Which packing cube is best?
Opening your suitcase in the hotel to find that your belongings have become jumbled and dirty is no way to start off a trip. Packing cubes are an inexpensive way to ensure your belongings remain folded and organized as you intended.
If packing for a trip is something you dread, this can be an easy way to simplify things and make order out of chaos. Packing cubes are often made of waterproof materials and have soft shells to easily fit your belongings compactly in your suitcase. Mesh windows allow you to easily identify the contents of each bag. Our top pick is Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes for Suitcases.
What to know before you buy a packing cube
Sizes
Most sets include different-sized cubes so that you can appropriately sort your clothes and toiletries, with larger cubes fitting bigger clothing items and smaller cubes holding things like undergarments. The number of cubes is an important factor that is dependent on your needs and available space. Most sets include between three and eight cubes of varying sizes. The size of packing cubes is an important consideration, as you don’t want to get a set that doesn’t fit in your luggage. If you need a convenient way to separate laundry during your trip, look into sets with a laundry bag.
Materials
The fabric of the cubes is important as well, as it determines the durability and weight of your cubes. Vinyl cubes are see-through, making them a good choice for quickly accessing your belongings, but they tend to be less durable. Nylon and polyester cubes are more robust than vinyl packing cubes and will do a better job of protecting your belongings, though they are usually more expensive.
What to look for in a quality packing cube
Design
Packing cubes are usually fairly similar in design, but there are some differences. Some packing cubes may include pockets for storing smaller items. Designs that are easy to crush down to a small size are ideal if you plan to bring extra cubes to pack souvenirs or other items acquired during your journey.
Look for packing cubes with durable zippers, as a broken zipper can render your packing cubes useless. If you know your bags don’t have many small pockets, look for packing cubes of smaller sizes or with built-in pockets.
Use
Once you’re at your destination, you can use your packing cubes to separate clean and soiled clothing. If you’re sharing a bag, the cubes can also be used to separate belongings by the owner.
How much you can expect to spend on a packing cube
For less than $20, you can get a three- or four-piece set that may be lacking in construction and zipper quality. The majority of sets fall between $20 and $50 and typically have three to six pieces, with a price corresponding to material quality. Sets above $50 have a generous number of cubes with durable yet compressible materials.
Packing cubes FAQ
How do packing cubes compare to travel compression bags?
A. While packing cubes don’t save quite as much space as compression bags, they’re less likely to wrinkle your clothes and allow you to easily access your belongings while you travel.
What determines the durability of packing cubes?
A. The primary material is the biggest factor, but parts of the cube-like pockets and mesh that could snag can also shorten the life span of your packing cubes.
What’s the best packing cube to buy?
Top packing cube
Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes for Suitcases
What you need to know: These high-quality suitcases are water-repellent and versatile.
What you’ll love: The material is thick and strong, so it does a good job of protecting your valuables. The clear windows on each cube allow you to see what’s on the inside.
What you should consider: Some people had issues with the seams ripping.
Top packing cube for money
Shacke Premium 5 Packing Cubes Set
What you need to know: This set of cubes offers a low-priced option that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
What you’ll love: Although there are only five pieces in this set, they offer more than enough room, and the water-resistant nylon is lightweight and durable. The zippers are impressively tough.
What you should consider: It’s difficult to see the contents through the mesh, but this is a minor drawback.
Worth checking out
LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes for Travel
What you need to know: If you’re looking for a six-piece set, this option has great quality construction.
What you’ll love: This set stands out for its large mesh windows that allow you to easily see contents, and with six pieces, it’s easy to securely pack your belongings.
What you should consider: The material of these cubes is not as waterproof as other common fabrics.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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