Best Compression Packing Cubes: Pack Like A Pro

BeeNesting Waterproof Compression Packing Cube Set

The BeeNesting cubes are the best and probably the most expensive compression cubes you can get your hands on. They retail for $15-20 per cube, depending on the exact size. But you can get a set of four for about $50, which is really good value. The capacity of the entire set is 55 t-shirts!

There are three cube sizes to choose from, ranging from a small 9-liter option to a massive 26-liter cube. What’s even more impressive is that the largest cube will compress those 26 liters to just 15 liters! With enough BeeNesting cube sets, you could easily expand the capacity of your favorite suitcase by some 40%!

And it gets better. Each of these packing cubes has two compartments inside, so you can put both clean and dirty clothes inside one cube, without the two actually getting mixed together. Plus, since the cubes are made from waterproof and tear-resistant nylon, you can even use them for wet clothes.

In addition to that, I also really like that this cube set is designed so that it can fit into any type of luggage. The largest of the bunch is only 15.7” long, meaning you can even fit it into a laptop bag. And that’s the same packing cube that can fit up to 30 t-shirts.

Because of all that, I don’t mind the higher price tag so much. Yes, it’s a lot of money for just one compression cube, but you can be absolutely certain that you’re getting a high-quality product. Plus, these come with a 1-year warranty – BeeNesting will gladly replace any cubes that get damaged or stop functioning within the first year.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Starter Set

The Eagle Creek Packing Cubes are one of the most popular options on the market. This is probably the lightest compression cube set you can get, which explains why they are so popular. But the high-quality materials and excellent durability also play a big role here.

These cubes are made from a 30D silnylon ripstop, which is a mixture of silicone and nylon. Silnylon is much more durable than plain nylon because the liquid silicone makes the fabric tougher and improves its tear resistance. At the same time, the liquid silicone doesn’t really add weight to the material.

One thing you should know about silnylon and Eagle Creek packing cube sets is that this material has excellent water resistance, but not so great breathability. This also means you shouldn’t put anything that has a strong scent inside because it will get into everything.

The starter set is a great option for anyone who is looking to get 2-3 compression cubes. This set includes medium, small and extra small packing cubes, which have a combined capacity of 16.2 liters. There are other sets available from the same brand, but this particular one is by far the most versatile option.

And that is because the medium-sized cube is only 14” long – it will fit into almost any piece of luggage, just like the two smaller compression cubes.

The only thing you won’t be impressed with is the price point of these cubes. The set retails for about $40, but it is usually discounted on Amazon. My issue is that you’re paying so much money for one decent packing cube and two really small ones.

Now, this is great if you’re specifically looking for small packing cubes. But, if you want to get something roomier, be sure to check out some other sets as well.

Vasco Compression Packing Cubes

There are lots of things to love about the Vasco compression packing cubes. For one, you can choose between five different sets, which range from a two-piece set to an eight-piece one. If that’s not enough variety for everyone, then I don’t know what is!

Jokes aside, this is definitely the set that gives you the most options when it comes to combining different sizes of packing cubes. Especially if you’re looking for value – a set of eight compression cubes will set you to pack some $55, which comes down to less than $7 per cube!

The largest packing cube that you get is 15.7” long, so it should fit into all luggage types. It’s more than fine for suitcases, but you might struggle with squeezing it into some smaller backpacks and underseat bags.

The Vasco compression cubes are made from nylon and TPU reinforced mesh. Actually, the mesh is a really big part of the top cover, and that just ensures excellent breathability and minimizes odors. The fact that it is reinforced with TPU means that it’s a lot stronger than regular mesh, which warrants better compression.

The exterior of these is water-resistant, but due to the mesh, it is not waterproof. This means you should not put any wet clothes inside the Vasco compression cubes, and you should avoid exposing them to the elements.

In addition to that, it’s also important to mention that these aren’t very lightweight. The large cubes weigh about 4.8 ounces, which is double the weight of Eagle Creek cubes. These are a bit bigger, but definitely not twice the size of the lightest compression cubes you can get your hands on.

