Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking

10 Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

(Last Updated On: February 2, 2023)

Whether you’re backpacking through a beautiful location in the wilderness or traveling through a new city, the best packing cubes for backpacking can really come in useful. Since there are few more stressful things than needing to clear your bag’s whole content and participate in an hour-long searching backpack game only to find out what you’re looking for.

Packing for a backpacking trip can be a bit stressful at times. First, you need to find the perfect backpack. Then you need to find out just what you ought to carry with you, even other important things you might not have even thought about. There’s still lots of other stuff you need to be sure you’re doing before you head on your trip. Packing cubes are the single largest item that helps backpackers keep their stuff compact, contained, clean, and organized. They are extremely helpful to us and we can’t imagine life without them.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 10 hrs of research

Osprey UL Packing Cube Set

Osprey UL Packing Cube Set – Premium Pick

Why is it better?

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Great for backpacking
  • The color is nice and bold
  • Very tough material

Bagail 6 Set Packing Cubes

Bagail 6 Set Packing Cubes – Best Value

Why is it better?

  • Very sturdy and lightweight
  • Decent storage space on the large and medium cubes
  • See-through mesh
  • The carrying handle makes it extra-great for toiletries

Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking – Overview

There are so many types of packing cubes out there on the market that it may be challenging to choose which one to choose. Fortunately, we’re here to help guide you. Seeing as though you’re about to travel, the strongest attributes to aim for are, of example, durability and water resistance in packing cubes. Those are the clear things to look for. Then there are the things that are not that simple, though. We delve into all sorts of other features in the list below of some of the best packing cubes. Such as tailored fabrics just to match your comfort; reinforced interiors to keep your baggage extra secure. Without further, let’s check out the best packing cubes for backpacking!

Packing Cubes for Backpacking Reviews

1. Osprey UL Packing Cube Set – Premium Pick

Osprey UL Packing Cube Set

Introducing Osprey UL Packing Cube Set for every traveler on any trip – destination: anywhere. Whether it’s keeping your personal info secure with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protection, fitting more into less, keeping your folded shirts neat, or storing your filthy, smelly shoes separate from your pressed pants.

These pieces make every step of your journey easier, leaving you with room for what really matters – memories. Osprey also provides great backpacking packs for any type of hiker.

Key Features:

  • Polyester
  • Convenient grab handle
  • Zipper secures contents
  • Set includes a Small, Medium, and Large packing cube

Specifications:

  • Brand: Osprey
  • Weight: 0.13 lbs
Pros
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Great for backpacking
  • The color is nice and bold
  • Very tough material
Cons
  • The zipper can get caught fairly easily

2. Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Compression Cube Set

Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Compression Cube Set

The Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Compression Cube Set is made with ultra-lightweight sil nylon material so you can organize your packing without adding extra weight. The ripstop design ensures these cubes will last through even the toughest packing jobs. The unique compression zipper allows you to pack even more in your cube. The cubes expand to more than triple their size so you can pack and reach your clothes with ease. Then simply close the zipper to compact your cubes for effortlessly organized packing.

These cubes are made out of nylon so they’re water-resistant. They’re great for any type of vacation so you can enjoy your trip without having to worry about your clothes staying dry. They’re also great for keeping your clothes clean if your toiletries spill while you’re traveling. We’ve got you covered so you can have a stress free trip.

Key Features:

  • Ultra-light ripstop fabric
  • Quick grab handle
  • Water-resistant fabric
  • Extra compression

Specifications:

  • Brand: Eagle Creek
  • Weight: 0.06 lbs
Pros
  • Lightweight, strong material
  • Makes it easy to compress clothing, provided the cube is actually full
  • Organization is easier, and it’s more space efficient in your luggage
  • Well made
Cons
  • They only unzip about halfway, so its more of a bag than a packing cube

3. eBags Large Classic Packing Cubes for Backpacking

eBags Large Classic Packing Cubes for Backpacking

Once you’ve experienced eBags Large Classic Packing Cubes for Backpacking, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them. Not only do they keep everything contained in your luggage but they maximize valuable packing space. And you’ll appreciate them immensely if ever randomly selected for TSA inspection – best to keep your unmentionables discreetly tucked into an eBags packing cube! Once you arrive at your destination they become drawers for your drawers – unpacking is a snap.

