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The 7 best packing cubes of 2024, chosen by travel experts.

Packing cubes are the ultimate travel accessory.

The Best Packing Cubes for Travel

Courtesy of Eagle Creek

Even the most seasoned travelers can struggle to  pack efficiently , which is why packing cubes – organizational containers for your luggage – are so popular. You don't have to spend a lot of money for a quality set, either; in fact, some of the best packing cube sets are available for less than $20.

Read on to discover our packing cube picks in a variety of categories, based on travel expert recommendations and consumer reviews.

• Best Overall: Veken Packing Cubes on Amazon
• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓
• Best Compression: Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set on Amazon
• Best for Backpacking: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Set on Amazon
• Best Formalwear: Eagle Creek Pack-It Starter Set on Amazon
• Best for Kids: EzPacking Clear Packing Cubes on Amazon
• Best Size Options: Tripped Travel Gear Compression Packing Cubes on Amazon
• Best for Style: Lug Compression Packing Cubes on QVC

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and supply chain issues.)

Best Overall: Veken Packing Cubes

Not only do the Veken Packing Cubes have 13,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, but they're also super affordable (and often discounted), making them a traveler favorite. "I never thought I needed packing cubes until I tried out the Veken set and realized how much easier packing (and unpacking!) could be," says Catriona Kendall , associate editor of Travel at U.S. News. "I usually have trouble staying organized, but I've taken these cubes everywhere from weekends away to a campervan vacation in New Zealand, and with all the different pieces in the set I'm finally able to keep my belongings in order."

The eight-piece set includes four mesh packing cubes plus four bags designated for dirty laundry, a pair of shoes, toiletries and miscellaneous small items. The Veken Packing Cubes are available in a dozen different colors.

Price: $23.99 or less

Best Compression: Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

"I swear by the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set," says Christine Sarkis, editor in chief at FamilyVacationist. "They're lightweight, you can see into them without needing to unzip them, and the fabric texture isn't slippery so as you're wedging carefully rolled items of clothing into them, they don't pop out." Made from recycled materials, these durable, water-resistant packing cubes are also backed by Eagle Creek's lifetime warranty. "I'm going on 20 years with mine!" says travel expert Candice Criscione of Mom in Italy. The Pack-It Reveal Cube Set includes three packing cubes in different sizes.

Price: $40 or less

Best for Backpacking: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Set

The Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Set from Eagle Creek comes highly recommended by frequent travelers, particularly for backpacking trips. Available in a set of two or three, these packing cubes are lightweight yet durable, with self-repairing zippers (standard on all Eagle Creek packing cubes) designed to withstand overpacking. The Isolate packing cubes are also machine-washable – a rarity for packing cubes.

Caroline Teel, managing editor at SmarterTravel, uses packing cubes specifically for adventure travel and appreciates that these compression bags are pre-treated with an anti-microbial agent that prevents odors. "Having used them on an eight-day hiking trip on Mount Kilimanjaro, I can confirm they work in that department!" she says. She adds that while she's tested a variety of packing cubes, she always comes back to Eagle Creek.

Price: $44.95 or less

Best for Formalwear: Eagle Creek Pack-It Starter Set

Slightly different from the Pack-It Reveal and Pack-It Isolate, the Pack-It Starter Set includes a large mesh folder with folder board for minimizing wrinkled garments – a good alternative to a traditional garment bag . The folder can hold up to 12 dress shirts, dresses, and the like, making this set an ideal choice for business travel or cruise vacations with formal nights. The other two cubes (small and medium-sized) are ideal for casual clothing, undergarments and accessories. These packing cubes are also treated with an anti-microbial agent to block odor-causing bacteria and – sans the folding board – they are water-resistant and machine washable.

Price: $54.95 or less

Best for Kids: EzPacking Clear Packing Cubes

Courtesy of EzPacking

"My kids prefer these clear packing cubes," says Sarkis. "They're a little deeper and more rigid, and you can see everything in them, which helps kids pack for themselves and stay organized on the road." Even if you travel with little ones , you may find these clear packing cubes useful for organizing baby gear and locating essentials on the go. The EzPacking Clear Packing Cubes come in a set of four and are available in a variety of colors.

Price: $56.99 or less

Best Size Options: Tripped Travel Gear Compression Cubes

Courtesy of Tripped Travel Gear

Many travelers like the compression cubes offered by Tripped Travel Gear, a small business owned by a globetrotting couple (and their adorable dog). Their innovative luggage line includes a two-, six- and seven-piece set of packing cubes; the seven-piece set is especially noteworthy for its variety of cubes, which includes a shoe bag, laundry bag and a tube-shaped cube that's useful for storing electronics such as hair irons.

These packing cubes also feature an external pocket. "You can use this pocket to store clothing as you use it, to keep the clean and dirty clothes separate," says Andrew Uyal of the travel blog Flights and Footsteps. The packing cubes are available in solid colors as well as national park and other travel-themed prints.

Best for Style: Lug Compression Packing Cubes

Courtesy of Lug

Luggage expert and senior editor of Travel at U.S. News, Rachael Hood , loves the fun colors and patterns – which include tartan plaid, polka dots and florals – on these packing cubes by Lug. The lightweight cubes can store a lot before compressing down to just one inch in thickness, and they each feature a carrying handle. "They make packing so easy," says Hood. "I can fit six to eight tops in the larger one and the smaller cube is ideal for socks and other accessories." She adds that these packing cubes make the perfect travel gift .

