Are Packing Cubes Worth It? Pros, Cons, and How to Use Them
Packing cubes have gone from niche travel gadget to something nearly every frequent traveler swears by. But do they actually help, or are they just another thing to buy? So, are packing cubes worth it? For most travelers, yes, but probably not for the reason you think.
What Are Packing Cubes?
Packing cubes are zippered fabric containers that organize your clothes and gear inside your suitcase or backpack. They come in different sizes, and some have a compression zipper that squeezes the air out for a smaller footprint.
The Pros of Packing Cubes
1. Organization
This is the main benefit. Instead of digging through a jumble of clothes, you know exactly where everything is: tops in one cube, bottoms in another, underwear in a third.
2. Faster packing and unpacking
When you move between hotels often, cubes make it easy to pull out what you need and repack quickly. You can even move cubes straight into a drawer.
3. Compression (with compression cubes)
Compression cubes can make clothes take up less space, which helps if you’re squeezing everything into a carry-on. Our carry-on packing list works even better with a couple of compression cubes.
4. Easier security checks
If your bag is searched, everything stays neatly contained rather than spilling out.
5. Separating clean and dirty clothes
A dedicated cube or bag for laundry keeps dirty clothes away from clean ones.
The Cons of Packing Cubes
1. They don’t create space by themselves
Standard cubes organize rather than shrink. If you overfill them, you’ll still run out of space. Only compression cubes reduce volume, and even then, the weight stays the same.
2. They add a little weight
Cubes are light, but if you’re counting every gram for strict airline limits, choose ultralight versions.
3. They can encourage overpacking
With compression, it’s tempting to cram in more. Stay disciplined.
4. Odd-shaped bags can be tricky
Cubes fit best in rectangular suitcases and backpacks. Unusual bag shapes can leave wasted space.
Compression vs Standard Packing Cubes
- Standard cubes: Best for organization, lighter, and less likely to wrinkle clothes.
- Compression cubes: Best when space is tight. Ideal for bulky items like sweaters and for cold-weather trips. See our cold-weather packing list.
Many travelers use a mix: one or two compression cubes for bulky clothes and standard cubes for everything else.
How to Pack With Cubes
- Plan your outfits first. Decide what you’re bringing before you start filling cubes.
- Sort by category or by day. Category (tops, bottoms, underwear) is the most common, but outfit-per-day works well for short trips.
- Roll soft items, fold structured ones. Rolling works well in cubes and reduces creases in casual clothes.
- Use a small cube for tech. Keep chargers, adapters, and cables together.
- Keep toiletries separate. Use a dedicated, leak-proof toiletry bag, packed according to our travel toiletries checklist.
- Put the cubes in strategically. Heavier cubes at the bottom near the wheels or against your back in a backpack.
Do You Need Packing Cubes for a Short Trip?
For a weekend with a small backpack, probably not. For trips of a week or more, carry-on only trips, or trips with multiple stops, cubes make a noticeable difference.
Alternatives to Packing Cubes
- Reusable zip bags
- Drawstring bags
- Compression bags (roll-up style)
- Simply packing carefully by category
These work, but most travelers find cubes more durable and easier to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do packing cubes really save space?
Standard cubes mainly organize. Compression cubes do save space by squeezing out air, but they don’t reduce weight.
How many packing cubes do I need?
For most trips, three or four: one large for tops, one medium for bottoms, one small for underwear and socks, and maybe one for tech.
Are packing cubes good for backpacks?
Yes. They make it much easier to find things in a top-loading backpack.
The Verdict
Packing cubes are worth it for most travelers, especially those who travel carry-on only or move around a lot. They won’t magically double your bag space, but they’ll make packing faster, your bag tidier, and your trip a little less chaotic. Ready to pack? Start with our carry-on packing list, and keep your costs down with our guide on how to travel on a budget.