Designed with premium YKK zippers, breathable nylon, fabric-bound interior seams that ensure a snag-free inside that never frays & mesh tops to keep things breezy. Choose from 10 colors for yourself and your family – as soon as you open your suitcase, you’ll know exactly whose is whose and what is where.

Key Features:

  • Grab handle
  • YKK zippers & double cords
  • Breathable soft mesh
  • Lightweight nylon

Specifications:

  • Brand: eBags
  • Weight: 0.10 lbs
Pros
  • Zip works really well doesn’t get caught
  • Shape and size perfect for packing
  • Can easily see what is in each bag
  • Good quality material
Cons
  • Wish the handle was on the top of the bag and not the bottom – assuming the zipper closure side as being the top

4. Bagail 6 Set Packing Cubes – Best Value

Bagail 6 Set Packing Cubes

With Bagail 6 Set Packing Cubes, organizing and classifying your items will not be a headache anymore. With various vivid color options and different sizes, you can pack your stuff at will. The packing cubes allow for neatly organizing both smaller and larger items with ease. Keep similar items together or pack in a way that makes the most sense for you.

Mesh top panel for easy identification of contents, and ventilation. These cubes will go the distance. No broken zippers, no weak stitching. Bagail Packing Cubes will become your most valued and reliable travel buddy! Having the best backpacking backpack will be perfect for this packing cube.

Key Features:

  • Made of high-quality nylon fabric
  • Mesh top panel
  • 6 PC set
  • Lightweight nylon

Specifications:

  • Brand: Bagail
  • Weight: 0.10 lbs
Pros
  • Very sturdy and lightweight
  • Decent storage space on the large and medium cubes
  • See-through mesh
  • The carrying handle makes it extra-great for toiletries
Cons
  • No YKK Labelling on the zipper

5. Hynes Eagle Travel Compression Packing Cubes

Hynes Eagle Travel Compression Packing Cubes

Hynes Eagle Travel Compression Packing Cubes is specially designed for backpackers, it helps to clear the path for a smooth journey. By combining folding, rolling, and using packing cubes, you get the best of all worlds. These packing cubes help to create 50% more compression and allow you to maximize the space for other travel essentials.

Made from soft and smooth feeling material, compressible, and expandable. The strong intensity with well tearing-resistance. Designed with corded zippers to keep your packing cubes last a long time. Closing it with double way zippers effortlessly and comfortably. It is also made from soft and smooth feeling material, compressible and expandable.

Key Features:

  • 3 different sizes
  • Expandable and strong intensity
  • Portable carrying handle
  • Double way zipper pull

Specifications:

  • Brand: Hynes Eagle
  • Weight: 0.68 lbs
Pros
  • The nylon fabric of these is very thin, yet (so far) very durable
  • The zippers seemed strong
  • The compression works great
  • Keeps things organized & easily available
Cons
  • The mesh portion on top looked like it might catch and rip

6. AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Cubes for Backpacking

AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Cubes for Backpacking

The AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Cubes for Backpacking nicely accommodates both everyday and over-sized or bulky items. Use the medium packing cubes for anything from folded khakis, golf pants, and shorts to button-down shirts, tops, and t-shirts. The large packing cubes work well for jackets, jeans, hoodies, or sweaters.

The packing cubes allow for grouping items together in a variety of ways. The AmazonBasics packing cubes feature breathable, mesh-top panels that offer not only important ventilation but also at-a-glance viewing for easily identifying what’s inside. Even more, the soft mesh won’t damage delicate fabrics, so you can arrive in style without having to worry.

Key Features:

  • 2 medium and 2 large packing cubes
  • Lightweight yet durable nylon
  • Double zipper pulls
  • Mesh tops for breathability and quick visibility

Specifications:

  • Brand: AmazonBasics
  • Weight: 1.06 lbs
Pros
  • Makes it super easy to unpack
  • Cheaper price than most
  • Plenty of color options
  • Very lightweight
Cons
  • Not the most fashionable

7. Shacke Pak – 5 Set Packing Cubes for Backpacking

Shacke Pak - 5 Set Packing Cubes for Backpacking

One of the hardest things to do when packing for a trip is fitting in your luggage with everything you want to bring with you. The packaging cube system solves the dilemma by securely fitting all of your clothes into the space-saving containers. It helps you to store and organize your clothes quickly, making things easy to prepare and much easy to unpack. Through your travels, your clothes should stay more wrinkled free and not crushed. They also included a laundry bag with your cube to allow you to distinguish your dirty clothes from your fresh clothes on the way back home.

