Team USEFUL or USELESS?? Let me know! 👇😅 ► CUBES: » 8-Piece Packing Cubes (white set): amzn.to/3SWrCrj » Tripped Travel Cubes: amzn.to/4fKfbsp » Level8 Packing Cubes (gray): amzn.to/3Xbycg7 » Slim Packing Cube: amzn.to/4fRditF » Packing Cube set comes with shoe & cosmetic bag: amzn.to/3yLTiIo ► CARRY-ON BAGS: » Travelpro Maxlite Carry-on (20”): amzn.to/3MxeoO9 » Level8 Road Runner Carry-on 20”: amzn.to/3YQquZJ » Purple personal item bag: amzn.to/46ULMYh » Mixi Carry-on (green bag): amzn.to/3WQWWZu ► CLOTHING: » Women’s puffer jacket: amzn.to/4fN5PvL ► If you found this helpful and would like to support me, you can 'buy me a coffee' (thank you!!!!) buymeacoffee.com/alysmalls
Honestly, I bought on *hotdups* ever since I read that article about wealthy women in NY also buying tons of fake Hermès, and I’m sure a lot of influencers are buying it too. It’s my favorite luxury brand, it makes me feel more comfortable, and it’s also not a big deal, which makes me feel relieved.
I love your vids Aly. I love packing cubes even for my week long stays at resorts. I don't use the drawers in resorts. I hang everything. If the packing cube has a handle on top. I put my undies in it and put it on a hangar. I sort darks and lights into the large ones and open it over the washer when I get home and then drop the cube in.
On a recent trip, my suitcase broke open. Every thing came out while it was being handled, but because EVERYTHING was in both packing cubes and pouches. Not one thing went missing and only a pair of shoes was damaged by the conveyor belt! So, that is something to think about when deciding if you want to use packing cubes.
Same! I was going to mention that myself. My brand new suitcase zipper ripped open, and if it weren't for the cubes, my stuff would have been everywhere. I will never fly without them now.
I like a very organized bag and have been using packing cubes for decades. I use them for just about everything. Except shoes, I put those in disposable shower caps, covers the entire shoe unless you have a really big shoe and you can squeeze them in wherever they’ll fit. If I were packing carryon only I’d probably switch to compression packing cubes.
I became a packing cube convert several years ago. Not only do they keep your suitcase organized, but they also help me to limit what I pack. If it won't fit in a cube, I rethink what I am packing.
As a small researcher myself who loves to hunt for new creative gear, I would just like to remind everyone here (case it was not already mentioned in the video, I did not go true all of it) that one thing to remember with compression packing cubes is that while they reduce the amount of space your clothing is taking up, they don't reduce the weight. 20 kg of clothing is still 20 kg of clothing, just squeezed into a smaller space. Great video by the way, like your clear way of explaining! :)
I’m a devout packing cube user. I’m a tour musician who has traveled everywhere, and endured 2 weeks of One Night-ers. Nothing compares to being able to toss the cubes into your suitcase, once you have decided what you can and cannot take. Previously, packing for a trip was a huge chore because it had to be done in two steps: First figuring out what you can and cannot take……. and then ACTUALLY getting it into the suitcase. With the cubes, once i have it in the cubes, the game of Tetris to get it in the suitcase is considerably shorter. And then, it keeps me organized when I’m in the hotel. If it’s in the packing cube, it’s clean…if it’s not in the packing cube, I’ve used it at least once……
I have been traveling overseas for over 50 years and have tried every packing method ever conceived. But ever since packing cubes came onto the scene, that’s all I use regardless of the type or length of trip. Best invention ever!
I like ziploc bags because I can pack an outfit in there (summer wear/skirt and shirt), sit on the bag to squish out all the air, and place the bags in my luggage. I can see what’s in each bag when I need to choose clothing for that day, too. The ziplock bag also prevents any spills of gels, lotions or liquids from getting on my clothing while packed too. 😊
When I used to go to tennis league sectionals I used ziplocks. One full outfit including underwear and socks in a bag. Dirty clothes back in the same bag and easy to throw an extra outfit in my racquet bag for the day.
Packing cubes were a game changer for me. I used to leave a trail of possessions wherever I went and now I pretty much arrive home with everything I took with me.
Useful: I have an older set from Ikea which basically allow me to use as compression bags because they are so well made. So on smaller trips like 7-10 days the cubes hold the clothing looser. But on a month or more away I can jam more in but still no creases due to folding. Love them!
Absolutely useful!! I was in the Navy and found that rolling packing was the best way to pack to prepare for deployments. But since then packing cubes have become a thing. Rolling and packing into cubes is the best way to pack. This is how I pack for all trips. It keeps me sane and helps my entire family stay organized. There is a method to the madness!!
I like to pack one day's worth of clothes in each cube. So each day I have to remove only one cube from my suitcase. Each cube contains a day outfit, undies, and PJs. And the dirty clothes can go back when I am finished wearing them. This way I do not get caught wearing black undies with a white outfit, or find myself short a bra or a belt. No need to use the drawers in a motel room. Some of my packing cubes hang from a rod or hook.
I made a big mistake when I bought my packing cubes. There was a lot of colours and as I love dark blue, I chose that one. The problem is that most of my clothes are dark blue too, so I couldn't find anything! When the time comes to renew the set, I will NOT choose dark blue. (Same as I was super happy about my turquoise suitcase after a cruise when somebody had moved it from my baggage carousel. I could spot it 50 meters away, between all the black and (again) dark blue ones.)
I agree with your approach - use them as organizers. Personally I will use them for the smaller items- underwear/socks- and items I can stuff without worrying about wrinkles- workout clothes/bathing suits. The bigger shirts/pants/jackets work just as well folds loose. Remember that packing cubes do use up a bit of weight and space- so using the least number possible to keep things organized is optimal I think...
Useful. My daughter and I often share a suitcase, so it is extremely helpful for us to pack our things in different colored compression packing cubes to keep organized. My husband doesn’t want to use them because he is a last minute packer and wants to see everything that is in the suitcase as he is packing (and he often forgets at least one thing on each trip, while my daughter and I rarely ever forget anything).
Useful, but I like ziplock bags. Not because I’m cheap but because I can see what’s inside. And you can press the air out so they act as compression cubes.
@@rnguyen2516 I bought some 2 1/2 gallon size and put most of my clothes in one of those and then used a couple gallon sized bags for thinks like socks and underwear.
I love packing cubes. It keeps me organized. I’ve given packing cubes as gifts to my family members. And I use them to store out of season clothing at home too! They’re pretty handy.
I really don't know how to pack without packing cubes anymore. When you are staying at dorms or other kind of shared space (so you can't exactly spread your things everywhere, because you should lock them when you leave the room), for me they are the only way to keep somehow organized without going insane. You can put your suitcase in your locker, and the cubes over and around it, and you won't need to open the bag everytime you need something.
I purchased a set of 10 packing cubes a few years ago. They are in several different colors and shapes. They are very light with handles and mesh see-through areas. There are 4 of the long narrow cubes that fit in the spaces between the retractable suitcase handles. These are very useful for the large over-active bladder pads I use. I am able to fit 15 pads in each one. Makes it easy to count them to ensure I have enough with me. I use anywhere from 2 to 4 pads a day.
