There are two types of travellers in this world: those who pack for a trip with wild abandon, tossing in multiple outfit changes, their entire beauty and skincare regime, three hair tools and enough pants to change underwear three times a day. And then there are those like me, who will do almost anything to avoid having to check a bag into the hold, priding themselves on packing a tight edit of essentials into an even tighter space, and investing in a clever underseat cabin bag.
Steamline's Art Geo packing cubes, ready to go in our tests
If, like me, you are adamantly against checking a bag into the hold, you know there are certain hacks you need to utilise to avoid a complete packing meltdown. If you’re uninitiated, I can explain the secret to carry-on only luggage in two words: packing cubes. The magic trick of this product becomes all the more magical when you add a third word: compression packing cubes.
It might sound simple (or like the kind of thing your dad might get excited about), but a good set of packing cubes really is the only essential you need to embark on a hand luggage only trip. Not only will a decent compression cube save you space, it will also keep you organised through security, the flight itself and beyond.
Pack outfits together – and in the order you’ll need them. Throwing a bunch of bottoms, tops and outerwear into your carry on luggage willy-nilly will not work. Plan your outfits before you travel to stop you from packing unnecessary items; try to prioritise items that will go with lots of other things, and then pack these items together in the order that you’ll reach for them. I normally pack one big compression packing cube with all my outfits for the time I’ll be away, and a smaller cube containing underwear, pyjamas and workout gear.
Roll, don’t fold. Goes without saying, but rolling your clothes will make them more compact, saving so much space.
Wear your chunkiest items. Again, this is a simple tip, but it’s worth reiterating – wearing your biggest jumper, coat, and chunkiest shoes will make all the difference. I normally slip a pair of flip-flops into my handbag for the flight, especially for long-haul journeys.
Edit down your skincare and beauty regime. Whenever I go to the airport, I pick up a few of the plastic bags they give you for liquids at security and stash them at home for future trips. This means I can make sure my liquids will fit, eradicating any possible airport disasters as I realise my favourite perfume won’t squeeze in. (Side note, for perfume, I love this mega-affordable refillable perfume bottle, which allows you to decant your favourite scent mess-free into a travel-friendly bottle.)
Packing cube sets can be used for more than just clothes. The various sizes make these cubes very versatile. I use one for wires, electrics, chargers and more – this means easy access to my passport or boarding pass as I’m not fumbling through rogue wires while searching for important documents. You could also use a packing cube for your shoes – and don’t forget to stuff shoes with socks or any other items that will fit to save more space, too. A small cube can double up as a toiletry bag, and you can reuse one as a laundry bag for dirty clothes, during your trip.
The best packing cubes for travel
Antler Chelsea Packing Cubes
Pros: 6 colours, mesh windows, expandable zips to allow for more or less volume, good quality
Cons: No handles
Editor review: “From big trips to the Maldives and Australia to city breaks in Paris where I've had carry on suitcase only, I have used these on so many trips. Whenever I fly with my son I fill the smallest bag with toys and snacks for him, so it's easy to grab quickly. Antler is one of the best luggage brands in the UK, so the quality is great and the mesh lids make it so easy to spot what's stored inside," Lauren Burvill, commerce editor.
Pros: Very pretty, made from 100% recycled plastic water bottles
Cons: Sell out quickly, only available in sets of four
Steamline’s patterned packing cubes fit perfectly inside the brand’s vintage style luggage offerings. We’ve never seen a more aesthetically pleasing spin on a functional item.
Editor review: "I love the Art Deco print on these packing cubes – they make me feel like I'm preparing for an incredibly chic night on the Orient Express (rather than the Ryanair flight I've usually booked). The transparent panel in the corner makes it easy to see what's in each of the four without detracting from the design, which is also really handy." Sarah James, deputy digital editor
Pros: Very lightweight, so good for backpacking and carry-on only travel, grab handles
Cons: Expensive for a set of three cubes, could be larger
These are some of the lightest cubes we’ve tried, ensuring that you can use every last gram of your luggage weight allowance for your belongings. A handle makes them easy to grab, and they’re made from ripstop nylon, so they should remain looking good as new for the foreseeable. One note – they’re on the smaller side in comparison to some of the other cubes in this round-up, so better suited to shorter breaks away.
