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The best packing cubes to keep your luggage organised in 2023
Keep things neat, tidy and organised on the go with our pick of the best packing cubes.
By Laura Cooke | Last updated Apr 5, 2023
Packing to go on holiday, I’m sure we’d all agree, isn’t a massive funfest – especially if your family wants to take all but the kitchen sink. So anything designed to make this task a little easier and to make unloading at the other end less stressful can only be a good thing.
Packing cubes can help you load suitcases and cabin baggage more efficiently and can save you vital space in the process. And they can keep you super organised on trips near and far.
Whether you’re looking to keep clothes clean and dry, want extra space in your suitcase or just like to keep things neat and tidy at all times, our list has you covered.
Mumsnetters are pretty clued up when it comes to storing stuff in style. We've got handy roundups to the best suitcases, the best cabin bags, the best kids' luggage, the best women's backpacks, the best laptop bags, the best toiletry bags, the best beach bags and the best tote bags, all featuring top recommendations from Mumsnet users.
Best packing cubes: Editor's picks
1. Best overall packing cubes: Amazon Basics Packing Cubes 4-Piece Set
Price: RRP £16 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: Pack of four | Weight: Not specified | Material: Nylon | Waterproof: Not specified
What we love
- Affordable
- Mesh panel allows you to see what's inside without opening
What to know
- Not the prettiest packing cubes out there - but they get the job done
What Mumsnet users say
"Amazon Basics are good. They have several packages available, with different sizes" Recommended by Mumsnetter handbagsatdawn33
"I confess I was an unbeliever, but now I am a total convert. I like to pack groups of things into them - so knickers and socks/tights in one, sports kit in another etc, but also do my flight clothes (long haul, pre-covid) all together in one so going back I have them all together to change into. I just have the Amazon basics ones and they work perfectly." Tried and tested by Mumsnetter CMOTDibbler
Our verdict
A task most people dread, packing your suitcase can become a bit of a Tetris-style task to ensure you don’t go over that baggage allowance. These Amazon Basics packing cubes help to keep your belongings neatly stored and conveniently organised. Best of all, the fabric containers protect garments against wrinkles so there's no need to ask for the hotel iron after you’ve unpacked.
This four-piece set comes with two large and two medium cubes which means they can hold anything from bulky jackets to underwear. The breathable, mesh-top panels provide ventilation and also means you can see what’s inside at a glance. They come in six different colours to match your luggage and are by far the most popular packing cubes among Mumsnetters, judging by the regular praise we see on the forums.
Read next: The best suitcases to buy, as recommended by Mumsnetters
2. Best budget packing cubes: Go Travel Packing Cubes, Pack of 3
Price: RRP £13 | Buy now from John Lewis & Partners
Key specs
Size: Pack of three | Weight: Not specified | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Not specified
What we love
- Lightweight
- Great value
What to know
- Only three in a pack
What Mumsnet users say
“The John Lewis ones are great.” Recommended by Mumsnet user YellowHpok
Our verdict
If you are looking for something cheap and cheerful, without compromising on quality, then the Go Travel Packing Cubes are a great buy.
Each of the three cubes in the pack has a zip which opens up three of the four sides to allow for easy packing. A breathable mesh window helps you to identify what you need without having to unzip each cube for a root around. They are not the most sleek or glamorous-looking packing cubes around, but for £13, they do the job nicely.
Read next: The best cabin bags to buy, as rated by Mumsnetters
3. Best expandable packing cubes: LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes
Price: RRP From £45 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: Pack of three | Weight: Not specified | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Waterproof plastic zipper bag included
What we love
- Offers even more packing options
- Sturdy walls
What to know
- Reviewers say these cubes are on the heavy side - something to bear in mind when it comes to weight allowance
What Mumsnet users say
"I've just bought the LeanTravel compression ones" Rated by Mumsnetter jay55
Our verdict
Sometimes you just need that little bit more space to fit that ‘just in case’ item of clothing which makes these expandable packing cubes perfect. The cubes change easily between one to four inches wide by using the double zipper. LeanTravel pride themselves on their zippers which feature anti-catch technology to prevent fabric from getting caught when opening and closing. The cubes also have reinforced wall structures and can be transferred straight from your suitcase into dresser drawers. The bags have a durable mesh which means you can see what’s inside each one and the set of three include two large cubes for coats or trousers and one medium cube for shirts, underwear or socks.