Bento Compression Packing Cubes 

If money’s tight, then the Bento compression cubes are exactly what you’re looking for. A set of five cubes will set you back only some $20, which is as affordable as it gets. And they’re pretty good cubes, so it’s not like you’re settling for something that’s low quality.

These packing cubes are made from nylon, which has excellent durability. It is tear-resistant and waterproof, so you can even use these cubes with wet clothes. But I would advise against that since there’s no mesh on the cubes, so the breathability really isn’t there.

The thing I like the most about these is that you can combine smaller cubes into the same shape as the large cube. Two small cubes are exactly the same size as one large cube, just like the combo of the medium and slim cubes. This is pretty cool because it allows you to play with the different cube sizes, in order to really make the most of your luggage.

And those are the exact cubes you get in the five-piece set – slim, medium, large, and two small compression cubes. The three-piece set includes just slim, medium, and large packing cubes.

One thing worth pointing out is that zipper quality is the most likely reason for the affordable prices of the Bento compression cubes. Although the brand claims that the cubes feature high-quality zippers, they’re neither YKK nor SBS.

And since those are the two best zipper brands on the market, it’s safe to say you’re not getting premium zippers on these packing cubes. There’s also no warranty, so be very careful when using them.

LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes

The LeanTravel set of compression packing cubes is a really good option if you’re looking for value. The six cubes will set you back some $40, which is a great deal considering the quality of these packing cubes. Especially since a three-piece set from the same brand is only $10 cheaper.

The thing I like the most about these compression cubes is that they feature breathable mesh on the top cover. This ensures excellent breathability, and it lets you see the items inside each cube. But breathability is the more important factor here, especially since the cubes are made from polyester, which has a tendency to absorb odors.

These particular sets include two large, two medium, and two small compression packing cubes. The two biggest ones are great for pants, jackets, hoodies, and sweaters, while the smaller and medium cubes work wonderfully for t-shirts, underwear, and socks. And even the larger cubes are just 15.5” long, so they will easily fit into any type of luggage.

Additionally, it is also worth noting that the LeanTravel packing cubes feature SBS zippers. These are very high quality and they’re in the same league as YKK. This means that the zippers won’t malfunction, and you will be able to use them for a pretty long time.

The only downside of these cubes is that they don’t have the best water resistance. So, I would advise against using these for wet clothes, since it’s highly likely that everything in your luggage would get soaked. Especially with the breathable mesh on the top.

baggallini Long Compression Cube

The baggallini long packing cube is one of the best things you could get for a duffel bag. It lets you divide the bag into several sections, which is absolutely perfect if you’re sharing the duffel with someone. Instead of having to pack everything in just one compartment, both sets of clothes could be neatly organized into their own compression cube.

What is even better is that the baggallini has a transparent top cover, so you will immediately be able to tell what’s in which cube. And there are also mesh inserts on the sides, for improved ventilation. But, keep in mind that plastic covers the majority of the top – the items you put in the middle won’t be able to breathe as much.

This compression cube is 14” long, so it will fit even into carry-ons and backpacks. This makes it a great option because you’re able to use it for all different types of luggage, as opposed to just that one big suitcase. You could actually fit several of these in a carry-on, so you’d be able to have every type of clothing separated if you wanted.

The only downside of the baggallini cube is that it’s kind of pricey for a single packing cube. It normally retails for about $15 – it’s not ridiculously expensive or anything, but you can easily get a set of three or four cubes for the same amount of money.

It’s not really great value for money if you’re looking to get more than one compression cube – in that case, I’d definitely recommend you check out the more versatile sets first.

Suited Nomad Compression Packing Cubes

Compression cubes from Suited Nomad are a great option if you’re looking to get a set of cubes. They are made from ripstop nylon with reinforced seams, for excellent durability and tear resistance. These cubes are very lightweight, and they won’t make your suitcase a lot heavier. In fact, one medium-sized cube weighs just 2.5 ounces.

One thing I really like about the Suited Nomad packing cubes is that each one has a grab handle at the top. This makes these cubes a great option for backpacks and smaller carry-ons – you can easily pick up a cube or two with just one hand, and you could even attach these to a MOLLE panel or a compression strap of a backpack.

