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If you’re a frequent traveller but a bad packer (it’s surprising how often these two things go hand in hand) you might find yourself googling to find the best packing cubes. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, a packing cube is essentially a fabric pouch, often with a mesh top, designed to organise your clothes within a suitcase or hand luggage.
Whether it’s big waterproof jackets for your next hiking adventure or gym leggings for a sporty getaway, everything can fit inside one of these handy contraptions. “Packing cubes allow you to separate your belongings into categories, making it easier to find items quickly and maintain order in your luggage,” says Alex Kallen, founder of travel blog Leap Local. “By compressing clothing and other soft items, packing cubes can also help maximise space in your suitcase or backpack.”
However tempting it may be to jump on Amazon and order the first ones that can be delivered in time for your holiday, the best packing cubes for travel actually vary a fair amount. Some are more technical, others compress, expand or have pockets for dirty laundry.
To help you out, I’ve tried and compared packing cubes from the biggest brands including Osprey and Antler. You can find my full reviews below, followed by advice from experts on whether to roll or fold, which brands are worth buying, and how to choose the best travel cube for you. If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick look at my top five:
Which are the best packing cubes in 2024? At a glance
How to choose the best packing cube for you
“Think about what sorts of trips you go on,” says Claire Robinson, founder of Weekend Candy, a travel site about the best weekend breaks in the UK. “If you do a mixture of long-haul and short breaks, then choosing a set of cubes that vary in size to give you flexibility makes sense. Waterproof cubes are a good option if you’re doing a more outdoorsy trip.”
Claire advises looking for packing cubes that can compress in size to save space – but first check how wide they open up, so you can fill them to capacity. “Handles are a good extra feature too, since you may run out of space and need to carry them.”