Before they invented cubes, when my children were little, I used a combination of the sorts of shaped and zippered bags that bed linens and such are sold in, and zip lock bags to organise everybody’s clothing into one suitcase. We were driving and only going to visit family. But the ‘drawers’ aspect made it much easier to find what we needed to dress ourselves and the children without pawing through piles and ending up with a confused mixed up mess by day 2.
My friend turned me onto packing cubes around five years ago, and I can never go back to packing without them. Like you said, they're more for organization rather than saving space, but it's life-changing just to have like items corralled in packing cubes. I especially love the "National Parks" packing cubes by Tripped, because it makes it that much easier to remember what you have in each cube.
Useful; and I definitely agree it’s more for organization but getting an extra few items of clothing is a nice bonus. Recently travelled to Iceland and packed both by clothing type and daily outfits for travel days. I also had one cube designated for winter gear which came in handy when it was raining sideways and freezing. I knew exactly where my winter coat was to pull it out quickly to put on under my raincoat. I love Tetris-ing my cubes. This was my first trip with compression cubes, I liked them, especially to compress the needed winter gear, but my regular Eagle Creek ones are a bit easier to pack because they have a more rectangular shape.
Packing cubes really are great for tour trips for an obsessive list-maker like myself. I know what I'm wearing each day/leg of the trip so packing cubes makes organization really easy. But yeah if I'm going for 3 days to NYC I'm probably not going to bother with them.
I'm obsessed with packing cubes! I agree you shouldn't use them to justify overpacking, but I do find I fit much more in with them. I like a compression cube on occasion but I actually like using regular cubes more like a compression cube. I roll like you did but use the zippers to compress and add more by packing it up, closing it, unzipping one side and pressing stuff down. Literally doubles what I had in the first place. With the compression cubes, you lose space in the actual suitcase because of the rounded sides. When you use a regular one the ways I descibed, there's less wasted space.
Totally agree with you Aly! These are the most useful organizational tool we have ever used for travel. We like to cruise. When we get into our cabin, we just pull our packing cube bags and out them on shelves. Hubby takes the high shelves, I take the low (I’m 5’1”, he is 6’). It’s easy to find my items without having to search everywhere whether it’s when they are in the bags or out in a hotel room/cabin. They do save space and for us, a lot of time. We never travel without them. Great video! ☺
I'm fairly new to using packing cubes and so far there are pros and cons, but I definitely appreciate that they keep me more organized. It's nice when switching to a new hotel to be able to put my dirty clothes in one cube and my clean clothes in another while en route.
Very nice video... Love Tim & Finn , they showed me these Tripped packing cubes a while ago. They work nicely especially for multiple stops and international travel. A couple trips back we had 4 delays followed by 4 cancellations, and it was very helpful to have packed in a more organized fashion for all that EXTRA time at the Airport and then when plans changed, and we booked an entirely new trip it just made everything so much easier to have the extra organization... Now I am going to say that even when you are heading home, it can be very helpful to have everything organized because delays and cancellations can always happen even with the BEST laid plans! Bon Voyage!!
When traveling I often share a carry on suitcase with my spouse and my two young children share a second carry on. I’ve bought sets with different colors and each family member has their own assigned color. It’s easy to open up the bag and find the right clothes for the right family member.
Team useful. Even when only staying in one place, I still like them; they are useful in case your suitcase gets opens by TSA or just comes open accidentally. Many years ago, before 9/11, I remember a suitcase was going around the luggage carousel with the contents displayed for everyone and some of the contents themselves on the carousel. I remember praying that it wasn't mine. I'm sure others did too.
Love all of this advice!! Headed to France next month with only the Travelpro Maxlite 5 soft side and the Lovevook laptop backpack! I got some compression cubes and have feverishly watched all of the carryon packing videos I can find. Your videos are super well done!
Please don't stress about it. France is a first world country & you can buy anything there you may have forgotten - a different brand, perhaps, and in some cases, that's for the better. In some places, it may be worth under-packing & simply planning to buy things there.... clothes, shoes, bags, etc.... depending on a country's manufacturing specialties (Italy, Spain for leather goods; France & Italy for clothes; Great Britain & Germany for sweaters; Belgium & France for lace; India & Africa for cotton goods & shawls; Asian countries for a lot of things). This doesn't include the foods: in France, shop the town square markets & for stalls, groceries & specialty stores. Stop in brasseries & sidewalk cafes. Don't forget a power converter - you can buy a whole set if planning future travel to other countries or a single plug for a particular country if not. You'll be happy to have a couple of thin folding nylon grocery bags (use for food markets, beach bag, souvenirs) & they take up no space in your purse or backpack. I like to take a small folding nylon duffel bag in case my shopping exceeds my carry-on for the return trip & zipper connector so it doesn't unzip in the checked bags process - I don't mind checking an extra bag on the return if needed but I try to avoid it if possible. A few plastic grocery bags for wet items if it rains (umbrella - take one!) or I washed something that hasn't yet dried. I REALLY like the clear acrylic suitcase cover for dirt & bedbug protection on the flight, but I use a soft sided suitcase. All are available on Amazon. Also, pack a few each of quart, gallon & 2.5 gallon ziplocs that take up no space in the mesh pouch inside my suitcase, but I like to have for random reasons that pop up - have always been glad to have some. Most of all, relax & just have a great time. Go with the flow & expect to unexpectedly need to pivot from planned things from time to time! Be safe. Bon vacances! 🛫🇫🇷🥐☕️
Also very important! Pack anything liquid (contact lens solution, shampoo & conditioner, lotions, etc) in ziploc bags even if you have a toiletries bag. The cabin pressure can suck all the air out during flight & you'll have a mess when you arrive. I even put each one in its own little snack bag size for compact-ness & so even those things don't get messy as if all are in the same bag & I can shuffle around in the toiletries bag. It's happened to me more often than one would think, so now it's automatic for me.👍
I love using packing cubes, even just for a week-end getaway. 😊 We are a family of four and the cubes are like drawers which are color coded (one colour for each family member). We use up to three per person and I can fit all our Summer clothes and shoes in a single (big) suitcase for a 3 weeks trip. I don’t use the storage provided with our rented location to avoid bed bugs, so having our clothes organized like is very efficient. Thank you for this video!
Team useful! They keep me organized. When my case was pulled out in Frankfurt for extra search they rooted around in there like a toddler in a toy box. It would have been a mess if I hadn’t used packing cubes.
I love the variety of ideas! Thank you for sharing all the options! Quick question/thought 🤔 about bed bugs… wouldn’t you get them by sleeping in the bed? 😫
We found the Tripped Travel cubes before our Iceland/Ireland cruise last summer. We packed our clothes for the days before the cruise in one set of cubes and the clothes for the cruise in the rest. We also like the idea of dirty clothes in their own cube. And Tripped's day pack is another great bag that compresses down to nothing but has plenty of space when you need it.
