Written by the Travel Gear team. Last updated: May 2026.
If you've never used packing cubes, prepare to have your travel life changed. If you already use them, you know exactly what we mean. Packing cubes are lightweight fabric organisers that compress and categorise your clothing inside your luggage — turning a chaotic suitcase into a perfectly organised system that makes packing and unpacking effortless.
What Are Packing Cubes?
Packing cubes are rectangular fabric pouches with zip closures that fit inside your suitcase or backpack. You pack clothing into the cubes by category, then slot the cubes into your bag like building blocks. The result: a perfectly organised bag where everything has a place, nothing gets lost, and you can find any item in seconds without unpacking everything. Browse our full range of packing cubes to find the right set for your bag and travel style.
Why Use Packing Cubes?
- Organisation: Everything has a designated place — no more digging through a jumbled suitcase
- Compression: Compression cubes squeeze air out of clothing, fitting more into less space
- Speed: Packing and unpacking takes minutes instead of hours
- Cleanliness: Separate dirty clothes from clean with a dedicated laundry cube
- Hotel living: Slide cubes straight into drawers without unpacking — or live out of your bag without chaos
Choosing the Right Size
Packing cubes come in small, medium, large, and slim (for flat items). A typical set includes 3–5 cubes in different sizes:
- Large cube: Bulky items — jumpers, jeans, jackets
- Medium cube: T-shirts, shorts, casual tops
- Small cube: Underwear and socks
- Slim/flat cube: Dress shirts, formal wear, documents
Compression Cubes vs Standard Cubes
Standard packing cubes organise your clothing but don't significantly reduce volume. Compression cubes have a double-zip system — you pack the cube, then zip a second compression layer that squeezes out excess air, reducing the cube's volume by up to 60%. Compression cubes are ideal for bulky items like jumpers, fleeces, and jeans.
How to Pack with Packing Cubes
- Assign a cube to each category: tops, bottoms, underwear/socks, workout gear
- Roll, don't fold: Rolling clothes reduces wrinkles and fits more into each cube
- Fill cubes completely: A half-empty cube wastes space and doesn't compress properly
- Slot cubes into your bag: Stand cubes on their side like files in a filing cabinet — you can see everything at once
- Use a separate cube for dirty clothes: Keep worn clothing separate from clean throughout your trip
Packing Cubes for Different Bag Types
- Suitcases: Use a full set of 4–5 cubes to fill the main compartment. Slim cubes work well in the lid pocket.
- Travel backpacks: Cubes help maintain structure in a soft-sided bag. Use 2–3 cubes and pack them vertically.
- Carry-on bags: 2–3 small/medium cubes are ideal for a weekend or short trip carry-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do packing cubes actually save space?
Standard packing cubes don't save significant space — they organise space. Compression packing cubes do save space, reducing volume by up to 60% for bulky items. For most travellers, the organisation benefit is more valuable than the space saving.
How many packing cubes do I need?
For a 1–2 week trip with a medium suitcase, a set of 4–5 cubes (1 large, 2 medium, 1 small, 1 laundry) covers most travellers. For carry-on only travel, 2–3 cubes is usually sufficient.
What material are the best packing cubes made from?
Look for lightweight nylon or polyester with a mesh top panel so you can see contents without opening, and YKK zippers for durability. Avoid heavy canvas cubes — the weight adds up when you have a full set.
For more on packing efficiently, see our carry-on only travel guide and our ultimate Australian packing checklist.