My goal when traveling is to, of course, pack everything I need while carrying as little as possible. I've made this a reality via compression packing cubes, which maximize my packing space by minimizing the bulk in my favorite luggage . They go the extra mile with a second zipper that squeezes out excess air, making each stack of clothing smaller and more compact.
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Since regular packing cubes are simply designed to keep the inside of your suitcase organized, "these standard cubes don't actively save space," says Michelle Jensen, solo female travel blogger and founder of Travel HerStory . "Meanwhile, compression packing cubes can reduce volume by 30-60%, depending on what you pack."
To help you find the very best compression packing cube options for your next trip, we tested more than a dozen sets to see which ones hold the most, compress the best and pack into suitcases most easily. From six-piece sets to roomy expandable cubes and super compact options, these compression packing cubes will help you pack your travel backpack, carry-on or checked hard-side suitcase like a pro.
Peak Design/Yahoo
Pieces per set:3 | Material: Ripstop nylon | Colors:Five | Mesh panel:No | Care instructions: Wash by hand
Why we love it:Peak Design lives up to its name in our testing from carry-on backpacks to camera bags. Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity specifically loves its packing cubes made of lightweight, durable ripstop nylon that's reinforced to make it tear-resistant. We love that you can buy individual cubes at any size you want, or you can buy a set of three, six or eight to save some money.
What testers say:"They're super lightweight (no overweight baggage here!)," says Garrity. "I love that there's an internal divider to keep dirty and clean clothes at a healthy distance too."
What they fit:"I was able to fit all of my clothes for a 12-day trip to Italy in a carry-on thanks to these bad boys," Garrity explains. "I use the small for socks, underwear and pajamas, the "smedium" for tops and short dresses, the medium for pants and longer dresses (like my beloved Hillhouse Nap Dress) and only break out the large if I'm packing anything bulky.
Keep in mind:These definitely aren't the cheapest packing cubes out there. A small Peak Design cube will set you back $30, which Garrity describes as "pretty steep since they rarely go on sale." Her strategy was to snag a set of three to save 10% and then add to her collection in the future as needed.
- Lightweight, extra-strong material
- Comes with an internal divider to separate clean and dirty clothes
- Can purchase individual sizes or sets to save money
- Pricey
- No clear or mesh panel
Pieces per set:4 | Material: Nylon twill | Colors:7 | Mesh panel:Yes | Care instructions: Wash by hand
Why we love it:These were definitely some of the sleekest and most well-made compression packing cubes of the bunch we tested. When the compression zipper is unzipped, the cubes' frame stands up, making them easier to pack into than cubes that don't have that kind of outer structure. The mesh panel helps with air circulation and allows you see what’s inside each cube without having to decompress and unpack each of them, and the zippers moved smoothly without catching or snagging on any of the contents.
What testers say:It was easy to fit a lot into these cubes. The set of four offers a range of well-proportioned sizes which nested together easily to fit into my carry-on suitcase.
What they fit: The two smaller cubes fit a week's worth of undergarments and lightweight tees and pajamas while the two larger sizes were able to fit multiple sweaters, dresses and pants. These compact space savers freed up enough room in my suitcase for me to add two extra sweaters, a pair of sweatpants and two books, compared to packing without them — that's a lot of extra stuff!
Keep in mind:This set is expensive at under $100 for a set of four. However, unlike other cubes we tried, some of which felt flimsy, the exterior of each Monos cube is made from a strong nylon twill plus built-in edge structure. In my experience, the fabric felt both sturdy and durable no matter how much I stuffed into each cube.
- Structured design for easy packing
- Snag-free zipper made for a smooth experience
- Mesh panel makes it easy to see what's where
- Very expensive
Quince/Yahoo
Pieces per set:6 | Material: Polyester | Colors:6 | Mesh panel:Yes | Care instructions: Wash by hand
Why we love it:If you are packing a checked bag for a longer trip or packing for more than one person, I recommend this set of six compression cubes from Quince. They're fairly affordable for the amount you get and each cube is a different size, which made it easy for me to puzzle-piece the cubes together to fit in different-sized bags in different configurations.
What testers say:I liked that each cube features a mesh panel on top for visibility and two-way zippers that didn't snag or come off the track no matter how much I packed. I love that the set folds down flat for storage when not in use and that it comes with a nice dust bag that can be used as a laundry bag when traveling and for keeping the cubes in tip-top shape when not in use.
