Chris Warnes
Packing cubes are one of the most valuable travel accessories an avid traveller can have. My own set are some of my most trusted travel companions. From helping me squeeze in those last few pieces of clothing on month-long backpacking trips to keeping my careful selection of outfits organised on weekend jaunts with work, there’s almost no trip packing cubes haven’t made easier.
But selecting the right type of packing cube for your trip can be somewhat of an art form — the packing cubes you need to rummage for in the darkness of an overnight train in India are going to be a little different from the ones you use to organise your children’s swimsuits on your holiday down the coast, or the ones you take on that glamorous girls’ trip to New York City.
This is your guide to selecting the right type of packing cubes for every type of trip—and traveller.
The different types of packing cubes
There are packing cubes for almost every type of trip and traveller, but the main types fall into the falling categories:
- Standard
- Compression
- Hanging
Standard packing cubes
Standard cubes are the most common type of packing cube, typically coming in a set of three or four different sizes. They are designed to sort your clothing by type — such as tops in one cube and underwear in another — and save space in your suitcase.
They’re also great for most types of trips and trip lengths.
Compression packing cubes
Compression packing cubes take space-saving to another level with their clever compression design. While these packing cubes help organise your luggage, their main function is to essentially shrink your clothing to give you more space in a bag.
They’re particularly helpful for any trips that involve using a backpack — including backpacking and multi-day hiking trips. However, they’re also going to free up space for those travelling with a carry-on and of course, for chronic over-packers.
Hanging packing cubes
Anyone who hates unpacking needs to invest in a hanging packing cube.
These packing cells typically feature a tiered or shelf-style design that can be folded down into your suitcase. The ‘hanging’ function comes from a convenient set of hooks, which allow you to hang the packing cube up once you arrive at your destination, and eliminate the need for individually unpacking your clothes.
While these type of packing cubes are designed to make just about everyone’s life easier, they’re particularly good for multi-destination trips that have you packing and unpacking every few days.
How to use packing cubes
The most common use for packing cubes is to separate your different types of clothing. This usually looks like putting your pants and shorts into a larger cube, your tops into a medium-sized cube and your underwear into the smaller cubes.
However, the beauty of packing cubes lies in their versatility, and there are actually many different ways to use the travel accessory.
For example, those going on shorter trips might find it more effective to use packing cubes to organise their outfits, such as putting Monday’s outfit into one cube, Tuesday’s into another and so on. For this type of organisation, it’s best to have multiple packing medium-to-large sized packing cubes.
Another popular way of using packing cubes is to use them to separate children’s and babies clothing. This often sees families pack just one kids’ suitcase and use packing cubes to separate each child’s clothing from the others. In the same way, some families might choose to bring just one large suitcase for the whole family. In this case, its a good idea to give every family member their own colour. This way, the multiple different cubes won’t get mixed up.
However, packing cubes aren’t strictly used for travel, and many people like to use them to organise their drawers and even their gym bags.
2024’s top packing cubes
- Globite Packing Cubes, $30, Big W (here’s why)
- Compression Packing Cubes, $25.99, Amazon (here’s why)
- Maison De Sabre Packing Cubes, $159, The Iconic (here’s why)
The best packing cubes to buy in 2024
01
Globite Packing Cubes
from $30, Big W
Best for: general travel, clothing organisation
Big W are putting themselves back on travellers’ radar by stocking the highly-reviewed Globite, a heritage brand that specialises in designer-quality travel goods at affordable prices.
The affordable retailer is selling the fancy packing cubes for just $25 for a three-pack, which is cheaper than buying them direct from Globite.
Sizes: 26cm x 18cm x 6cm, 31cm x 20cm x 7cm, 38cm x 28cm x 7cm
Colours: Black, pink, purple, navy blue, red, bright blue, green and grey
Materials: Polyester
Key features:
- Two-way zip opening
- Handles for easy carrying
- See-through mesh panels
Available at:
- $59.95 from The Iconic
02
Compression Packing Cubes
from $25.99, Amazon
Best for: backpacking, carry-on, space saving
Compression packing cubes are the perfect choice for chronic over-packers. By compressing your items, these packing cubes claim to save up to 40% more space in your luggage.
Sizes: 40 x 30cm, 35 x25cm, 30x 20cm, 25 x 20cm
Colours: Beige
Materials: Nylon
Key features:
- Water-resistant
- Save up to 40% more space
- Comes in four sizes
03
Maison De Sabre Packing Cubes
from $159, The Iconic
Best for: luxury, stylish
These luxe Maison De Sabre packing cubes are the best choice for those who don’t want to sacrifice style for practicality. Luckily, with their perfect-fit compatibility and convenient carry handles, you won’t have to.
Sizes: 25cm x 32.5cm x 9cm, 17.5cm x 32.5cm x 9cm
Colours: Navy blue
Materials: 100% Resilon Nylon
Key features:
- Saves 40% more luggage space
- Set of two
- Durable mesh top
Available at:
- $159 from David Jones
04
Portable Travel Hanging Luggage Organizer
from $39.59, Kogan
Best for: multi-city trips, camping
Eliminating the need to unpack, a hanging packing cube is a life-saver on those trips that see you moving around to different locations.
With its chic grey shade and multiple storage pockets, this hanging packing cube from Kogan is a great choice.
Sizes: 30 × 30 × 16 cm, 45 × 30 × 16 cm
Colours: Grey
Materials: Oxford Cloth
Key features:
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Sturdy metal hooks
- Fully enclosed storage bags
05
Chelsea 4 Packing Cubes
$65, Antler
Best for: everyday travel
The hard-wearing material, different sizes and neutral colours make these perfect for just about any getaway, as well as a match for most luggage colour schemes.
Sizes: 24.5 x 33 x 10cm, 33 x 17.5 x 10cm, 17.5 x 16.5 x 10 cm
Colours: Navy, Taupe, Woodland Green
Materials: Polyester
Key features:
- Set of four
- Mesh window
- Extra strong compression zip
06
Pack Cubes 5 Pack
$39.99, Strandbags
Best for: the whole family
With eight different colour shades available, this generous set of five packing cubes comes is guaranteed to please every member of the family.
Sizes: 45×32, 54 x 40 x 9, 40 x 26 x 10, 24 x 20 x 1
Colours: Light Multi, Multi, Aqua, Black, Navy, Mineral, Bright Lilac
Materials: Polyester
Key features:
- Zip closure
- Lightweight
- Set of five
Related article:
- 5 laundry organisation tips that will make life easier
- Is a garment steamer your next travel must-have?
- 5 of the hottest travel destinations for interior design inspiration
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