Shacke Pak – 5 Set Packing Cubes for Backpacking is made of high-quality, durable water-resistant nylon material constructed to withstand travel wear and tears. It is reinforced with an X-Design web stitching made specifically to prevent the fabric from folding in the middle, thus enabling a more secure packaging experience. The bags are 4 inches deep and allow you ample room to put on more garments. Finally, they use high-quality zippers for smooth and durable use.

Key Features:

  • Water-resistant nylon
  • X-design with double stitching
  • 4 inch deep design
  • Laundry bag included

Specifications:

  • Brand: Shacke
  • Weight: 0.5 lbs
Pros
  • Attractive but simple colors and design
  • Comfortable zipper pulls
  • Open netting design allows for visibility of contents and easy compression
  • Excellent zipper quality and durability
Cons
  • It is a little bit more expensive than the competitors but you get what you pay for

8. Well Traveled – 3pc Compression Packing Cubes for Backpacking

Well Traveled - 3pc Compression Packing Cubes for Backpacking

The Well Traveled – 3pc Compression Packing Cubes for Backpacking is made with high-quality rip-stop fabric and weighing only 10 ounces. These ultralight travel organizers are the ideal packing cubes for carry on luggage, backpacking, hiking, or even camping. Compression travel bags create up to 30% space savings. A unique double zipper system allows packing bags to be both expandable to easily pack, and compressible for compact traveling.

This set includes large, medium, and small packing cubes. The best luggage cubes for packing in all types of travel bags. Packable in all suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags, and any carryon bag. These compression bags have been featured as a top travel essential for backpackers and selected as one of Buzz Feed’s “must-have” airplane travel accessories for both men and women.

Key Features:

  • Double zipper compression
  • 3 different sizes
  • Durable and water-resistant
  • Lightweight

Specifications:

  • Brand: Well Traveled
  • Weight: 0.6 lbs
Pros
  • The zippers are high quality
  • The seams are sewn with good quality materials
  • The compression system is great
  • Nice colorful design
Cons
  • Don’t overstuff too much

9. TRIPPED Travel Gear Compression Packing Cubes

TRIPPED Travel Gear Compression Packing Cubes

The search for the perfect compression packing cubes set ends here. TRIPPED Travel Gear Compression Packing Cubes are the perfect blend of high quality and affordable to make this the ultimate travel accessory- whether you’re looking for a backpacking organizer or a way to organize your carry-on suitcase.

The ripstop Polyurethane fabric stands up to nonstop travel. It is ultra-lightweight and durable and as well as being more reliable than even nylon alternatives for packing cubes. Zipper on the packing cubes all have reinforced zipper stops. Zippers used for expanding/compressing the function of bags have been reinforced with double stitching as well. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best compression bags for travel.

Key Features:

  • Reinforced zippers
  • Ripstop Polyurethane fabric
  • Compression
  • Lightweight

Specifications:

  • Brand: Tripped Travel Gear
  • Weight: 0.6 lbs
Pros
  • The material and craftsmanship is top notch
  • Great grey/orange color combo
  • Can handle wear and tear
  • The nylon used is amazing
Cons
  • Really not as tough as compression cubes need to be

10. PRO Packing Cubes for Backpacking

PRO Packing Cubes for Backpacking

Do you love traveling but hate packing and unpacking? Well, it’s time to say goodbye for good to jumbled underwear, clothing, and shoes. Use the PRO Packing Cubes for Backpacking for packing to organize and separate your things from the get-go. Save precious time and do what matters most when traveling; having fun.

The best choice for backpackers, families, or minimalist travelers. The hi-tech fabric is engineered to be thin and lightweight yet, extra durable. Stuff these mesh packing cubes for carry on to the explosion point and they’ll still zip up without ripping or fraying at the seams. Access what you need, exactly when you need it! Instead of packing and unpacking between destinations, simply take a peek through the mesh panels.