I have traveled to 9 countries, mostly for 8 to 14 days at a time, I use the smallest oblong cubes and I pack one days clothes in each. Undies, pants, top etc. All I need for 1 day is in one cube. I have numbered the cubes for each day. I wash clothes about every 7 days. They all go in my Samsonite under the seat bag. Always pack shoes 1 each in a plastic bag. You can place these on the sides. I place toiletries/cosmetics in contact lense containers. They lay very flat. My bag has a waterbottle pocket on the side and zippered pocket on the other. First Aid, sewing Kit goes on that side. I wear a Scott-E vest in winter or an Ex-Officio vest in summer. These have 12 pockets, passport, ID in RFID holder, phone and any other (on the plane stuff) goes in these pockets. Simplicity is the answer! Any where in the world you travel you can buy stuff if you need it. We actually need a lot less than we think.
We cruise a lot and storage space is at a premium. I find they are so handy for both my husband and myself. We each have our own colour and I just take them from the suitcase to the shelf or drawers.
You use them like I use them. I use them like drawers and we always stay organized. Plus we do not lose items if the suitcase comes open or breaks. My husband has his set and I have mine. So easy. Occasionally I tuck in something between clothing that I do not want stolen or easily taken. Internationally I have had items pilfered so this makes it harder to access these items easily. Of course, all real valuables are in my carry on but it frustrating to find a gift for someone “missing”. Best to be over prepared. Love my packing cubes.
I used a similar system when I went camping. I had the most organized tent in the entire festival. I also had a series of mini cases for toiletries, jewellery, meds, food, etc. and basically made a cute little bedroom inside of the tent. Especially useful when you come back to it at night. It's dark, you want to do an evening routine and can't start rummaging a ginormous backpack to find your facial cleanser.
We use packing cubes and love them. When pressed for space ( pun intended) we use compression cubes. Honestly, I just have to watch the weight limit of a suitcase when I have extra room to overpack those “ just in case” items. If we are car traveling and have unlimited space, regular cubes are fine. We used them extensively when we traveled out west and had everything from hot weather clothes, rain gear, cold weather clothes, winter coats and gloves, all used in one trip. Easy to pack in an organized fashion and I can’t imagine having done that trip without cubes.
I definitely use packing cubes, but I also use the Eagle Creek Garment folder. The Garment Folder is perfect for folded slacks and shirts, plus it has a compression feature. Items are less likely to wrinkle, and they are a perfect fit on one side of my 26-inch checked bag.
I love my packing cubes! I spent 3 1/2 months in Mexico a few years ago with only a carry-on and everything in cubes. But I have found another use for them. When I just spend a few days in the city and I travel by train, I pack my stuff in cubes and use a shopping cart. Then I use the cart for shopping in the city. The advantage of the shopping cart over a suitcase of course is the size of the wheels.
USEFUL !!! Have been using cubes for decades ! First ones I bought were/are from LLBean in the early 90s. Still have them. Now I use compression ones! Like them better as they keep things more tight. Like a person said: careful with the weight. No matter cube or no cube, the weight is the same ! Happy travels !
I’m a packing cube fan - even if only unpacking once it organises stuff and my husband and I have different colours. I also like the flat felt trays which then pop together at the corners (valet trays?), they lay flat in your suitcase but are useful for keeping small items tidy on counter tops or in the bathroom when popped together at your destination.
I use both ziplock bags and compression cubes depending on the situation. Right now I’m on a trip and using an under seat duffel bag. I pack in ziplock for that because the bag is under the seat. That way if something spills, it won’t get my clothing wet. If my bag is going in the overhead, then I use compression cubes.
I watched your video on how to pack your carryon. This recent trip to Mexico was my first time using the packing cubes as you recommended. I loved it. I was able to squeeze in more than I usually pack, but I loved the organization of it as you mentioned in this video. I labelled my bags with name tag stickers and so I knew exactly where my swimsuit stuff was and my shirts, pants and pyjama’s etc. I’d use them again. I did buy two sets which were two different colours to help me better distinguish which bag I was looking for. 👍🏾
Just bought cubes. Love the idea for helping organization! Your video came in perfect timing as I'll be using them for my trip in Oct for the first time.
Packing cubes are a great solution for travel, even if you don't use a regular suitcase. I also use to travel with my bicycle and the cubes fit perfectly on the sadles 😊
I used them for cruising, one cube for when I have to drive a long way to go to the airport and stay for the night (winter clothing) one for the flight, arriving at destination and one for the embarkation day. So I don’t need to dive in my cruise suitcase
I love packing cubes, because they help me stay organized as we travel from place to place every 4-5 days during a holiday. However, they can get bulky if you aren’t strategic.
I like them for organization, it helps prevent you from loosing items. I sort by tops, bottoms and undergarments, taking out only what I’m going to wear for the day. I like different styles, colors so I know which each holds. There are so many uses for them
I like the Tripped bags as well. When I return home, I pack anything breakable inside the cubes surrounded by clothes. It’s a great hack to protect your valuables. I’ve never had anything break inside a packing cube yet.
Thanks for the video! I actually use zip loc bags to sort my clothes by type - easy to see exactly what's in them and they keep everything protected if bags are loaded in the rain or wheeled through puddles. Bedbugs definitely hide in wood, wicker, bedding, or any natural material they can find near where people sleep, so best to keep clothing as separate as possible.
I use Tripped compression cubes all the time. I take a small one in which I put PJ, underware and an outfit that I will wear the day after. I carry this little one in my travel bag just in case my suitcase gets lost.
Absolutely never thought of using a soft cube as a pillow-clever! I'm also embarrassed to say I never thought about washing the cubes, even though I wash everything else-purses, backpacks, etc. Thanks for the tips (and the permission to decide trip-by-trip whether to use cubes or not)
Your 3 tops, bottoms, layers has been inspirational. Still figuring out a 26 day trip on cruise & land 2 temperature zones. I may use the 3x3 for evening wear too. I tend to use magic bags to squeeze out air, but have not heard you discuss them. Thoughts?
Compression cubes are a must! So in a 22” suit case I got a quilt 80”x80”, all my clothes, and extra pair of shoes, a packable mirror plus a few other items. They are definitely a game changer. By the way my luggage was still under the carry on limit.
Super useful. I find it WAY easier to have a packing system using cubes. Just makes repacking way more helpful. Also still quite helpful if your in a van too. Clothing storage in a lot of vans is kinda crap. Worst case you can stack a bunch of cubes up in the cupboard and its way easier to grab out the one you know has your jeans in it compared to if you just stacked up all your clothes.
I'm very definitely an advocate for packing cubes. I use several of them as a means of organizing what I bring. One of them contains underwear, handkerchieves, socks, and shorts for wearing in my hotel/Airbnb room. One of them has toiletries and other personal care items.
Watching your videos convinced me to buy a set of compression cubes AND the square backpack where that was all you took. Excited to take only those two items on my next international trip! Thank you!
The thing that you have to watch out for with cubes if you have a large suitcase is that it’s very easy to compress your clothes so much that you feel like you can take a bunch of other stuff with you… and end up with an overweight suitcase. And then have to figure out how to make sure your heavier items aren’t rolling around when half of your suitcase is almost empty. Small suitcase they’re great but honestly I feel like they’re more useful for closet organization. I use them to pack up seasonal clothes or clothes that don’t fit and then put the cubes into larger plastic bins. So it’s not overwhelming to go through stored stuff since everything is organized by genre (so if I need a scarf I do t need to dig through a giant bin of winter stuff)
I have used them for years and years. if they compress a bit even better. I have not found a perfect set yet. When I had tom bihn tristar I had bought the cubes that fit and that was perfect. I now have monos and use their but not entirely convinced on them accept the way they fit in the back is perfect as they are designed for the bag. The monos ones are compression but you can not pack a lot and then compress. So on the fence..... but yes to answer your question even on a one destination trip I use them.
