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10 Best Packing Cubes for Maximizing Carry-On Space, According to Travel Experts

Get ready for Marie Kondo-level suitcase organization.

Headshot of Emma SeymourBy Emma Seymour
best packing cubes
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We updated this guide in August 2022 to ensure all products tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab were in stock and reflected current prices.


Packing is a true art form. You want to make sure you have everything you need, but you also don't want to turn your suitcase into an unorganized mess. The struggle only gets worse if you're trying to pack light with just a carry-on or an underseat bag. Meet your new travel MVP: packing cubes. These helpers keep your luggage totally organized during the trip and once you get to your destination. Pack your clothes into the cubes first, then fit the pieces into your bag like a puzzle. You can even get ones with built-in compression, so squeezing in that extra outfit (or two!) is no big deal.

The GH Textiles Lab is comprised of fiber scientists and travel product experts who test all types of luggage, travel accessories and more. Our experts found the best packing cubes from brands that performed well in past Lab evaluations, have excellent online reviews or feature useful extras so you can fit everything you need and then some into your suitcase. These are the best packing cubes in 2022.

Our top picks:

  • Pack-it Starter Set

    Best Overall Packing Cubes

    eagle creek Pack-it Starter Set

    $44 at Amazon
    Read more
  • Luggage Packing Organization Cubes

    Best Value Packing Cubes

    TravelWise Luggage Packing Organization Cubes

    Read more
  • Compression Packing Cubes

    Best Compression Packing Cubes

    Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

    Read more
  • Packing Cube Set

    Best Packing Cubes for Families

    Shacke Packing Cube Set

    Read more
  • Travel Underwear Organizer Bag

    Best Packing Cubes for Intimates

    JJ POWER Travel Underwear Organizer Bag

    Read more
Best Overall Packing Cubes

eagle creek Pack-it Starter Set

On Sale
Pack-it Starter Set
Best Overall Packing Cubes

eagle creek Pack-it Starter Set

$44 at Amazon$66 at Walmart
Credit: eagle creek
Pros
  • Top tested brand
  • Mesh to see packed items
  • Top handle
Cons
  • Only two color options

If you’ve never used packing cubes, Eagle Creek’s durable designs are a great addition to your travel gear. These are made from polyester with mesh, so you can see exactly what you packed. When testing Eagle Creek products, GH travel pros are often impressed by the long-lasting designs that stay in great shape trip after trip. We like that the cubes have a handle on the top for easy organization whether in a suitcase, duffel or backpack. Plus, the folder helps compress workwear and keep it winkle-free for easy business travel.

• Pieces included: Three packing cubes (One small, one large, one folder)

Best Value Packing Cubes

TravelWise Luggage Packing Organization Cubes

Luggage Packing Organization Cubes
Best Value Packing Cubes

TravelWise Luggage Packing Organization Cubes

Credit: TravelWise
Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Nine color options
  • Wrap around zipper
Cons
  • Some reviewers received a different color than the one they ordered

At around $5 per piece, these TravelWise packing cubes are our most affordable pick. These come in a variety of sizes and are designed with clear mesh on the top, so you can see what’s in each one. We also appreciate that the zipper also goes all the way around the top, which makes it easy to just place them in a drawer once you get to your destination — no unpacking needed.

Pieces included: Five packing cubes (one small, two medium, two large)

Best Compression Packing Cubes

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

Compression Packing Cubes
Best Compression Packing Cubes

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

Credit: Gonex
Pros
  • Tightly compresses your clothes to save space
  • Over 8,000 Amazon reviews
  • Multiple colors and patterns to choose from
Cons
  • Difficult to zip if you overpack them

Overpackers, rejoice! These Gonex packing cubes compress your clothes, so you can fit as much as possible in your suitcase. The brand recommends rolling your clothes before putting them in the cube to maximize space. This popular Amazon Choice item has over 8,000 rave reviews and comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes.

Pieces included: Five compression packing cubes (one smallest, one small, one medium, one large, one slim) and one laundry bag

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Best Packing Cubes for Families

Shacke Packing Cube Set

Amazon’s Choice
Packing Cube Set
Best Packing Cubes for Families

Shacke Packing Cube Set

Credit: Shacke Pak
Pros
  • Over 16,000 Amazon reviews
  • Eight color options
  • Includes a laundry bag
Cons
  • Heavier than other picks

With over 13,000 five-star reviews, these packing cubes are popular for their easy-to-use design that's perfect when traveling with the whole family. These packing cubes are available in eight colors, so each family member can have their own set. With mesh on top, it's easy to see inside without unzipping. Each set contains four cubes of varying sizes and a laundry bag, so dirty clothes can stay separate.

Pieces included: Four packing cubes (one small, one medium, one large, one extra-large) and one laundry bag

Best Packing Cubes for Intimates

JJ POWER Travel Underwear Organizer Bag

Best Seller
Travel Underwear Organizer Bag
Best Packing Cubes for Intimates

JJ POWER Travel Underwear Organizer Bag

Credit: JJ Power
Pros
  • Doesn't squish your underwire bras
  • Great for the gym
  • Six color options
Cons
  • Only holds around five pairs of underwear

Designed just for your intimates, this organizer by JJ Power is like an underwear drawer to-go. It has a large area for proper bra storage, so you can be assured they won’t get crumpled while traveling. There are also compartments for underwear and a zippered spot for items that need to be washed. Reviewers say this little case is a great gym bag organizer too.