Read next: The best kids' luggage to buy, as recommended by parents
4. Best patterned packing cubes: Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Starter Set Koi
Price: RRP £40 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: Pack of three | Weight: 462g (folder), 113g (cube), 77g (half cube) | Material: 30D Poly Silnylon Ripstop | Waterproof: Not specified
What we love
- Beautiful koi carp design
- Hard-wearing
What to know
- A bit on the pricey side, but Mumsnetters say Eagle Creek cubes are built to last
What Mumsnet users say
“I’ve got a set of eagle creek cubes that I bought over 15 years ago, I use them every time I go away, they are great quality and a good shape for fitting lots in and packing into a bag neatly.” Rated by Mumsnetter NannyR
“The Eagle Creek ones are really great quality. I’ve had cheaper ones which have bitten the dust after one or two uses.” Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Divebar2021
Our verdict
For the traveller with a lot to pack, this cube set will help keep you super organised and the quirky koi carp pattern brings a bit of style to your luggage.
This pack of three contains a folder, cube and half cube and although they feel lightweight, don't be fooled into thinking they are flimsy. Mumsnetters swear by Eagle Creek packing cubes for their durability. In fact, some say the cubes have accompanied them on more than a decade's worth of travel without any tears or breaks - more than justifying the £40 price tag.
5. Best backpack packing cubes: Sea To Summit Hydraulic Packing Cube Medium
Price: RRP £35 | Buy now from Wiggle
Key specs
Size: 10 x 26.5 x 14cm | Weight: 62g | Material: TPU-laminated 70D ripstop nylon | Waterproof: Water-resistant
What we love
- Made from tough materials to keep your clothes and valuables safe and dust-free
- Lightweight
What to know
- Only one in a pack - best for solo travels
What Mumsnet users say
“I have Sea to Summit. And some cheap ones as well. The only thing that matters is the zip. Good, strong zip. Because I massively overpack them and it needs to be good!” Rated by Mumsnetter MrsTerryPratchett
Our verdict
If you like your holidays on the adventurous side, then you need a packing cube that is ready for anything. The Sea To Summit Hydraulic Packing Cube is dust-proof and water-resistant, with strong RF-welded seams and PU-coated water-resistant zips helping to keep the elements at bay.
This cube also comes with a translucent panel so you can check on its contents without having to open it all up, plus there is a sturdy handle for easy handling and secure lashing.
6. Best small packing cubes: Briggs & Riley 3-Pack Zippered Packing Cubes
Price: RRP £68 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: Pack of three | Weight: Not specified | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes
What we love
- A great option if you don't want a big or oversized packing cube
What to know
- Price reflects the brand name
Our verdict
Good things come in small packages and this three-cube set fits that description. Sometimes you only need a small packing cube to keep things separate and organised in your case and these do that job well according to user reviews.
Machine washable, the mesh windows make clothes easily visible as well as increasing breathability. They come with an integrated carry handle on each cube for easy transferring and storage.
7. Best sturdy packing cubes: Osprey UL Packing Cube Set
Price: RRP £30 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: Pack of three | Weight: 59g | Material: Not specified | Waterproof: Not specified
What we love
- Sturdy
- Available in a range of colours to suit all tastes
- Comfortable webbed handle
What to know
- No mesh or translucent panel to view cube contents
Our verdict
Osprey is well-known for its quality luggage so it’s no surprise its packing cubes make travelling as stress-free as possible. No one wants to spend more time packing and unpacking than needed and this sturdy and ultra-light packing cube set will mean you can spend more time enjoying your holiday. They come in either electric lime or black and have top access zippers and handles to make them super simple to use.
8. Best lightweight packing cubes: Mountain Warehouse Packing Cubes - set of three
Price: RRP £20 | Buy now from Mountain Warehouse
Key specs
Size: Pack of four | Weight: 150g | Material: Not specified | Waterproof: Not specified
What we love
- Compact and lightweight
- Comes with handy laundry bag
What to know
- No choice of colours
- No transparent panels to see inside cube
Our verdict
These lightweight packing cubes from Mountain Warehouse are perfect for travelling and outdoor adventures. The set comes with different sized bags and an additional laundry bag for keeping your dirty undies or shoes separate from the rest of your clothes.