I stayed in an Airbnb (with hundreds of 5-star reviews, average 4.9) in Chicago last month, and there were bed bugs crawling on the WALLS. They were everywhere; we could see them with our naked eyes when we looked closely at the bedding. Luckily, my daughter had kept her suitcases in a separate room, and they were hard-cased and stayed closed 99% of the time, even before we noticed the bugs. I, on the other hand, had to go through a whole decontamination process when I got home. Bed bugs are no joke. Stay safe and vigilant out there, folks.
I only travel once a year and have never used packing cubes, but I’m getting them for organization purposes…also buying a set for my two sons and my husband 😅
I’m team packing cube for organization. I tend to pack outfit/day per cube. Then I always have a small cube in my carryon that has an outfit that would get me through if my luggage didn’t make it.
I go to Disney a lot and use packing cubes. I usually pack two days of complete outfits per cube and tape a small piece of paper on the cube with the days written on it. I pack them in order of use; ie, so the most accessible cube has day 1 & 2. When I open the cube, day 1 is on top and day 2 on the bottom. They go back in the way they came out so repacking for the trip home is organized and my suitcase doesn’t magically become more bulky. Side note: I also write which park(s) I’m going to and the expected weather on the little piece of paper.
Thanks and we’re multi-year users of packing cubes. And yes it’s mainly the organization. I purchased Peak Design a year or so back but am not content with them. I really like my old eBags’ cubes especially the mesh top so one can see what’s in them.
Thanks for the insight! I bought packing cubes from one of your other videos and used them on our annual trip to Mexico and did not find them usefull. I like your suggestions so will try again. We have few trips comming up this year so hopefully they will keep me organized and not over pack 😀
I found for my small bag (26l) packing cubes are of limited use. If I need to get the maximum amount in the bag at least the cube I’ve tryed don’t maximise the space (that may be just cos of my current cubes). However being able to have some internal organizing can be amazing, on my current trip I’ve got a small cube for just in case clothes and one for thing I will be leaving with family I visit before leaving.
Useful. We use them in our teardrop trailer. We toss them on the bed where they can double as extra pillows, and they are pretty -mine are purple and blue. Thanks for the small cube suggestions 😊
I've used packing cubes for my last trip with my two boys in only one suitcase, which was very convenient. I used two each for the boys and three for me. So, I didn't have to dig through a whole pile of clothes to find some socks, for example. And I still felt like it saved me some space as well. 😊👍💖
Useful for budgeting and assembly of clothes before travel. I.e. one cube, into which clean items are put as they come out of the wash & ironing process so they don't get used at the wrong time prior to final pack. Assumption here that you have enough clothes to cover a) the climate and activity where you are prior to final pack and b) the destination. When the cube is full, that's the budget. Any more requires swapping things out. As you point out for segregation, a) of first one or two nights for getting to the destination, then b) first destination etc. also segregation of layers or climates or activities. On the other hand, cubes, stuff sacks, dry bags add bulk and mass and cubes tend to introduce dead space whereas a stuff sack allows for more deformation to fit into irregular spaces. Ideally leave 20-30% of the bag empty to allow for expansion of clothes from clean ironed volume to worn a few times and badly folded volume. As well as presents. I prefer to pick a luggage item suited for the type of travel, and select down to the luggage involving a last minute panic repack throwing out the least necessary items from the two or three options put to one side in the prepack phases as the weather forecast starts to firm up for the period of the trip. All part of the fun. I knew someone who packed eff all, bought a couple of tee shirts, some underwear and shorts on arrival then left them behind as the convenience of nothing much to carry was worth the inconvenience, cost and appearance of hastily sourced inferior clobber. No cubes employed in that technique.
I use packing cubes mostly because of having to open a bag in the airport security area. Used them on a trip where I stayed in 6 different hotels in Iceland, super handy. Definitely recommended. But I also have a compression section on my new Away luggage, so compression cubes are not always as helpful on that side of the luggage (handle side).
Packing cubes are great. They keep me organized. The compression ones are great for things that are fluffy like a sweater since you can get a lot of the air out. Fluffy things like sweaters don't tend to stay well contained on their own.
I have traveled with a vacuum bag. You use it like a Packing cube and then roll the air out. Great for sweaters. When it is vacuum sealed it is stiff as a board which in soft side bags can be a bit annoying.
My cubes are a space saver and completely changed how I pack. I wanted to repack all of your cubes when I saw them. lol. The trick is to play Tetris with the packing cube and stuff it to capacity as long as the main zipper closes. I don’t compress because it leaves the perfect rectangle instead of a weird shape of pressed down edges. I use a suit case so I need squared edges. A backpack would probably benefit the compressed version though.
While I use cubes when I travel, sometimes I throw in an extra cube just for dirty clothes. Sure helps when I get home. I use cheap, thin shower caps for my shoes. If I need a shower cap I just turn it inside out. I have a variety of cubes from compression to the regular cube. I o have an assortment or sizes. I found on a cruise how valuable they were when I hung them by their handle in the closet and was able to remove the item I needed.
My son's going to Paris for college in October (lucky dog!). Just bought him a set. We've used ZipLocs quite successfully and cheaply but for ongoing travel I think the cubes will have better longevity. TBD!
Team USEFUL or USELESS?? Let me know! 👇😅
► CUBES:
» 8-Piece Packing Cubes (white set): amzn.to/3SWrCrj
» Tripped Travel Cubes: amzn.to/4fKfbsp
» Level8 Packing Cubes (gray): amzn.to/3Xbycg7
» Slim Packing Cube: amzn.to/4fRditF
» Packing Cube set comes with shoe & cosmetic bag: amzn.to/3yLTiIo
► CARRY-ON BAGS:
» Travelpro Maxlite Carry-on (20”): amzn.to/3MxeoO9
» Level8 Road Runner Carry-on 20”: amzn.to/3YQquZJ
» Purple personal item bag: amzn.to/46ULMYh
» Mixi Carry-on (green bag): amzn.to/3WQWWZu
► CLOTHING:
» Women’s puffer jacket: amzn.to/4fN5PvL
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Honestly, I bought on *hotdups* ever since I read that article about wealthy women in NY also buying tons of fake Hermès, and I’m sure a lot of influencers are buying it too. It’s my favorite luxury brand, it makes me feel more comfortable, and it’s also not a big deal, which makes me feel relieved.
I love your vids Aly. I love packing cubes even for my week long stays at resorts. I don't use the drawers in resorts. I hang everything. If the packing cube has a handle on top. I put my undies in it and put it on a hangar. I sort darks and lights into the large ones and open it over the washer when I get home and then drop the cube in.
On a recent trip, my suitcase broke open. Every thing came out while it was being handled, but because EVERYTHING was in both packing cubes and pouches. Not one thing went missing and only a pair of shoes was damaged by the conveyor belt! So, that is something to think about when deciding if you want to use packing cubes.
