travel cubes kmart

The low-cost Kmart accessories that'll make your next trip way easier

While holidays are fun, the actual act of travelling can be... a lot.

From packing your suitcase to surviving an uncomfortable flight, it's never really a fun time.

Thankfully, there are some products that frequent flyers swear by for getting through travel.

Scroll through to see the best products from Kmart that you need on your next trip.

Inflatable pillow

When this travel pillow went viral on social media in 2023 , people went wild for it. It may look silly, but it guarantees you a comfy sleep in your plane seat without leaning on the passenger next to you.

Buy it for $18.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes turn your suitcase from a jumbled mess into a neat and orderly space with zero stress.

Get a set of three for $9.

For the ultimate in organisation, Kmart has a seven-piece packing set, including dedicated bags for your shoes, accessories, skincare and electronics.

The seven-piece set is $15.

Digital travel scales

There's no need to worry about whether your bag is over the weight restrictions, with these digital scales that can weigh up to 50kg.

They're small enough to put in your suitcase, so you can make sure that all your holiday shopping didn't push your bag weight over the edge.

Get the scales for $9.

Compression bags

Overpackers definitely need these bags in their lives. Just pack it full of clothes, seal, and roll up - no vacuum needed. 

They come in multiple sizes, but a four-pack of extra-large bags is $10.

Travel jewellery case

Leave the days of tangled necklaces and lost earrings in the past. Keep everything safe and secure in this petite case, which can be tucked into your suitcase.

Get it for $9.

Unless you want a dead phone battery for your whole trip, you'll need to pack at least one adaptor.

Kmart has them for every region, with lists of where each can be used.

This one is $6.

Travel Tech Organiser Case

If you're the kind to just throw phone chargers and Kindle cables into your suitcase willy nilly, then tear it apart at your destination looking for them, perhaps you need a handy organisation case.

Get one for $10.

Camp shower

Going on a camping trip? Travellers swear by this 20-litre shower , which can be left out in the sun to warm up.

Get it for $10.

In-Flight Phone Mount

If you find yourself on a flight without a seatback TV, you'll need one of these.

It fits every smartphone, and clips onto the seat in front of you, making it easy to watch anything hands-free.

• My Favourites

Big W takes on Kmart with $25 packing cubes ‘the best ever’

It’s the suitcase accessory travellers are raving about — and it’s now available for cheap as Big W battles Kmart for holiday-makers’ dollars.

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Kmart’s been clocking up some serious kudos among travellers in recent years, with its $49 suitcases and $9 packing cubes among packing gear that’s gained a cult following.

These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article.  Learn more

But now Big W has brought out the big guns to fight back in the battle for travellers’ dollars.

The discount retailer’s newly expanded travel range includes new accessories from the highly-reviewed Globite brand, including packing cubes.

The budget retailer is selling the cubes for $25 for a three-pack — cheaper than the $29.95 they retail for via other suppliers or direct from Globite.

And while that’s still more than three times the price of Kmart’s packing cubes, some travellers swear the extra investment is worth it.

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Among glowing reviews posted on the Globite website, the cubes are described as “the best ever”.

“I have bought other packing items and none compare for the quality, great sizing options and ease of packing and durability,” one customer wrote.

“Priceless,” posted another. “I don’t know how I could have coped living out of a suitcase for six weeks without these treasures.”

By comparison, a recent review of Kmart’s $9 packing cubes describes them as “not as robust as the other brands, and I can’t vouch for their longevity on a round-the-world trip, but for $9, they’ll separate your jocks from your jumpers”.

PACKING CUBES REVIEWED: HOW THE $9 KMART ONES COMPARE

Other Globite items Big W has added to its range include a $10 waterproof phone case, $15 travel pillow, $20 travel wallet and $25 foldable tote bag.

Also new to Big W is a 60cm hard-shell Regent Street suitcase , priced at $80.

Big W’s expansion of its travel range to compete with rival Kmart follows a similar attempt to challenge Kmart’s dominance on the homewares front last year, and Aldi’s success with its travel themed Special Buys sales .

For more travel news and inspiration sign up to Escape’s newsletter .

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This Kmart suitcase hack will change your life

• 19 Sep 2018

Hailed as “the best thing ever”, the latest hack to emerge from Kmart is changing the lives of travellers, one suitcase at a time.

According to Escape , travellers are “obsessed” with Kmart’s set of packing cubes , which allow organise and compartmentalise items in a suitcase.

3 packing cubes, $9, Kmart

The $9 cubes, or packing cells, are small zippered polyester bags that come on three sizes: small, medium and large.

“My suitcase has never been so neat, compact and organised,” said one reader.

“Group together items; seasonal, dirty, underwear. Packs can be placed straight into the hotel wardrobe for easy access and then pop back into the bag quickly and easily,” they added.

Others were impressed by how the packing cubes allowed them to fit “much more” that usual in their suitcase.

“I have done two long trips to Europe now. The last time was for over a month in two very different weather zones. I was still able to pack everything into one small bag,” said another reader.

Tips for using packing cubes:

1. Allocate specific coloured cells and sizes to different types of clothes so you can find them easily.

2. If you’re travelling through different climates, assign one coloured cube for winter clothes and the other to summer.

3. Buy two sets of packing cubes if you need to compartmentalise more.

4. Use two different colours for two different people and pack half and half in case one suitcase goes missing.

5. Use the tabs to hang packing cubes from hooks in bathrooms so your clothes stay dry.

6. Pack shower gel and shampoo in a cube.

7. Sort children’s clothes from adults with different coloured cubes.

8. Allocate one packing cube to dirty clothes and washing.  

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$8 Kmart item saving travellers hundreds of dollars

They’re the no-frills options changing how travellers pack, and you’ll wish you’d known about them sooner – because these are the secrets of packing pros.

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They’re the no-frills options changing how travellers pack, and you’ll wish you’d known about them sooner.

LIGHTWEIGHT PACKING CUBES FROM KMART – $8

Whether camping is your jam or you prefer to cruise overseas, this set of small, medium and large cubes are an affordable way to keep you organised no matter where you’re headed.

Top handles make them easy to place in and out of your luggage. A great, no-frills option.

5-IN-1 TRAVEL POUCH FROM AMERICAN TOURISTER – $29.99

From toiletries to charging cables, laundry to shoes, there’s a pouch to keep just about every holiday essential neat and tidy in this five-piece set. Great if you have lots of small items or fiddly pieces, they have a one-year warranty and can pack down into each other when they’re not in use.

RELATED: The 15 best luggage hacks ever

ANTI-ODOUR PACKING CELL FROM KATHMANDU – $49.98

Don’t return from your holiday and be haunted by wet swimwear, sweaty socks or damp towels again! This anti-odour cell is made from chemical-free technology that will stop nasty odours in their tracks. It’s a little pricier than other cells, but for the peace of mind – and no pong guarantee – we think it’s worth it.

PACKING CELLS FROM JULY – $55

Washable, stainproof and guaranteed to keep their shape, these packing cells are so stylish you won’t want to keep them hidden away in your suitcase. Made from premium nylon with Japanese YKK zips, they come in both four and eight-piece options in three contemporary colours.

RELATED: The $2 items that have travellers hooked

MOUV 3-PACK PACKING CUBES FROM TARGET – $10

These three collapsible cubes fold up into one neat carry bag, so even when they’re not in use you can keep the neat packing theme going. The smallest size contains an additional internal zip pocket that’s great for hiding away any valuables.

PAKMASTER FROM VICTORINOX – $119

If you’re a folder rather than a roller, then the Victorinox Pakmaster will be right up your alley. Pack with complete ease – it comes with instructions on how to create the perfect fold – then arrive at your destination with wrinkle-free clothes. It comes in small and medium size options and can fit in most carry-on bags.

PACKING CUBE, 4-PIECE FROM GLOBITE – $49.95

Unpack straight from your suitcase to your hotel room drawers with this four-piece kit. Made from durable nylon, they feature two-way zips, carry handle and hanging loops. Mesh panels mean you can see exactly what you’ve packed, and best of all, you can throw them in the washing machine when you get home from your trip.

RELATED: $7 Kmart item frequent flyers swear by

PADDED SOFT CELL FROM SEA TO SUMMIT – $39.99

Travelling with breakables or delicate items that need a little more protection in your suitcase? Then padded soft cells are the way to go. The EVA foam casing will provide just the right cushioning for your special items without taking up too much unnecessary bulk.

ULTRALIGHT DOUBLE-SIDED CUBER FROM OSPREY – $19.95

Made from durable 40D ripstop nylon fabric, these cubes have dual zippered compartments that allows you to separate wet from dry or dirty from clean without having to invest in separate bags. They come in medium and large sizes and three different colours, and a sturdy top handle makes them nice and easy to carry.

ULTIMATE PACKING 10-PIECE BUNDLE FROM ZOOMLITE – $95

A place for everything and everything in its place will be your motto with Zoomlite’s ultimate packing bundle. It’s made up of 10 water-resistant and ripstop fabric cells (from large cubes to slim pouch styles), so you’ll be able to account for everything from clothes and shoes to toiletries and beyond.

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Travellers go wild over Kmart $18 packing cubes

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Social media influencers described the Krmart items as essential for travel. Photo / File

An $18 Kmart item is making the rounds on social media with travellers raving about how handy it is when it comes to packing.

We’ve all been there – forced to rearrange an entire suitcase because the clothes you want to take won’t fit.

But Kmart shoppers have sworn by the retailer’s seven-piece packing cube to help organise and sort your clothes.

Queensland bargain-hunter Islah Palmer shared a TikTok of the Kmart must-haves when it comes to travelling.

She said while she already has the three-piece cube set for AU$8, she needed another pack, going in for the larger set.

“This one [is] so good, It even has a little shoe bag,” she said about the AU$15 product.

@islahpalmer Come to Kmart w me TRAVEL EDITION!!!! ✈️ #kmart #kmartstyle #kmartstyling #kmartfashion #kmartfever #kmarthaul #kmarthack #kmartchallenge #kmartbargain #kmarthome #kmartaus #kmartaustralia #kmartshoes ♬ original sound - Islah

The set, which is designed to ‘maximise space’, also includes a cube for underwear, a skincare bag, and one for toiletries and electronics.

“I’ve used them on three trips now and find them to be a complete game changer,” she told news.com.au .

“I can fit so much more in my luggage now and feel so organised.”

While it makes packing easy, it makes unpacking even easier.

”Packing cubes have been trending for a while and with travel being so common again, as well as how much everyone loves to be organised, it makes perfect sense,” Islah said, adding the cubes offer an affordable price point.

Fellow Aussie influencer Taylah who goes by the TikTok handle ‘The Monochrome Home’ is also a fan of the product, the smaller set.

“It comes in three sizes – small, medium and large – and is great for categorising items and maximising space in your suitcase,” she said.

“They come in a mesh design so you can see your clothes easily.”

@themonochromehome Pack with me for a vacation to Japan 😍 #asmr #asmrsounds #thatgirl #satisfying #packwithme #packing #packwithmeforvacation #packwithmeforatrip #packingasmr #vacation #fyp #fypシ ♬ original sound - The Monochrome Home

Travellers are eager to get their hands on the packing cubes, with some noting their local Kmart has already sold out of the item.

“I went today and couldn’t find them. They may be out of stock,” one person wrote.

“I need the packing cubes,” said another.

Big W also sells a similar item in a three-pack for $29. It comes in a variety of colours including pink, purple, blue and grey.

Meanwhile, both influencers also listed other handy travel items from Kmart including a AU$10 leak-proof bottle set, a AU$15 make-up and toiletries bag and an AU$35 flip lid mirror.

“This mirror can be used on the go, at home or when you’re travelling. It’s rechargeable, dimmable with three different light settings.

“It fits perfectly into your handbag,” Taylah said.

Meanwhile Islah described the mirror as “great”, telling viewers she has taken it on holidays.

“It’s AU$35 and worth every bit.”

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The 7 Best Packing Cubes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We love space-saving packing cubes for long and short trips, and these are the best out there.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

Look for sets that include multiple sizes

Frequently asked questions.

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Packing cubes are hands down one of the best travel hacks out there. Whether you’re a meticulous list-maker or planning procrastinator, investing in a set of packing cubes is a game changer for staying organized and saving space without having to put in too much effort. 

At Travel + Leisure , we take our travel hacks seriously so we put 23 sets of regular and compression packing cubes to the test both in our New York City lab and out during real travels to find the best ones on the market. We understand that everyone has unique preferences so we also found picks for travelers embarking on long trips, outdoor adventurers, and minimalist packers looking for one just a few cubes to do the trick.

Best Overall

Gonex compression packing cubes.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

The lightweight cubes easily compress clothing down to save space in a suitcase. 

They repel some water but are not waterproof. 

