“Look for a packing cube with a good zipper,” advises Picott. “A packing cube that has a reputable brand’s name on the zipper is usually a good indicator that the zipper is of good quality.” Picott suggests that packing cubes equipped with handles are the best. “While a handle may not be essential, it makes things a lot easier when you unpack your luggage,” she explains. In fact, one of her favorite things to do is hang her packing cube filled with toiletries on the shower hook in the bathroom. “It keeps the counter clutter free, and you don’t have to worry about your items getting wet.” Along with Picott’s advice and a few dreams of our own vacation time, we’ve spent hours researching the best packing cubes available, assessing durability, versatility, and price. We interviewed experts to gain plenty of insight on what to look for when choosing the best packing cubes. After evaluating a long list of available packing cubes, our favorite is from Briggs & Riley Packing Cubes, because they’re durable and moisture-proof, and they use a PVC lining to keep clothes totally wrinkle-free. Here are the best packing cubes that’ll help you stay organized and looking good, even when you’re far away. The mesh window makes clothes visible and increases breathability to keep them smelling fresh. Each set also contains one double-sided, moisture-proof cube, which is perfect for toiletries or damp items. If your cube starts to smell after a few trips, the Briggs & Riley sets can be thrown in the washing machine for a quick revival. While the packing cubes lack some structure and won’t hold their rectangle shape if they aren’t packed to the max, that’s just more reason to tuck in another stunning outfit! Price at time of publish: $59 Available in six colors and three patterns, the cubes have a two-way, wrap-around zipper for quicker, easier access to your items. They also have a full mesh window so you can see what’s inside each cube without opening them. With these two features, you won’t even have to unpack when you reach your destination. Just place the cubes in your drawer, and unzip them when you need an item. Though TravelWise’s cubes are made of durable fabric, former customers advise against washing them in a machine, as it may distress the fabric over time. Price at time of publish: $33 Each cube can be compressed up to 60 percent, freeing up more space in your suitcase. It’s worth noting, however, that the larger cube may be difficult to compress. But compressed or not, these cubes maintain their shape so you can avoid playing Tetris while you pack. If a set of six cubes feels like too much, or if you want all the features at a lower cost, you can always opt for the smaller four-cube set. Price at time of publish: $110 While this system is missing a larger cube option for bulkier items, all three cubes can easily fit into a carry-on without adding much weight. Price at time of publish: $35 Though they may not look large, EZPacking promises that one four-piece set can hold a week-or-so’s worth of clothing. Plus, the set is available in eight different colors, so you can buy a different color for each family member. Or better yet, depending on whether you’re a total fashionista, buy two different colors for yourself, and divvy up your outfits by color—say, evening attire in black, and sporty day clothes in red. Price at time of publish: $57 Away’s cubes compress to give you extra room in your suitcase without compromising on the structure. The water-resistant nylon material provides your clothes with extra protection from potential spills and makes it easier to clean after each use. If that weren’t enough, the mesh panel makes it easy to see what’s in each cube. Available in eight classic colors, the Away packing cubes are built to last. Price at time of publish: $45 While these nylon cubes may be less durable than other brands, you’ll get plenty of use from these packing cubes. If your travels don’t take you away long enough to require eight cubes, OEE also sells a six-piece set that doesn’t include the makeup or laundry cubes. Price at time of publish: $21 Waterproof: Yes | Warranty: Not listed What makes Pack-It’s cube perfect for backpacking—or really, any travel that has limited shower access—is the antimicrobial treatment. Each pack uses the latest wizardry to ward off and prevent any odor-causing bacteria from escaping the cube. Quality fabric and bacteria-attacking technology do come at a cost, though, but we think it’s worth it if you often find yourself navigating the great outdoors. Price at time of publish: $16 One thing to note is that it may be difficult to access your gear once the camera cube is tucked in your bag. The one-way zipper and lid hinge make it difficult to open the cube while it’s all packed up, requiring you to remove the whole thing every time. Price at time of publish: $64 In addition to room for three pairs of footwear, a zipper pocket on the back can hold socks, blister pads, and other shoe-related accessories. Built with space-saving in mind, it can easily fit into a carry-on suitcase. Price at time of publish: $23 The interior is just as impressive, with four mesh pockets, including one on the lid, to keep toiletries organized during travel, and a sturdy two-way zipper for easy access. This L.L. Bean option isn’t the largest toiletry kit on the market, which means it’s better suited for solo travelers. However, if you want to get one kit for each member of your family, you can personalize them with monograms. Price at time of publish: $20 In addition to the affordability and color coding that make Shacke Pak’s cubes a must-have for families, the cubes’ mesh panels make it easy to see inside without unzipping. This feature is great for younger children who usually want to pull out everything to decide what to wear. The panel also features X-shaped reinforcement that helps the cubes maintain their structure during travel. Price at time of publish: $22 For example, you can use one cube for loungewear and another for that cute cocktail dress. You can also use the cubes to separate outfits by day. Keep in mind that the size of the cube will determine the type and number of items you can pack in it. Wiss’s rule of thumb: Smaller rectangular cubes (5 x 14 inches) for underwear, socks, and bathing suits; medium cubes (10 x 14 inches) for pajamas, workout clothing, and shirts; larger cubes (14 x 17 inches) for jeans/pants, sweaters, stacks of shirts, or that cable knit sweater for cold nights.
Durability
A packing cube’s durability is directly related to the material, but it shouldn’t add too much extra weight to your suitcase. Wiss says her favorite cubes are made of nylon, as they are durable and water resistant, and maintain their structure in transit. As an added bonus, look for a cube made from reinforced ripstop nylon for extra protection. If you’re on a tight budget, opt for a less-expensive polyester packing cube, but know that it might not last as long. Travel expert and author Anne McAlpin, who runs her website, Pack It Up: The Art of Organized Travel, advises against using cubes made of cotton, as they tend to wear down and absorb smells easily.
Warranties
As we all know that accidents happen, especially while traveling. Whether it’s your neighbor’s bulging suitcase or a faulty airplane conveyor belt, plenty of things on your trip can cause damage to even the most durable packing cube. Consider brands that provide a lifetime replacement or repair warranty or accept returns within the first 100 days of purchasing.
Color
Packing cubes come in many colors and even printed designs, making it easy to find one that suits your style. Wiss says options can be helpful for big families or multi-person homes; each person can get their own color cube to stay totally organized.
Other Features
A mesh fabric lid can be a plus if you’re traveling to a humid region. It also allows you to see what’s inside your cube without unpacking the whole thing. Selecting a packing cube that uses water-resistant fabric can also be handy for storing items, like a damp bikini and wet flip flops. You’ll also want one with antimicrobial properties, so you can keep clothes smelling fresh.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Leah Rocketto, a lifestyle writer and editor for The Spruce. Her articles have appeared on sites such as INSIDER, Romper, Bustle, WomansDay.com, and POPSUGAR. To select the best picks, Leah sorted through dozens of reviews and consulted experts Amanda Wiss, Anne McAlpin, and Katherine Picott. As the founder of Urban Clarity, an organizing and moving-management company, Wiss is a master of purposeful packing and helps others do the same through her company. McAlpin is a travel writer and has learned how to pack efficiently over the years. She shares those tips and more on her website, Pack It Up. Picott is the founder of Tidy Milso and member of The Spruce’s Cleaning and Organizing Review Board.