Same! I was going to mention that myself. My brand new suitcase zipper ripped open, and if it weren't for the cubes, my stuff would have been everywhere. I will never fly without them now.
Yes! I also think if I was to be searched it’s easier to pull packing cubes out instead of everything being in a big mess 👏🏻
cubes saved the day! sorry that happened to you though 😯
I like a very organized bag and have been using packing cubes for decades. I use them for just about everything. Except shoes, I put those in disposable shower caps, covers the entire shoe unless you have a really big shoe and you can squeeze them in wherever they’ll fit. If I were packing carryon only I’d probably switch to compression packing cubes.
Sea to summit meakes shoe specific pacikng cubes. @@donnaschindlbeck7457
I became a packing cube convert several years ago. Not only do they keep your suitcase organized, but they also help me to limit what I pack. If it won't fit in a cube, I rethink what I am packing.
That's a really good way to pack!
I SO agree! They make sure I don’t forget outfit pieces, as well. I pack my outfits together, so I can’t forget coordinating pieces.
As a small researcher myself who loves to hunt for new creative gear, I would just like to remind everyone here (case it was not already mentioned in the video, I did not go true all of it) that one thing to remember with compression packing cubes is that while they reduce the amount of space your clothing is taking up, they don't reduce the weight. 20 kg of clothing is still 20 kg of clothing, just squeezed into a smaller space. Great video by the way, like your clear way of explaining! :)
I’m a devout packing cube user. I’m a tour musician who has traveled everywhere, and endured 2 weeks of One Night-ers. Nothing compares to being able to toss the cubes into your suitcase, once you have decided what you can and cannot take. Previously, packing for a trip was a huge chore because it had to be done in two steps: First figuring out what you can and cannot take……. and then ACTUALLY getting it into the suitcase. With the cubes, once i have it in the cubes, the game of Tetris to get it in the suitcase is considerably shorter. And then, it keeps me organized when I’m in the hotel. If it’s in the packing cube, it’s clean…if it’s not in the packing cube, I’ve used it at least once……
I have been traveling overseas for over 50 years and have tried every packing method ever conceived. But ever since packing cubes came onto the scene, that’s all I use regardless of the type or length of trip. Best invention ever!
🫨You just made me realize that I have also been traveling overseas for 50 years! Does that mean I’m old? Or just experienced?
@@carolinacadabra8278 Oh, experienced, for sure! I refuse to say I’m old!
Me too! More like 60 years, well except for the last 40. I’m just well traveled!!
I like ziploc bags because I can pack an outfit in there (summer wear/skirt and shirt), sit on the bag to squish out all the air, and place the bags in my luggage. I can see what’s in each bag when I need to choose clothing for that day, too. The ziplock bag also prevents any spills of gels, lotions or liquids from getting on my clothing while packed too. 😊
When I used to go to tennis league sectionals I used ziplocks. One full outfit including underwear and socks in a bag. Dirty clothes back in the same bag and easy to throw an extra outfit in my racquet bag for the day.
Thank you for that wonderful idea! ❤
@@veronicav2478 you are so welcome!😊
Packing cubes were a game changer for me. I used to leave a trail of possessions wherever I went and now I pretty much arrive home with everything I took with me.
Useful: I have an older set from Ikea which basically allow me to use as compression bags because they are so well made. So on smaller trips like 7-10 days the cubes hold the clothing looser. But on a month or more away I can jam more in but still no creases due to folding. Love them!
Absolutely useful!! I was in the Navy and found that rolling packing was the best way to pack to prepare for deployments. But since then packing cubes have become a thing. Rolling and packing into cubes is the best way to pack. This is how I pack for all trips. It keeps me sane and helps my entire family stay organized. There is a method to the madness!!
I like to pack one day's worth of clothes in each cube. So each day I have to remove only one cube from my suitcase. Each cube contains a day outfit, undies, and PJs. And the dirty clothes can go back when I am finished wearing them. This way I do not get caught wearing black undies with a white outfit, or find myself short a bra or a belt. No need to use the drawers in a motel room. Some of my packing cubes hang from a rod or hook.
Compression packing cubes are ABSOLUTELY useful, and I always use them when I travel. I have those same Tripped cubes, and I love them!❤
I made a big mistake when I bought my packing cubes. There was a lot of colours and as I love dark blue, I chose that one. The problem is that most of my clothes are dark blue too, so I couldn't find anything! When the time comes to renew the set, I will NOT choose dark blue. (Same as I was super happy about my turquoise suitcase after a cruise when somebody had moved it from my baggage carousel. I could spot it 50 meters away, between all the black and (again) dark blue ones.)
I agree with your approach - use them as organizers. Personally I will use them for the smaller items- underwear/socks- and items I can stuff without worrying about wrinkles- workout clothes/bathing suits. The bigger shirts/pants/jackets work just as well folds loose. Remember that packing cubes do use up a bit of weight and space- so using the least number possible to keep things organized is optimal I think...
Useful. My daughter and I often share a suitcase, so it is extremely helpful for us to pack our things in different colored compression packing cubes to keep organized. My husband doesn’t want to use them because he is a last minute packer and wants to see everything that is in the suitcase as he is packing (and he often forgets at least one thing on each trip, while my daughter and I rarely ever forget anything).
Useful, but I like ziplock bags. Not because I’m cheap but because I can see what’s inside. And you can press the air out so they act as compression cubes.
I can’t fit a lot in ziploc. Do you have any suggestions? How many pieces can you fit?
@@rnguyen2516 I bought some 2 1/2 gallon size and put most of my clothes in one of those and then used a couple gallon sized bags for thinks like socks and underwear.
Exactly! Especially for make up
I put all my make up in 1-2 ziplock bags every day in my handbag
@@cs4849 ah, thank you so much! I like that they will keep clothes from getting wet if there is a downpour!
I love packing cubes. It keeps me organized. I’ve given packing cubes as gifts to my family members. And I use them to store out of season clothing at home too! They’re pretty handy.
I love them and plan on giving them as gifts also
Using at home for seasonal clothes is genius.
I really don't know how to pack without packing cubes anymore. When you are staying at dorms or other kind of shared space (so you can't exactly spread your things everywhere, because you should lock them when you leave the room), for me they are the only way to keep somehow organized without going insane. You can put your suitcase in your locker, and the cubes over and around it, and you won't need to open the bag everytime you need something.
I purchased a set of 10 packing cubes a few years ago. They are in several different colors and shapes. They are very light with handles and mesh see-through areas.
There are 4 of the long narrow cubes that fit in the spaces between the retractable suitcase handles. These are very useful for the large over-active bladder pads I use. I am able to fit 15 pads in each one. Makes it easy to count them to ensure I have enough with me. I use anywhere from 2 to 4 pads a day.
I've been using packing cubes & Ziploc bags for years. I only use a carry on. I hate the thought of TSA searching my bag & messing all my clothes up!
Before they invented cubes, when my children were little, I used a combination of the sorts of shaped and zippered bags that bed linens and such are sold in, and zip lock bags to organise everybody’s clothing into one suitcase. We were driving and only going to visit family. But the ‘drawers’ aspect made it much easier to find what we needed to dress ourselves and the children without pawing through piles and ending up with a confused mixed up mess by day 2.
