Packing cubes has been my ultimate savior when it comes to preparing for trips. Let me share a little story to illustrate why they’ve become my go-to travel essentials.
Once, my friends invited me on a surprise trip to an island. I was super excited so I packed my underseater bag with just the stuff I needed, aiming to keep it light. But then, I got a bit too excited and packed too much stuff. My bag was stuffed full!
At the airport, things got tricky. The person at the counter told me my bag was too full to fit under the seat on the plane. Uh-oh! I felt pretty bad. Not only did I have to pay extra, but I also had to check my bag in, instead of keeping it with me.
Sitting on the plane, feeling frustrated, I realized something important: I needed to learn to pack better. That’s where packing cubes come in. They help keep your stuff organized and make packing easier.
In this article, I’ll tell you all about packing cubes made for your luggage, so you can travel without stress.
Types of Packing Cubes
Packing cubes come in different shapes, sizes, materials, and colors, just like puzzle pieces that can fit together in your underseat luggage or carry-on. Here are some types of packing cubes you might find:
- Standard Cubes: These are the most common type, typically rectangular or square in shape. They come in various sizes, allowing you to separate different types of clothing or items. For example, you can use one cube for shirts, another for pants, and another for underwear.
- Compression Cubes: These cubes have an additional feature of compression zippers, which allow you to squeeze out excess air, thereby reducing the volume of your clothing and maximizing space in your luggage. They are ideal for bulky items like sweaters or jackets.
- Slim Cubes: Slim packing cubes are designed for narrow spaces in luggage or backpacks. They are perfect for organizing smaller items like socks, underwear, or accessories. Slim cubes help utilize every inch of available space efficiently.
- Shoe Cubes: These cubes are specifically designed to store shoes separately from clothing to prevent dirt or odors from transferring. They usually have a structured shape to accommodate various shoe sizes and shapes.
- Toiletry Cubes: Toiletry cubes are waterproof and often feature multiple compartments to organize your toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and brushes. They help prevent spills and leaks inside your luggage.
- Electronics Cubes: These cubes are padded and feature compartments or pockets designed to safely store electronic gadgets like laptops, tablets, chargers, and cables. They provide extra protection against damage during travel.
- Mesh Cubes: Mesh packing cubes are made of breathable fabric with mesh panels, allowing you to see the contents inside without opening them. They are excellent for ventilation, keeping your clothes fresh during travel.
- Travel Sets: These sets usually include a variety of packing cubes in different sizes and types, catering to various packing needs. They often come with a carrying case or pouch for easy storage when not in use.
- Customizable Cubes: Some packing cubes feature adjustable dividers or compartments, allowing you to customize the interior layout according to your preferences. This versatility makes them suitable for different types of clothing or items.
Getting the right kind of packing cubes can make packing a lot easier and help you keep your things organized while you’re away, no matter how often you travel or how rarely you take vacations.
| Type | Size | Best for |
| Small Cubes | Small | Socks, underwear, accessories |
| Medium Cubes | Medium | T-shirts, pants, pajamas |
| Large Cubes | Large | Sweaters, jackets, bulky items |
| Compression Cubes | Varies | Saving space in your luggage |
| Mesh Cubes | Varies | Visibility of contents |
| Shoe Cubes | Varies | Keeping shoes separate and clean |
Top 10 Packing Cubes
Shacke Pak – Set of 5
The Shacke Pak was my very first set of packing cubes. What you get are 4 cubes of different sizes and a laundry bag. They’re made of Nylon and are really easy to clean. With these cubes, you can pack enough clothes for a trip that lasts up to 14 days, however, I was able to get more in! Plus, there are 13 cool colors to choose from.
What’s really great about these cubes is that they have a mesh front, so your clothes can breathe. They’re also water-resistant, which is also pretty awesome!
Amazon Basics – Set of 4
The Amazon Basics comes in a set of 4 cubes, small, medium, large, and a slim one that’s perfect for gadgets or your socks and undies. They’re made of polyester and come in 6 colors for you to choose from. This set is perfect for underseat luggage because of the limited space.
I picked these cubes because they’re just the right size, they’re affordable, and they have a mesh top so you can see what’s inside.
Veken – Set of 8
When you’re planning an extended trip, you need more than just a few packing cubes. That’s where the Veken set of 8 comes in! This set comes in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit all your packing needs. From a cosmetic bag to a laundry bag, shoe bag, underwear bag, and accessories bag, along with several packing cubes, this set has everything you need to keep your belongings organized.