Price: $38 or less

How to Use Packing Cubes

• Pack a color-coded set for each person in your group: " We have different color packing cubes for each member of the family so when we open the suitcase, it's easy for everyone to grab their own color and get organized in the hotel room or wherever," says travel writer Terry Ward, who is frequently on the go with her family. She also notes that her family is able to save on luggage fees by using packing cubes in a single checked suitcase .
• Consider buying more than one set: Packing cubes are also useful for organizing toiletries, shoes , travel adapters and cords, and other miscellaneous items.
• Categorize each packing cube: Pack each cube by activity or clothing type, such as activewear, swimwear and underwear.
• Pack with the mesh side facing up: If you buy mesh packing cubes, this packing tip will help you easily identify the contents of each packing cube (which can be especially useful in the event you need to quickly locate items while at the airport).
• Roll your clothing: Many travelers swear by rolling their clothing instead of folding it in their luggage, noting this tactic saves space and minimizes wrinkles. Use the same method when placing items into your packing cubes.
• Use them for dirty laundry: If your packing cubes don't have pockets for dirty laundry like the Tripped Travel Gear bags do, you can still use them to contain dirty laundry; just avoid using mesh cubes if you're concerned about the smell of soiled clothing pervading your bag.
• Take them with you on errands: Packing cubes are useful for everyday outings, too. "I use a smaller packing cube to keep diapers, wipes and a changing pad handy in my backpack when we're out exploring," says Criscione.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most travelers and travel experts agree packing cubes are worth buying – especially considering there are so many affordable, quality options on the market. Because they're designed to save space, they can help you avoid unnecessary luggage fees. Plus, they can be used universally in everything from your luggage set to your weekender bag and even a backpack .

Yes, packing cubes save space by organizing clothing and accessories into individual compartments that neatly fit inside luggage. To maximize space in your luggage, choose compression packing cubes, which eliminate extra air and zip nearly flat.

Compression packing cubes zip nearly flat once packed, while traditional packing cubes maintain their shape and fit neatly into your luggage like pieces in a puzzle. While the decision between packing cubes and compression bags is ultimately a matter of personal preference, most travel experts agree compression packing cubes are best.

Rolling your clothing will help to maximize space and prevent wrinkles, regardless of whether or not you use packing cubes.

Packing cubes are reusable (and in many cases, washable), making them a more economical and sustainable alternative to Ziploc bags.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross strangely enjoys decluttering, a hidden "talent" that's especially useful when traveling. She owns the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set and recommends it to everyone she knows.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Toiletry Bags
• The Best Neck Pillows for Travel
• The Most Useful Travel Accessories
• The Best Compression Socks for Travel

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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The 7 Best Packing Squares to Organize and Optimize Your Suitcase

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Ahh, the packing process. It’s filled with so much anticipation yet so much dread; the build up to a long-haul vacation or a short weekend trip is exciting, but it’s always a struggle to pack everything you need into a reasonably sized suitcase . And doing it efficiently is an art form that savvy frequent fliers have mastered with the help of packing cubes. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your organization game or just trying to figure out how to fit as much stuff into your suitcase as possible, read on for your guide to the best packing cubes to buy now and how to make the most of them, according to experts.

[data-uri="www.thecut.com/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvgke8bi000q3b7b9nydjnsq@published"]{font-family:'Chap',Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2.5px;text-transform:uppercase;line-height:18px} SO what do you need to know about packing cubes?

➼  FAQs ➼  Our Top Picks ➼  More Tried-and-True Options

. Our Top Picks:

The one-cube wonder.

Colors: Black | Materials: Nylon | Dimensions: 9.8” X 14.0” X 4.5” | Weight: 0.4 pounds

Victor Sanz, the creative director at Tumi, calls this dual-component packing cube a “life-changing packing tool.” It features two sections, great for separating delicate items from everyday things, and a mesh top covering that allows you see what’s inside. “As a frequent flier myself, I‘ve found this to be a life-changing addition to my travel routine,” Sanz says. “I love how it has separate compartments so I can organize outfits, as well as a mesh top so I can easily see what’s in the cube.”

The Best for Overpackers

Colors: 5 | Materials: Nylon | Dimensions (per each cube): Large: 13” × 9.8” × 4.5” Medium: 13” × 7.1” × 4.5” Square Small: 10.2” × 8.3” × 4.5” , Smallest: 9.8” × 4.3” × 4.5”

If you’re an overpacker like myself, add these dynamic compression cubes to your cart. Not only are they great for organization, they’re also specifically designed to give you more suitcase space. Made of tear-resistant nylon twill, the compression-cube zippers allow you to save space and compress height by up to 60 percent, making more room in your suitcase for extra items.

The Fan Favorite

Colors: 13 | Materials: Nylon | Dimensions: Small Wide: 10” x 4.1” x 8.25”, Medium Slim: 10” x 4.1” x 4.3”, Medium Wide: 13” x 4.1” x 10”, Large Slim: 13” x 4.1” x 6.9” |  Weight: 0.5 pounds

If you’re on the hunt for classic, dependable, and durable packing cubes, look no further than Away’s best-selling cubes that work to compress and organize. “Away’s signature packing cubes are the Insider Packing Cubes , which come in a set of four or six, depending on how much you plan to pack. They’re made with water-resistant nylon and fit seamlessly into any Away suitcase, offering extra protection for your belongings while allowing you to quickly find what you need with ease,” says Luigi Auricchio, the company’s VP of design. Away also has the Protective Packing Cube , specially made with padded dividers to keep delicate or valuable items extra safe during travel.

