to turn it inside out and give it a good washing once you get home.

Price & Value

Taken as a whole, packing cubes generally range in price from under $20 to around $60. The pricing depends on variables like material durability and heft to special features like compression and specific pockets for tech or toiletries. Here’s what you get in various price ranges.

Budget

At the lowest end of the price spectrum, you can expect to spend around $20 for a smaller packing cube. You won’t find any dividers or compression here, but there are still some gems to be found. Our budget pick, the Orvis LT Small Packing Cube ($19), can fit seven extra large men’s T-shirts in each one with room for a few pairs of socks. Plus, the mesh top lets you see what’s inside without opening it.

Mid-Tier

Most of the packing cubes you’ll find are probably going to be in the $25-50 range. Here, you’re more likely to find more durable materials and compression. Our top pick, the Thule Compression Cube Set ($45), is a good example: It’s made with durable 100-denier ripstop nylon and has a compression zipper to help maximize your packing space.

Premium

If you’re looking for a more specialized packing cube, you might find yourself spending $55 or more. The Peak Design Wash Pouch ($60) is on the pricey side, but its multiple pockets and thoughtful design are very effective at keeping your toiletries organized and easy to find. Plus, the 200-denier nylon exterior means that this’ll probably be the only one you ever buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, packing cubes are definitely worth it. They can help organize your luggage and save space. Compression cubes, like the Thule Compression Cube Set, can even help creat more space in your luggage by squeezing their contents down.

Packing cubes are useless if they can’t hold anything without tearing. If you’re going to be cramming as much as you can into them, they’ll need to be tough. A good packing cube will be made of durable material like Cordura or ripstop nylon. Both of these materials are tough, yet flexible. Plus, they tend to be water-resistant as well.

Absolutely. Packing cubes compress clothes into a smaller space so they take up less room in a bag. Plus, they help you compartmentalize your gear, so you can easily find what you’re looking for without unpacking everything.

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