What they fit:In testing, the large cube held a week’s worth of lightweight clothes like jeans, thinly knit sweaters and dresses, so you should be able to fit at least two weeks of clothing in the full set of cubes. When packing heavier items, I was able to fit in two sweatshirts, a chunky sweater and a jacket in the large cube.
Keep in mind:I found that some of the cubes in this set were tricky to squeeze into backpack, due to their tubular, rectangle shape. However, these are great to use in a suitcase, especially a checked bag.
- Six different-sized cubes including an extra-large one
- Folds down flat when not in use and comes with a dust bag for storage
- Sturdy zipper that compressed easily
- Shapes are a little awkward for backpacks
Pieces per set:2 | Material: Polyester | Colors:12 | Mesh panel:No | Care instructions: Wash by hand
Why we love it:If you like to have fun with your luggage and travel accessories, these Calpak packing cubes are for you. Not only do they save you room in your bag, but they also come in 12 vibrant colors and bold prints like this daisy print that Garrity loves. They also feature handy top-handle straps and self-healing zippers — if they happen to come off the tracks, they close again with a simple unzip and rezip.
What testers say: "Dare I say that these Calpak cubes actually make the thought of packing a little more fun? Most compression cubes are utilitarian, but Calpak gets it right, saving your space and looking super stylish while doing so," says Garrity. "The cutesy daisy print brings a little life to my suitcase."
What they fit:The two medium cubes were big enough for me to pack a week’s worth of lightweight clothes like jeans, thinly knit sweaters and dresses, though it would be nice if you could buy a set that has various sizes to mix and match depending on the length of your trip. Garrity adds, "The large size is HUGE. It basically takes up an entire side of my carry-on suitcase. I now primarily use mediums."
Keep in mind:You don't get variety in size with this set, as both medium cubes are the same size (13 inches by 9 inches). You might want to get additional smaller cubes for items like undergarments or tech accessories.
- Editor-favorite travel brand
- Multiple fun color options
- Handy top handle
- Self-healing zipper
- Both cubes in the set are the same size
Other compression packing cubes we tested
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes : These lightweight and flexible cubes hold a lot, and their streamlined shape allows them to fit easily into both backpacks and luggage. The top handles make them convenient to pull from your luggage to carry around (especially important when you're car camping or RV-ing). While similar to the Thule set — our top choice for durability due to its semi-sheer material that allows a peek inside — the Gonex cubes are fully opaque, so you can’t see what's inside without opening them. That fact alone is what put them in the runner-up section.
Lean Travel Compression Packing Cubes : These cubes held a lot: The small one was perfect for lightweight items like undergarments and cotton t-shirts, the medium fit sweaters and jeans nicely and the large accommodated jackets and heavy sweatshirts with ease. However, their extremely structured shape made them a bit challenging to pack into bags other than a suitcase.
Bagail Packing Cubes : This seven-piece set includes three standard packing cubes, three compression packing cubes and a zippered shoe bag. While the bags were ultra-lightweight, the set fell short for us because only half of the cubes offer compression and only one standard cube features a mesh panel for visibility.
Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes : Another two-piece set that was easy to pack and compress, this Eagle Creek option would be great for light packers. But it was very similar to the Thule set which had the edge thanks to the semi-sheer material, which allowed me to quickly identify the contents inside.
Paravel Packing Cubes: While this four piece set came in convenient sizes that slotted perfectly into a standard carry-on suitcase, they didn't offer any compression features. One of our testers also had a negative experience with the red shade: Some liquid leaked onto the packing cubes which caused it to bleed red dye that stained other items in her luggage.
How we tested the best compression packing cubes
How we chose the best compression packing cubes
As someone who has written about travel gear for years, I'm always trying out the latest products to see which are the best of the best. For this best compression packing cube guide, I personally tested over a dozen compression packing cube sets to see which options hold the most, were easy to pack and felt built to last.
I considered a few factors in my search, like materials, how many cubes came in each set and variety in size and shape. I also factored in what type of luggage I was packing the cubes into, seeing how well they were able to squeeze into a backpack or suitcase. We had 5 staff members test over a dozen compression packing cubes sets to see which options were the easiest to pack and which compressed the most.