More Tried-and-True Options:

The under-$25 option.

Colors: 6 | Materials: Polyester | Dimensions (per cube): 17.5’’ x 12.75’’ x 3.25’’, 13.75’’ x 9.75’’ x 3’’, 11’’ x 6.75’’ x 3’’, 14’’ x 5’’ x 2.8’’ | Weight: 1.2 pounds

If you’re looking for an option that won’t break the bank and still gets the job done, try these Amazon Basics packing cubes. Similar to other packing-cube sets, this set of four comes with different-size cubes (small, medium, large, and slim), all of which feature a mesh-top panel covering and a convenient handle. And with close to 40,000 reviews, they’re a favorite among most Amazon shoppers and travelers for their price, flexibility, and ultralightweight design.

The Six-Piece Set

Colors: 5 | Materials: Polyester | Dimensions (per cube): Large: L 13” x W 16” x H 1 - 4.7” Small: L 6’’ x W 10” x H 4.7” Smaller: L 8” x W 10” x H 4.7” | Weight: 1.2 pounds

These chic, colorful, and interchangeable compression cubes are the ideal packing accessory for the traveler who loves label organizers as much as Monica Geller does in Friends . (True fans recall the character’s love of label-makers). In addition to two XL packing cubes and four small ones designed to compress and maximize luggage space, this set also comes with paper labels you can slip into the clear exterior of each cube. “These are the perfect organizational tool for every kind of trip,” says Elizabeth Money, senior VP of brand and creative at Béis. “With compression technology, you can pack more into any bag. And thanks to the label windows, you can easily tell what is where, which keeps you organized on the go.”

The Monogrammable Option

Colors: 7 | Materials: Negative Nylon® | Dimensions: Large: 18” x 3.75” x 12”, Medium: 12.75” x 3.75” x 10”, Small: (x2) 8.2” x. 3.75” x 6.25” |  Weight: 0.56 pounds

You may already be familiar with Paravel’s sustainable suitcases , but its packing cubes, also made of ethically sourced materials, are a favorite among frequent fliers like Champalimaud design principal Courtney Brannan. “I love the coordinating packing cubes, which help me to stay organized and prepared for multiple destinations where the weather may not be the same,” Brannan told the Cut earlier this year. Made of lightweight, water-resistant nylon, this packing-cube set fits everything from undergarments and pants to larger items like light jackets and towels. It also features a transparent window so you can see what’s inside. Paravel is known for custom monogramming on its luggage and packing cubes for those who love a little personalization.

The One That’s the Most Fun

Colors: 19 | Materials: Polyester | Dimensions: Envelope: 13” x 10” x 1.5” Small: 12” x 8.8” x 3” Medium: 15” x 11” x 3” Large: 17” x 12” x 3” |  Weight: 1.8 pounds

Add a little pizzazz to your packing with these colorful and brightly patterned packing cubes from Calpak. This set features four cubes, ranging in different sizes, and includes one water-resistant envelope pouch — a great addition for those items that need extra protection. Like the Béis set above, these durable cubes also come with paper organization labels.

What’s the difference between packing cubes and compression cubes?

At the end of the day, both packing and compression cubes help organize your suitcase. But the biggest difference is that “packing cubes are great for organization and keeping items separate, while compression cubes are ideal for maximizing space and reducing bulkiness,” says Sanz. “Compression cubes are designed to release air, therefore ‘compressing’ your items down into a smaller form. Those are for the traveler who really needs to make the most out of their space. Packing cubes help keep your trip very organized by allowing the user to compartmentalize they’re packing as they see fit, whether that’s for certain types of clothes or even specific occasions.”

How should I decide which style cube to use?

“When deciding between packing cubes and compression cubes, consider your packing style and the types of items you plan to bring,” says Auricchio. If you’re a Virgo who likes neatly folded clothes and preplanned outfits, try packing cubes. If you’re a serial overpacker who has a ten-step skin-care routine (hi, same!), try compression cubes.

“Away offers options for packing cubes and compression cubes,” Auricchio adds. “ Insider Packing Cubes come in a set of four or six to organize your entire suitcase, while the Outdoor Organizational Cubes come in a range of sizes and offer a compression zipper to pack more in. Both options are extremely lightweight.”

How do I make the most out of my packing cubes?

“Packing cubes are a great tool to stay organized throughout your journey, but they’re most effective when used thoughtfully — you don’t want to just throw a bunch of items in the cubes without thinking of what you’ll be wearing,” Sanz says. “Taking time before you start packing to plan your outfits will make a big difference in staying neat on the trip.” Auricchio encourages travelers to use different-size cubes to “maximize space.” He also notes that the cubes can be used strategically to group similar items together so it’s easier to pinpoint where certain items are during your trip and unpack when you get home. “I often do not unpack my cubes during travel; they become my mobile drawers so everything stays organized during travel, which makes packing and unpacking super-easy,” he says.

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Editor’s Picks

Advertisement

The Best Packing Cubes

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

In your travels, as in life overall, a bit of organization up front can save you time and reduce frustration down the road.

Enter the packing cube: a simple bag, usually made of fabric and mesh, that tidily zips away your clutter.