Pros: Thick and sturdy material, mesh window, compressible, attractive, choice of sizes, anti-microbial inner
Cons: Sometimes not possible to compress cubes the whole way if they're completely stuffed full
Monos’s offering comes in a choice of four or six cubes, sized for its carry-on and check-in cases, respectively, in a sorbet array of colours. They’re compressible, antimicrobial, and have a breathable mesh panel to help banish bad smells on your trip home.
Editor review: I love these packing cubes. The yellow colour greets me so cheerfully when I open my case, and the material is super sturdy, so the cubes hold their shape well. I know they won’t break after a few uses. The zips feel quality and held fast despite my over-packing ways, helping me compress each cube as flat as possible. That means no more sitting on your suitcase to get it closed when it’s full. Charley Ward, commerce writer
Pros: Made from 100% recycled PET plastic, mesh tops
Cons: Only available in set of four, not compressible
These are as sleek as you’d expect from Carl Friedrik, designed to fit inside the brand’s carry-on cases. They’re sold in set of four only, with cubes for trousers, tops, underwear and shoes. Carl’s options win bonus points for their sustainability credentials – they’re made from 100% recycled PET plastic.
Pros: budget-friendly price, 6 colours, can be stored very flat when not in use
Cons: Can't see what's inside, no handles
Australian luggage brand Nere recently launched in the UK, bringing their affordable and brightly coloured range of hard shell suitcases, weekender bags and tote bags. Their zip up packing cubes come in packs of three and are available in a multitude of bright colours, from hyper pink to light aqua and classic black.
Cons: They don’t come in colours to match the brand’s full suitcase range
Editor review: Aussie luggage brand July offers sets of four or eight packing cubes in a selection of colours that matches its suitcase sets, along with some limited edition hues. “I’ve tried a few packing cube brands but these July ones were the sturdiest I’ve tried,” says commerce writer Charley Ward. “The zips felt strong, so shouldn’t break if squeezed full of clothes – which often happens. I especially liked the inclusion of the extra-large cubes, which are designed for holding whole outfits. If you’re heading off for a weekend, a couple of these in your carry-on should be all you need to pack your outfits neatly, and then a third for shoes and your wash bag. I’m a complete convert.”
Pros: Top carrying handle, large sizes, strong compression zippers
Cons: They sell out quickly, only available in black, cubes sold separately
Editor review: "I have travelled with just a cabin bag for a 12-day winter holiday in Canada and a week in the Greek islands using the fantastic Gomatic compression packing cubes. Not only are they reasonably priced, but from one purchase they've saved me money on checked luggage in the long run, as well as saved time checking in or waiting for a bag on the carousel at either end of my flight, and the overwhelm of discovering you’ve simply packed too much luggage," Sarah James, deputy digital editor.
Pros: Mesh windows, 6 colour options, high quality, ripstop nylon
Cons: Colours often sell out, no handles
If you're an Away luggage devotee, then these packing cubes are an equally worth investment. Designed to work with the compression system of an Away suitcase, this pack of four will ensure you use every inch of space in your carry on, while still staying organised and taking good care of your clothes. The brand also has a dedicated shoe cube, available separately, to keep your grubby trainers away from your outfits.
Editor review: “These cubes are more robust than they first seem. The zips were strong enough to withstand the half-wardrobe load of t-shirts I squeezed, though I wouldn’t risk putting shoes in these cubes. I would’ve liked another large cube for my trousers and shorts on longer trips, but the set is perfect for weekend trips. The elongated smallest cube is especially useful for my wash bag. The mesh on one side.” Noo Saro-Wiwa, features writer
Pros: Can be personalised, recycled fabric, 6 colour options, sheer strip window
Cons: Expensive, no handles
Paravel is easily one of the most stylish luggage brands around, so it comes as no surprise that their packing cubes are equally chic. Doing away with the usual mesh top, these cubes feature a sheer strip on the lid, so you can still see what's inside. The pack of four are available in six smart colour options, and can be personalised with your initials in a contrasting colour.
Pros: Mesh panels, 4 colour options, recycled fabric, a dedicated cube for storing wet items
Cons: Expensive, no handles
Sustainable luggage brand Horizn has applied their recycled fabrics and clever design to their packing cube offering. Each cube is designed with different items in mind, including a medium cube to hold tshirts and shorts, and a large cube for trousers and sweaters. In their pack of four there's even a medium cube with waterproof lining, designed to store any wet items – an ideal solution to that tricky last day of a beach holiday.