We love the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes thanks to their impressive space-saving ability. During six months of tests, we found these cubes to be monumentally helpful when it comes to consolidating and organizing clothing items between the different-sized cubes. The compression cubes help you get more items packed than a regular version of a packing cube and the sturdy zippers make compressing the packed cubes easy, leading us to believe that these cubes will last over time with the durable zippers and stitchwork. 

Although the nylon material isn’t waterproof, we splashed a little water on the outside and found that the material repels some water (but the clothing should remain dry with the extra protection of a suitcase, too). Plus, the handles on the top of each cube make it easy to grab the bags for packing and unpacking, and we love that the set includes an extra-large, large, medium, and small bag for variety.

The Details: 3 or 4 bags included | 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches (extra large), 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches (large), 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches (medium), and 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches (small) | Ripstop nylon

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Shacke Pak 5 Set Packing Cubes

• Design 4 /5
• Quality 4 /5

The set includes four cubes and a laundry bag. 

The mesh tops aren’t waterproof or resistant.

Whether you’re traveling with family or heading on a solo trip , these Shacke packing cubes are a steal of a deal. The set includes extra-large, large, medium, and small packing cubes, as well as a laundry bag for dirty clothes. Designed for up to 14 days of traveling, we found that the cubes lived up to their promise of providing plenty of space for a variety of types of clothing like pants, toiletries, shirts, and jackets. The cubes easily fit in the carry-on suitcase we used and with the various sizes, you can customize how many cubes you want to pack depending on the type of suitcase you have. 

While the cubes likely won’t prevent water from seeping through due to the mesh tops, you can easily see what you packed inside so you won’t have to unpack everything to find a piece of clothing. During our tests, we felt the durable nylon material and zippers would hold up well with prolonged use, and you can't beat the price for the full set either. 

The Details: 5 bags included | 17.5 x 12.75 x 4 inches (extra large), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 3.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), and 20.5 x 15.75 inches (laundry bag) | Nylon

Best for Long Trips

Veken packing cubes with laundry and shoe bag.

The set includes four packing cubes, a shoe bag, and a laundry bag. 

These have to be hand-washed and air-dried. 

If you’re traveling internationally or taking an extended vacation, consider picking up a set of these Veken packing cubes from Amazon. The four packing cubes are thoughtfully designed with a clear strip on the top so travelers can easily see what they packed, and there are small graphics printed onto each cube recommending what type of clothing item could be stored inside. This set also includes a shoe bag and a laundry bag so you can keep your items separated and organized. We like that there are several different sizes so you don't have small items moving around in a cube that's too big or trying to cram a larger sweatshirt into something too small.

We think these nylon and polyester packing cubes are made to last with a thick fabric exterior and sturdy zippers and stitchwork. After six months of use, there is no sign of wear and the zippers are holding up well. Although we found the cubes to be slightly heavier than others we tested so keep that in mind if you’re an overpacker or striving to stay under the standard 50-pound limit for checked luggage. 

The Details: 6 bags included | 17.5 x 12.15 x 4 (extra large), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 3.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), 16.96 x 9.06 x 4.72 (shoe bag), and 20 x 14 inches (laundry bag) | Nylon, ethylene vinyl acetate, and polyester 

Best for Camping

Rei co-op expandable packing cube set.

The tent-like material is lightweight and has a rugged look.

The mesh top doesn’t feel as durable as we hoped and these bags lose their shape when fully packed.

Outdoor enthusiasts should consider REI Co-op’s lightweight packing cubes for upcoming camping trips. The set of two comes with large and medium packing cubes that remain at the standard three-inch height or they can be expanded another three inches to double the capacity. After six months of regularly using the packing cubes, we found that all seams and zippers held up extremely well, even after packing heavy winter clothing.

In testing, the tent-like nylon proved to be water-resistant as advertised, however, the top of the cubes are made of a breathable mesh that doesn’t repel water and felt a little less sturdy than the nylon portion. Though the mesh top isn’t ideal for waterproofness, we like how easy it is to see what we packed through the little mesh holes. Plus, the lightweight materials are ideal for campers or backpackers looking to stay organized without sacrificing weight. 

The Details: 2 bags included | 14.5 x 10.5 x 3 inches (large) and 12 x 8 x 3 inches (medium) | Ripstop nylon and polyester

Best Sustainable

Peak design packing cubes.

Peak Design uses 100 percent recycled materials to make the cubes.

The easy access zippers were finicky to use.

San Francisco-based Peak Design is known for its slew of sustainable outdoor gear made with carbon neutral and recycled materials, including expandable packing cubes. We tried the small- and medium-sized cubes and found them to be spacious, well-built, and resistant to water after splashing a bit on the exterior. After regularly using the cubes for six months, we loved the capacity of the medium cube and found the smaller option to be good for packing undergarments or even toiletries. We especially love that the cubes are made from 100 percent recycled nylon that is solution-dyed to prevent excessive water use following the brand’s carbon-neutral footprint and each bag expands to fit even more items.

The cubes can compress down to a height of 3.1 inches, but we discovered they function best as an expandable packing cube that can increase in size, rather than a compression cube that is designed to heavily consolidate clothes. Additionally, the cubes feature an “easy access” zipper so travelers can reach inside the bag without opening the whole thing, but we think this feature is unnecessary to use due to the zipper getting snagged. 

The Details: 1 bag included | Various sizes | Ripstop nylon

Best Personalized

Paravel packing cube quad.

• Design 4.5 /5

The cubes can be monogrammed with up to three letters for an additional $25. 

The large cube is so big it takes up most of the space of a carry-on bag.

Indulge your love for matching with this set of personalized packing cubes from Paravel. Although it costs an extra $25, you can get up to three letters embroidered onto the set of four packing cubes with 11 color options. If you're shopping for a stylish, functional personalized travel gift , this is a wonderful option. The set comes with one large, one medium, and two small-sized packing cubes that can hold an impressive amount of clothing and still fit in most carry-on bags. These cubes are great for any type of traveler, but especially for those looking for water-resistant cubes for checked bags that will be handled outside in different weather conditions. After six months of use, we found that these cubes provide exceptional organization with room to pack bulkier items in the larger bags and toiletries or undergarments between the two smaller cubes.

As a bonus, these cubes won't take up much space in between trips. They're easy to store and stack right inside one another. The size variety is also convenient for different types of trips and we love having the option to use one, two, three, or all four bags in a checked bag if needed.

The Details: 4 bags included | 18 x 3.75 x 12 inches (large), 12.75 x 3.75 x 10 inches (medium), and 8.2 x. 3.75 x 6.25 inches (small) | Nylon

Calpak Packing Cubes 5-piece Set

There are 14 designs to choose from including groovy blue, retro sunset, and cheetah prints. 

The set might be better suited for frequent fliers.

If you travel often and are looking to invest in a splurge-worthy set of packing cubes, you can’t go wrong with these from Calpak. We love the unique design options with 14 colors and patterns to choose from including classics like solid pink and gold marble, or limited-edition prints like a wavy retro sunset and groovy blue picks. The set includes one large, one medium, and two small cubes, as well as a water-resistant envelope for cosmetics.

After six months of using these packing cubes during international trips, we found that all the bags were spacious enough to fit a variety of clothing options for organized and efficient packing. We love the diversity of sizes to hold things like undergarments as well as shoes if needed. We also love the option to bring a folded large cube to keep dirty clothes separate. The polyester material feels well-made and built to last, and the zippers zipped without any issues which helps justify the higher price point for this set. And, if you’re traveling with your family, we think the set would be great for separating and organizing clothing for several travelers thanks to the removable identification tags where you can write what clothing went into each cube. 

The Details: 5 bags included | 17 x 12 x 3 inches (large), 15 x 11 x 3 inches (medium), 12 x 8.8 x 3 inches (small), and 13 x 10 x 1.5 inches (envelope) | Polyester

Other Packing Cubes We Liked

There were several sets of packing cubes we highlighted below that almost made our list of best packing cubes, but they fell short during testing due some minor flaws we noticed. 

Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes : This set of compression packing cubes is great for budget-friendly travelers but our top pick is also a compression set that had a better overall performance in testing. 

Lean Travel Premium Compression Packing Cubes : The set of three cubes is made with thick polyester that still feels lightweight, but besides that, there weren’t any standout features compared to our other top performers. 

Briggs & Riley Packing Cubes : These cubes were spacious and water-resistant, but for $59, we expected a higher performance to match the price for three standard packing cubes.

We evaluated 23 sets of both compression and regular packing cubes in our New York City lab and based our testing on traits like capacity, design, quality, and value. First, we unpackaged the sets of packing cubes and examined the quality of the bags by twisting and pulling them to check the stitchwork and using the zippers to see if they snagged or glided smoothly. After packing the cubes with a variety of clothing items like pants, jackets, undergarments, and shirts, we placed the cubes in a carry-on suitcase to see how well they fit in a piece of luggage. Our top contenders for capacity and design provided plenty of space for a range of clothing items with useful and thoughtful features that made packing easier and more organized.

For compression-specific packing cubes, we paid close attention to how much space the packing cube saved once we zipped the compression zippers. For all cubes, we splashed a bit of water on the exterior and felt the inside to see if any of the packed contents were damp. After testing each set of cubes in our lab, we sent them home to be tested during real travels around the world for six months. We regularly collected insights on durability, functionality, and overall quality during this period to ensure each cube continued to impress.

Tips for Buying Packing Cubes

Compare compression versus regular packing cubes.

Compression packing cubes are designed to condense clothing by using the compression zipper to pack down the clothes in order to save space in a suitcase. Regular packing cubes are mainly for organizing clothes efficiently rather than consolidating clothing to make more room in a piece of luggage. Compression packing cubes can usually be expanded or compressed which gives travelers the best of both worlds.

One of the best parts about packing cubes is staying organized on the go with little effort. To help you keep like items together, consider buying a set of multiple packing cubes with different sizes. That way, you can know without opening the case what cube holds your pants, your shirts, your undergarments, and more. The various size options also let you mix and match the cubes to fit whatever luggage you're bringing from weekender duffles to large checked bags.

Flexible fabrics like nylon or polyester are best for packing cubes as they'll allow you to pack the most items. These materials also tend to be water-resistant, keeping your items extra safe throughout your travels.

When it comes to saving space, experts say you can fold your clothes or roll them — it ultimately doesn’t matter. The most important thing is maximizing your space, and packing cubes are great for doing just that. Besides saving space, packing cubes can help you stay organized before and during your trip making them a must-have travel organizer .

For travelers who usually use checked luggage, consider purchasing a set with five or six cubes included so you can maximize space in each suitcase. And, if you’re a carry-on-only type of traveler, one or two packing cubes in small or medium sizes could be better suited for your needs, and you won’t have to worry about storing a large set either. Backpackers or campers should consider getting just one or two compression or regular cubes that can fit in a backpack or weekender bag for lighter packing .

Depending on the size of your packing cubes and luggage, the bags can be placed in either compartment of a suitcase or duffel bag. As always, you'll want to do your best to evenly distribute the heavy packing cubes so the bag doesn't become top or bottom-heavy. Ideally, the rectangle shape of your cubes should make it easy to take up every inch of space in a suitcase.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is an associate commerce editor at Travel + Leisure , covering all of the best travel products from luggage to footwear. A recently converted compression packing cube user, Anna didn't know what she was missing out on until investing in multiple sets of packing cubes. She put together this list of the best packing cubes based on the results from the packing cube test we conducted in our New York City lab.

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The Best Packing Cubes

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

In your travels, as in life overall, a bit of organization up front can save you time and reduce frustration down the road.

Enter the packing cube: a simple bag, usually made of fabric and mesh, that tidily zips away your clutter.

After considering and testing 27 packing cubes over the last five years, we’ve chosen four to suit different kinds of travelers: a set of packing cubes for most people , a lightweight set for ultralight packers , a set of compression cubes for heavy packers , and a cube made of upcycled materials for waste-conscious travelers .

The research

Why you should trust us, best for most: eagle creek pack-it reveal cube set, for those who travel light: eagle creek pack-it isolate cube set, for overpackers: rei co-op expandable packing cube set, best upcycled option: cotopaxi cubos 10l travel cube, other good packing cubes, how we picked and tested, should you get packing cubes to match your luggage, the competition, what to look forward to.

Kit Dillon has covered luggage and travel gear for Wirecutter for nearly a decade. In that time, he’s crisscrossed the country and three continents, and has held, tested, and compared hundreds of different bags. Since he first traveled with packing cubes many years ago, he’s become obsessed with them, and they are the only packing essential he absolutely recommends to anyone who asks.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, this three-cube set keeps your bag organized while you’re traveling.

Buying Options

Get this if: You need a set of basic packing cubes that do the job without getting in the way.

Why it’s great: The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set doesn’t have any frills, but overall, every aspect of this set feels a bit nicer compared with the competition. This three-piece set is an updated design of Eagle Creek’s original Pack-It cube, which we’ve recommended for more than six years. The changes are largely cosmetic—the original Pack-It and the Reveal share the same materials and overall design, except the Reveal has a larger mesh window—and the cubes continue to be a durable choice for keeping up to a week’s worth of clothing organized and easy to move from suitcase to hotel dresser.