After considering and testing 27 packing cubes over the last five years, we’ve chosen four to suit different kinds of travelers: a set of packing cubes for most people , a lightweight set for ultralight packers , a set of compression cubes for heavy packers , and a cube made of upcycled materials for waste-conscious travelers .

The research

Why you should trust us, best for most: eagle creek pack-it reveal cube set, for those who travel light: eagle creek pack-it isolate cube set, for overpackers: rei co-op expandable packing cube set, best upcycled option: cotopaxi cubos 10l travel cube, other good packing cubes, how we picked and tested, should you get packing cubes to match your luggage, the competition, what to look forward to.

Kit Dillon has covered luggage and travel gear for Wirecutter for more than six years. In that time, he’s crisscrossed the country and three continents, and has held, tested, and compared hundreds of different bags. Since he first traveled with packing cubes many years ago, he’s become obsessed with them, and they are the only packing essential he absolutely recommends to anyone who asks.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, this three-cube set keeps your bag organized while you’re traveling.

Buying Options

Get this if: You need a set of basic packing cubes that do the job without getting in the way.

Why it’s great: The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set doesn’t have any frills, but overall, every aspect of this set feels a bit nicer compared with the competition. This three-piece set is an updated design of Eagle Creek’s original Pack-It cube, which we’ve recommended for more than five years. The changes are largely cosmetic—the original Pack-It and the Reveal share the same materials and overall design, except the Reveal has a larger mesh window—and the cubes continue to be a durable choice for keeping up to a week’s worth of clothing organized and easy to move from suitcase to hotel dresser .

The Reveal cubes are made of 300-denier polyester. (“Denier” refers to the thickness of a fabric’s thread. The higher the denier number, the stronger the fabric; “300 denier” indicates a sturdy fabric made to resist tears.) They stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. Their windows use the tightest mesh link of any cubes we tested—better for resisting snags—yet it’s easy to see what’s inside the cube without opening it. However, mesh lets in dust and dirt over time. (If that’s a worry for you , Eagle Creek’s Isolate cubes may be a better option.) The zippers slide smoothly around corners, even when a cube is overstuffed. We also like the cubes’ clamshell design, which opens fully on three sides and lets you easily access everything inside without having to unpack the entire thing.

We find the three-cube set particularly useful when separating clothes, too. The largest cube (labeled “medium”) is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube (“small”) and quarter-cube (“extra small”) are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics, such as stockings or sleepwear.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: We haven’t had any issues with the original version of these cubes after several years of use. Wirecutter editor Tracy Vence reported, “I’ve used the Eagle Creek packing cubes at least once a month for the last seven years. They’ve held up beautifully—no issues with the zippers, netting, etc. Really, they’re just great.” That said, Eagle Creek updated the design slightly, which means we can’t rely on our past testing as strongly as before. So far, though, the Pack-It Reveal cubes show no obvious flaws, and nothing in the redesign makes us think the quality has decreased .

Dimensions: 4½ by 7½ by 2½ inches (extra small), 7¼ by 10 by 3¼ inches (small) , 1 0 by 14¼ by 3¼ inches (medium) Capacity: 1.7 liters (extra small), 7 liters (small), 14.5 liters (medium) Weight: 1.4 ounces (extra small), 2.1 ounces (small) , 3.2 ounces (medium)

Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set

Lighter, if you need it.

These cubes, sold in a set of three, have the same shape as the Pack-It Reveal cubes, but they are water resistant (to guard against spills) and weigh half as much, thanks to their lighter material. They do cost more.

Get this if: You need a set of lightweight packing cubes with a slight bit of water resistance.

Why it’s great: The Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set — an updated and renamed version of the company’s original Specter Tech design—is a good, ultralight set of three packing cubes that weigh half as much as our other picks. Based on our testing so far, these cubes are nearly identical to their predecessor. If you want the organizational benefits of packing cubes but also want to add the least amount of weight to your suitcase , the Isolate set is a great choice.

The largest Pack-It Isolate cube weighs 1.3 ounces; the same-size Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal cube weighs just over 3 ounces. The Pack-It Isolate’s fabric—a semitranslucent, 50-denier ripstop polyester— looks fragile, but it’s held up well over time in its previous Specter Tech incarnation. The material is both tear and water resistant, and we’ve used the older version of these cubes, the Specter Techs, for four years now with no issues. Like the Reveal, the Isolate bags zip open on three sides and hinge along the fourth.

Also like the Reveal set, these cubes come as a set of three, labeled medium, small, and extra small. Whereas our other picks take up about the same packing volume as a balled-up pair of boxers, these bunch down to the size of a single ankle sock. There’s no mesh, but the fabric is translucent enough for you to see what’s inside.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The biggest flaw of any lightweight packing cube, including the Pack-It Isolate, is that the thin sides can’t stand up on their own. If you prefer sturdier cubes that hold their shape as you pack, you're probably going to dislike any lightweight cube. This set is also more expensive than the Reveal set, so you have to really want the weight savings to justify the extra cost .

Dimensions: 4½ by 7½ by 2½ inches (extra small), 7¼ by 10 by 3¼ inches (small) , 1 0 by 14¼ by 3¼ inches (medium) Capacity: 2 liters (extra small), 7 liters (small), 13 liters (medium) Weight: 0.6 ounces (extra small), 1 ounce (small) , 1.3 ounces (medium)

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Compressible bags to save space.

These three cubes hold the most of any set we tested in the smallest amount of space. The compression zippers can be tricky to operate, though.

