If you are a frequent traveller packing cubes are a must. They offer you efficient organization, reduce clutter, and save time when travelling. Packing cubes compartmentalize belongings, aiding quick access while keeping items secure. Cubes also minimize wrinkles, optimize luggage space, and help you locate items effortlessly.

Which is best – regular or compression?

There are two types of packing cubes, regular and compression. While both types come in a variety of sizes and allow you to organize your items, compression cubes come with an extra zipper that helps expel the air inside the bag thus flattening the cube. I have used both types and prefer compression cubes. Expelling the extra air inside the bag keeps the items snug while travelling.

My introduction to packing cubes

Several years ago I took my first tour that involved seven hotels over nine days. After two days I couldn’t find anything in my suitcase, it had become so messy. I ended up having to reorganize (unpack and repack) my suitcase every two days which, as you can imagine, became a chore. One of my fellow travellers introduced me to packing cubes. As soon as I got home I did some research and bought a three pack, two small and one large cube. They worked really well so I purchased more. I made the mistake of buying a different kind and soon discovered not all packing cubes are equal. My second choice was cheaper, the fabric was rigid, and the cubes were not compression. This is when I realized compression cubes were better and fabric mattered. I have since bought two more sets of the original cubes and have been using them for almost 10 years.

So many choices

There are a lot of choices when it comes to packing cubes. Cheaper is not better. Packing cubes are an investment and should last you a long time, much longer than your suitcase. I think I’m on my third suitcase in 10 years but my packing cubes still look new.

Do your homework. Decide what is important to you. The brand I use is Lewis N Clark Featherlight Expandable Packing Cubes. The original store where I bought them doesn’t carry them anymore but I did find them on several online sites. Here is a link to Amazon if you want to check them out https://www.amazon.ca/Lewis-N-Clark-Featherlight-Expandable/dp/B00I5IW9TY/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=229241241835&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9000747&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17040856832299469067&hvtargid=kwd-323196513775&hydadcr=2975_10302293&keywords=lewis%2Band%2Bclark%2Bpacking%2Bcubes&qid=1705964482&sr=8-1&th=1. I am not affiliated with Amazon and am not suggesting you buy them from that site nor am I suggesting you buy that particular brand. They are expensive and there are lots of other choices for you to consider.

Not just for clothes

Packing cubes are not just for clothes. You can use them for your toiletries, hair products, electronics, and miscellaneous items such as sunglasses, books, sandals, etc. Below are some before and after photos from my recent trip to Egypt.

I’m working on travelling lighter but until then my packing cubes keep me organized.