As a travel and outdoor writer, I fly at least twice a month, though it’s usually more often than that. And I use packing cubes every single time. Every time.
But that wasn’t always the case. It’s only in the last few years that I’ve become a fan. I used to be a rather sloppy packer, stacking the bulkier items on the bottom and smushing socks and swimsuits into the empty spaces. When I reached my hotel, my “unpacking” would consist of no more than opening my suitcase, throwing all my clothing into a giant pile, and pulling items as needed out of said pile until heading home.
Now, however, I use packing cubes for two purposes: to keep my clothing organized (so I don’t have to unpack everything just to find a T-shirt) and to save space, especially when checked bag fees can be more than $70 each way.
Packing cubes are generally inexpensive, practical, and take up next to no space to store—just leave them in your empty suitcase. There’s not much risk in buying a set, but the reward is a heck of a lot less stress when you’re on the road. Below are eight of the best packing cubes to consider if you’re ready to step up your packing game, plus some advice on what to look for when shopping for one.
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