These cubes have been a lifesaver for me during my excursions. I like that there are so many choices in the size of the cubes.
Bagsmart – Set of 7
These cubes come in a set of 7 bright colors, so you can pick your favorite. They’re super tough and come in different shapes and sizes, which is really great.
I used these cubes in both my carry-on bag and my underseat luggage, and they were awesome. They kept everything neat and easy to find during my trip.
Travelon – Set of 3
The Travelon Packing Cubes are perfect for travelers who like to keep it simple!
With this set, you get 3 packing cubes, each with a mesh top and designed to be water and stain-resistant. Plus, they come in small, medium, and large sizes, so you’ve got everything you need to pack just right.
Eagle Creek – Set of 3
This set surprised me. It’s got a shirt folding board that has easy instructions to follow. When I tried it, my shirts came out looking super neat, neater than I would have folded them. And even after traveling, they were hardly wrinkled. I was using a duffle bag at the time and wasn’t sure how my clothes would hold up, but they did great!
I’m still a fan and use these cubes every now and then. They’re a real game-changer when it comes to keeping your things wrinkle-free!
Tripped – Set of 6
These packing cubes are very unique from the packing cubes listed above. They’re awesome for saving space in your luggage. The cubes use a two-zipper system to compress the air out of your clothes to eliminate the bulkiness. This allows you to pack a little more if you need to.
The material used is a ripstop Polyurethane fabric which is very lightweight and durable. Cleaning these cubes is a snap, just throw them in the wash on a cold setting and lay them flat to dry.
These were perfect in my underseat luggage.
Monos
The Monos Packing Cubes are my top choice for packing in my underseat luggage. These are compression cubes that also use the technique of zippers to compress the air out of your clothing. The cubes are well made using tear and water-resistant twill. They also have a mesh top window for ventilation and visibility.
There are six colors to choose from and they come in several sizes. If you are looking for a high standard of quality when it comes to packing cubes, this is one of my favorites. Just keep in mind, that they’re a bit on the pricey side.
Cotopaxi
The Cotopaxi packing cubes are perfect for eco-conscious people. They have mesh side panels for ventilation and are constructed from repurposed materials. Each cube comes with its own grab handle for easy carrying or pulling out of your luggage. To make accessing your items a breeze, the zipper closure wraps around the bag.
Away Travels
This Away Travels four-piece packing cube set comes in 12 different colors. They are made from water-resistant nylon with a breathable top mesh window. What I liked most about these cubes was that they were deeper than most packing cubes.
At A Glance
| Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | 4 Packing cubes 1 Laundry Bag Material: Nylon | Check Price |
 | 4 Packing cubes, (small, medium, large, and a slim) Material: Polyester | Check Price |
 | 8 Packing Cubes Material: Polyester | Check Price |
| 7 Packing Cubes Material: Light weight durable material | Check Price |
 | 3 Packing Cubes Material: Polyester | Check Price |
 | 3 Packing Cubes Material: Nylon | Check Price |
 | 6 Packing Cubes Compression Cubes Material: Ripstop Nylon | Check Price |
 | 4 Packing Cubes Compression Cubes Material: Exterior: Tear-resistant nylon twill Interior: Soft, anti-microbial fabric | Check Price |
 | 3 Packing Cubes Material: Repurposed material | Check Price |
 | 4 Packing Cubes Material: Water-resistant nylon | Check Price |
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right packing cubes can make a world of difference in streamlining your travel experience, especially when it comes to underseat luggage. With the variety of options available, ranging from compression capabilities to durable materials and innovative features like mesh windows for ventilation, there’s a perfect packing cube set for every traveler’s needs.
By incorporating the right packing cubes into your packing routine, you can efficiently utilize the limited space of underseat luggage while keeping your essentials easily accessible. Remember to pack smartly, prioritize essential items, and enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that well-organized packing brings to your travels. Safe and happy travels!
Related Reading:
Underseat Luggage Size Chart for Major Airlines
10 Reasons Why You Need to Start Traveling with an Underseat Bag
The Solo Traveler’s Guide to Under Seat Luggage Dimensions
The Best 10 Spirit Underseat Luggage Without Wheels
The Best Eco-friendly Packing Cubes