The Reveal cubes are made of 300-denier polyester. (“Denier” refers to the thickness of a fabric’s thread. The higher the denier number, the stronger the fabric; “300 denier” indicates a sturdy fabric made to resist tears.) They stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. Their windows use the tightest mesh link of any cubes we tested—better for resisting snags—yet it’s easy to see what’s inside the cube without opening it. However, mesh lets in dust and dirt over time. (If that’s a worry for you, Eagle Creek’s Isolate cubes may be a better option.) The zippers slide smoothly around corners, even when a cube is overstuffed. We also like the cubes’ clamshell design, which opens fully on three sides and lets you easily access everything inside without having to unpack the entire thing.

We find the three-cube set particularly useful when separating clothes, too. The largest cube (labeled “medium”) is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube (“small”) and quarter-cube (“extra small”) are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics, such as stockings or sleepwear.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: We haven’t had any issues with the original version of these cubes after several years of use. Wirecutter editor Tracy Vence reported, “I’ve used the Eagle Creek packing cubes at least once a month for the last seven years. They’ve held up beautifully—no issues with the zippers, netting, etc. Really, they’re just great.” That said, Eagle Creek updated the design slightly, which means we can’t rely on our past testing as strongly as before. So far, though, the Pack-It Reveal cubes show no obvious flaws, and nothing in the redesign makes us think the quality has decreased.

• Dimensions: 4½ by 7½ by 2½ inches (extra small), 7¼ by 10 by 3¼ inches (small), 10 by 14¼ by 3¼ inches (medium)
• Capacity: 1.7 liters (extra small), 7 liters (small), 14.5 liters (medium)
• Weight: 1.4 ounces (extra small), 2.1 ounces (small), 3.2 ounces (medium)

Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set

Lighter, if you need it.

These cubes, sold in a set of three, have the same shape as the Pack-It Reveal cubes, but they are water resistant (to guard against spills) and weigh half as much, thanks to their lighter material. They do cost more.

Get this if: You need a set of lightweight packing cubes with a slight bit of water resistance.

Why it’s great: The Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set —an updated and renamed version of the company’s original Specter Tech design—is a good, ultralight set of three packing cubes that weigh half as much as our other picks. Based on our testing so far, these cubes are nearly identical to their predecessor. If you want the organizational benefits of packing cubes but also want to add the least amount of weight to your suitcase, the Isolate set is a great choice.

The largest Pack-It Isolate cube weighs 1.3 ounces; the same-size Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal cube weighs just over 3 ounces. The Pack-It Isolate’s fabric—a semitranslucent, 50-denier ripstop polyester—looks fragile, but it’s held up well over time in its previous Specter Tech incarnation. The material is both tear and water resistant, and we’ve used the older version of these cubes, the Specter Techs, for five years now with no issues. Like the Reveal, the Isolate bags zip open on three sides and hinge along the fourth.

Also like the Reveal set, these cubes come as a set of three, labeled medium, small, and extra small. Whereas our other picks take up about the same packing volume as a balled-up pair of boxers, these bunch down to the size of a single ankle sock. There’s no mesh, but the fabric is translucent enough for you to see what’s inside.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The biggest flaw of any lightweight packing cube, including the Pack-It Isolate, is that the thin sides can’t stand up on their own. If you prefer sturdier cubes that hold their shape as you pack, you're probably going to dislike any lightweight cube. This set is also more expensive than the Reveal set, so you have to really want the weight savings to justify the extra cost.

• Capacity: 2 liters (extra small), 7 liters (small), 13 liters (medium)
• Weight: 0.6 ounces (extra small), 1 ounce (small), 1.3 ounces (medium)

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Compressible bags to save space.

These three cubes hold the most of any set we tested in the smallest amount of space. The compression zippers can be tricky to operate, though.

Get this if: You tend to overpack and need a little more compression to get that last T-shirt into your bag.

Why it’s great: The REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set (which includes three cubes: small, medium, and large) holds more in total than our other picks but takes up the least amount of space in your suitcase when the cubes are fully compressed. Unlike a regular packing cube, which has a single zipper around the lid, the REI Co-op cubes have two sets of zippers: one around each lid and one around the middle of the cube itself. Opening the middle zipper expands the walls of the cube. Once the cube is packed, you can compress it by pushing down on the bag and then closing the middle zipper.

This process squeezes the cube down to half its size, but it takes some practice for it to go smoothly. When the cubes are properly packed, though, you’ll see that you can squeeze about a third more clothing into the compressed REI Co-op set than into the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal set.

Like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate cubes, these cubes are made of lightweight, tear-resistant ripstop nylon. Even with an additional zipper, a large REI cube (14½ by 10½ by 3 inches) weighs only about a quarter of an ounce more than the nearly equivalently sized medium cube (10 by 14¼ by 3¼ inches) from Eagle Creek’s Reveal set ; it weighs almost 2 ounces more than the medium cube in our ultralight pick . REI backs its gear with a satisfaction guarantee , which gives you one year to return an item (if, that is, you’re an REI member; if you’re not, you have 90 days). In the past, REI had a good reputation for honoring its former lifetime guarantee; the wording of REI’s current warranty for REI Co-op branded gear seems to say that if something fails after one year, accepting the return would depend upon an employee’s discretion.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The zippers that compress the cubes can sometimes be finicky to close. This issue exists across every compression cube we tested; however, they’re pretty easy to figure out with some trial and error. When you pack these cubes, be careful to avoid overstuffing them too much. If you overpack or pack unevenly, after you zip the compression panel shut, you may end up with something shaped more like a football than a traditional cube.

• Dimensions: 8 by 6 by 3 inches (small), 12 by 8 by 3 inches (medium), 14½ by 10½ by 3 inches (large) (Note: All three sizes expand in depth to 6 inches.)
• Capacity (unexpanded): 2.35 liters (small), 4.7 liters (medium), 7.5 liters (large)
• Weight: 2 ounces (small), 2.8 ounces (medium), 3.5 ounces (large)

Cotopaxi Cubos 10L Travel Cube

A cube made of upcycled material.

This well-made, sturdy packing cube is made out of repurposed remnant materials from other Cotopaxi products. It’s also now available in two smaller sizes and as part of a set.

Get this if: You want a high-quality packing cube and also want to support a B-corp with its related social and sustainable missions .

Why it’s great: The Cubos 10L Travel Cube is a well-built packing cube from Cotopaxi, a certified B Corp outdoor-gear company . (B Corp status means the manufacturer has met “high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency,” according to B Lab , a nonprofit that issues those certifications.) We’ve reviewed and recommend plenty of Cotopaxi gear, and we’ve found that it’s built to a very high quality. All of Cotopaxi’s travel cubes are made using leftover materials from their (and other companies’) backpacks and other products. Using the scrap material here keeps it from ending up in a landfill. However, this also means that every cube has a different motley-color effect that’s unique and maybe not to everyone’s taste.

The Cubos Travel Cube’s mix of mesh and nylon paneling allows you to see inside the cube without opening it up, similar to Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Reveal. The Reveal and Cotopaxi cubes are made of similarly durable materials and have a clamshell opening, but the latter unzips a little farther, fully clearing all four corners so the top hinges open cleanly. However, the Cotopaxi cube’s mesh liner is built into the sides of the bag rather than the lid.

The Cubos also weighs more than a similarly sized medium Reveal cube: 4 ounces to the Reveal’s 3.2. And at 10 liters, the Cubos carries a little less than the medium Reveal (14.5 liters) but a little more than that set’s small (7 liters).

Cotopaxi has a “ Guaranteed for Good ” warranty and repair program, which it maintains at its discretion: “We will determine the best path forward, whether that’s a functional repair, replacement, or store credit due to a depleted inventory.” We’ve used the warranty several times with various Cotopaxi products and have had excellent results; we’ve also not heard of anyone having problems.

The Cubos now comes in two smaller sizes as well, and as a set. The two smaller sizes hold two liters ($17.50) and three liters ($20.50); the three-cube set ($50) includes one cube in each size. As they are all still made using remnant fabric, they won’t match, though.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: It costs more per cube than our other picks. We’d prefer to see the mesh paneling on top of the bag (as opposed to the sides) for a better view of what’s inside. The side walls’ lack of rigidity also means the Cubos doesn’t stand up as easily as the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal. Due to the nature of Cotopaxi’s upcycling, you can’t pick a specific color when you order these cubes.

• Dimensions: 13 by 10 by 6 inches
• Capacity: 10 liters
• Weight: 4 ounces

If the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is out of stock: Consider the July Packing Cells , which, like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveals , have a mesh lid, though July’s mesh feels heavier than Eagle Creek’s. (It’s more like an athletic jersey than a bag material.) The July cubes come in a set of four for $45 or eight for $85, and July offers a five-year warranty and 100-day trial period. We haven’t used the July cubes for nearly as long as we have Eagle Creek’s, though, so we aren’t quite ready to make them an official pick.

If you’re Yeti curious: You’ll probably like Yeti’s well-made Crossroads Packing Cubes , which are surprisingly inexpensive for a famously “premium” company. That said, these compression cubes, which come in three sizes, are still quite expensive compared to our other picks. (A single large Yeti cube costs $35, compared to $45 for the entire REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set .)

We’ve tested and traveled with multiple sets of packing cubes over the last five years, paying close attention to construction, material quality, ease of use, and value to determine what you need from these while you’re on a trip. Those are the qualities we considered most important when we chose which of the dozens of available packing cubes (on Amazon and elsewhere) to test. And when we narrowed down our options and actually tested the 27 (so far) sets, we focused on:

• Weight, size, and capacity: There’s no need for overkill. If you’re going to shell out $25 to $40 for fabric, mesh, and a zipper, it better be lightweight yet still able to store a reasonable amount of clothing and gear. We looked for sets or single bags that could handle enough clothes, towels, gadget cables, toiletries, and medical supplies for a long weekend. Most sets included at least one 12-liter cube (considered “medium”)—which fit about a week’s worth of T-shirts—and two or three additional cubes of varying sizes, though we also tested some cubes that were sold individually. We tested both “standard”-weight cubes (about 4 ounces for a 12-liter cube) and pricier, “ultralight” cubes made of 30-denier siliconized nylon (which weigh about 2 ounces for a 12-liter cube).
• Ergonomic features: Packing cubes need to be easy to open and close. Zippers should not be prone to catching on neither the cube’s interior nor its corners as you close it. Handles are convenient for carrying and hanging, and are included on all the designs we tested. The ability of a cube’s sides to stand up on their own—generally because the fabric is thick enough to support itself—adds some convenience while packing.
• Visibility and ventilation: Some cubes, usually the models made with polyester or nylon, include a mesh window on the top panel. But mesh is also easy to snag and damage if its weave is too large or if the mesh material is cheaply produced. The best designs expose just enough of the interior for ventilation and visibility without sacrificing the strength of overall construction. Not all models we tested had a mesh panel. Most traditional-style bags similar to those of the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal set have a mesh panel of some sort, but many ultralight bags forego this feature entirely.
• Construction quality: The easiest way to test for fabric quality is to hold the bag in your hand. It should feel substantial, with a pleasant weave under your fingertips. The bags we tested are all made of some kind of nylon or polyester, which is rugged enough not to tear without adding unneeded ounces. Zippers are also a key component: YKK has been the global standard of zipper quality for generations, but there are other reliable zips too. We looked for cubes with zippers that moved smoothly and cleanly around the bags’ corners.
• Overall value: The sets we tested ranged from three cubes to as many as five per set, and were priced between $5 and $80. But we think the best range of quality and value seems to sit between $20 and $40.

Because most packing cubes have the same basic design, our testing process came down to assessing build quality and practical, real-world use. Over our years of testing, we’ve packed for overnight work trips, long-haul flights, and multi-tour city trips. In that time, we’ve made notes as zippers stuck or mesh snagged or when obstructed visibility slowed down the process of finding a particular item.

Though we’ve tested all the sizes included in each set while traveling, most of our controlled tests were performed using the medium size (roughly 10 by 14 by 3 inches). Into each of these medium cubes we packed things that anyone might bring on a typical weekend away: a rain jacket, two T-shirts, two pairs each of socks and underwear, two polo shirts, a thin fleece pullover, and a small travel towel. When overstuffing to test seams and zippers, we added at least a lightweight down jacket or a pair of jeans until we stressed capacity.

Sometimes the luggage companies we recommend (including Away , Topo , Travelpro , GoRuck , and Peak Design ) make their own packing cubes. Is it necessary to match your packing cubes to your bag? No. We think the packing cubes we chose will fit well in a variety of bags and transfer easily between them.

However, if you’re dedicated to a specific brand or design, you may prefer to have cubes that are sized to fit perfectly within the relevant brand’s bags. You can read more about the packing cubes from the companies that make our favorite  carry-on luggage and travel backpacks  in Other good packing cubes and The competition .

AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Cube Set : These cubes stand out most for their inexpensive price, but the amount you save isn’t worth the drop in quality compared with our other picks. The AmazonBasics bags are made from a nylon that feels cheap, and we weren’t satisfied with the stitching quality, either.

Away The Insider Packing Cubes : Having deeper walls than most packing cubes, these Away bags resemble very minimalist bricks. Each one has one large viewing window, made of a fine weave mesh, and YKK zippers. They’re about $10 more per set than the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveals , but you do get four cubes in the Away set instead of three. They fit into Away’s suitcases exceptionally well—bento like. However, for the price, we think you’ll be better served with the Reveals.

Bagail 6 Set Packing Cubes (and the nearly identical Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes , Bago 4 Set Packing Cubes for Travel , TravelWise 5-Piece Packing Cube Set , and Shacke Pak 5 Set Packing Cubes ): All of these sets, found on Amazon, are made from similarly cheap-feeling panels of thick nylon or ripstop and ornately separated strips of mesh. They all have similar problems: Their zippers tend to snag, they come with no trustworthy warranty, the fabric feels chintzy in your hands, and the panel stitching seems rushed and uneven. There are much better sets available.

eBags Classic Packing Cubes: We found this set of three cubes, a former runner-up pick, difficult to pack during repeated use in our long-term testing. The combination of reinforced seams and ultralight material is a strange mix: Although the reinforcement makes the ultralight material stand up, so that each cube is easier to pack, this set wasn’t as easy to pack as the Reveals , nor as pliable as our ultralight pick . (As of June 2024, eBags is out of business.)

Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Set : Like all Eagle Creek gear, this pair of cubes are well constructed, but we prefer the fully zippered design of our REI compression pick , which are also a little more rigid and easier to pack.

GoRuck Packing Cubes : This packing cube is very well made, but it comes at a premium price—$45 for a single medium-size cube when we tested it. (It’s since dropped in price to $25; a smaller size costs $15.) The cube itself splits down the middle and reveals two sides, both of which have mesh panels for viewing and keeping things separated. Like all of these brand-specific designs, this one fits very snugly in the bag it’s made for, though you need about four to fill the basic GoRuck GR1 .

Peak Design Packing Cube : This stylish choice has unusual “tear away” dual zippers, for one-handed opening (like peeling back the lid on a can of sardines), and compression zippers. Each cube has four separate YKK zippers, plus extra compression netting and a barrier between the two compartments, pushing the weight of the medium version to just over 5 ounces. The price for that size is $40—$5 less than what you’d pay for the whole Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set . (The Peak Design’s smaller size costs $30.) It’s not a bad cube per se, but overly fussy and expensive compared to our current picks.

PKG Union Compression Packing Cubes : The Union compression cubes are $30 more than our top-pick compression cubes for a set of three. They’re similar in design to our Reveal picks with a few higher-end details, such as a faux-leather handle and small storage pockets.

Topo Pack Bag 10L Cube : The Topo cube is made of the same high-denier nylon of most of Topo’s gear, so if you already have a Topo bag, this cube would nicely match. It’s well made and very strong, but it lacks a mesh viewing panel. It’s also expensive. A single small (5-liter) cube costs $20 , and the medium (10-liter) cube costs $24.

Trakke Foulden Packing Cubes : If you aren’t worried about price and need a very strong and waterproof packing cube, these are a great option. But at $90, plus shipping costs from the UK, these packing cubes are a stretch for most travelers.

Travelpro Essentials Packing Cube Set : These cubes are made of lightweight polyester, with a small strip of mesh paneling, so you can glimpse what’s inside. For $35 you get a set of three, and they fit well inside Travelpro’s carry-on suitcase . However, for the price and build quality, we found that these didn’t compare as well as our top pick . The trim around the zippers tended to catch, and the lightweight material made them slightly more difficult to pack than the similarly lightweight Eagle Creek Isolate set .

We’ll be investigating new packing cubes from Eagle Creek, Sea to Summit, Step 22, Thule, and other companies. Also, Patagonia has redesigned its large Patagonia Black Hole Cube , which we had recommended as an alternative to the Cotopaxi cube if it went out of stock. We’ll take a look at it soon.

The latest version of this article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan. 

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Carry-On Luggage

by Kit Dillon

After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry.

We Found the Optimal Way to Pack for a 3-Day Trip With Just a ‘Personal Item’

by Gabriella DePinho

If a free carry-on isn’t included in your ticket, don’t pay extra for it. Here’s how you can pack a personal item for a weekend trip.

The Best Luggage Tags

by Geoffrey Morrison

We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases.

How to Maximize Space as You’re Packing

Reducing what you carry with you and organizing the way you pack is the easiest way to lower travel-related stress.

The best packing cubes to save space and keep you organized

These travel cubes will keep your suitcase in order, whether you’re going on a short getaway or a round-the-world adventure.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or planning an around-the-world adventure, packing cubes can help streamline the packing process. Packing cubes are bags that come in different sizes in a set. They can help organize clothing and save room in your suitcase. Frequent traveler Kayli King uses packing bags daily to keep clothes organized in her van while traveling. “Honestly, after traveling so long, I can’t imagine not using them,” she says.  

After talking to King, we compared packing bags, looking for durable travel cubes with functional designs and a wide variety of sizes. Our top overall pick is the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes. Compression zippers, handles, and a low price tag make this set the best all around.

Our picks for the best packing cubes for travel

The best packing cubes for travel, best overall: gonex compression packing cubes.

Buy it now on   Amazon

Why we like it:   The Gonex Compression Packing Cubes are our choice for the best overall packing cubes. Despite being one of the more affordable travel cube sets on this list, these compression bags have plenty of features, including ripstop nylon, reinforced seams, and handles. They compress via double zippers that pull the edges of the travel packing bag together. The packing cubes can hold everything from socks to jackets and are designed to fit together like puzzle pieces. They’re also available in over 10 colors.

Keep in mind:   These packing cubes unzip only halfway, so you have to stuff your clothes inside rather than lay them flat. Some reviewers note that the compression zippers are difficult for people with arthritis or reduced mobility.

Product details: Size: 4-piece set: 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches (small), 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches (medium), 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches (large), and 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches (extra large) | Material:   Ripstop nylon | Weight: 12 ounces (set)  

Best for traveling light: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set  

Buy it now at   Backcountry

Why we like it: At 4.2 ounces, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is half the weight of other packing cubes on this list, but they’re far from flimsy. They’re made of ripstop polyester and have “self-repairing” zippers—if a gap opens in the chain, you can slide one of the zippers over it to close it. Eagle Creek also offers a warranty that covers fabric tears and zippers. Because they’re lightweight and sturdy, these travel cubes are great for hikers and campers who want to organize their backpacks.  

Keep in mind: The set includes only three smaller-sized travel cubes. While great for backpacks and carry-ons, you may want bigger packing cubes for checked luggage.

Product details: Size:   3-piece set: 4.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches (extra small), 7.25 x 10 x 3.25 inches (small), and 10 x 14.25 x 3.25 inches (medium) | Material:   Ripstop polyester | Weight:   4.2 ounces (set)  

Best for overpackers: REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Buy it now at   REI

Why we like it:   The packing cubes in the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set are the opposite of compression bags. Each cube has a second zipper that, when unzipped, increases its width to six inches—double the size of other packing bags on this list. They’re designed to last with ripstop polyester treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. The packing cubes also meet the Bluesign criteria, the highest environmental standard for sustainable textile manufacturing.

Keep in mind:   REI Co-op recently updated its packing cubes, and some buyers believe the quality has suffered as a result. Third-party reviews mention thin material, unreinforced zippers, and mesh that snags.

Product details: Size:   3-piece set: 8 x 6 x 3 inches (small), 12 x 8 x 3 inches (medium), and 14.5 x 10.5 x 3 inches (large) | Material:   Ripstop nylon, polyester mesh | Weight: 8.3 ounce (set)  

Best upcycled option: Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle

Why we like it:   The brightly colored Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle is an upcycled option you can feel good about. The packing bags are made of 100-percent repurposed nylon and mesh. Kayli King likes that the mesh panels allow your things to air out and that you can hang them up by their handles.

Cotopaxi’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond its packing cubes. The company says that 94 percent of its products use repurposed, recycled, or responsible materials. They also offer programs to repair items and trade them in to avoid landfills.

Keep in mind:   Despite its competitive price, this bundle comes with only three packing cubes. The size range is small compared to other packing cube sets. However, King prefers this set for longer trips.

Product details: Size: 3-piece set: 7 x 8 x 2 inches (2-liter bag), 6 x 11.5 x 3 inches (3-liter bag), 10 x 11.5 x 5 inches (10-liter bag) | Material:   100 percent repurposed nylon and mesh | Weight: 9 ounces (set)

Best style: Calpak Packing Cubes Set

Buy it now at   Calpak

Why we like it:   While many packing cubes seem to favor function over fashion, the Calpak Packing Cubes Set balances both. The packing bags come in over 20 colors, with patterns like “cheetah” and “lime viper.” They’re durable, with thick polyester sides and mesh covers that let you see inside. Each packing cube has a zippered pocket for smaller essentials and an ID tag to write down the contents. If five travel cubes aren’t enough, you can buy additional Calpak travel organizers, like shoe bags and laptop totes.

Keep in mind:   The Calpak Packing Cube set is by far the heaviest and most expensive option on this list. You may want lighter packing cubes if you travel with just a carry-on or are concerned about overweight luggage.

Product details: Size:   5-piece set: 13 x 10 x 1.5 inches (envelope), 12 x 8.8 x 3 inches (small x 2), 5 x 11 x 3 inches (medium), 17 x 12 x 3 inches (large) | Material: Polyester and mesh | Weight: 1 pound, 12.8 ounces (set)  

Best set: Tripped Checked Bag Set

Why we like it:   The Tripped Checked Bag Set has a travel cube for almost every packing need. The set includes seven packing bags, including two extra large sizes, a slim cube, a shoe bag, and a roll-top laundry bag. Mix and match the travel cubes to fit your suitcase and packing needs. Most of the packing cubes in the Checked Bag Set also have a compression feature. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and an illustrated set featuring national parks.  

Keep in mind:   While the packing cubes are made from a ripstop blend, reviewers mention that the material and stitching feel thin and flimsy. Some of the travel cubes don’t unzip all the way, making packing more difficult.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 12.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches (shoe bag), 12.5 x 4.5 x 3 inches (slim cube), 21 x 11.5 x 0.1 inches (laundry bag), 10 x 7 x 4 inches (small), 14 x 10 x 4 inches (large), 16 x 12 x 4 inches (extra large x 2) | Material:   Ripstop nylon-polyester blend | Weight:   15.5 ounces (set)  

Best budget: Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes

Why we like it: The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes come with six packing cubes, including a laundry bag and a shoe bag. They cost less than half the price of most other packing bag sets on this list. The low price doesn’t mean low quality, though. The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes are made of thick polyester, with sturdy zippers and mesh panels to help keep clothes fresh. Plus, they come in 12 colors.  

Keep in mind: The laundry and shoe bags are small. The polyester is not ripstop and can melt if dried on high heat.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 4.7 x 17 inches (shoe bag), 14 x 20 inches (laundry bag), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 17.5 x 12.15 x 5 inches (extra large) | Material:   Polyester | Weight:   10.4 ounces (set)  

How we chose the best travel packing cubes

We weighed the following qualities when curating the best packing cubes:

Third-party reviews:   We considered reviews from sources other than company websites and spoke with seasoned travelers to find out what they liked.  

Brand reputation: Anything you use for traveling should be functional, long-lasting, and, preferably, good for the planet. We looked for brands that value high-quality gear and sustainability.

Quality of material:   We chose travel cubes that were made to last, with durable materials like ripstop nylon and polyester, reinforced seams, and strong zippers.

Size range: Different-sized packing bags make for an easier packing experience. We chose packing cube sets in a range of sizes, from extra small to extra large.

Compression options: Some packing cube brands offer compression bags, which can be a nice feature if you’re tight on space.  

Tips for buying packing bags

Here’s what to consider when picking your own packing cubes:

Brand reputation  

Choose a trusted brand with a proven reputation. Brands with zipper and fabric warranties or repair programs will also help you get as many vacations as possible with your travel organizers.

If you only use carry-ons or smaller luggage, choose a packing cube set with fewer, smaller travel cubes. If you prefer to use checked luggage, go for a packing cube set with more travel cubes and bigger sizes.  

If you travel with just a carry-on or want to use packing cubes for hiking, choose an ultralight packing cube set. Every ounce counts when packing light, and some travel cube sets are nearly 1.5 pounds lighter than others.

Packing cubes are typically made of polyester or nylon, both strong synthetic fabrics. If you need something even more durable, look for ripstop nylon or polyester, which has extra threads to prevent tears from becoming bigger.

