Which one is best or you? Packing cubes vs Compression Bags
TL;DR answer to packing cubes vs compression bags question: a combination of both and lo and behold the birth of the “Packing Compression Cube Bags“.
When you have two amazing solutions for different types of travel and a product emerges that gives you the best of both worlds then it’s a no brainer IMO.
Why do you even need any of them? Because, if you are a frequent traveler, and I honestly hope you are, then any solution we recommend here will simply blow your mind.
There are several types of products, with different purposes and we recommend the best in their categories.
Waterproof, anti-wrinkle, and other needs are all covered, just scroll down and take advantage of our research.
Our Top Pick
Pros
- Great for organizing
- Good compression to save space
Cons
- Less flexible than others
Gonex Compressing Cubes
This is the best of both worlds. On one hand, you have organizing cubes to neatly place inside your suitcase and on the other hand, you can use zip compression technique to make them more compact. Perfection!
Want to learn more about our reviews? Subscribe to our newsletter
No Footprint Nomads is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Check out our review of travel money belts to give you some extra safety on the road.
Comparing the options for packing: air compression, cubes and plastic roles
Packing Cubes
Think of them as small suitcases, as boxed bags they fit like a puzzle inside your packing gear. (Note: not so good for backpacks, check the sacks instead.)
Positive
- Super organizer (life changer point)
- Not just for travel (you can use it at home)
- Sturdy models keep clothes without wrinkles
- Easier to access inside suitcase
Negative
- Don’t save much space, no compression
Good for
- Suitcase travelers not concerned with volume (although our recommended model fits inside a carry-on)
Compression bags
There are two types of compression bags:
Nylon sacks
Positive
- Super compression (life changer point)
- Great for backpacks (this is what we still use)
Negative
- Perfect wrinkle maker
Good for
- Backpackers
- Items that don’t wrinkle easily
Plastic ziploc style bags
Positive
- Super compression (life changer point)
- Waterproof
Negative
- Perfect wrinkle maker
- Durability
Good for
- Water sensitive trips
- Items that don’t wrinkle easily
Compression Packing Cubes
If you don’t have a backpack and water is not an issue, then this is what you are looking for.
Imagine combining the positives of the packing cubes and compression bags with none of the negatives.
Specific need’s products worth have a look
- Packing folders: If you travel with shirts and suits then you should get some packing folders to keep them wrinkle free
- Shoe bags: Designed for shoes, to protect clean clothes from dirty soles inside any travel bag, but you can also use to carry your technology
- Zipper pouches: Versatile smaller pouches that you can use for your toiletries (remember airport x-rays)
- Dirty clothes: Double sided packs with an interior water sealed compartment. Perfect for separating dirty clothes from clean, a damp bathing suit or smelly gym clothes, or to simply provide even more organization
Guidelines for using packing cubes or bags
Think as a minimalist
Our idea of being able to pack better is not to stuff more things. It’s just to organize and be more practical and to confer water protection because you never know what can happen.
In our opinion, we should pack for carry-on. It’s much better for your wallet and the environment.
Pushing the boundaries
Yes, the cubes or packs sometimes look like they can do miracles with your clothes, but it’s best to avoid pushing the materials to the limit. Over-filling is a natural tendency that directly affects durability,especialyzippers.
Right product for the right thing
Choosing the right size
We did it when we bought ours, we got the bigger sizes afraid of the smaller ones not being enough. But we forget that if they are compressing bags then things WILL fit inside, that’s the whole idea. If you think you need a 13L, get an 8L instead.
Remember that the idea is to pack better not to pack more. If you managed to stay under the carry-on limit, you save time and money, and of course our planet.
Want to learn more about our reviews? Subscribe to our newsletter
The 5 best packing solutions
1 Compression Cubes, 1 Structured Cubes, 1 Flexible Cubes, Compression Sacks and 1 Plastic compression bags
Our Top Pick
Pros
- Great for organizing
- Good compression to save space
Cons
- Less flexible than others
Gonex Compressing Cubes
This is the best of both worlds. On one hand, you have organizing cubes to neatly place inside your suitcase and on the other hand, you can use zip compression technique to make them more compact. Perfection!
#2 Best for Organization
Pros
- Organization perfection
- Carry on perfect size
Cons
- Almost no compression
- Not for backpacks
Packing Cubes by Travel fashion Girl
They are not just amazing cubes, they are planned with all the details, colour and number coded, and they fit the exact size of a carry-on. Organisation wise, they are just perfect.
#3 Best for flexibility
Pros
- Flexible packing cubes
- Ultra light, easy to carry
Cons
- Almost no compression
- More fragile
Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Cube Set
More generic packing cubes with the great advantage of not being made of hard materials, which allows for portability.
#4 Best for backpacks
Pros
- Great compression
- Perfect for backpacks
- Water resistant
Cons
- Wrinkle masters
- Not great for suitcases
Sea to summit dry sacks
These are the ones we still use and are still happy with.
#5 Best or waterproof
Pros
- Cheaper solution
- High compression
- Waterproof
Cons
- Less durable
- Not so great to organize
Lewis N. Clark Reusable Space Saver
These ziplock bags have a one-way valve that helps compress and squeeze the air out. They are multipurpose too.
Conclusion
We presented you with the best solutions for all kinds of traveling needs, hopefully you’ve found yours.
We recommend two things:
– Pack light: use this product to organise but think like a minimalist when packing
– Blend solutions: experiemnt with different options and mix.
We hope we’ve helped you make your travels less of a hassle and more fun. Happy Travels!
Do you have problems sleeping when traveling? Is noise an issue? Not anymore with ear plugs. Check our review