My friend turned me onto packing cubes around five years ago, and I can never go back to packing without them. Like you said, they're more for organization rather than saving space, but it's life-changing just to have like items corralled in packing cubes. I especially love the "National Parks" packing cubes by Tripped, because it makes it that much easier to remember what you have in each cube.
Useful; and I definitely agree it’s more for organization but getting an extra few items of clothing is a nice bonus.
Recently travelled to Iceland and packed both by clothing type and daily outfits for travel days. I also had one cube designated for winter gear which came in handy when it was raining sideways and freezing. I knew exactly where my winter coat was to pull it out quickly to put on under my raincoat. I love Tetris-ing my cubes. This was my first trip with compression cubes, I liked them, especially to compress the needed winter gear, but my regular Eagle Creek ones are a bit easier to pack because they have a more rectangular shape.
Title is misleading. I have never thought they were for anything besides organizing.
Packing cubes really are great for tour trips for an obsessive list-maker like myself. I know what I'm wearing each day/leg of the trip so packing cubes makes organization really easy. But yeah if I'm going for 3 days to NYC I'm probably not going to bother with them.
I use packing cubes the exact same way. I love them and won't be without them!
yes!!
I'm obsessed with packing cubes! I agree you shouldn't use them to justify overpacking, but I do find I fit much more in with them. I like a compression cube on occasion but I actually like using regular cubes more like a compression cube. I roll like you did but use the zippers to compress and add more by packing it up, closing it, unzipping one side and pressing stuff down. Literally doubles what I had in the first place. With the compression cubes, you lose space in the actual suitcase because of the rounded sides. When you use a regular one the ways I descibed, there's less wasted space.
Totally agree with you Aly! These are the most useful organizational tool we have ever used for travel. We like to cruise. When we get into our cabin, we just pull our packing cube bags and out them on shelves. Hubby takes the high shelves, I take the low (I’m 5’1”, he is 6’). It’s easy to find my items without having to search everywhere whether it’s when they are in the bags or out in a hotel room/cabin. They do save space and for us, a lot of time. We never travel without them. Great video! ☺
I'm fairly new to using packing cubes and so far there are pros and cons, but I definitely appreciate that they keep me more organized. It's nice when switching to a new hotel to be able to put my dirty clothes in one cube and my clean clothes in another while en route.
Why haven't we ever thought to use the laundry bag for packing puffer jackets?! SO smart!!
I use zip-lock bags!! I lay on top of then and squeeze the air out and I'm good to go!!
Trying my Tripped next week in Canada. Sweatshirt works well in compression. Was able to buy 2 in a set (Amazon) to add to my first set of 4.
Very nice video... Love Tim & Finn , they showed me these Tripped packing cubes a while ago. They work nicely especially for multiple stops and international travel. A couple trips back we had 4 delays followed by 4 cancellations, and it was very helpful to have packed in a more organized fashion for all that EXTRA time at the Airport and then when plans changed, and we booked an entirely new trip it just made everything so much easier to have the extra organization... Now I am going to say that even when you are heading home, it can be very helpful to have everything organized because delays and cancellations can always happen even with the BEST laid plans! Bon Voyage!!
love this!!
When traveling I often share a carry on suitcase with my spouse and my two young children share a second carry on. I’ve bought sets with different colors and each family member has their own assigned color. It’s easy to open up the bag and find the right clothes for the right family member.
Useful, I love my packing cubes! But I also love organization so that's where cubes come in handy.
so true!
I always use packing cubes. I find they are easier to repack at the end of the trip, as well. Definitely, useful. ❤
☺
Totally USEFULL, especially the compression ones. I even use them in the house to store less used items.
Team useful. Even when only staying in one place, I still like them; they are useful in case your suitcase gets opens by TSA or just comes open accidentally. Many years ago, before 9/11, I remember a suitcase was going around the luggage carousel with the contents displayed for everyone and some of the contents themselves on the carousel. I remember praying that it wasn't mine. I'm sure others did too.
Love all of this advice!! Headed to France next month with only the Travelpro Maxlite 5 soft side and the Lovevook laptop backpack! I got some compression cubes and have feverishly watched all of the carryon packing videos I can find. Your videos are super well done!
Please don't stress about it. France is a first world country & you can buy anything there you may have forgotten - a different brand, perhaps, and in some cases, that's for the better.
In some places, it may be worth under-packing & simply planning to buy things there.... clothes, shoes, bags, etc.... depending on a country's manufacturing specialties (Italy, Spain for leather goods; France & Italy for clothes; Great Britain & Germany for sweaters; Belgium & France for lace; India & Africa for cotton goods & shawls; Asian countries for a lot of things). This doesn't include the foods: in France, shop the town square markets & for stalls, groceries & specialty stores. Stop in brasseries & sidewalk cafes.
Don't forget a power converter - you can buy a whole set if planning future travel to other countries or a single plug for a particular country if not. You'll be happy to have a couple of thin folding nylon grocery bags (use for food markets, beach bag, souvenirs) & they take up no space in your purse or backpack. I like to take a small folding nylon duffel bag in case my shopping exceeds my carry-on for the return trip & zipper connector so it doesn't unzip in the checked bags process - I don't mind checking an extra bag on the return if needed but I try to avoid it if possible. A few plastic grocery bags for wet items if it rains (umbrella - take one!) or I washed something that hasn't yet dried. I REALLY like the clear acrylic suitcase cover for dirt & bedbug protection on the flight, but I use a soft sided suitcase. All are available on Amazon. Also, pack a few each of quart, gallon & 2.5 gallon ziplocs that take up no space in the mesh pouch inside my suitcase, but I like to have for random reasons that pop up - have always been glad to have some.
Most of all, relax & just have a great time. Go with the flow & expect to unexpectedly need to pivot from planned things from time to time! Be safe. Bon vacances! 🛫🇫🇷🥐☕️
Also very important! Pack anything liquid (contact lens solution, shampoo & conditioner, lotions, etc) in ziploc bags even if you have a toiletries bag. The cabin pressure can suck all the air out during flight & you'll have a mess when you arrive. I even put each one in its own little snack bag size for compact-ness & so even those things don't get messy as if all are in the same bag & I can shuffle around in the toiletries bag. It's happened to me more often than one would think, so now it's automatic for me.👍
I love using packing cubes, even just for a week-end getaway. 😊
We are a family of four and the cubes are like drawers which are color coded (one colour for each family member). We use up to three per person and I can fit all our Summer clothes and shoes in a single (big) suitcase for a 3 weeks trip. I don’t use the storage provided with our rented location to avoid bed bugs, so having our clothes organized like is very efficient.
Thank you for this video!
Team useful! They keep me organized. When my case was pulled out in Frankfurt for extra search they rooted around in there like a toddler in a toy box. It would have been a mess if I hadn’t used packing cubes.
I love the variety of ideas! Thank you for sharing all the options!
Quick question/thought 🤔 about bed bugs… wouldn’t you get them by sleeping in the bed? 😫
We found the Tripped Travel cubes before our Iceland/Ireland cruise last summer. We packed our clothes for the days before the cruise in one set of cubes and the clothes for the cruise in the rest. We also like the idea of dirty clothes in their own cube. And Tripped's day pack is another great bag that compresses down to nothing but has plenty of space when you need it.