Some brands offer compression bags, which can save space. However, King finds that compressed bags can be awkwardly shaped, making them harder to fit together in your suitcase. If you are a heavy packer, travel cubes for shoes or laundry can help keep the rest of your luggage clean.

Frequently asked questions

Are packing cubes worth it?

Packing cubes can help save space in your suitcase and improve organization, reducing stress while traveling.

Does TSA allow packing cubes?

Packing cubes are TSA-approved, provided everything inside is within the regulations. Check with your airline on what is allowed in carry-on and checked bags.

How many packing cubes do you need for a suitcase?

How many packing cubes you need depends on the length of your trip and the size of your suitcase. Four to six packing cubes is a great starting point. You can adjust the number as needed.

How much does a packing cube cost?

The packing cube sets recommended here cost between 20 and 70 dollars. Some companies may sell individual packing cubes for less.

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4 Best Packing Cubes and Packing Cells for Australian Backpackers

by Ashleigh Page Last Updated: Jan 13, 2024 Packing Cubes , Travel Gear

Page Contents

When travelling, especially with a backpack, one of the greatest pain points is being able to easily access items within your bag – without having to disrupt and pull everything else out.

There’s nothing worse than when you realise you need to get to something but know that it is right down the bottom of the bag. You have to pull everything out and pack it all up again.

As a backpacker, this can be an extremely tedious process and is often like a game of Tetris more than anything else.

D oing this every time you arrive or go somewhere new can be a HUGE headache and time-suck! That’s why I feel that anything that makes this process that little bit more convenient is totally worth it.

That’s why, you’re going to thank me once I welcome to the world of packing cubes and cells. 

• How to Pack a Packing Cube (& 3 Easy Ways to Save Space)
• 8 Packing Cube Tips for Travellers | Top Things to Know About Packing Cubes

An Intro to Packing Cubes / Cells for Backpackers 

I found these babies to be an absolute godsend when I quit my job to backpack around the world for a year. 

Not only do they help you to organise your things and separate them between multiple compartments, but they also allow you to get to items in your backpack without destroying the order of everything else.

Backpacking can be chaotic and messy at times, therefore it’s very easy for your bag to get out of control. This can cause added stress, as you struggle to quickly find things during your trip.

Feeling organised when I travel gets a big tick in my books.  However, there is a fine balance between reaping the advantages of a good quality packing cell / cube and paying too much for little added benefit. 

This is particularly true when new to backpacking and you need to buy a ton of other tra vel gear for your trip .

Travel gear and gadgets can add up very quickly, eating away a BIG chunk of your overall travel budget. Something newbie travellers often fail to plan for.

It is also important to learn how to pack a packing c ube properly to save space and fit more into your backpack. 

If you’re planning your first solo trip overseas , then I believe you’ll  find this article extremely valuable – helping you save a ton of time and money.

I’ll provide an overview of 11 different individual packing cubes and sets on the market focusing on:

• Standard and Double-Sided Packing Cubes
• Compression Cubes
• Packing Cube Packs and Sets

I’ll then share insight into what I’d personally buy and give you some guidance and recommendations when planning your own gear. 

If you’d like to skip to the winners, you can click the link below.

< Skip to the Winners! > 

• How to Pack a Packing Cube (& 3 Easy Hacks to Save Space)
• How to Create a Travel Budget (So You Don’t Run Out of Money Overseas!)
• How to Plan Your First Trip | An Easy Guide for Solo & Adventure Travellers

Using Packing Cubes In Your Luggage (Carry-on and Checkin)

In my opinion, packing cubes are truly one of the BEST ways to save space in your travel backpack. 

As mentioned above, packing cubes and cells can be a great way to organise and sort your clothing and other items so that you can easily find and remove them, without disrupting your entire pack.

When I travel, I use packing cubes to:

• Keep my bag orderly and organised
• Save space in my bag
• Separate my winter / bulky clothes from my lighter clothes
• Protect my clothing from any leaks in my bag
• Hide and secure identity documents or valuables within my clothes (eg. passport, credit cards, small tech, cash and valuables).
• Protect my fragile items by rolling them securely amongst my clothes

Now that I’ve highlighted some easy space-saving tips for backpackers, let’s look more closely at the different types of packing cubes / cells that are available.

• The Best Travel Gear for Solo & Adventure Travellers

The Best Packing Cubes / Cells for Backpackers

Alrighty guys, I’ve done a ton of research online and here’s what I’ve found:

• 5 Popular Standard and Double-Sided Packing Cubes
• 3 Popular Compression Cubes
• 5 Popular Packing Cube Packs and Sets

From these, I have narrowed it down to my Top 3 winners based on price, product quality and durability, existing customer reviews and customer service (eg. delivered on time). 

I also explore whether it’s worth spending extra for compression packing cells or whether it’s a waste of money. 

So without further ado, let’s jump into it. 

Single & Double-Sided Packing Cubes

1. target “made by design” double-sided packing cubes.

The next packing cells that I looked at are available at Target. On first impression, these packing cubes seem EXPENSIVE y’all. Especially given they’re from Target.

Or should I say, “Tar-jay”. Anyone else remember that Ad? 

 I wouldn’t have thought that Target would stock travel packing cubes, however, Let’s explore some of the best packing cube sets for travellers and see whether they’re anything special to talk about.  

• Large: 45cm x 30cm x 15cm
• Medium: 30cm x 22cm x 16cm
• Material : Polyester
• Colour : Black
• Reviews : 75% 5 star reviews, of 12 reviews
• These packing cells are double-sided providing greater separation and organising of your clothes. They are also considered to be an appropriately sized cell to fit your main pieces of clothing. 
• Ventilated mesh on both sides which allows air to circulate preventing that foul smell from dirty clothes seeping into your clean clothes. It also allows you to see into the cell to identify what is in there. 
• Customers have mentioned that the material seems to be sturdy, good quality and easy to clean 
• You also get a 1 year warranty with the packing cells which is reassuring 
• Maybe I’m a bit of a travel snob, but I feel like these packing cells are quite expensive given they’re from Target and not a premium travel brand. 
• They do look quite bulky to me, however this could just be due to the double sided nature of the packing cell
• The large packing cube is VERY big so might’t be that helpful for backpackers using smaller travel backpacks given room within these packs is already very limited. I fear that it won’t fit or that you won’t get a lot of use out of it. 
• Reviews are over 2 years old (from what I can find anyway) which makes me wonder if they still stock it in stores. It would be more valuable to see ones that are more recent. 

Are these packing cubes good value for money?

Are these Target packing cubes worth the price tag?

In my opinion, these packing cells look pretty decent. 

• They are double-sided (which I prefer) 
• Parts of them are made of mesh material so you can see into the sections. It also lets your clothes breathe.
• According to reviews, the material is somewhat durable

However given the price around $30 AUD, I’d probably look at some other options first. This price tag is pretty high compared to some of the other packing cubes and cells I’ve seen.

I believe there are ones out there that would be better value for money. Possibly from some of the more renowned travel brands on Amazon.com.

Side note – Good on Target for providing a double sided packing cube. Highly convenient if you live nearby and want to physically touch it before you buy it. 

View on Target

2 . eagle creek “pack-it specter” double-sided packing cu bes.

Let’s now turn our attention to some of the packing cubes available on Amazon.

This packing cube, the “Pack-It Specter”, is double-sided which makes it ideal for separating clean and dirty clothes or warmer clothes (eg. jumpers and pants) from cooler clothes (shorts, skirts and tank tops). 

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• Small: 26cm x 19.7cm x 9.5 cm
• Material :  30D Silnylon Ripstop
• Colour : Yellow & white (translucent)
• Reviews : 79% 5 star reviews of 117 reviews

View on Amazon AUS | View on Amazon.com

• These packing cubes are marketed as being light-weight, durable and water repellent. This means that even if a bit of water leaks in your bag, your clothes will remain predominantly dry. 
• The floating LinkSeal Mesh divider helps to keep the two compartments separated which allows you to streamline your packing efforts and organise your clothes better
• The material is relatively translucent which allows you to see what’s in either side. 
• Some have said that these parcels are relatively good at compressing your clothes
• The price is very cheap in Australia compared to the US which is very interesting. Usually it’s the other way around
• They offer a lifetime warranty  so it’s a low risk purchase. 
• This packing cell is really small , which makes it only really suitable for smaller items of clothing (eg. underwear and socks) rather than chunkier clothes. 
• Some customers have complained about the material ripping within the first couple of uses. 
• Some also state that the quality of these packing cells is not what it used to be 
• These packing cells are not structured . Ie – they don’t have much shape until you put your clothes into them. 

For around $17 AUD, I think this double-sided packing cell is a good option. Especially, if on a tight budget. It’s not going to break the bank and has all the basic things that make a good packing cube. 

When backpacking, having light-weight and durable packing cubes is a must. Given this packing cell seems to offer both, that’s a good start. 

Given the mix of reviews, I’d suggest just trying it for yourself and making up your own opinion. In general, Eagle Creek is one of the leading brands when it comes to travel packing cubes.  

3. Eagle Creek “Pack-It Clean/Dirty Split” Packing Cube 

Comparing this packing cube to the other Eagle Creek cube above, the main differences I see is the material, the size and the price.  This packing cube is made of polyester and is larger than the Nylon “Specter” alternative. 

Both packing cubes are double-sided, so share the benefit of separating dirty clothes from clean clothes, or separating warm clothes from cool clothes.

So, which is better? Let’s explore some of the best packing cube sets for travellers. .

• Medium: 36cm x 25.5cm x 10cm
• Material :   300D polyester micro-weave and link-seal mesh
• Colour :  Blue, Red & Black
• Reviews : 86% 5 star reviews, of 330+ reviews

View on Amazon AUS | View on Amazon.com  

• Similar to the “Specter” double-sided packing cell, this cell also contains one water-repellent compartment for dirty or wet clothes and another that is breathable (best for clean clothes)
• The water-resistant LinkSeal mesh compartment keeps the two compartments separate so that odours don’t sink into the clean side, and also helps to keep moisture in (for wet items) or out
• Some customers have raved about the two-way zipper and how it makes it very quick and easy to pack this cell and also helps to compress clothes within the cell
• This packing cell looks to be made of higher quality and more durable material
• Eagle Creek offer a Lifetime Warranty and will replace the product in the event of product failure. 
• There have been some complaints of the handles not being very strong. I don’t think this is the be-all-end-all, however it can make it harder to pull the cubes out of your backpack when packed tightly. More inconvenient than anything. 
• Some have also claimed that these packing cells don’t have a lot of structure and rigidity . However, I feel that these look like they have a lot more structure than the “Pack-it Specter” Packing cubes they offer
• One other negative of these travel packing cubes is that delivery seems to be inconsistent. Some claim that they arrived on time, others say that their orders were late. Given there were only a select few of these, I wouldn’t pay too much attention to it unless you need them to arrive urgently. 

It’s a tricky one. Compared to the “pack-it Specter”, these cubes do look to be more durable and larger in size. However, the jump in cost is pretty significant.

There are packing cube sets that you can get that are much better value than this.

I’ll share more about these below. 

If you really want an Eagle Creek packing cube, and money isn’t an issue, then this could be a great option for you to check out. It’s also very likely to outlast one use, which is more than I can say for the K-mart packing cube set (below). 

4. Kathmandu Packing Cell (Classic)

• Medium: 35cm x W 25cm x H 12cm
• Colour : Black and grey
• Reviews : 91% 5 star reviews, of 80 reviews

View on Kathmandu AUS

• These packing cubes are made from a durable outer fabric, “REPREVE™, which is a polyester created from recycled plastic bottles. I actually love that Kathmandu are supporting recycling and eco-conscious travel by using one recycled bottle within the materials of each packing cube. That’s awesome, and no other companies seem to be doing that.
• Packing cubes contain a mesh front panel which allows for greater visibility and breathability of your clothes
• These packing cubes are made to pack into their own pocket, helping to save you space when travelling or when storing back home
• 91% of the reviews are 5 star which suggests this is a quality product with very few negative reviews
• Good quality zippers
• Has a degree of structure to the bag but still flexible enough to be manoeuvred and squashed into your bag. This makes these cubes easier to pack then completely unstructured bags, but not too rigid to make it hard to pack things around it.
• They offer a 60 days return policy 
• At expected from Kathmandu products, these packing cells don’t come with a cheap price tag. At around $30 AUD each, you’re going to want to feel reassured that they are quality items and won’t break after the first use.
• If you don’t pick up in store, shipping is around $10 depending on where you’re located in Australia. However, they do offer free delivery if you spend over a certain amount.

Yes. Kathmandu products are generally known for their quality and being built to last. I personally own a similar product to this, which is a double sided packing cube and it survived my entire trip.

It did however, seem to grow some weird mouldy coloured near the mesh material, however the overall quality of the bag is great.

