Packing cubes are the single most effective upgrade you can make to how you travel. They compress clothing, keep your bag organised throughout the trip, and mean you never have to unpack everything to find one item. Once you travel with them, going back to loose packing feels genuinely chaotic.
Travel Gear is an authorised Australian stockist for Sea to Summit and Eagle Creek, stocking packing cubes in compression, ultralight, and waterproof constructions. We ship from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.
Types of Packing Cubes
Standard Packing Cubes
Lightweight mesh or nylon cubes that organise clothing into categories — tops in one, bottoms in another, underwear in a third. The mesh panels let you see contents at a glance without opening each cube. Most sets include small, medium, and large cubes to fit different items and bag sizes.
Compression Packing Cubes
Feature a second zip that compresses the cube by 30–60% once packed. Particularly useful for bulky items like jumpers, jackets, and jeans. Sea to Summit's Compression Cubes are the benchmark — they compress reliably without distorting the shape of clothing. Best for maximising space in carry-on bags.
Ultralight Packing Cubes
Made from silnylon or similar ultralight fabrics, weighing as little as 20–40g per cube. The choice for weight-conscious travellers and ultralight backpackers where every gram counts. Less durable than standard nylon cubes but perfectly adequate for most travel use.
Waterproof Packing Cubes
Welded seams and waterproof zips protect clothing from moisture — useful for beach travel, wet climates, and adventure trips where your bag may get wet.
How to Use Packing Cubes Effectively
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Organise by category: Tops, bottoms, underwear/socks, and a separate cube for worn clothing
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Roll, don't fold: Rolling clothing before placing in cubes reduces wrinkles and fits more in each cube
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Use compression for bulky items: Compression cubes are most effective for jackets, jumpers, and jeans
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Match cube size to bag: Measure your bag's internal dimensions and choose cube sizes that fit efficiently without wasted space
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Keep one cube accessible: Put tomorrow's outfit in a cube at the top of your bag so you don't have to unpack everything at the hotel
Packing Cube Size Guide
Most packing cube sets include small (approx 28cm x 20cm), medium (approx 35cm x 25cm), and large (approx 43cm x 30cm) cubes. A standard carry-on suitcase typically fits one large and two medium cubes side by side. A 40L backpack fits two medium cubes stacked. Check the dimensions of your bag before buying a set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do packing cubes actually save space?
Standard packing cubes don't save space — they organise it. Compression packing cubes do save space, typically reducing clothing volume by 30–60%. If space-saving is your goal, choose compression cubes specifically. If organisation is your goal, standard cubes are lighter and cheaper.
What size packing cubes do I need for a carry-on?
For a standard carry-on suitcase (56cm x 36cm x 23cm), a set with one large and two medium cubes works well. For a 40–45L travel backpack, two medium cubes and one small cube is a practical combination. Measure your bag's internal dimensions for the best fit.
Are packing cubes worth it for short trips?
Yes — even for a 2–3 night trip, packing cubes mean you can live out of your bag without unpacking at the hotel. They're particularly useful for back-to-back destinations where you're moving every day or two. For a full guide to getting the most out of them, see our complete packing cubes buying guide.