I have traveled to 9 countries, mostly for 8 to 14 days at a time, I use the smallest oblong cubes and I pack one days clothes in each. Undies, pants, top etc. All I need for 1 day is in one cube. I have numbered the cubes for each day. I wash clothes about every 7 days. They all go in my Samsonite under the seat bag. Always pack shoes 1 each in a plastic bag. You can place these on the sides. I place toiletries/cosmetics in contact lense containers. They lay very flat. My bag has a waterbottle pocket on the side and zippered pocket on the other. First Aid, sewing Kit goes on that side. I wear a Scott-E vest in winter or an Ex-Officio vest in summer. These have 12 pockets, passport, ID in RFID holder, phone and any other (on the plane stuff) goes in these pockets. Simplicity is the answer! Any where in the world you travel you can buy stuff if you need it. We actually need a lot less than we think.
Very useful. I bought a set for everyone in the family.
We cruise a lot and storage space is at a premium. I find they are so handy for both my husband and myself. We each have our own colour and I just take them from the suitcase to the shelf or drawers.
You use them like I use them. I use them like drawers and we always stay organized. Plus we do not lose items if the suitcase comes open or breaks. My husband has his set and I have mine. So easy. Occasionally I tuck in something between clothing that I do not want stolen or easily taken. Internationally I have had items pilfered so this makes it harder to access these items easily. Of course, all real valuables are in my carry on but it frustrating to find a gift for someone “missing”. Best to be over prepared. Love my packing cubes.
I used a similar system when I went camping. I had the most organized tent in the entire festival. I also had a series of mini cases for toiletries, jewellery, meds, food, etc. and basically made a cute little bedroom inside of the tent. Especially useful when you come back to it at night. It's dark, you want to do an evening routine and can't start rummaging a ginormous backpack to find your facial cleanser.
We use packing cubes and love them. When pressed for space ( pun intended) we use compression cubes. Honestly, I just have to watch the weight limit of a suitcase when I have extra room to overpack those “ just in case” items. If we are car traveling and have unlimited space, regular cubes are fine. We used them extensively when we traveled out west and had everything from hot weather clothes, rain gear, cold weather clothes, winter coats and gloves, all used in one trip. Easy to pack in an organized fashion and I can’t imagine having done that trip without cubes.
Call me cheap!😂 But, I use the giant ziplocks (bigger than gallon)to organize my bag by day!
hey that works!
I love my compression packing cubes. They were amazing on my vacation to Negril using just my carry-on 😊
I definitely use packing cubes, but I also use the Eagle Creek Garment folder. The Garment Folder is perfect for folded slacks and shirts, plus it has a compression feature. Items are less likely to wrinkle, and they are a perfect fit on one side of my 26-inch checked bag.
I love my packing cubes! I spent 3 1/2 months in Mexico a few years ago with only a carry-on and everything in cubes. But I have found another use for them. When I just spend a few days in the city and I travel by train, I pack my stuff in cubes and use a shopping cart. Then I use the cart for shopping in the city. The advantage of the shopping cart over a suitcase of course is the size of the wheels.
USEFUL !!!
Have been using cubes for decades ! First ones I bought were/are from LLBean in the early 90s. Still have them. Now I use compression ones! Like them better as they keep things more tight. Like a person said: careful with the weight. No matter cube or no cube, the weight is the same !
Happy travels !
I’m a packing cube fan - even if only unpacking once it organises stuff and my husband and I have different colours. I also like the flat felt trays which then pop together at the corners (valet trays?), they lay flat in your suitcase but are useful for keeping small items tidy on counter tops or in the bathroom when popped together at your destination.
I use ziplock bags but am considering buying packing cubes. Nice presentation and useful for me.
I use both ziplock bags and compression cubes depending on the situation. Right now I’m on a trip and using an under seat duffel bag. I pack in ziplock for that because the bag is under the seat. That way if something spills, it won’t get my clothing wet. If my bag is going in the overhead, then I use compression cubes.
I watched your video on how to pack your carryon. This recent trip to Mexico was my first time using the packing cubes as you recommended. I loved it. I was able to squeeze in more than I usually pack, but I loved the organization of it as you mentioned in this video. I labelled my bags with name tag stickers and so I knew exactly where my swimsuit stuff was and my shirts, pants and pyjama’s etc. I’d use them again. I did buy two sets which were two different colours to help me better distinguish which bag I was looking for. 👍🏾
Just bought cubes. Love the idea for helping organization! Your video came in perfect timing as I'll be using them for my trip in Oct for the first time.
happy packing!!
USEFUL!!! Love packing cubes. I prioritize organization over space. I ALWAYS use them.
Packing cubes are a great solution for travel, even if you don't use a regular suitcase.
I also use to travel with my bicycle and the cubes fit perfectly on the sadles 😊
I used them for cruising, one cube for when I have to drive a long way to go to the airport and stay for the night (winter clothing) one for the flight, arriving at destination and one for the embarkation day. So I don’t need to dive in my cruise suitcase
I love packing cubes, because they help me stay organized as we travel from place to place every 4-5 days during a holiday. However, they can get bulky if you aren’t strategic.
I’m a private chef and I have to travel twice a month for work. I use the “cubes” for organizing my cloths. They have been extremely important
I like them for organization, it helps prevent you from loosing items. I sort by tops, bottoms and undergarments, taking out only what I’m going to wear for the day. I like different styles, colors so I know which each holds. There are so many uses for them
I like the Tripped bags as well. When I return home, I pack anything breakable inside the cubes surrounded by clothes. It’s a great hack to protect your valuables. I’ve never had anything break inside a packing cube yet.
Thanks for the video! I actually use zip loc bags to sort my clothes by type - easy to see exactly what's in them and they keep everything protected if bags are loaded in the rain or wheeled through puddles. Bedbugs definitely hide in wood, wicker, bedding, or any natural material they can find near where people sleep, so best to keep clothing as separate as possible.
Thanks for this informative tip!! It has been annoying not having it more organized within the bag! This makes perfect sense! Great job, Aly!
I love my cubes for just what you mentioned, keeping like items together for organized access.
I use Tripped compression cubes all the time. I take a small one in which I put PJ, underware and an outfit that I will wear the day after. I carry this little one in my travel bag just in case my suitcase gets lost.
Absolutely never thought of using a soft cube as a pillow-clever! I'm also embarrassed to say I never thought about washing the cubes, even though I wash everything else-purses, backpacks, etc. Thanks for the tips (and the permission to decide trip-by-trip whether to use cubes or not)
Your 3 tops, bottoms, layers has been inspirational. Still figuring out a 26 day trip on cruise & land 2 temperature zones. I may use the 3x3 for evening wear too. I tend to use magic bags to squeeze out air, but have not heard you discuss them. Thoughts?
Compression cubes are a must! So in a 22” suit case I got a quilt 80”x80”, all my clothes, and extra pair of shoes, a packable mirror plus a few other items. They are definitely a game changer. By the way my luggage was still under the carry on limit.
Super useful. I find it WAY easier to have a packing system using cubes. Just makes repacking way more helpful. Also still quite helpful if your in a van too. Clothing storage in a lot of vans is kinda crap. Worst case you can stack a bunch of cubes up in the cupboard and its way easier to grab out the one you know has your jeans in it compared to if you just stacked up all your clothes.
