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Packing cubes help organize your gear and can help keep everything accessible. Here are our favorites from Thule, Peak Design, and more.
Written by Billy Brown
(Photo/Billy Brown)
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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 FAQ at the bottom of the article. Our comparison chart can also help you make a decision. Otherwise, read our complete gear guide below.
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
Best Overall Packing Cube
Thule Compression Cube Set
Specs
- Material100D ripstop nylon
- DimensionsSmall: 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 AvailableMedium, small
- WindowYes
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
Billy Brown
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.
Best Budget Packing Cube
Orvis LT Small Packing Cube
Specs
- Material100% recycled polyester
- Dimensions10" x 7" x 4"
- Sizes AvailableLarge, small
- WindowYes
Pros
- Mesh top for visibility
- Hande for easy access
- Under $20
Cons
- No compression
- Mesh top can snag easily
Billy Brown
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.
Best Packing Cube for Tech
Thule Subterra Power Shuttle (Medium)
Specs
- Material800D nylon
- Dimensions8.3” x 2.8” x 5.7”
- Sizes AvailableRegular (large), medium, small
- WindowNo
Pros
- Plenty of cord storage
- Key clip
- Passport pocket
- Elastic pockets for batteries
Cons
- Power bricks fit awkwardly
Billy Brown
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.
Best Packing Cube for Toiletries
Peak Design Wash Pouch
Specs
- Material100% recycled Weatherproof 200D nylon canvas shell
- Dimensions10.2" x 6” x 4.4"
- Sizes AvailableRegular, small
- WindowNo
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
Billy Brown
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.
Best Shoe Pouch
Peak Design Shoe Pouch
Specs
- MaterialUltralight weatherproof ripstop 70D nylon/polyester
- Dimensions12.6" x 6.7" x 6.7"
- Sizes AvailableOne size
- WindowNo
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
Billy Brown
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.
Best Field Wallet
Orvis Trekkage LT Field Notes Wallet
Specs
- Material600D Cordura
- Dimensions6⅛" x 4" x 5"
- Sizes AvailableOne size
- WindowNo
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
Billy Brown
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 | Material | Dimensions | Sizes Available | Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Compression Cube Set | 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 | 100% recycled polyester | 10″ x 7″ x 4″ | Large, small | Yes |
| Thule Subterra Power Shuttle (Medium) | 800D nylon | 8.3” x 2.8” x 5.7” | Regular (large), medium, small | No |
| Peak Design Wash Pouch | 100% recycled Weatherproof 200D nylon canvas shell | 10.2″ x 6” x 4.4″ | Regular, small | No |
| Peak Design Shoe Pouch | Ultralight weatherproof ripstop 70D nylon/polyester | 12.6″ x 6.7″ x 6.7″ | One size | No |
| Orvis Trekkage LT Field Notes Wallet | 600D Cordura | 6⅛” x 4″ x 5″ | One size | No |
How We Tested Packing Cubes
We evaluated over a dozen different packing cubes and sets over the course of six 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.
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.
Why You Should Trust Us
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.
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 allows 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.
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.
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.
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.
FAQ
Are packing cubes really worth it?
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.
What is the best material for packing cubes?
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.
Do packing cubes actually save space?
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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Billy Brown
42 articles
- Billy Brown is an Affiliate Managing Editor for GearJunkie.com. In addition to writing and editing for GearJunkie, he has been covering gear, fitness, and the outdoors for publications like WIRED, Men’s Journal, Outside, Backpacker, and Esquire. Based in Sacramento, Calif., Brown is a competitive CrossFitter and powerlifter and an avid hiker and trail runner.