Key Features:

  • Thin yet extra durable
  • Large mesh panel
  • YKK zippers
  • High tech fabric

Specifications:

  • Brand: PRO Packing Cubes
  • Weight: 0.65 lbs
Pros
  • The workmanship is tight
  • The zippers glide with ease
  • They’re surprisingly lightweight
  • The mesh panel allows you to quickly see what’s inside without having to open it up all the way
Cons
  • Because of the mesh on each one of these bags, you do not want to rely on these to pack just a few stinky items together with clean ones

Buying Guide

Durability

The first and most important qualities you will be searching for is durability. Do the zippers feel sturdy? Is stitching good? Is the material solid? If both responses are yes, then you’ve hopefully found a decent collection of packing cubes, because of course there’s nothing more ridiculous than a split zipper or ripped stitching on anything you’ve spent your hard-earned travel money on, particularly if you’re on the road.

Set

Think about how many pieces you would need before you decide to purchase. Many of the packing cubes that you may buy online come in sets of 3-6. Based on the amount you choose to purchase, you should determine if purchasing one wide individually or a full range of mixed sizes is more cost-effective.

Type of Packing Cube

Depending on your preference, you can choose to get a compression packing cubes, waterproof packing cubes, or simply normal packing cubes. What you choose will really depend on how you pack for the trip. The most expensive one of course is the compression one as that will save you space the best.

Materials

Most of the packing cubes are constructed of nylon and mesh fabric. Plus, the nylon is resistant to water. The cubes on our list do have a really strong strength ration weight, indicating they ‘re lightweight and durable. Remember that the larger the nylon denier, the more lasting the cubes are. Many trustworthy labels also reinforce the stitching and this is really significant.

Carry Handles

Are there top and side carry handles on the cubes? This is important when you’re traveling long distances, you might want to get your clothes hanged and it’s handy to grab and carry the packing cubes easily and comfortably.

Frequently Ask Questions

What are packing cubes?

A packing cube is a small, soft-sided bag that helps you organize and compartmentalize your clothing and other accessories. Typically, one bag will have the same type of items in it. T-shirts, for starters, go in one, undergarments and socks go in another, etc. And gadgets like cables and tiny electronics can be bundled inside. You’ll then pack the packing cubes in your backpack or suitcase. This means you can quickly get to everything you need without needing to unpack all your things and riffle it around. Packing cubes can also help reduce the amount of room the stuff takes up if packed properly, which can help to reduce wrinkles.

How to use packing cubes?

The number one reason to use packing cubes is to keep your stuff organized, especially for a backpacking trip. Based on experience, we realize the best way is to roll your clothes instead of folding them. In this way, your clothes would stay compressed and stay like that throughout the trip and still be wrinkle-free. Another thing is with rolled clothes, you’ll be able to see what’s inside quickly even before opening the cube.

Do packing cubes work?

We all know the packing cubes make great organizers for your stuff. But the critics are really swift to criticize when it comes to their space-saving capabilities. The fact is, packing cubes will help save luggage room in several ways. First is you can cram in a cube a large number of clothing. Compression bags are also better because extra air is eliminated. Second, some organizers are water-resistant. Third, it prevents overpacking by restricting what you pack.

Are packing cubes worth it?

Yes, the organization is the best thing about packing cubes particularly when you’re backpacking Europe or some other country. We like packing any form of clothing in their own cube. For example, we are going to put all the t-shirts in a cube and then put all the socks and underwear in another one. That way, you can pull that cube out quickly when you need something. You would need to do a search through all of your things without packing cubes to locate what you’re searching for. It might not sound like a huge deal now but it will tire you out eventually.

Packing cubes can also hold your clothes tidy and clear of wrinkles too. Although plastic bags are used for this reason by many people, packing cubes are even more robust and probably less costly. And if you’re going to live in hostel dorms, they’ll help you keep some mates while rummaging around whilst others are asleep as they don’t create the awful noise plastic bags produce! Although a decent collection of packing cubes will set you back a reasonable amount of cash upfront, they ‘re going to last you for years.

Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best packing cubes for backpacking as well as our guide on features to look for in a packing cube for backpacking. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.