I'm very definitely an advocate for packing cubes. I use several of them as a means of organizing what I bring. One of them contains underwear, handkerchieves, socks, and shorts for wearing in my hotel/Airbnb room. One of them has toiletries and other personal care items.
Watching your videos convinced me to buy a set of compression cubes AND the square backpack where that was all you took. Excited to take only those two items on my next international trip! Thank you!
The thing that you have to watch out for with cubes if you have a large suitcase is that it’s very easy to compress your clothes so much that you feel like you can take a bunch of other stuff with you… and end up with an overweight suitcase. And then have to figure out how to make sure your heavier items aren’t rolling around when half of your suitcase is almost empty.
Small suitcase they’re great but honestly I feel like they’re more useful for closet organization. I use them to pack up seasonal clothes or clothes that don’t fit and then put the cubes into larger plastic bins. So it’s not overwhelming to go through stored stuff since everything is organized by genre (so if I need a scarf I do t need to dig through a giant bin of winter stuff)
I have used them for years and years. if they compress a bit even better. I have not found a perfect set yet. When I had tom bihn tristar I had bought the cubes that fit and that was perfect. I now have monos and use their but not entirely convinced on them accept the way they fit in the back is perfect as they are designed for the bag. The monos ones are compression but you can not pack a lot and then compress. So on the fence..... but yes to answer your question even on a one destination trip I use them.
Definitely useful! Game changer for me. I feel so organized now!
Very helpful actually, helped me finally make a decision to get some. Have been contemplating for ages. Thank you.
I stayed in an Airbnb (with hundreds of 5-star reviews, average 4.9) in Chicago last month, and there were bed bugs crawling on the WALLS. They were everywhere; we could see them with our naked eyes when we looked closely at the bedding. Luckily, my daughter had kept her suitcases in a separate room, and they were hard-cased and stayed closed 99% of the time, even before we noticed the bugs. I, on the other hand, had to go through a whole decontamination process when I got home. Bed bugs are no joke. Stay safe and vigilant out there, folks.
I only travel once a year and have never used packing cubes, but I’m getting them for organization purposes…also buying a set for my two sons and my husband 😅
I always use packing cubes because they keep me organized. Love the compression ones!
I’m team packing cube for organization. I tend to pack outfit/day per cube. Then I always have a small cube in my carryon that has an outfit that would get me through if my luggage didn’t make it.
Exactly how I use my cubes. I LOVE them. Keeps things from becoming a mess.
I go to Disney a lot and use packing cubes. I usually pack two days of complete outfits per cube and tape a small piece of paper on the cube with the days written on it. I pack them in order of use; ie, so the most accessible cube has day 1 & 2. When I open the cube, day 1 is on top and day 2 on the bottom. They go back in the way they came out so repacking for the trip home is organized and my suitcase doesn’t magically become more bulky.
Side note: I also write which park(s) I’m going to and the expected weather on the little piece of paper.
New to travel cubes. Just purchased one and started watching videos. Will try out on trips this winter
Aly, I think they help with anxiety, organization and ease of use. Love the video, thanks again!
Thanks and we’re multi-year users of packing cubes. And yes it’s mainly the organization. I purchased Peak Design a year or so back but am not content with them. I really like my old eBags’ cubes especially the mesh top so one can see what’s in them.
Thanks for the insight! I bought packing cubes from one of your other videos and used them on our annual trip to Mexico and did not find them usefull. I like your suggestions so will try again. We have few trips comming up this year so hopefully they will keep me organized and not over pack 😀
I found for my small bag (26l) packing cubes are of limited use. If I need to get the maximum amount in the bag at least the cube I’ve tryed don’t maximise the space (that may be just cos of my current cubes). However being able to have some internal organizing can be amazing, on my current trip I’ve got a small cube for just in case clothes and one for thing I will be leaving with family I visit before leaving.
I vote for Useful. I have a selection of regular and compression cubes that I can choose from. keep up the good work.
I love this idea actually!
Useful. We use them in our teardrop trailer. We toss them on the bed where they can double as extra pillows, and they are pretty -mine are purple and blue. Thanks for the small cube suggestions 😊
I've used packing cubes for my last trip with my two boys in only one suitcase, which was very convenient. I used two each for the boys and three for me. So, I didn't have to dig through a whole pile of clothes to find some socks, for example. And I still felt like it saved me some space as well. 😊👍💖
Useful for budgeting and assembly of clothes before travel. I.e. one cube, into which clean items are put as they come out of the wash & ironing process so they don't get used at the wrong time prior to final pack. Assumption here that you have enough clothes to cover a) the climate and activity where you are prior to final pack and b) the destination. When the cube is full, that's the budget. Any more requires swapping things out. As you point out for segregation, a) of first one or two nights for getting to the destination, then b) first destination etc. also segregation of layers or climates or activities. On the other hand, cubes, stuff sacks, dry bags add bulk and mass and cubes tend to introduce dead space whereas a stuff sack allows for more deformation to fit into irregular spaces. Ideally leave 20-30% of the bag empty to allow for expansion of clothes from clean ironed volume to worn a few times and badly folded volume. As well as presents. I prefer to pick a luggage item suited for the type of travel, and select down to the luggage involving a last minute panic repack throwing out the least necessary items from the two or three options put to one side in the prepack phases as the weather forecast starts to firm up for the period of the trip. All part of the fun. I knew someone who packed eff all, bought a couple of tee shirts, some underwear and shorts on arrival then left them behind as the convenience of nothing much to carry was worth the inconvenience, cost and appearance of hastily sourced inferior clobber. No cubes employed in that technique.
Useful! Convenient for packing and easy at destination. I have been using for nearly 12 years.
I use packing cubes mostly because of having to open a bag in the airport security area. Used them on a trip where I stayed in 6 different hotels in Iceland, super handy. Definitely recommended. But I also have a compression section on my new Away luggage, so compression cubes are not always as helpful on that side of the luggage (handle side).
Packing cubes are great. They keep me organized. The compression ones are great for things that are fluffy like a sweater since you can get a lot of the air out. Fluffy things like sweaters don't tend to stay well contained on their own.
I have traveled with a vacuum bag. You use it like a Packing cube and then roll the air out. Great for sweaters. When it is vacuum sealed it is stiff as a board which in soft side bags can be a bit annoying.
I used those in my backpacking days, life savers!
My cubes are a space saver and completely changed how I pack. I wanted to repack all of your cubes when I saw them. lol. The trick is to play Tetris with the packing cube and stuff it to capacity as long as the main zipper closes. I don’t compress because it leaves the perfect rectangle instead of a weird shape of pressed down edges. I use a suit case so I need squared edges. A backpack would probably benefit the compressed version though.
While I use cubes when I travel, sometimes I throw in an extra cube just for dirty clothes. Sure helps when I get home. I use cheap, thin shower caps for my shoes. If I need a shower cap I just turn it inside out. I have a variety of cubes from compression to the regular cube. I o have an assortment or sizes. I found on a cruise how valuable they were when I hung them by their handle in the closet and was able to remove the item I needed.
My son's going to Paris for college in October (lucky dog!). Just bought him a set. We've used ZipLocs quite successfully and cheaply but for ongoing travel I think the cubes will have better longevity. TBD!