Get this if: You tend to overpack and need a little more compression to get that last T-shirt into your bag.

Why it’s great: The REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set ( which includes three cubes: small, medium, and large) holds more in total than our other picks but takes up the least amount of space in your suitcase when the cubes are fully compressed. Unlike a regular packing cube, which has a single zipper around the lid, the REI Co-op cubes have two sets of zippers: one around each lid and one around the middle of the cube itself. Opening the middle zipper expands the walls of the cube. Once the cube is packed, you can compress it by pushing down on the bag and then closing the middle zipper .

This process squeezes the cube down to half its size, but it takes some practice for it to go smoothly. When the cubes are properly packed, though, you’ll see that you can squeeze about a third more clothing into the compressed REI Co-op set than into the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal set .

Like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate cubes, these cubes are made of lightweight, tear-resistant ripstop nylon. Even with an additional zipper, a large REI cube (14 ½ by 10 ½ by 3 inches) weighs only about a quarter of an ounce more than the nearly equivalently sized medium cube (10 by 14 ¼ by 3 ¼ inches) from Eagle Creek’s Reveal set ; it weighs almost 2 ounces more than the medium cube in our ultralight pick . REI backs its gear with a satisfaction guarantee , which gives you one year to return an item. In the past, REI had a good reputation for honoring its former lifetime guarantee; the wording of REI’s current warranty for REI Co-op branded gear seems to say that if something fails after one year, accepting the return would depend upon an employee’s discretion.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The zippers that compress the cubes can sometimes be finicky to close. This issue exists across every compression cube we tested; however, they’re pretty easy to figure out with some trial and error. When you pack these cubes, be careful to avoid overstuffing them too much. If you overpack or pack unevenly, after you zip the compression panel shut, you may end up with something shaped more like a football than a traditional cube .

Dimensions: 8 by 6 by 3 inches (small), 12 by 8 by 3 inches (medium), 14 ½ by 10 ½ by 3 inches (large) (Note: All three sizes expand in depth to 6 inches.) Capacity (unexpanded): 2.35 liters (small), 4.7 liters (medium), 7.5 liters (large) Weight: 2 ounces (small), 2.8 ounces (medium), 3.5 ounces (large)

Cotopaxi Cubos 10L Travel Cube

A cube made of upcycled material.

This well-made, sturdy packing cube is made out of repurposed remnant materials from other Cotopaxi products. It’s not available in sets, however.

Get this if: You want a high-quality packing cube and also want to support a B-corp with its related social and sustainable missions .

Why it’s great: The Cubos 10L Travel Cube is a well-built packing cube from Cotopaxi, a certified B Corp outdoor-gear company . ( B Corp status means the manufacturer has met “high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency,” according to B Lab , a nonprofit that issues those certifications.) We’ve reviewed and recommend plenty of Cotopaxi gear, and we’ve found that it’s built to a very high quality. All of Cotopaxi’s travel cubes are made using leftover materials from their (and other companies’) backpacks and other products. Using the scrap material here keeps it from ending up in a landfill. However, this also means that every cube has a different motley-color effect that’s unique and maybe not to everyone’s taste .

The Cubos Travel Cube’s mix of mesh and nylon paneling allows you to see inside the cube without opening it up, similar to Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Reveal. The Reveal and Cotopaxi cubes are made of similarly durable materials and have a clamshell opening, but the latter unzips a little farther, fully clearing all four corners so the top hinges open cleanly. However, the Cotopaxi cube’s mesh liner is built into the sides of the bag rather than the lid .

The Cubos also weighs more than a similarly sized medium Reveal cube: 4 ounces to the Reveal’s 3.2. And at 10 liters, the Cubos carries a little less than the medium Reveal (14.5 liters) but a little more than that set’s small (7 liters) .

Cotopaxi has a “ Guaranteed for Good ” warranty and repair program, which it maintains at its discretion: “We will determine the best path forward, whether that’s a functional repair, replacement, or store credit due to a depleted inventory.” We’ve used the warranty several times with various Cotopaxi products and have had excellent results; we’ve also not heard of anyone having problems .

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Unlike our other picks, this cube is sold individually, not as a set, and in only one size; it also costs more per cube. We’d prefer to see the mesh paneling on top of the bag (as opposed to the sides) for a better view of what’s inside. The side walls’ lack of rigidity also means the Cubos doesn’t stand up as easily as the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal. Due to the nature of Cotopaxi’s upcycling, you can’t pick a specific color when you order these cubes .

Dimensions: 13 by 10 by 6 inches Capacity: 10 liters Weight: 4 ounces

If the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is out of stock: Consider the July Packing Cells , which, like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveals , have a mesh lid, though July’s mesh feels heavier than Eagle Creek’s. (It’s more like an athletic jersey than a bag material.) The July cubes come in a set of four for $45, and July offers a five-year warranty and 100-day trial period. We haven’t used the July cubes for nearly as long as we have Eagle Creek’s, though, so we aren’t quite ready to make them an official pick .

If the Cotopaxi Cubos 10L Travel Cube is out of stock: Look into the Patagonia Black Hole Cube , which is well made from durable materials. Patagonia also makes extensive efforts to create sustainable products: employing Fair Trade Certified practices, sourcing post-consumer recycled material, and monitoring its supply chain . Plus, unlike the Cotopaxi Cubos , the Patagonia cube is water resistant. However, it’s more than twice the price of the Cubos, which is why it’s not our pick .