There is no mesh or transparent window to allow you to see inside the cubes, and they do look very 'no frills' from the outside, but these cubes will keep your belongings separated and safe.
9. Best compression packing cubes: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes Mesh Travel Luggage Packing Organisers
Price: RRP £39 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: Pack of six | Weight: 500g | Material: Nylon | Waterproof: Yes
What we love
- Compression means you can cram even more into packing
- Various sized cubes mean there is one for all occasions
What to know
- If you are travelling on a short trip alone, a set of six may be overkill
What Mumsnet users say
“I got these ones as a gift for my sister and she raves about them. These are compression ones which as well as helping to keep your clothes organised also allows you to pack more because the air is compressed out of them.” Recommended by Mumsnetter LifeInAHamsterWheel
Our verdict
This fancy looking packing cube set comes in a variety of colours and looks quite different to other packing cubes on our list. The cubes are made from lightweight, soft and washable nylon fabric and there’s plenty of space for your clothing without adding much extra weight to your luggage, despite being some of the heaviest we’ve reviewed. Not only do they do the job of organising your clothes but they cleverly compress them so you can take more away without the risk of zips breaking as they’re doubly reinforced.
How to choose the best packing cubes
There are a few things to keep in mind when buying packing cubes. How often you travel is one of the main considerations. If you don't travel very often, there are lots of budget options that should suit your needs but if you travel a lot it might be worth investing in a more durable brand and spending a bit more money. It’s also worth considering how much you normally pack as that will determine how many cubes you need. Packing cubes pretty much always come in multi-pack sets with larger sets including accessories like shoe bags and flat cases for items like laptops and tablets. The longer you’re travelling, the larger the set you’ll need. The other two important considerations are whether you need to protect your possessions and how much space you need. If you’re off on a walking holiday and your luggage will be exposed to the elements it would be a good idea to buy waterproof packing cubes. If space is a problem and you need to fit a lot into your case, compression-style packing cubes would be a good buy.
Are packing cubes better than rolling items?
There’s no right or wrong way to pack but travel experts at Airfarewatchdog recommend bulkier items such as sweatshirts and jackets would be better in a packing cube as laying them flat will take up less space than rolling. But in general, rolled items often take up less room and can be configured to fit into otherwise wasted space (like putting rolled up socks inside your shoes).
Are compression packing cubes worth it?
As mentioned above, if you’re short on space in your bag or suitcase, compression-style packing cubes can prove invaluable. These are designed with an extra zip that, once closed, will push your possessions down into as little space as possible.
What are the best packing cubes to buy?
Our overall best buy is the Amazon Basics 4-piece Set which receives top marks across the web and on the Mumsnet forums. Not only is it a great price for four good sized cubes, it’s rated highly for durability. And when you’re done, the cubes can be stored away without taking up too much room in the cupboard.
How we chose our recommendations
We’ve thoroughly researched the best packing cubes you can buy this season including tried-and-tested experiences from a wide range of honest, trusted sources. Here’s how we narrowed it down to our top picks.
Mumsnet community
When it comes to packing cubes Mumsnetters know a trusty carrier when they see (and use) one.
We first assessed all the recommendations from the Mumsnet community, getting feedback on the best packing cubes hey have personally used, reviewed and rated, including their favourite brands and additional features, such as extendable zips and mesh windows. We also considered the reasons why Mumsnetters would avoid certain packing cubes.
Expert opinions
We know that choosing the right packing cubes takes a lot of thought and consideration, so we made sure our recommendations were well received within the bags and luggage industry, rated or recommended by travel experts and industry leaders.
Trusted consumer reviews
Finally, we scrutinised honest customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon and John Lewis to get wider consumer opinions on the products on our shortlist. Through this research, we were able to weigh up the top packng cubes for a variety of needs, from solo business trips to family holidays, and gain a greater understanding of the pros and cons of each.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in those years, we’ve seen, tried and reviewed thousands of products in a wide variety of categories.
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is important to us and that's why we're always upfront about the research we do, and where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family and strive to offer impartial advice across the board.