However, in saying that, I did also buy two other cheaper Kathmandu packing cells, and both fell apart by the end of my trip. I had to keep them together with staples and sticky tape which was not ideal.

I therefore think it depends on the product and material you get. From what I know, these ones will do the job if you’re happy to pay the extra money for the prestigious travel brand.

5. MACPAC Packing Cell

• Medium: 34cm x 25cm x 14.5cm
• Colour : Red, yellow, blue & patterned
• Reviews : No reviews

View on MACPAC

• These packing cells are made from light and durable polyester fabric with a PU coating. Initially, I didn’t know what a PU coating was, however after researching, it seems to be a polyurethane coating which has water-repellant qualities. 
• They contain a top mesh panel which helps you see what is packed into each cell and let’s your clothes breathe
• These cells contain full perimeter zippers, which allows you to open the packing cell fully (easier for packing).
• No particular negatives given the lack of reviews, however I don’t feel there are many stand out features either, especially at a price of approx $35 AUD per cube. I think this is quite expensive for the basic design of the cube.
• Little information available about product
• Is also approx. $10 for shipping depending on how much you spend and where you’re located. However, they do offer free delivery if you spend over a certain amount.

Given there is very little information about this product on Macpac’s website and few reviews, it’s hard to tell. I do feel that the price is up there with the more expensive packing cubes, yet I don’t see a lot more of extra value to justify it.

If you’d like to read more about this packing cube, click the link below:

Compression Packing Cubes

1 . tripped compression packing cubes .

Tripped is a brand of packing cubes that is marketed as being created by travellers for travellers. However, in my opinion, they kind of look like an identical copy of Eagle Creek’s compression cubes (I’ll share more about these ones below).

It could be a coincidence, but I doubt it… 

Let’s have a look at whether these compression packing cubes add a lot more value compared to your standard packing cubes. 

• Medium:  36cm x 25cm x 3cm-10cm
• Small: 25cm x 18cm x 3-10cm 
• Material :   Water resistant, ripstop Nylon
• Colour :  Translucent white and Green
• Reviews : 79% 5 star reviews, of 3000+ reviews
• Made from smooth rip-stop Nylon which is light-weight, translucent, water resistant and strong. The translucent features allows you to vaguely see what is inside each cube, rather than having to open it every time. 
• Advertised to have strong snag-free zippers and an   easy to grab handle which makes it easier to pull it out of your backpack
• Some customers mentioned that the handle broke at first use , which isn’t ideal.
• Similar to some of the other cells mentioned above, these packing cubes don’t have much structure. 
• Additionally, some have mentioned that when compressed, a bulge tends to form in the middle of the cube which defies the whole point of compression.
• Although advertised as having “snag free” zippers, some customers have mentioned that they experienced it catching on the bag’s fabric. It’s hard to know whether they just got a dodgy cube…or if this is a common trend. 

I just couldn’t help but order these for myself to test them out. The classic “curiosity killed the cat” scenario…

Given the mixed reviews about whether compression packing cubes actually work, I wanted to test these out myself so I could provide an honest and unbiased opinion.

At first impression, these packing cubes look to be a quality product, with high quality durable zips, slippery water resistant material and some structure to the cell. 

However, here were some of the downsides I identified:

• The zips only open to around a half / third of the way which does cause cause some restriction while you pack. Not a deal breaker though.
• The material is actually incredibly slippery. Combined with the smaller opening, I found that this made it harder to pack them, especially while stacked on top of one another.
• In order for the compression to work, you need to fold your clothes, not roll. This does somewhat restrict the amount of clothing you can pack, especially for thick and bulky clothing
• Despite marketed as convenient, the first time I packed these cells I couldn’t get the compression zip to zip up. It seemed like I had packed too much despite the cell being “just full”. I therefore had to unpack and repack, removing around a third of my clothes in the cell. This did add some frustration and extra time into the process compared to my old packing cubes.

In terms of whether the compression works, my answer is a combination Yes and No.

Did the second zip compress the cells? Yes.

But is it enough to really make a difference to your packing? I’m not convinced. 

I tested my theory by packing the same amount of clothes into my old packing cells ( very worn as you can see) and the Tripped compression cells.

• I started with 7 items of clothing (a combination of jumpers, pants, skirts and tops) , however had to remove 3 of these from the Tripped packing cube because it would’t compress. My old packing cube fit the 7 pieces of clothing comfortably.
• Before compression, the Tripped packing cube was 7-8cm in width ( the same as my old cube, however even after compressing, the parcel’s max width remained the same. This is because although the edges were thinned out by the compression, the clothes were simply pushed to the centre causing a bulge in the middle. Particularly true for large bulky items over small delicates (eg. undies, socks, and bras).
• Although the packing cubes were somewhat translucent, it isn’t easy to tell what you’ve packed inside without unpacking (unless you know your clothes by colour – which is hard for me given I wear a lot of black). 

The Outcome…

I do feel that the idea behind “compression” packing cubes is great. Yet, based on my findings, I’d prefer to stick with standard packing cubes. Given they are often more expensive, I’d suggest saving your pennies and putting them towards other travel gear.

If you are particularly set on getting some compression cubes, the Tripped Packing cubes could be a good option. Great quality, relatively good value for money and they have 80% 5 star reviews of 3,000 total reviews.

Given that you get two packing cubes within the set, one for smaller clothes and the other for larger items, I think the price is reasonable.

If you’d like to take a lot at them yourself, you can click the link below. 

2. Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes 

As mentioned above, Eagle Creek is definitely a favoured brand for packing cubes, also offering a range of compression cubes. However, are they worth the extra money? I’ll share my thoughts with you below. 

• Small: 25.5cm x 18cm x 8cm 
• Medium: 36cm x 25.5 cm x 8 cm 
• Material :   Nylon 
• Colour :  White and Green, Blue or patterned 
• Reviews : 81% 5 star reviews, of 1400+ reviews
• These cubes are made from strong non-rip Nylon material and are said to be light-weight, water-resistant, washable and contain anti-staining properties
• These packing cubes have a less than 1% return rate
• They are advertised as making it easier to compress clothing and save space in your luggage
• Expensive . These packing cells are a lot more expensive than other packing cubes on the market
• Given the double zipping , it’s harder to see what’s inside each cube
• To make the cells lighter, the zipper only opens on two sides. This makes packing more difficult compared to other cells that open completely / on 3-4 sides. 
• There have been some complaints of the compression zipper getting caught on the internal lining of the packing cubes. Therefore, although the material feels durable, you will want to take care when zipping to ensure the material doesn’t rip. 
• Some customers have claimed that there’s not much benefit of using these compression cubes compared to standard packing cubes for the additional price – the compression doesn’t seem to make a HUGE difference. 

Given the mixed reviews on these packing cells stating that the compression functionality of these packing cells doesn’t make much difference, I’d probably prefer to save my pennies for a rainy day.

However, with 81% of their 2400 reviews being 5 Star and a low return rate, I definitely believe these packing cubes are a quality product. If you’re simply after quality and don’t mind too much about compression then these compression cubes could be a good option to check out.

Given my focus is always on value for money, I’d prefer to look at some other products before I decide that this is the one for me. 

If you’d like to learn more about these packing cubes, you can check it out below. 

3. Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 

Gonex is another popular packing cube brand on Amazon, with a pretty solid reputation.  In this section, I’ll be reviewing their compression packing cube set, which consists of three different-sized packing cubes.  

• Large: 37cm x 27 cm x 9cm
• Medium: 30cm x 22.5 x 9 cm
• Small: 25cm x 19cm x 8cm
• Material :    Nylon  
• Colour :  Black, Grey & other 
• Reviews : 70% 5 star reviews, of 1300+ reviews

View on Amazon (AUS) | View on Amazon.com

• Gonex products are generally well-made, good quality and lightweight.
• The compression functionality of these packing cells does seem to create more space within your luggage. 
• Product is typically delivered on time 
• Gonex offer a 30-day money back guarantee and 1 year warranty which is good. This allows you to easily return the product if there are any issues with it. 
• Only 70% of the 1300+ reviews are 5 star which is quite low compared to the other products mentioned 
• Some customers have mentioned that despite appearances, these compression packing cubes don’t have as solid a structure as you’d think from the images. However, I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing. Not having a rigid structure means that you can more easily stuff the cubes into your back and into varying shapes. 
• The zipper doesn’t open entirely, which can impact how you stuff the packing cell. I do, however, feel that this seems to be a shared issue of most compression cells.
• The expanding zipper can occasionally clamp your clothing, however this is easily fixed by pausing and pulling the zip back slowly. 

Yeah, I think these compression packing cubes are a good option. They are cheaper than the Eagle Creek alternative and you get 3 in the pack compared to 2-set you get with Tripped. 

Although only 70% of the reviews are 5 Star, I think this is still relatively good given that they have over 1300 reviews. 

I also like that they offer a 30-day money back guarantee and a 1 year warranty, making it a low risk purchase. 

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Packing cube sets .

One of the toughest things you’ll discover when packing your bags for a long trip is fitting everything in.  This is where packing cube sets can provide a great advantage.

Within a packing cube set, you will get multiple packing cubes of different shapes and sizes.  This helps you to better organise your clothing and save space in your backpacks.

The advantage of a pack is that you also tend to save money buying multiple at once, than buying individual packing cubes.  But is it worth buying a set of multiple packing cubes or just 1 or 2?

Let’s explore some of the best packing cube sets for travellers.

1 . Kmart Packing Cubes (3 Set)

To kick off this section, I’m going to look first at some of the super cheap options. Kmart is a classic example of this.

Truth be told, I didn’t even realise that they stocked packing cubes. So, I had to find out for myself. I actually ordered these to see what all the hype was about and whether they would live up to my critique.

On first impression, I thought that these babies looked like a bargain. However, the question remains – Are they really worth the cheap price?

• Large: 45cm x 34cm x 9cm 
• Medium: 34cm x 25cm x 8.5cm 
• Small: 28cm x 16cm x 8cm 
• Material : Polyester 
• Reviews : 90% 5 star reviews of 20+ reviews

View on Kmart

• These packing cells are ridiculously cheap. 
• You get a set of 3 packing cubes of different sizes fo r less than $10 AUD. Um wow… that’s practically unheard of. 
• They are easy to get your hands on (if you’re in Australia)
• The mesh material allows clothing to breathe and for you to easily see the insides of the packing cell. 
• According to the reviews, they stack well (which isn’t rocket science to be honest)
• Very mixed reviews on Kmart’s website (examples below)
• No water-repellant compartments to prevent your clothes getting wet in the event of a leak
• It is regularly stated that these packing cells are of poor quality – with zips and material that feels flimsy, thin and weak
• Reviews have mentioned that the material would tear easily and could come undone from the seems

All I can say is you get what you pay for. Guys, these cells are cheap for a reason. 

I bought them myself, just so I could test them out as a possible option but I’m telling you now, they won’t last very long. Especially if planning a big backpacking trip. 

When backpacking, you pull packing cells in and out of your backpack regularly and rather roughly. They need to be durable. 

The material of these packing cells is very cheap, soft and flimsy. They have no structure and the zips don’t last. I tried zipping up a reasonable amount of clothes into the cube and it broke straight away (see below)

I wasn’t rough with it or anything…

The only time I would recommend these packing cells is if:

• You have a very minimal budget and just don’t have the money to afford anything more expensive
• You’re doing a short, light-weight trip and don’t have to pack and repack a lot.  

If you’d like to give them a go, you can view them on their website below.

2. Shacke Pak Packing Cubes + Laundry Bag (4 Set)

Shacke Pak is another popular brand of packing cubes, especially when it comes to packing sets. They have a TON of positive reviews, with almost 12,000 reviews in total!

Of course, lots of positive reviews are a handy guide to the quality of a product to ensure that you get the best bang for your buck, but they are not the only thing I evaluate here. 

• Extra Large – 44.5cm x 32cm x 10cm
• Large – 35cm x 32cm x 10cm
• Medium – 35cm x 25cm x 10cm
• Small – 28cm x 17cm x 10cm
• Material : Nylon
• Colour :  Various    
• Reviews : 87% 5 star reviews, of 11,600+ reviews
• These packing cubes are renowned for their high quality, durable and water resistant nylon material. They contain double stitching, so are built to last and withstand general wear and tear from travel.
• Each cube is reinforced with a X-Design web stitching made specifically to prevent the fabric from folding/bulging in the middle or tearing
• These packing cubes are 4 inches deep which allows you to fit in more items. 
• High quality, sturdy zippers for smooth opening and closing 
• This pack includes a laundry bag to help separate your dirty clothes from your clean clothes to prevent odours seeping into your clean clothes
• Given a lot of the pack is mesh, it can be easy to poke holes into the cubes if you’re not careful when packing.
• Some customers have mentioned that the material is heavier than that of other packing cubes they’ve used. However, of the packing cubes I’ve reviewed, most seem to be made of Nylon or a similar material so I don’t feel this is a big deal. I ordered my own set to test this, and to me, they don’t seem any heavier than other packing cubes I have. 
• Two customers rated this product poorly because they found some hairs in their cubes, causing them to believe that they were sent a used and returned product. I ordered my own set to test this, and my packing cells didn’t have any hairs in them. So they must have been unlucky. 