If you’re Yeti curious: You’ll probably like Yeti’s well-made Crossroads Packing Cubes , which are surprisingly inexpensive for a famously “premium” company. That said, these compression cubes, which come in three sizes, are still quite expensive compared to our other picks. (A single large Yeti cube costs $35, compared to $45 for the entire REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set .)

We’ve tested and traveled with multiple sets of packing cubes over the last five years, paying close attention to construction, material quality, ease of use, and value to determine what you need from these while you’re on a trip. Those are the qualities we considered most important when we chose which of the dozens of available packing cubes (on Amazon and elsewhere) to test. And when we narrowed down our options and actually tested the 27 (so far) sets, we focused on :

• Weight, size, and capacity: There’s no need for overkill. If you’re going to shell out $25 to $40 for fabric, mesh, and a zipper, it better be lightweight yet still able to store a reasonable amount of clothing and gear. We looked for sets or single bags that could handle enough clothes, towels, gadget cables, toiletries, and medical supplies for a long weekend. Most sets included at least one 12-liter cube (considered “medium”)—which fit about a week’s worth of T-shirts—and two or three additional cubes of varying sizes, though we also tested some cubes that were sold individually. We tested both “standard”-weight cubes (about 4 ounces for a 12-liter cube) and pricier, “ultralight” cubes made of 30-denier siliconized nylon (which weigh about 2 ounces for a 12-liter cube) .
• Ergonomic features: Packing cubes need to be easy to open and close. Zippers should not be prone to catching on neither the cube’s interior nor its corners as you close it. Handles are convenient for carrying and hanging, and are included on all the designs we tested. The ability of a cube’s sides to stand up on their own—generally because the fabric is thick enough to support itself—adds some convenience while packing .
• Visibility and ventilation: Some cubes, usually the models made with polyester or nylon, include a mesh window on the top panel. But mesh is also easy to snag and damage if its weave is too large or if the mesh material is cheaply produced. The best designs expose just enough of the interior for ventilation and visibility without sacrificing the strength of overall construction. Not all models we tested had a mesh panel. Most traditional-style bags similar to those of the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal set have a mesh panel of some sort, but many ultralight bags forego this feature entirely .
• Construction quality: The easiest way to test for fabric quality is to hold the bag in your hand. It should feel substantial, with a pleasant weave under your fingertips. The bags we tested are all made of some kind of nylon or polyester, which is rugged enough not to tear without adding unneeded ounces. Zippers are also a key component: YKK has been the global standard of zipper quality for generations, but there are other reliable zips too. We looked for cubes with zippers that moved smoothly and cleanly around the bags’ corners .
• Overall value: The sets we tested ranged from three cubes to as many as five per set, and were priced between $5 and $80. But we think the best range of quality and value seems to sit between $20 and $40 .

Because most packing cubes have the same basic design, our testing process came down to assessing build quality and practical, real-world use. Over our years of testing, we’ve packed for overnight work trips, long-haul flights, and multi-tour city trips. In that time, we’ve made notes as zippers stuck or mesh snagged or when obstructed visibility slowed down the process of finding a particular item.

Though we’ve tested all the sizes included in each set while traveling, most of our controlled tests were performed using the medium size (roughly 10 by 14 by 3 inches). Into each of these medium cubes we packed things that anyone might bring on a typical weekend away: a rain jacket, two T-shirts, two pairs each of socks and underwear, two polo shirts, a thin fleece pullover, and a small travel towel. When overstuffing to test seams and zippers, we added at least a lightweight down jacket or a pair of jeans until we stressed capacity .

Sometimes the luggage companies we recommend (including Away , Topo , Travelpro , GoRuck , and Peak Design ) make their own packing cubes. Is it necessary to match your packing cubes to your bag? No. We think the packing cubes we chose will fit well in a variety of bags and transfer easily between them. However, if you’re dedicated to a specific brand or design, you may prefer to have cubes that are sized to fit perfectly within the relevant brand’s bags. You can read more about the packing cubes from the companies that make our favorite   carry-on luggage and travel backpacks  in Other good packing cubes and The competition .

AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Cube Set : These cubes stand out most for their inexpensive price, but the amount you save isn’t worth the drop in quality compared with our other picks. The AmazonBasics bags are made from a nylon that feels cheap, and we weren’t satisfied with the stitching quality, either .

Away The Insider Packing Cubes : Having deeper walls than most packing cubes, these Away bags resemble very minimalist bricks. Each one has one large viewing window, made of a fine weave mesh, and YKK zippers. They’re about $10 more per set than the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveals , but you do get four cubes in the Away set instead of three. They fit into Away’s suitcases exceptionally well—bento like. However, for the price, we think you’ll be better served with the Reveals .

Bagail 6 Set Packing Cubes (and the nearly identical Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes , Bago 4 Set Packing Cubes for Travel , TravelWise 5-Piece Packing Cube Set , and Shacke Pak 5 Set Packing Cubes ): All of these sets, found on Amazon, are made from similarly cheap-feeling panels of thick nylon or ripstop and ornately separated strips of mesh. They all have similar problems: Their zippers tend to snag, they come with no trustworthy warranty, the fabric feels chintzy in your hands, and the panel stitching seems rushed and uneven. There are much better sets available .

eBags Classic Packing Cubes : We found this set of three cubes, a former runner-up pick, difficult to pack during repeated use in our long-term testing. The combination of reinforced seams and ultralight material is a strange mix: Although the reinforcement makes the ultralight material stand up, so that each cube is easier to pack, this set wasn’t as easy to pack as the Reveals , nor as pliable as our ultralight pick .

Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Set : Like all Eagle Creek gear, this pair of cubes are well constructed, but we prefer the fully zippered design of our REI compression pick , which are also a little more rigid and easier to pack .

GoRuck Packing Cubes : This packing cube is very well made, but it comes at a premium price—$45 for a single medium-size cube when we tested it. (It’s since dropped in price to $30; a smaller size costs $25.) The cube itself splits down the middle and reveals two sides, both of which have mesh panels for viewing and keeping things separated. Like all of these brand-specific designs, this one fits very snugly in the bag it’s made for, though you need about four to fill the basic GoRuck GR1 .

Peak Design Packing Cube : This stylish choice has unusual “tear away” dual zippers, for one-handed opening (like peeling back the lid on a can of sardines), and compression zippers. Each cube has four separate YKK zippers, plus extra compression netting and a barrier between the two compartments, pushing the weight of the medium version to just over 5 ounces. The price for that size is $40—$5 less than what you’d pay for the whole Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set . (The Peak Design’s smaller size costs $30.) It’s not a bad cube per se, but overly fussy and expensive compared to our current picks .

PKG Union Compression Packing Cubes : The Union compression cubes are $30 more than our top-pick compression cubes for a set of three. They’re similar in design to our Reveal picks with a few higher-end details, such as a faux-leather handle and small storage pockets .

Topo Pack Bag 10L Cube : The Topo cube is made of the same high-denier nylon of most of Topo’s gear, so if you already have a Topo bag, this cube would nicely match. It’s well made and very strong, but it lacks a mesh viewing panel. It’s also expensive. A single small (5-liter) cube costs $20 , and a medium (10-liter) cube costs $24 .

Trakke Foulden Packing Cubes : If you aren’t worried about price and need a very strong and waterproof packing cube, these are a great option. But at $80, plus shipping costs from the UK, these packing cubes are a stretch for most travelers .

Travelpro Essentials Packing Cube Set : These cubes are made of lightweight polyester, with a small strip of mesh paneling, so you can glimpse what’s inside. For $40 you get a set of three, and they fit well inside Travelpro’s carry-on suitcase . However, for the price and build quality, we found that these didn’t compare as well as our top pick . The trim around the zippers tended to catch, and the lightweight material made them slightly more difficult to pack than the similarly lightweight Eagle Creek Isolate set .

We’ll be investigating new packing cubes from Eagle Creek, Sea to Summit, Step 22, Thule, and other companies.

The latest version of this article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan. 

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Carry-On Luggage

by Kit Dillon

After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry.

The Best Luggage Tags

by Geoffrey Morrison

We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases.

How to Maximize Space as You’re Packing

Reducing what you carry with you and organizing the way you pack is the easiest way to lower travel-related stress.

How to Turn Your Existing Carry-On Into Smart Luggage

Want a suitcase that weighs itself, tracks its location, and charges your phone? You can build your own smart luggage for less than off-the-shelf options.

The Best Packing Cubes to Keep Your Suitcase Organized

By Kristi Kellogg and Meaghan Kenny

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

We have two main priorities when it comes to packing : saving space and staying organized. The solution to both? Investing in a set of the best packing cubes. Whether you're headed on a low-key weekend away or a weeklong European adventure , these thoughtfully designed cubes help manage even the most unwieldy of travel wardrobes . The great thing about packing cubes is how versatile they are: Use them to organize your belongings by garment type, to keep complete outfits together, to separate clean clothes from dirty clothes, or to hold your shoes.

Our editors tested some of the most popular packing cubes on the market to determine which are actually worth buying. We considered their size, how much they hold, how compressive they are, and any other useful features that make them stand out. Ahead, discover 13 of the best packing cubes that will make your suitcase a whole lot neater.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Shop our top picks:

• The best compressive cubes: Béis compression packing cubes
• The best for customization: Paravel packing cube quad
• The best colorways: Calpak packing cubes
• The best for camping: REI Co-op expandable packing cube set
• The best Amazon find: Amazon Basics packing cubes

The new compressive packing cubes from Béis have quickly become my go-tos. The six-piece set comes with two extra large cubes for bulky items like sweaters and jeans, four standard-size packing cubes for shirts, underwear, and athleisure, and a sheet of labels. I appreciate that each cube has a clear window where the labels can be easily replaced depending on what I pack for each trip. They feature extra zippers that allow the cubes to be expanded or compressed, making them a great option for both short and long trips. Available in black and the brand's signature shade of beige, they look good inside every suitcase. — Meaghan Kenny

Why we chose it: Compressive design, sleek look, and convenient pre-made labels

The sophisticated packer will love this stylish four-piece set from Paravel, a favorite of Condé Nast Traveler articles director Lale Arikoglu , that features a sleek design and peek-a-boo mesh windows. Up the style with a bespoke monogram for an additional $25. As an added boon, the eco-friendly nylon material is made out of upcycled plastic water bottles.

Why we chose it: Customizable, made of recycled materials

Another one of the best packing cube sets comes from Calpak . The five-pack includes large cubes for bulky items, medium cubes for shirts and undergarments, and one water-resistant envelope pouch for dirty clothes or wet bathing suits. These are your classic packing cubes—they're not compressive, but they're lightweight, lay completely flat when empty, and do the trick at keeping your suitcase sorted. There's a small window where you can add your own label to help identify the right packing cube, too.

