There’s two types of travelers: those who have their carry-ons and luggage organized in a very specific way with pouches, labels, filled-up travel-sized toiletries (the whole shebang) and then those who throw their belongings in their messy, overstuffed bag and hit the road.
If you consider yourself the latter and want to make your life just a tad easier, consider packing cubes.
No matter what type of traveler you are, consolidating your things into like-minded bundles and saving space will not only save you time during your travels but will also reduce your frustration when you can’t find that pesky bathing suit or your favorite hiking socks. Not only that but many packing cubes have compression features which makes it even easier to pack more of your vacation essentials.
Packing cubes are a simple creation (usually breathable, mesh and fabric-made bags) that come in a variety of sizes to zip away your clutter. These days, just about every luggage brand on the market has their own set, including Away’s bestselling pack of six and hundreds of options from Amazon.
In an effort to dial down your research on which set to buy, we rounded up the best options on the market based on happy, customer reviews.
1. BAGAIL Packing Cubes (set of 8), $25
Reviews: 16,000+, 4.6-star rating
As an Amazon’s Choice product with more than 16,000 reviews and a price tag of just $25 — what’s not to love?
The nylon fabric protects your clothes from wrinkles and stains — making it ideal for those who worry about their toiletry bottles spilling. Available in 10 different colors.
“These are a life changer especially when you pack for more than one person in one luggage, it just keeps all your clothes organized and gives you more space,” said a reviewer. “I bought three different colors and will order another color since we are a family of four. They are good price and lightweight so [they don’t] add much weight to your luggage.”
2. Away Travel The Insider Packing Cubes (set of 6), $65
Reviews: 250+, 4.9-star rating
Made from water-resistant nylon that protects your clothes, Away’s packing cubes are designed with a mesh panel to make it easy to find what you need without fully unpacking. Thoughtfully packaged as a set of six, these packing cubes are designed to fit perfectly inside the brand’s checked luggage.
“Having these packing cubes from Away made it easier for me to pack for a two-week trip to Europe with just a carry-on luggage. Helped me stayed organized,” said a happy customer.
3. Béis Packing Cubes (set of 6), $68
Reviews: 750+, 4.8-star rating
The Béis six-piece packing cube set has three packing cubes, a zip pouch and two shoe bags. Available in a classic black shade.
“Absolutely love! Makes my travels so organized. I know where everything is and love the labels for each bag. I was very surprised how much I was able to fit,” said one reviewer.
4. CalPak Packing Cubes (set of 5), $68
Reviews: 430+, 4.9-star rating
Pack smarter with CalPack’s packing cubes that feature mesh fabric that’s super durable, as well as a water-resistant envelope pouch. Available in five different sizes, these organizers will keep your luggage in perfect order and you can do it in style, too! CalPak’s packing cubes collection comes in a variety of fun patterns and colors like polka dots, flowers and more.
“Love these packing cubes! Makes organizing for trips so much easier. I love the little pouch for dirty under garnets!” said a customer.
5. Monos Compressible Packing Cubes (set of 4), $90
Reviews: 850+, 4.8-star rating
Monos compression packing cubes are made to last with premium materials. The exterior is constructed with tear-resistant nylon twill, while the interior features the same luxuriously soft, anti-microbial fabric found inside the brand’s travel suitcases. The breathable, TPU-reinforced mesh top panel lets you easily see what’s inside without unpacking, while the anti-catch zippers ensure your packing is always snag-free.
“Great quality! I love that it holds its shape when the cube is not compressed. The cubes are also very sturdy. And they do compress clothing, unlike the ones that I already own,” said a reviewer.
6. July Packing Cells (set of 8), $85
Reviews: 350+, 4.9-star rating
For the traveler who likes to rewash their accessories as well, July packing cells are the way to go! They hold their shape over time, and are 100% washable and stain-proof.
“These cells make traveling on the move so much easier. Keeps the suitcase contents tidy and easy to manage. How did [I] ever manage without them!” said a customer.
7. Tripped Compression Packing Cubes (set of 6), $50
Reviews: 7,100+, 4.6-star rating
“If you need to make space in your ‘Personal Item Bag’ when flying budget airlines, then these are perfect,” said a customer. “Really anytime you travel and want to maximize space. Learn how to ‘Ranger Roll’ and you can easily fit over a week’s worth of clothes.”
These are not your typical vacuum bags as these expandable cubes use a two zipper system to help eliminate the extra bulk when packing your luggage. The zippers literally compress your clothes together and eliminate wasted space! Available in 10 different colors.
8. Amazon Basics Travel Organizer Cubes Set (set of 4), $26
Reviews: 14,000+, 4.7-star rating
For a simple and budget-friendly option, you can’t go wrong with Amazon Basics’ packing cubes. They come in a variety of shades, feature double zipper pulls to make opening and closing simple and fast, plus the mesh top panel make it easy to see all of your items at a glance.
“We needed some last minute bags for our trip and these worked great! Sturdy and held a multiple of items. If you’ve not used these type of bags to pack your items, GET THEM because it makes packing so. much. simpler!” said a reviewer.
For more content, check out the New York Post Shopping section.