Yes . At a price point around $40 AUD for 4 packing cubes, these cubes are fantastic. I was curious myself so bought my own set and LOVE them!

With double stitching and a reinforced X-Design for added durability, they are great value for money.

Here’s what I love about these packing cells:

• Being able to see what’s inside my packing cubes is important as it saves me time having to look for things in my bag. T he mesh tops of these packing cubes provide that ability.
• I like the structure of the packing cubes because it has some rigidity but is soft enough that you can squish and compress them depending on the bag you’re packing them into.
• The two-way zips are as advertised – durable and double stitched
• Good range of sizes provided so you can conveniently pick and choose which packing cubes you want to use depending on your trip
• The laundry bag is a great size, and when not being used for dirty laundry, can be used to store the packing cubes together, or for other items.
• The material feels good quality and water-resistant. I also tested the water-resistant capabilities under my bathroom sink tap, and the water ran off beautifully. I wouldn’t say that they’re “water proof” however they definitely repel water (eg. if you accidentally spill something on or in your bag).
• They have a sturdy handy on one side which makes them easy to pull out of your bag
• They also include a cute little information card that outlines the basic usage of their packing cubes and some tips (eg. how many items fit in each cell). A very thoughtful addition.

I feel that the negative comments made are pretty minor. I think that all packing cubes made of a mesh material are susceptible to having holes poked into them. Additionally, cubes made of similar materials are likely to be a similar weight, so I don’t think this is a “make or break” issue.

Overall, I feel like these Shacke Pack cubes are a solid option. I bought these myself to test them out and love them so much that I’ll definitely be throwing away my old ones and using these for my next trip. 

3. Gonex Packing Cubes  + Laundry Bag (6 Set)

• 1 x Large – 44cm x 33cm x 9cm
• 1 x Medium – 35cm x 25cm x 9cm
• 3 x Small – 23cm x 10cm x 9cm
• 1 x Laundry bag – 46cm x33cm
• Material :  Rip-stop Nylon fabric
• Colour :  Black
• Reviews : 80% 5 star reviews, of 2100+ reviews
• These packing cubes are made from l ightweight and durable honeycomb RipStop nylon fabric and mesh material top panels. This fabric is designed to reduce the likelihood of tearing, allow your clothes to breathe and give you the ability to see what’s packed inside your packing cubes without having to open them. 
• Similar to Eagle Creek, Gonex offers a 1 Year Warranty which is always a nice cherry on top
• The parcels are said to have a double-way zippe r and a strong handle 
• Similar to Shacke Pak, this set also comes with a laundry bag 
• There are quite a few customer reviews that state that the advertising is misleading. The images make you believe that these packing cubes are Gonex branded. However, they are apparently not genuine Gonex products. Instead they are believed to be a Chinese replica. I highly dislike copy-cats, so in my eyes this is not good. 
• Some customers have complained that the product took a long time to arrive. However, there are mixed reviews on this with others stating that they haven’t had any issues.
• Some have claimed that the interior stitching of the packing cell is poor quality

The comments from customers on this product seem to be pretty mixed. In general (of 2100+ reviews) the sentiment is positive, with 80% of the reviews being 5 stars.

I think that’s a great indication that the product does what it says it will do.

However, if it is true that these products are a copy of the Gonex brand, then they lose my vote. I like to support businesses that are authentic and honest. However, I can’t fully confirm or deny the truth of this as I don’t own the product.

If you’re after a cheap set of packing cubes, and the brand doesn’t bother you, then these cubes could be a good option to check out.

4 . BAGAIL Compression Packing Cube s  (4 Set)

Of course, I need to include a set of compression packing cubes into the mix. I think it’s good to compare a variety of packing cube sets to ensure you’re choosing the right one for you.

• 1 x Extra Large – 44.5cm x 32cm x 10cm)
• 1 x Large – 35cm x 32cm x 10cm
• 1 x Medium – 35cm x 24cm x 10cm
• 1 x Small – 28cm x 17cm x 10cm
• Colour :  V arious  
• Reviews : 74% 5 star reviews, of 2700+ reviews

View on Amazon AUS | View on Amazon.com 

• The material that these compression packing cubes are made our of is light-weight, durable and water-repellant. This helps to prevent tearing and also protect your clothes from spills or leaks in your bag.
• The pack includes packing cubes of varying sizes to suit different packing shapes and purposes
• They also contain a smooth and sturdy double way zipper
• Contains a double stitched zipper to provide enhanced durability
• Although advertised as being able to save up to 60% more space in your bag , some customers have claimed that the effectiveness these cubes to compress is questionable 
• They also tend to be heavier than some of the other ultra light packing cubes. Therefore, some have mentioned that these cubes may not be the best option for backpackers. 
• For some, the compressor zipper broke or came off shortly after receiving the packing cubes (ie. the first time they were being used)  

Based on what I’ve read, I’m not convinced. Personally, I just can’t confidently say that I’m the compression cubes offer a ton more value than traditional packing cubes. And at a higher price point, I’d probably choose another option.

However, I am still to test our some compression cubes, so maybe my opinion will change once I do.

If you’re keen to try compression cubes, then you can always test them out and see if they’re advantageous for you.

Having 4 compression cubes at a price point around $50 AUD is still reasonable value. Especially when you compare it to Target’s double-sided 2 set which is $32 AUD. You’re getting 2 extra cubes for $18 AUD.

If you’d like to learn more about this pack, you can read more via the links below:

5 . BAGAIL Packing Cubes (6 Set)

• 2 x Large – 44.5cm x 35cm x 10cm 
• 2 x Medium – 35cm x 25cm x 10cm
• 2 x Small –  35cm x 15.5cm x 10cm
• Material :  Nylon
• Reviews : 84% 5 star reviews, of 12,800+ reviews
• These packing cubes are made from good quality Nylon material and have a mesh top panel which provides easy identification of what’s inside and allows your clothes to breathe 
• Strong and reliable double zippers and stitching that make opening/closing the cubes simple and fast
• This pack comes with a variety of cube sizes to fit into a daypacks, backpacks and suitcases or different shapes
• Lots of different colours to choose from
• Although BAGAIL advertise the zipper to be reliable (as above), there are some customer reviews that mention the fraying of material near the zip. This can cause the mesh to eventually pull away from the zipper after one use
• Similar to some of the other packing cubes, these cubes have little structure to the bag. 

I’d say yes. With 84% of the 12,800 reviews being 5 stars and the price being $29 AUD for a 6 pack, I think it’d be hard to go wrong here.

I also appreciate that the cubes come in a variety of different sizes and that they provide more options in terms of colour. This give you more versatility and opportunity to have fun with the cubes you buy.

I also like that you get 2 of each size. When I travelled I had 1 double sided medium cube, 1 single sided medium cube and a small cube. I think it’s great that you can pick and choose which cubes you use depending on where and how long you’re planning to travel for.

The Winners! – The 4 Best Packing Cubes for Backpackers  

1) best single/double sided packing cube.

When comparing packing cubes under this section, I actually found it really hard to choose a winner. Each of them have benefits as well as some big flaws.

If I had to choose… I’d go for the:

Kathmandu Packing Cell (Classic)

Here’s why: 

• Although Kathmandu’s packing cells are often more expensive than comparable cells, they are one of the most renowned travel brands globally, and particularly in Australia. This means that you know that what you’re getting is going to be reasonable quality and they are a trustworthy brand.  
• The cells are made from mesh material and polyester created from recycled plastic bottles which is awesome. I, myself, am an eco-conscious traveller and support companies that make an effort to make travel more sustainable and have a positive impact on the environment
• These packing cubes pack into their own pocket which is handy to save space when you’re not using them.
• 91% of the reviews are 5 star which indicates that the product is high quality, with no customers complaining about the quality of the zips or stitching which is a positive
• I like it when packing cells have some degree of structure before packing your clothes into them. However, I dislike rigidity. These cells look to be flexible enough to be squashed into your bag and re-shaped.
• They have a 60 days return policy which makes the purchase risk-free if there is something wrong with the product or it is not to your liking.

If you’d like to save yourself some cash, I would suggest picking these up in-store to save on shipping fees (if you live in Australia) . I’d also suggest just buying one large/medium high quality cell from Kathmandu, and then buying 1-2 cheaper packing cells online for smaller items (eg. socks and undies).

If you’d like to read more about this packing cube, or get one for yourself, you can do so via the links below. 

2) Best Compression Packing Cube

As mentioned above, I’m not 100% convinced that compression packing cubes offer a lot of benefit compared to standard packing cubes. However, I do think it comes down to expectation and perception.

There are naturally limitations around how much a packing cell can compress based on what you have inside the cube. So y ou’ll need to make that judgement for yourself.

After comparing the packing cubes under this section, I would lean towards:

Tripped Compression Packing Cubes 

Here’s why:

• They market themselves as being made for travellers by travellers . I feel that because of this, they have a good understanding of what works and is needed, versus what isn’t. 
• They are not as expensive as the Eagle Creek or Gonex alternatives despite offering some compression
• The sizes of the 2 packing cubes are ideal – one medium size for standard clothing, and a smaller option for your underwear, socks etc.
• The material they are made of is durable, light-weight and water resistant t o protect your clothes from the elements, and if there is a leak in your bag.
• The translucent features of the material also allow for you to have an idea of what’s within each parcel, without having to necessarily open it every time.
• 79% of their 3000+ reviews are 5 star. I think this is a very good achievement and signifies that despite some negative reviews, it is overall a quality product. 
• I also don’t feel that the bulging in the centre is a huge issue , if you’re going to be squeezing them into your bag anyway. I am keen to test this though myself to see if it does make them harder to pack / less likely to save any space.

Tripped Compression Packing Cubes  | View on Amazon.com  

3) best packing cube set.

For this section, I found it really hard to choose between two sets. So I’m going to count it as a draw because I think the decision depends on if you’re planning to travel solo or with a partner/friend. 

Shacke Pak 4-Set of Packing Cubes  (For Solo Travellers)

& bagail 6-set of packing cubes (for couples/friends).

• They both come with a mixture of shapes and sizes that allow you to pick and choose which packing cells you’d like to use, depending on your trip. You won’t be limited with what you can pack
• They are made from quality Nylon and have two-way zippers for easy opening and closing
• They are between $40-45 AUD which is an incredible price for this many packing cells. In my eyes this is great value for money. For the Shacke Pak you are getting the equivalent of 4 packing cubes for $10 and for BAGAIL, 6 packing cubes for $7 each.   
• They average around 84%-87% 5 star reviews, of total of 11,500-13,000 customer reviews. That’s a huge feat and gives a good indication that overall the products are good value for money.
• The packing cubes come in a variety of colours and patterns giving you a ton of choice to find something that you like and that is also functional

Differences between the two:

• You get 6 packing cubes within the BAGAIL pack and 4 within the Shacke Pak.
• BAGAIL’s set offers a lifetime warranty. I can’t see whether Shacke Pak offers this too.
• BAGAIL’s set provides 3 entirely different shapes of cube. Shacke Pak’s set are the same shape despite different sizes.
• Shacke Pak’s packing cubes have double stitching and the material is water-repellent to keep your clothes dry in the event of a leak in your bag.
• Shacke Pak’s set also comes with a free laundry bag . BAGAIL’s doesn’t.

If a solo traveller, I feel that getting a set of 6 packing cubes is overkill (BAGAIL), especially given you’d be getting two of each size. However, this is extremely valuable if travelling with someone else because you can go halvies on these packing cubes and save a ton of money between you both.

If you’d like to read more about these packing cube sets, or get one for yourself, you can do so via the links below. 

BAGAIL 6-Set:          View on Amazon AUS | View on Amazon.com

Shacke pak 4-set:    view on amazon aus | view on amazon.com, in summary:.

I hope that you have found this article on the best packing cubes and cells for backpackers useful.

I know I definitely found researching all of these products helpful. I’d never really understood the difference between standard packing cubes and compression packing cubes, but now I do.

If you would like more packing cube tips or info about travel gear you can check out our other articles below:

Frequently Asked Questions

No, packing cubes themselves do not add significant weight to luggage, as they are designed to be lightweight.

The number of packing cubes depends on your travel needs. A set with various sizes is versatile; consider 3-5 cubes for a standard suitcase or backpack.

As mentioned throughout this article, I personally own and use Shacke Pak’s set of packing cubes . I think they’re great and they meet my travel needs.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services, and may earn a commission from purchases made after clicking links on this site.  Learn more

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Kmart's $15 travel solution has people talking — what’s the fuss about?