Pieces included: One packing organizer

Best Packing Cubes for Carry-Ons

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

The Insider Packing Cubes
Best Packing Cubes for Carry-Ons

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

Credit: Away
Pros
  • Waterproof nylon sides with mesh top
  • Seven shades available
  • 100-day return policy
Cons
  • Cannot be purchased individually

Designed specifically for the mega-popular Away Carry-On, the brand's packing cubes are the perfect dimensions for carry-on luggage. They're made from waterproof nylon sides with a mesh panel top, which means you can quickly see what’s inside each one. Available in seven trendy shades, these can easily be stored flat when not in use. We love Away’s generous 100-day return policy, so there’s no harm in trying them out.

Pieces included: Four packing cubes (one small-wide, one medium-slim, one medium-wide, one large-slim)

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Best Packing Cubes for Shoes

YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags Set

Best Seller
Travel Shoe Bags Set
Best Packing Cubes for Shoes

YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags Set

Now 48% Off
Credit: YAMIU
Pros
  • Great for shoes, toiletries and dirty clothes
  • Hold shoes up to a men's 14
  • Waterproof nylon fabric
Cons
  • Reviewers recommend the larger sizes over the smaller ones

Unlike clothes, your sneakers, heels and boots may go into your suitcase already carrying dirt and grime. Pack footwear in shoe bags to avoid ruining outfits. The larger size fits shoes up to a size men's 14 and is perfect for booties or sneakers, while the standard size fits up to a size 10. These bags are available with either zippers or drawstrings in quantities of two, four or 12. Reviewers also love the bags for toiletries, towels and other small items.

Pieces included: Four bags (two standard and two large)

Best Garment Bag Packing Cube

MISSLO Garment Travel Bag

On Sale
Garment Travel Bag
Best Garment Bag Packing Cube

MISSLO Garment Travel Bag

Now 13% Off
Credit: MISSLO
Pros
  • Can easily fold in half
  • Different length options
  • Holds about three suits
Cons
  • Stiffer fabric

If you have special items that cannot be stored off the hanger, this garment bag is great for protecting them. There’s a metal grommet at the bottom that hooks to the hanger, so it's easy to fold in half for convenient carrying or packing in a suitcase. Available in a variety of lengths, it also has a zippered, clear pocket at the top for accessory storage.

Pieces included: One garment bag

Most Stylish Packing Cubes

Baggu Packing Cube Set

Packing Cube Set
Most Stylish Packing Cubes

Baggu Packing Cube Set

Credit: Baggu
Pros
  • Unique prints
  • Lightweight recycled nylon materials
  • Machine washable
Cons
  • Pricey

Most packing cubes are only available in solid colors, but these trendy ones from Baggu come in fun prints and colors like smiley faces, floral and fruit. This set includes two packing cubes made from durable recycled nylon. Our pros were impressed by just how lightweight these cubes are without sacrificing performance — every ounce counts!

• Pieces included: Two packing cubes (one small, one large)

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Best Packing Cube for Camping

Patagonia Black Hole® Cube

Black Hole® Cube
Best Packing Cube for Camping

Patagonia Black Hole® Cube

Credit: Patagonia
Pros
  • Water resistant materials
  • Top handle
  • Three volume options
Cons
  • Pricey

When camping, nothing is worse than wet gear. These packing cubes from Patagonia are made with recycled polyester ripstop with a highly weather-resistant TPU-film laminate to keep your items protected. Available in 3L, 6L and 10L volumes, these cubes have handles for easy grabbing and organizational interior mesh pockets.

• Pieces included: One packing cube

How we test packing cubes

"

When evaluating packing cubes, Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab pros place a standard load in each cube to see how much they can hold. Then, we place them in a suitcase to see how easy they are to organize. We will also test the fabric's strength and abrasion resistance too. GH experts also travel with packing cubes to test them under real-world conditions.

How do I use packing cubes?

"

Most sets come with different-sized cubes that are designed for certain items — small cubes for your underwear and larger cubes for shirts and pants. Everyone has a preference about rolling or folding clothes, but when packing in a cube, our pros say you should roll to avoid wrinkles. Rolling likely won't save as much space in a traditional packing cube, but many brands recommend it for compression picks. Doing this, and storing like items together, will make it much easier to find exactly what you want without rummaging through your bag.

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Do packing cubes really save space?

"

Yes! Packing cubes ensure that every item has a spot in your suitcase — without it bursting at the seams. To further max out every inch, look for styles with compression. These work by having two zippers — one that closes the cube and a second that tightly compresses it to flatten your clothes and save space.

Do packing cubes wrinkle clothes?

"

One of the main reasons clothes come out of your suitcase looking wrinkly is because they've shifted around during the trip. Packing cubes keep all your clothes still, so items are actually less likely to wrinkle. Keep in mind, some fabrics will wrinkle no matter what (hello, linen!), so we recommend choosing travel dresses and pants in more forgiving fabrics like polyester and Tencel for your next trip.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

"

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. She’s been at Good Housekeeping for over three years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for walking shoes, luggage, tampons, pillows, sheets, period underwear and more. She also has worked on multiple travel features on backpacks, travel dresses and packing cubes. With a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience, particularly focused on athletic wear. As a lifetime sewer with previous product development experience, she has a strong fashion background with expertise in proper fit and construction.

Headshot of Emma Seymour
Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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