The 10 Best Compression Packing Cubes

Also available on Walmart, $38

The details: Made with tough ripstop nylon, these high-quality Gonex compression packing cubes feature sturdy double zippers, mesh panel to enhance breathability, and handles for easy carrying. The five-pack comes in a perfect assortment of sizes to fit everything from bulky sweaters to smaller items like socks and underwear — and you’ll also get a handy shoes bag. Best of all, this set is available in 14 colors so you’re sure to find a set that matches your travel aesthetic. If you’re only in the market for a few cubes, you can also snag these in a set of three. This pack has more than 7,000 reviews on Amazon.

One reviewer wrote: “What a game changer these things are!! I didn't know it but these were missing in my travel life. You can fit so much in them it's amazing. I was dubious at first as to how robust they were but the zips, stitching and body of the bags are sturdy and tough. They are super light weight and perfect for the travel who prefers to carry on bags and avoid the baggage belt chaos.”

The details: For under $20, you can a set of two high-quality compression cubes from TRIPPED. Each cube is made with water-resistant polyurethane fabric and features a durable and snag-proof zipper that lets you easily expand and compress your items. While you only get two in this set, the 14- and 10-inch size cubes will make a big difference in adding space to your luggage.

One reviewer wrote: “TRIPPED compression packing tubes are the best product on the market and makes your packing experience less dramatic, and handles all the issues of a long or short trip. This is a MUST buy!”

The details: If you live for organization, then these two-compartment compression cubes are the ones for you. Use one side for clean clothes and one side for dirty clothes, or just to keep different items together while you travel. With two in this set — a 9-liter option and a 15-liter option — these cubes are made with tough, water-resistant nylon and strong, smooth zippers. They’re also available in additional sizes and colors.

One reviewer wrote: “The compartments in this packing cube make it ideal for bathroom necessities. I can put an electric travel toothbrush and charger and toothpaste in the innermost section then zip it and put my water oil in the outer area. BUT WAIT, there’s more. Flip it over and there’s an entire other deep-sided compartments for all things you still need to pack: shower cap, razors, etc.”

Also available on Walmart, $43 (3-piece set)

The details: These top-grade LeanTravel packing cubes are constructed with high-quality polyester, mesh windows, and reinforced edges for extra durability. The thick fabric is tough enough that you can toss them around in your luggage without fear of them puncturing, ripping, or tearing. The anti-snag compression zipper helps you pack clothes down tightly to save space and free up room. This set of six cubes comes in a few different colors and patterns, and you can also snag it in a three piece set in gray.

Editor’s note: I bought this set as a gift for my dad, and I wound up having to buy a second set for my mom because she loved them so much she kept trying to steal them. Straight out of the Amazon box, I could tell that these were some high-quality cubes.

One reviewer wrote: “It allowed me to fit in enough clothes to last me for about a week and a half before I have to do laundry (4 pairs of jeans, two pairs of leggings, 11 pairs of socks, 11 pairs of underwear, 3 bralettes, 3 regular bras, 2 sports bras, 11 t-shirts, 1 tank top, 1 dressy Chiffon shirt, pajamas, 1 pair yoga pants, a swimsuit, and a laundry bag). All of this only took up about 2/3rds of my large suitcase.”

Also available on The Container Store, $40 (Set of 2)

The details: If you're looking to add the least amount of weight to your travel bag, this lightweight Eagle Creek packing cube is the weight to go. Clocking in at just 1.5 ounces altogether, this two-piece set is constructed with feather-light ripstop Silnylon ripstop fabric, the bags are thin yet surprisingly tough. The cubes are available in white, green, blue, and black.

One reviewer wrote: “What’s not to love? These are lightweight and sheer enough I can sort of see what I have inside depending on how I pack it if it’s rolled I can tell. Obviously if I flat pack it’s harder then to see. But I can fit a lot in these from jeans to T Shirts and shorts. [...]”

Also available on Walmart, $46

The details: This packing cube set has stirred up a lot of buzz on Amazon, and for good reason. While these don’t compress down like other options on the list, they’re built with thick nylon fabric that repels water and small mesh windows that let you see what’s inside each one. The six-piece set includes four cubes in a variety of sizes, a shoe bag, and a laundry bag. In addition to the teal featured above, this set comes in a handful of other fun colors and patterns, including marble, forest green, and dark blue.

One reviewer wrote: “I travel a lot and often stay in 2-4 places per trip. One of the inconvenient aspects of it is the shuffling of luggage items. I spend a whole lot of time organizing and reorganizing. Makes me crazy. When I was told about these travel cubes I got so excited and bought them immediately. I used it once so far and noticed they actually help greatly.”

The details: While, no, this SealLine dry sack is not technically a compression cube, it is a true waterproof bag that can really come in handy during outdoor camping trips, and reviewers attested that it’s a real space saver for backpacking trips. It features a roll-top closure system similar to stuff sacks yet it’s designed to stack together with others, improving efficiency and saving space. Each dry sack is built with super durable 70-denier polyurethane-coated nylon and welded seams, offering superior protection from the elements.

One reviewer wrote: “Perfect for packing lunches on day hikes. Kept everything dry through Scotland rain showers.”

Also available on Zappos, $35

The details: Made with ultra-durable nylon that’s not only lightweight but water-resistant too, these Baggallini cubes rank among the best compression packing cubes out there. In addition to the strong nylon material, they boast convenient clear panels that let you see what’s inside, along with breathable mesh so your clothes don’t get stinky. What’s more, the cubes come in a handy set of three with varying sizes.

One reviewer wrote: “I travel for work with one roll-aboard suitcase. In the large cube, I'm keeping an extra set of clothes and my workout stuff. The smaller cube keeps undies and stockings so they don't get all wrapped up. Great product. I'm a cube convert..”

Also available on Walmart, $22

The details: With more than 1,800 reviews, these super-popular Alameda compression packing cubes are just the ticket for easy travel. Part of the cult-like draw is due to their strength (which one customer referred to as “durable AF”). The durability comes from the high-density rip-stop nylon that makes them sturdy as well as lightweight. The water-resistant cubes have tough, no-snag zippers, and they're available in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles.

One reviewer wrote: “I just bought my second set of these compression cubes. They are awesome. I am amazed at how much stuff I can carry neatly using these. Very easy to load up and zip and I can get them quite full/tight with no signs of seams splitting, zipper breaking, etc.”

The details: These high-quality packing cubes, which come in your choice of a four-pack or a six-pack, are tough, durable, and lightweight. They feature strong two-way zippers that don’t snag easily, and mesh panels to keep them breathable and odor-resistant. As a bonus, they come with a drawstring bag that separates your clean clothes from your dirties.

One reviewer wrote: “Amazingly strong and outstanding travel tools. I won't travel without them again, so I can pack gifts to bring back and not buy more luggage. I filed a large carry-on with fluffy bedding bought abroad, another with bulky sweaters...so much I struggled to zip the cubes closed. The zippers and seams were flawless.”