Are you someone who always overpacks? Maybe you’re packing for your whole family or just love organizing your stuff before a big trip. If any of these sound familiar, compression packing cubes could be a game-changer. Unlike regular packing cubes that just keep things organized, compression cubes use a smart zipper system to squeeze out extra air and reduce bulk, helping you fit more into your suitcase. They’re lightweight but strong, and most sets come with different sizes to handle everything from clothes to shoes.
How We Tested Compression Packing Cubes
To find the best compression packing cubes, we tested 29 sets over five months. Our Travel + Leisure editors packed them for all kinds of trips, paying attention to how much they could hold, how well they compressed, and how durable they were. We also looked at overall design and value — but most importantly, how much space they helped save. After all the testing, we picked the best ones for different needs, from the most durable to the best for families.
Best Overall: Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes
Why We Love It: Sturdy and lightweight, with a great mix of sizes, including a shoe/laundry bag.
What to Consider: The gray design may not suit everyone’s style.
The Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes set includes six pieces: one large, two medium, two small, and a shoe bag. The largest cube measures 15 x 10.5 x 6 inches when expanded, and the smallest is 13 x 5 x 5 inches. We picked this set as the best overall because of its practical sizes — you can easily fit everything on your packing list. Plus, it’s affordable!
T+L associate editor Anna Popp used this set to pack for a 10-day trip to Greece — with just a weekender bag! She fit everything into four of the cubes and still had room to spare. “Since we were island hopping, I wanted to keep it simple with one bag — and these cubes made it possible,” Popp said.
The cubes are easy to pack and compress thanks to the smart zipper system. They’re made from lightweight, breathable polyester that keeps clothes fresh. Despite overpacking on purpose to test them, the zippers held up perfectly, even after five months of heavy use. Clothes came out wrinkle-free and neatly rolled. Each cube also has a clear pocket for labeling, and the set comes in various colors from navy blue to tie-dye.
Details:
- Set: 6 pieces (large, medium, small, shoe bag)
- Material: Polyester
- Size: Large (15 x 10.5 x 6 in), Medium (13 x 9 x 5 in), Small (13 x 5 x 5 in)
BAGSMART 6 Set/4 Set/2 Set Compression Packing Cubes for Travel
Also Read: How can I Pack Efficiently for a Long International Flight?
Best for Families: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
Why We Love It: Strong, spacious, and affordable — with color options for easy sorting.
What to Consider: They aren’t very water-resistant.
The Gonex Compression Packing Cubes set includes four cubes made from lightweight ripstop nylon with smooth, durable zippers. Even the smallest cube (9.8 x 7.5 x 3.4 inches) is roomy, making it easy to split the set among family members. It’s also budget-friendly, so you can buy a set for each person.
With eight color options, it’s easy to tell whose cubes are whose. The cubes are simple but reliable. The zippers stayed strong even after overstuffing them repeatedly. The fabric feels tear-resistant, but keep them away from water since they tend to absorb moisture rather than repel it.
Details:
- Set: 4 pieces
- Material: Ripstop nylon
- Size: Largest (17.3 x 13 x 3.4 in), Smallest (9.8 x 7.5 x 3.4 in)
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
Also Read: What Packing Guide Works Best for Minimalist Travelers?
Most Durable: Thule Compression Packing Cubes
Why We Love It: Tough but lightweight and water-repellent.
What to Consider: Only comes in two sizes, so better for shorter trips.
If you need packing cubes that can handle lots of travel, Thule’s two-piece set is a solid pick. The small and medium cubes fit well in most carry-ons. They’re made from durable ripstop nylon with strong YKK zippers.
Senior editor Jasmine Grant said, “I’ve had compression cubes fall apart after a few trips — that won’t happen with these.” The cubes are also water-repellent, which means spills or damp clothes won’t be a problem. The semi-transparent design lets you see what’s inside while still keeping things private.
Details:
- Set: 2 pieces (small and medium)
- Material: Ripstop nylon
- Size: Small (10.2 x 7.1 x 4.3 in), Medium (14 x 10 x 5.9 in)
Thule Compression Packing Cubes
Best Value: Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes
Why We Love It: Affordable and comes with a laundry bag.
What to Consider: No clear panel to see contents.
The Well Traveled set is one of the most affordable options, but the quality holds up well. It includes large, medium, and small cubes, plus a shoe or laundry bag. The zippers are solid, and the fabric is water-resistant.
We fit two pairs of pants and three pairs of shorts in the large cube, three T-shirts and three long-sleeves in the medium, and six pairs of socks and five pairs of underwear in the small. Once compressed, everything stayed snug and secure.
Details:
- Set: 4 pieces
- Material: Twill fabric
- Size: Large (17.3 x 13 x 3.4 in), Small (9.8 x 7.5 x 3.4 in)
8 Set/4 Set Deluxe Compression Packing Cubes Travel
Also Read: How can I Pack Multifunctional Items to Save Space?
Tips for Buying Compression Packing Cubes
1. Decide How Many You Need
Sets vary from two to six cubes. If you’re packing light or using a carry-on, you probably don’t need a large set. But if you’re traveling as a family or want to stay super organized, a larger set is worth it.
2. Go for Quality Materials
Compression cubes take more stress than regular ones, so you’ll want strong fabrics like ripstop nylon or high-denier polyester. Look for heavy-duty zippers that won’t break when stuffed full.
3. Water Resistance Matters
Water-resistant cubes protect your clothes from spills and help separate damp clothes. Plus, they’re easier to clean and stay looking fresh longer.