We cycled packing cubes through dozens of carry-on and checked suitcases to see how easily they fit into standard luggage dimensions. We even threw said suitcases down flights of stairs to test whether the contents inside would get shaken up or remain safely and snugly packed. Our seven final picks were the top-performing bunch after testing over 15 different brands and models.
Factors to consider when choosing compression packing cubes
With so many travel and luggage brands producing their own version of a compression packing cubes, it can be a challenge to decide which to buy. Michelle Jensen, solo female travel blogger and founder of Travel HerStory , shares that she focuses on "looking for a variety of sizes, durability, how much compression they offer, and cubes that you can label or see into." Here are a few things to consider when shopping that make a big difference:
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Material:Choosing options that are made from high-quality, durable materials is key. You'll want something that's strong enough to contain all of your compressed clothing without popping open during your travels.
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Ripstop nylonis a combo of a specific weaving technique and material. Teich mentioned earlier that ripstop "features a grid-like weave to increase its durability." Nylon is a synthetic polymer that's incredibly strong, which is why the material is used for camping or backpacking. Together, ripstop nylon proves to be a stronger and water-resistant material that's often used for camping or backpacking. In testing, I found that picks that were made of nylon (e.g. Monos or Thule) were more durable than the rest.
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Polyesteris another synthetic polymer that's typically made from petroleum . It's popular for its affordability and resistance to shrinkage or stretching. It's also low maintenance and able to keep its shape, making it ideal for travel bags and luggage. Jensen notes that polyester isn't waterproof, unfortunately, but it is quick-drying in the scenario that your luggage gets wet.
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Mesh coveringsmake it easier to spot what's inside the cubes at a glance. In testing, these cubes tended to be more pliant, though they're not water-resistant and may be more susceptible to damage if something in your bag leaks.
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Clear coveringsalso help with visibility and organization. They're water-resistant and will contain or keep out any leaks, although they aren't as flexible and therefore may be more difficult to shove into a backpack or overstuffed bag.
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Quantity:You'll want to choose the number of compression cubes you need based on how many days you typically pack for. Jensen says, "I own a set of eight but I rarely use every piece. A set of six is usually more than enough unless you travel with more than one suitcase." For quick weekend trips, you can likely get away with a two- or three-piece set, but if you enjoy long two-week vacations, a set of four to six cubes is your best bet. And if you're packing larger items like boots or jackets, make sure there's a large cube option in your mix.
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Zipper:Since compression cubes rely on an additional zipper to do the compression work for you, you want to make sure that the zippers are durable and won't bust under pressure. In addition to a compression zipper, you'll want to look for cubes that feature a two-way zip (like the Thule and Quince picks on our list) for easier access.
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Size/shape:Many compression packing cubes come in different shapes and sizes and some are much more structured than others. If you usually travel with backpacks or weekender bags, you may want to choose a set that is more bendable and lacks a structured frame, so you can easily squeeze the cubes into your bag. But if you prefer to travel with a standard suitcase, the structured rectangle cubes will make packing as easy as a game of Tetries.
Best compression packing cube FAQs
What's the difference between regular and compression packing cubes? How do you use compression packing cubes?
While using any kind of packing cube will help you stay organized and be more thoughtful about what you are packing on your trip, compression cubes go the extra mile to help you get more packing space out of your luggage. That's because they compress contents to remove the air, making each of your stacks smaller and more compact.
You pack up a compression cube exactly the same way that you pack a regular cube — fill it with folded clothes or other soft items and then zip it up. But it doesn't end there! Compression cubes have a second zipper system that you close up to further seal your clothing (this is the step where the shrinking magic happens). "Think of it like closing up the expandable section on a suitcase," says Jensen. "Zippering that down compresses the contents even further."
How do you clean packing cubes?
Half of the options on this list are hand wash only, while the other half are made of materials that are generally safe to wash on a gentle, cold cycle if you lay flat to dry. You should always check the care tag on your packing cubes to make sure. If you choose a set that isn't machine-washable, most of the time you can easily wipe down with a damp cloth and spot clean if necessary. "I like to remove small stains with soap and water," says Jensen.
Meet our expert
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Michelle Jensen, solo female travel blogger and founder of Travel HerStory
Update, Apr. 6, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best compression packing cubes remains unchanged.
Additional reporting by Hannah Oh