• Feb 16, 2023

• A $15 Kmart packing cube set is trending on social media with travellers raving about how handy it is when it comes to packing.
• The 7-piece set includes a packing cube for underwear, a skincare bag, and one for toiletries and electronics.
• Kmart also has a more affordable 3-piece variant which comes in Blush, Black, and Pink types.
• Generally the travel cubes are rated well, with many praising how convenient the packing cubes are for travel.
• However, some low reviews say it would have been better if the 3-piece variant came in equal sizes and that the travel cubes can rip easily.

Seniors Discount Club

Active member

• Feb 20, 2023

Had mine for years and put a piece of paper with whatever's in them easy to sort out at the other end  

Jarred Santos said: Don’t you hate it when you have to repack your entire suitcase just because your clothes won’t fit? Or when no matter what you do, you always end up opening your luggage to find that everything is not where it should be? Well, we can relate — and luckily, Kmart has come to the rescue ! Bargain hunter Islah Palmer took to TikTok recently to showcase the $15 seven-piece packing cube set from Kmart which can help with all your packing needs when it comes to travelling. She shared the item in a post highlighting her recommendations for Kmart items to take while out and about. ‘This one’s so good, it even has a little shoe bag,’ she gushed about the organising aid. According to Kmart, the 7 small travel bags are made of polyester material. Each of the bags is recommended for use on specific items, such as clothes, bottoms, toiletries, skincare, electronics, and, as Islah mentioned, shoes! View attachment 13742 Kmart’s $15 7-Piece Travel Cube set comes with different cubes for different items. Image Credit: Kmart It’s also apparently made of antimicrobial and odour-resistant material, so if you’re the type who hates smelly anything while travelling, these cubes are for you! Islah said she has used the travel cubes before in trips, and that they are ‘a complete gamechanger’. ‘I can fit so much more in my luggage now and feel so organised,’ she added, stressing that while the cubes have made putting things inside hassle-free, it’s also done wonders for unpacking as well. ‘Packing cubes have been trending for a while and with travel being so common again, as well as how much everyone loves to be organised, it makes perfect sense.’ Now, if you’re turned off by the $15 price tag, we don’t blame you. After all, taking time and effort to organise our belongings is free. But it might interest you to know that Kmart also has three-cube variants that retail for less! The Blush and Black 3-Piece Packing Cubes are both priced at $8.00, while the Pink variant is sold for $10.00. All of the 3-piece packing cubes are made out of polyester and have the same ‘antimicrobial’ and odour-resistant properties that their 7-piece counterpart has. The Pink variant comes with a handle (we’re not sure if that’s why it costs $2.00 more than the Blush and Black though…). They don’t come with any specific uses, and the three cubes are simply labelled as small, medium, and large. View attachment 13743 Kmart also has a 3-piece travel cube variant. Image Credit: Kmart TikTok account The Monochrome Home , run by a woman named Taylah, couldn’t help but be amazed over the more affordable option to the 7-Piece Packing Cubes in one post! ‘It goes in three sizes… and it’s great for categorising and maximising space in your suitcase,’ she said. ‘They come in a mesh design so you can see your clothes easily.’ Many users found the packing cubes convenient, and they took to the comments section to express themselves. ‘I need the packing cubes,’ one said. ‘This would’ve been great a month ago,’ another added, apparently having been on a recent trip. Does anyone else have an odd itch to clean and organise… Kidding! But what do the reviews say? The lone review left on the 7-Piece Packing Cube, which gives it 4 stars out of 5 says: ‘For the price, the quality is decent. (It has a) bigger zip and (is) better than the cheaper 3-pack.’ The Blush and Black 3-Piece Packing Cubes meanwhile are rated 4.5 and 4.9 stars out of 5, respectively. Most of the reviews giving the products a full rating praised them for doing exactly what they were meant to. ‘I purchased 2 sets of these and all my clothes for an 11-day trip packed easily into them. Items didn't become jumbled as they usually did, making life on the road more relaxed,’ one review read. ‘Great value for money and a must-have for travelling,’ another added. Source: TikTok/@Islah ​ Some people thought the 3-piece cubes would have been better with uniform sizing. ‘The Large Packing Cubes are the ones I needed to store "fitted tablecloths" in. They are perfect for this,’ one reviewer said. ‘But (I) had to buy the set of Small, Medium and Large... (I) currently don't have a use for the Medium and Small ones [but no doubt will eventually].’ Another just felt like the material was flimsy. ‘Poor quality, ripped apart when I was unpacking them,’ they said. Key Takeaways A $15 Kmart packing cube set is trending on social media with travellers raving about how handy it is when it comes to packing. The 7-piece set includes a packing cube for underwear, a skincare bag, and one for toiletries and electronics. Kmart also has a more affordable 3-piece variant which comes in Blush, Black, and Pink types. Generally the travel cubes are rated well, with many praising how convenient the packing cubes are for travel. However, some low reviews say it would have been better if the 3-piece variant came in equal sizes and that the travel cubes can rip easily. If you’re not sold on these travel solutions from Kmart, you might want to check out another TikTok recommendation that has eight cubes you can use ! And just because having more options is never a bad thing, BIG W also has a 3-piece variant that sells for $29 . On the topic of travel, many Aussies have reportedly cut their budgets for travel this year as cost-of-living woes continue unabated. However, one destination seems to be all the rage right now , at least for those with money to spare… So, members: are you impressed by Kmart’s packing cubes? Or maybe you have your own hacks you could share to make packing less stressful? Tell us your thoughts below! Source: TikTok/@themonochromehome ​ Click to expand...

I purchased 2 of the 3 packing cubes as I feel the sizes are better. Packed everything I need for a 7 week trip in 5 of them. Very happy  

Well-known member

• Feb 22, 2023

Just carefully roll your items and they will take up much less room in your case. Lay Suits and Jackets on top & fit wrapped Footwear by the bottom wheels end of your case.  

• Feb 26, 2023

Had 2 sets of cases like these from IKEA, bought many years ago - 1 red, 1 blue - I haven’t used them a lot because we don’t travel a lot. We mark what’s in each on paper & put that visible in each case. They’re good but I prefer to fold & pack tightly. Yes shoes should go down the wheel end so their weight doesn’t push down & crush the clothes. Always pack as many non-iron clothes as you can.  

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Luxury Travel Mart

LTM Kazakhstan, Astana on the 18th of September 2024

LTM Kazakhstan, Almaty on the 20th of September 2024

LTM Azerbaijan, Baku on the 18th of February 2025

LTM Uzbekistan, Tashkent on the 21st of February 2025

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THE LEADING LUXURY TRAVEL EXHIBITION

About the event.

Since its very first year, Luxury Travel Mart has become the most successful event in the luxury travel segmen. This is a B2B event for companies that offer luxury products, who wish to establish new contacts and strengthen old ties on the CIS markets.

Companies that participate in the Luxury Travel Mart include five-star hotels and resorts, elite car companies, cruise and yacht charter companies, private jet charters, DMC and luxury operators. Most of the best-known brands in the luxury travel industry have participated and continue to participate in LTM each year.

This B2B event has been carefully thought out and planned in such a way that sellers and potential buyers of services – companies working with VIP clients, have the opportunity to establish partnerships within the space of a single day. The main aim of the of the organisers of the Luxury Travel Mart is to expand the geography of sales of the exhibition’s participants and also to introduce players to new areas and services to which they previously did not have access.

NEWS & INFORMATION

New exhibitions in azerbaijan and uzbekistan, kazakhstan, make it a double.

In order to maximise your experience at Luxury Travel Mart, you may download the LTM app for iOS or Android.

This app is operational only during LTM events.

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How to get to Suzdal from Moscow

If you are ever in Moscow, you should look at The Golden Ring , a ring of towns and cities north east of Moscow which played an important part in the formation of Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church. The towns themselves are almost like museums and none more so than the jewel of the Golden Ring, Suzdal . You have to visit this town if you are in Moscow and I will tell you exactly how to get to Suzdal from Moscow.

You can do this in a return day trip to Moscow, just, but I recommend staying the night in Suzdal. That will give you the afternoon on the 1st day and the morning and early afternoon on the 2nd day to explore which should be enough time. You can get a bus from Moscow to Suzdal. However, there is only one bus a day and it is not very comfortable. A better option is to get a train to the nearby city of Vladimir and from there get a bus to Suzdal. There are multiple trains every day from Moscow and buses are almost every 30 minutes so you will not have to wait long in Vladimir.

Getting the train to Vladimir

Go to the state run website for Russian railways . In the departure station, click (or type) ‘MOSKVA’, in the arrival station type ‘VLADIMIR”, select your departure date (and return if you will go back to Moscow the next day) and click on the buy ticket button. You will have multiple trains to choose from. The fastest trains do the journey in about 1 hour 45 minutes. Be sure to check which of the Moscow train stations your train will depart from. More than likely this will be Mockva Kurskaia. Whichever station it is, you can get there very easily by using the metro .

How to get to Suzdal from Moscow? By train of course

Looking out train window

Getting Bus from Vladimir to Suzdal

When you arrive at the train station, follow everyone else that is leaving the train station. When you get outside, if you look across the street, you will see the bus station. The facilities in the bus and train station are pretty basic. the train station is a little better so if you want a coffee or something to eat, I would get it there.

In the bus station go to the ticket office and get a single ticket to Suzdal. Something like “odin billet Suzdal” should be enough to be understood. The ticket costs 98.50 rubles so its easier to have a 100 ruble note to get change from.

At the exit of the train station, the bus station is directly across the road

Bus timetables

And more timetables

My ticket to Suzdal is bus number 159, platform 10 at 12:00 and seat number 6.

Bus ticket to Sudal

When you have your ticket, go outside to the platform listed on the ticket and wait for the bus. Simple really!

Not the actual bus in the end. The bus was more of a minivan.

Staying the night in Suzdal

There are a lot of accommodation options available in Suzdal. The place i stayed is Suzdal Hotel . It is actually a house and they have a few rooms available. The breakfast that is included is very very good. Trust me on this. They will even collect you from the bus station in Suzdal and bring you back the next day.

View out my bedroom window

Returning to Vladimir (and Moscow)

To return to Vladimir, just repeat these steps in the opposite direction – return to the bus station in Suzdal, buy a ticket to Vladimir and continue your onward journey in Russia. Simples! 😉

Train to Nizhny Novgorod

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22 comments.

Melissa Butler

I went to Suzdal over 13years ago for Christmas, I was on an on the go tour and they organised the train for us which was a very interesting journey. I would love to go back and explore longer. I am definitely impressed that you have done it on your own and it sounds like you had a bit of an adventure :).

Hi Melissa, it certainly was an adventure that’s for sure! Though sometimes, there is something to be said for letting other people take care of things for you and getting to relax and not be too stressed.

Sandy N Vyjay

Moscow is a place with an intriguing and enigmatic history. Suzdal seems to be a charming place with a rich heritage. As you have mentioned it seems to be a living museum of sorts. Nice step by step instruction on getting to Suzdal from Moscow. This is indeed an invaluable resource for first-time travelers to Russia.

Thank you very much for your kind words. I hope some people find it useful!

Thanks for recommending the Suzdal Hotel, since I prefer to stay in small cozy places with good breakfast. And the service of taking the guests from and to the bus station in Suzdal is a great plus!

Yeah I agree. I would rather stay in a family type place than a bigger place too!

I have never heard of this town and it sounds like a great place to visit if you are already in Moscow. Your instructions are very helpful and I like how you put a photo of the ticket.

You’re welcome Candy. If you don’t speak the language, Russia can be difficult to get around.

Michael Hodgson

Fantastic detail and extremely useful post for anyone wanting to explore outside of Moscow. Suzdal does sound fascinating.

Thanks Michael!

This seems like quite an experience! I am surprised that I haven’t heard of Suzdal before but as soon as I go to Moscow, I will have to do a day trip to there. Is a day trip enough to explore Suzdal?

Hey Lydia, you certainly can! If you go early enough in the day to Vladimir, you can probably get 6-7 hours in Suzdal.

This is a great post with quite a few good details. Pics looks so amazing. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed!

Wow, you are adventurous! I spent years upon years in Russia and never made it to Suzdal. Never realized Vladimir was less than 2 hrs away from Moscow.

Thanks Jenia. Russia is a huge place. You could live there your entire life and not see it all!

Thanks for the instructions. If I ever want to visit Suzdal I now know how to get there from Moscow via Vladimir.

You’re welcome!

Lauren Pears

Suzdal sounds really lovely! I need to travel to more places where there will be snow rather than just constantly chasing the sun 😉

I know what you mean! After 4 months of winter in Russia though, I was craving the sun so much!

I had never heard of Suzdal until now. Thank you for introducing me to a new place. It looks so calm and quiet under the snow. What are some things to do in Suzdal?

I think it is the sort of place you go to get away from the craziness of big cities and have some slower, quiet time. If my memory is correct, they also have a cucumber festival once a year every July. Apparently the cucumbers of the area are very good!

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