Packing Cubes vs Compression Bags: Which One Should You Actually Use for Travel?

The final hours of packing are some of the messiest moments in most of our lives. Clothes cluttered everywhere, an array of accessories (or rather a disarray) across the bed, and footwear that simply refuses to fit in the suitcase. Somehow, you stuff all of your stuff inside, but the nightmare begins anew when you have to dig for that pair of socks you shoved at the last minute. 

And this is exactly when you remember (with regret) that influencer raving about her compression travel backpack or those packing cubes you saw at the supermarket, but didn’t buy. So, before you pack for your next adventure, you need to get your hands on one of these. But which one? That’s what this guide is for. 

What are Packing Cubes?

Packing cubes enter the room (well, suitcase) when organisation leaves the chat. They are zippered fabric containers that help you group and stash your belongings in easy-to-grab bundles inside your bag. 

For instance, if you choose a set of 4 packing cubes for carry-on suitcase, you can stow your jeans and towels in one, your shirts and sweaters in another, your shoes in another, and your toiletries (less than 100ml) in one that’s spill-proof. Think of each one as a dresser drawer in your carry-on. 

What are Compression Bags?

Compression bags reign supreme when space doesn’t. These airtight plastic bags let you pack bulky clothing into a much smaller space by squeezing out extra air. You also get two choices here: vacuum-sealed bags (which use a pump to suck out the air) or roll-up bags (which let you push out the air manually). 

So, when you’re desperately trying to stuff chunky knits into a suitcase for a ski trip, compression bags can help you fit your winter clothing and gear and still leave some space for an extra pair of jeans. 

What is the Difference Between Packing Cubes and Compression Bags for Travel?

Simply speaking, packing cubes help you organise your stuff better, while compression bags help you fit more stuff. But that’s not where the differences end. 

And Which is the Right Choice for You?

Whether you’re debating which one to buy for your next trip or wondering which are the must-have travel accessories to gift frequent flyers, allow us to make the decision easier for you. 

Choose packing cubes if:

• You are going on a weekend getaway or a business trip

• You are switching hotels every night or are on the move a lot

• You want to keep your outfits wrinkle-free and easy to grab

• You are packing for multiple members in the same suitcase

• You are obsessed with organisation (just like us)

And if you are wondering which are the best packing cubes for carry-on luggage, we highly recommend The Packing Cubes (Set of 6). Each cube is sized and designed for a different need. Use XL cubes for coats and jeans, L for shirts and towels, M for socks and underwear, a shoe bag for shoes (duh), and a spill-proof bag for toiletries. 

And the best packing cubes for cabin luggage? Pick The Packing Cubes (Set of 4). You get 2 XL cubes plus one each of the L and M-sized cubes. And don’t even worry about the weight, they weigh next to nothing and still pack a punch. 

Choose compression bags if:

• You are packing bulky winter wear, like coats and sweaters

• You are going on a long trip and want to maximise luggage space

• You simply want to stash away seasonal clothing

• You have the time to decompress and repack

The Bottom Line

The choice between packing cubes and compression bags comes down to three things: the kind of packer you are, your destination, and the duration of your trip. If you want to keep things organised for a weekend getaway or a business trip, pick packing cubes for carry-on suitcase without a doubt. And if you want to cram as much as you can for international travel or winter adventure, consider compression bags. 

FAQs

1. Do packing cubes really help save space in a suitcase?

Using packing cubes can help maximise organisation, which in turn helps you fit more stuff than you thought was possible.          

2. Can compression bags damage my clothes during travel?    

No, compression bags don’t really damage the clothes, but they do cause wrinkles. So, consider packing an iron in that space you saved. 

3. Should I use packing cubes for carry-on or only check-in luggage?

You can use packing cubes for carry-on suitcase as well as your check-in luggage. Just make sure to pack only the permissible items.        

4. How many packing cubes do I need for a week-long trip?  

For a week-long trip, you’ll easily need six packing cubes in sizes small to big. Use the 3 bigger cubes for all your clothes, 2 smaller cubes for shoes, and a spill-proof cube for toiletries.    

5. Are packing cubes or compression bags better for backpack travel?

Backpacks are known to get messy, and packing cubes can help maximise organisation and accessibility in a way compression bags simply can’t. However, you can consider a compression travel backpack.