8 Best Packing Cubes for Avid Travelers




BEST SET

SuitedNomad Cubes
SUITEDNOMAD
  • Double-zipper compression
  • Multiple sizes
  • Zipper doesn’t open all the way
  • Bags bulge in center when closed

Key Specs

  • Material: Nylon
  • Size: 1 each: 16 x 12 x 4 in., 7 x 6 x 2.5 in.; 2 each: 15 x 11 x 4 in., 11 x 8 x 4 in.
  • Number of Cubes: 5 + a toiletry bag

The highly rated SuitedNomad Compression cubes are a worthwhile buy for anyone aiming to avoid airline baggage fees this year. The six-piece kit includes five clothing bags plus a small, TSA-friendly clear bag for toiletries. The cubes have a dual-zipper system for max compression: zip the first one to close the bag, then zip the second one to pack your clothing down even more. They don’t save as much space as a vacuum-style bag like the HiBags, but they’re more durable and more appropriately sized for most travelers. Just be sure not to overpack the cubes as it’ll make it too difficult to secure the second-stage zipper.

BEST SPLURGE

Paravel Monogram Compression Cube
PARAVEL
  • Stylish
  • Monogrammable
  • Secondary compression zipper
  • Expensive
  • Monogramming delays shipping

Key Specs

  • Material: Recycled nylon
  • Size: 12.75 x 10 x 3.75 in.
  • Number of Cubes: 1

At $80 with a monogram, one packing cube from Paravel costs more than most complete sets from other brands. But if you’re one of the many travelers with stylish luggage from Paravel (or other brands, like AWAY or Monos), you might find it worth the splurge to have equally stylish packing cubes. Each water-resistant cube is made from recycled plastic water bottles and has a mesh stripe across the top so you can see what’s inside without unpacking. It comes in six colors, and you can add up to nine letters of personalization (for $25 extra).