Pros: Cubes can be labelled, mesh windows, top handles
Cons: Expensive, only available in black
For the ultimate in organisation, this set from Beis includes six packing cubes, including three regular cubes, two shoe bags, and a zip pouch. In terms of ease of use, not only do the packing cubes have mesh windows, but they also have a dedicated holder to display a label, so you can keep you items ultra organised, and easily locate what you need when unpacking.
While Tumi's range of packing cubes are quite simple, they are of course of the highest quality and designed to fit perfectly within their luggage range. The large size but thin height means the cubes can also be stacked on top of each other within a suitcase, and are ideal if you prefer to store whole outfits together.
Pros: Water-repellent, made with recycled durable materials, store flat
Cons: Expensive, sold separately
Of course, Rimowa’s packing cubes feel a cut above – they’re made from a thicker material than any of the others we’ve tried. This means they hold their shape beautifully when full, giving them an aesthetic edge befitting the iconic luxury luggage brand. The price tag is naturally premium and you’ll have to invest in each cube separately, but they look very elegant in situ. There are three different sizes, each which compresses down flat and fits inside each other for storage.
Editor review: “We’ve tested many packing cubes at Conde Nast Traveller. But this is the first set of cubes designed specifically for weekender bags and backpacks. Honestly? We think they’re even more of a game changer when used with a bag than your suitcase. Forget rummaging around at the bottom of your rucksack – these cubes put paid to all of that, especially given the handle which makes it easy to grab each cube out with minimum fuss. They really do help to improve your bag’s functionality. While you could use these with any rucksack, they are specifically designed to fit with the brand’s F.A.R rucksack, which coincidentally has made the list as one of our best travel backpacks. The compression zip works really well – I’ve never seen a more well-organised and accessible rucksack after using these. Definitely one to invest in for festival season. Each packing cube is sold separately, but if you invest in one of each, you’ll be set for a two-week trip easily.” Charley Ward, commerce writer
Pros: Hanging strap, made from recycled plastic bottles, machines washable, available on Amazon, comes with a strap so you can use one as a daybag
Cons: Not compressive
You’ll know Trtl for its innovative wraparound neck pillow that’s been changing the game for long haul flyers in recent years. Now the brand has turned its attention to helping packers as well. Its packing pods have an unusual shape with curves, so-designed to fit snugly in any suitcase. They have a D ring so you can hang them up, which is handy for camping. Interestingly, there’s also a detachable strap, so you can wear one as an ultra-light sling bag should you need. Each set is made from seven plastic bottles, so they’re a good eco-friendly buy.
Pros: Compressive, double-sided, available as sets or individually, available on Amazon Cons: Can’t see inside
Editor review: These are versatile packing cubes that would work equally well in a rucksack – indeed, they’re designed for use in Peak Design’s backpacks – as your suitcase. They’re one of the only brands to offer a choice of sets and individual cubes, so you can build the exact set for your needs at a good price. The compressive qualities are strong and allow you to squeeze a considerable amount in each – and if you need extra space, you can let out the compression zip to accommodate bulkier items. Our favourite feature is the fact they’re double-sized, meaning you can keep dirty clothes in one side and clean in the other, keeping your suitcase neat and tidy. They’re very lightweight without compromising on quality, as well.
For the vast majority of travel, we’d recommend using packing cubes over compression bags. The kind of vacuum bags you’d use for storing winter clothing inevitably leave garments terribly wrinkled once the air has been removed, no matter how neatly folded they went in.
One exception? If you’re packing to travel for over a month, or need to pack lots of bulky winter clothing. In these instances, vacuum bags help claw back valuable space in your suitcase so you can pack in as much as possible.
Essentially, you won’t fit as much in your suitcase with regular packing cubes as compression bags, but the best packing cube sets are designed to fit enough of your belongings for up to three weeks away, giving you the most efficient way to pack for a holiday with minimal fuss.
Do packing cubes work better than rolling?
Utilising both methods is the best way to pack. By rolling your clothes inside each cube, you’ll maximise the amount you can squeeze into each cube in a way that should leave your clothes as crease-free as possible. See above for more tips on how to use packing cubes effectively.
Do clothes get more wrinkled in packing cubes?
In short, no. As long as you roll your clothes carefully, they should come out of the cubes looking as fresh as they entered. Editor’s tip? Bringing along a travel steamer will help tease out any stubborn creases you might find after unpacking.