The sets run for about $30 and $45 depending on the size, but they’re frequently on some sort of sale – at the moment of writing this, there’s a 40% discount. The thing you need to know about the sets is that the three-piece one is the best value for money. The six-piece set only features four compression cubes, with a toiletry bag and a luggage compression strap as the final two pieces.

The toiletry bag is actually a great addition to the set – it is TSA friendly, and it’s the perfect size for carry-on toiletries. But the luggage strap is useless; its only purpose is to make your suitcase stand out on the carousel. Additionally, the larger set includes a 16” bag, while the smaller set only features 14” bags – depending on the size of your luggage, the six-piece set might not even be an option for you.

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

The Gonex compression cubes are another excellent option. They are affordable, versatile, and available in a variety of different colors. But they all have one feature in common – the front of these cubes is made from breathable mesh, for excellent ventilation.

And don’t worry – they are expandable and they really function as any other compression cube, even with the breathable mesh. The other fabric is actually a type of nylon, so you know the cubes are very tough and durable.

The thing I like the most about the Gonex cubes is that you can choose if you want a single cube or a set. You can get the large cubes individually, and they’re pretty affordable at less than $10 per cube. But the sets are definitely better value for money, so pick up one of those if you’re in need of more than a compression cube.

The three-piece set includes small, medium, and large cubes, and it’s best for people who’re either packing in a small suitcase or don’t have a lot of stuff to pack. These three cubes are more than enough to help you organize your clothes for a short trip, and they’re going to free up some space in your luggage as well.

The six-piece set features those three cubes, as well as additional extra small and long cubes. And it also comes with a colorful laundry bag, which is a convenient addition. The smaller cubes from these sets are actually excellent for people who want to organize every little detail, but also for folks who are used to carrying smaller luggage.

Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes

The Well-Traveled set of compression packing cubes is a great option if you want something simple and affordable. It includes three packing cubes of different sizes, with the largest one being 15.7” long. This means that it is suitable for nearly all luggage, except underseat bags and small backpacks.

This is a rare set of compression packing cubes that is not available only in solid colors. One of the design options is a beautiful print, which is different on each cube. And I really like this because it helps you know what is in each cube just by glancing at them.

That’s going to be necessary since there’s no mesh on top that makes the cubes transparent. Even though that means that the breathability is not really great, the lack of mesh isn’t a bad thing. Because the entire cubes are made from high-quality ripstop, they feature really good water resistance. They are not entirely waterproof though, so I wouldn’t put any wet clothes inside these cubes.

The Well Traveled packing cubes are also really durable, mostly because of the tough material. But also because they feature double-stitched seams and really strong zippers that won’t break easily.

Another great thing about these is how inexpensive they are. The three-piece set normally retails for $25, but there’s usually some sort of discount as well. At the moment of writing this, all the colors of the set are discounted by at least 30%, which is pretty cool.

eBags Classic Large Compression Cube 

The eBags compression cube is a great option if you want just one really big packing cube. This is very large, and it’s not going to work with all types of carry-on luggage since it is 18” long. But you can use it with medium and large suitcases.

The exact material these packing cubes are made from is not specified – the only thing I can tell you is that it is lightweight and very durable. I assume it’s either nylon or polyester since the majority of the other cubes are made from one of those two fabrics.

One cool feature that is unique to the eBags compression packing cube is the tiny mesh pocket. It’s the size of a business card and it allows you to actually write what’s in each cube. That’s a pretty useful feature since you can’t actually see the contents of these packing cubes.

And there’s a grab handle at the top, which will make your life a little bit easier. Or at the very least, it will make it easier for you to pick up the cube and hold it, even when it is filled to capacity.

The obvious downside is the price – at almost $25, the eBags compression cube is seriously expensive. It might not be a lot of money, but you can get a set of five cubes for $5 less.

Additionally, this is a pretty heavy packing cube at 8 ounces. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but the average compression cube weighs 2-3 ounces. Yes, this one is a bit bigger than most other cubes, but not that bigger than you’d expect it to be nearly four times heavier.