Why we chose it: Available in over a dozen fun colors and patterns

Whether you’re headed on a business trip or camping adventure , these sturdy, best-selling packing cubes from REI have you covered. They’re made of a durable ripstop nylon and feature polyester mesh. We love the loops at the top that can be used as carrying handles or to hang them up to dry after you’ve tossed them in the wash.

Why we chose it: Expansion zipper and durable water-repellent finish

This under-$25 set of packing cubes from Amazon is among our top sets for travel. Not only has it racked up nearly 40,000 ratings and an average of 4.7 stars, it's a favorite of executive editor Erin Florio . “I love how spacious they are. I used them on a recent eight-day trip across a few climates and I was easily able to sort my different outfits and keep track of my dirty laundry,” she says. Enjoy smart features like double zippers, carrying handles, and mesh top panels to see what's inside. This set of four certainly doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it gets the job done and holds enough for a long vacation.

Why we chose it : Affordable, lightweight, and easy to carry

More packing cubes we recommend:

If you're headed somewhere warm and plan to pack lightweight clothes, say a long weekend in Montauk or an island getaway , these Eagle Creek packing cubes are a solid, no-frills choice. This set comes with three pouches, sized extra small, small, and medium. These were tested by senior commerce editor Madison Flager , who says they're best used for lightweight clothes you can roll up or fold flat, like athletic clothes and T-shirts. “I find the extra small size is well-suited for underwear (about a week's worth, more than I thought could fit on first glance) or socks (around five ankle or no-shows, or two pairs of thicker socks). The small is good for T-shirts (three to five), and the biggest size, the medium, can accommodate one or two pairs of pants or two to three lighter sweaters,” Flager says. She admits she'll gravitate toward larger packing cubes like the Paravel set for extended trips, but will pull these out for weekend trips and overnights.

Why we chose it : Super lightweight, machine washable, and water-resistant

If you're an overpacker, choose a compressible set like these. This set from Monos features a zipper that closes around each cube, plus another zipper that allows you to squeeze everything down after the first one is shut. These fit a ton of clothing—more than any other cubes I've tried, so I typically whip these out for a weeklong vacation or when I'm traveling abroad. I love that the mesh panels allow me to see what's inside without having to open each one—this makes getting dressed on-the-go so easy. If you prefer a more colorful set, snag them in bright shades like banana budding or purple icing. —M.K.

Why we chose it: Water- and tear-resistant nylon, breathable mesh top panels

When it comes to design, SteamLine's luggage and travel accessories always stand out—and this applies to the brand's vibrant packing cubes, too. This set of four comes with three different sizes, all made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. Commerce producer Paris Wilson gravitates toward these for shorter trips when she has limited space with a carry-on or duffel bag. “The material is durable yet soft and very easy to fold up and store in your closet when you’re not traveling,” Wilson says. She also notes that the zippers glide easily and that these packing cubes are machine washable.

Why we chose it : Vibrant patterns, a transparent window in each cube

One extremely cool feature of the Peak Design cubes is that each one has an internal divider, which means you can separate clean and dirty garments within the cube itself (or just further compartmentalize your items). The cubes are made from a sturdy nylon and poly blend, and feature two-way zippers plus a tear-away zipper that allows you to fully open the pack in less than a second, should you need instant access. The three-piece set (which includes a small cube, a medium cube, and a shoe pouch) is seen here, but you can also purchase these in a six- or eight-piece set, or purchase bags individually to fit your exact needs.

Why we chose it: Internal dividers that offer additional flexibility when you pack

This budget-friendly set of compressible packing cubes comes with one large cube, two medium size cubes, two small cubes, and one flat shoe bag. These are a go-to of commerce bookings editor Jamie Spain —but she warns these are pretty spacious, making them ideal for weeklong trips rather than weekend getaways or overnight stays. She likes these packing cubes for the smooth zippers and compressible, nylon material that's easy to manipulate in a tight suitcase. If you don't need a whole new set, you can also purchase Bagsmart cubes in a set of two or four.

Why we chose it : Affordable price point, available in several bright colors, flat shoe bag included

We tested several Amazon packing cubes and only the highest quality ones made it onto this list. We can attest that the material of the Bagail packing cubes is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. The six-piece set, an Amazon bestseller, features three sizes, with two cubes in each size. Use them all yourself, or split them up with a partner or kids so you can better organize your suitcase. Another feature we like: The mesh tops that allow you to see straight into the cube.

Why we chose it: Easy to share among travel buddies

Another competitively priced set, these organizers have such rave reviews on Amazon that we had to try them—and they didn’t disappoint. The ultralight cubes are impeccably designed. The mesh panels on top allow you to easily identify your items, and the nylon material is durable and water-resistant, in case you’re anything spills. Between the four cubes, there’s enough room to pack clothing for trips up to 14 days. In the large cube alone, we were able to fit four pairs of bulky sweatpants, three pairs of jeans, and two pairs of leggings—and it all zipped up with ease.

Why we chose it: Great for longer trips, comes with a laundry bag

These budget-friendly packing cubes from Amazon are compressive, helping you save on space in your suitcase. After packing up a cube, we were able to shrink it down by three inches—which goes a long way, especially if you’re trying to fit everything into a carry-on or a single duffel. Other features include a double zipper, nylon material, and a carrying loop at the top.

Why we chose it: Affordable price point

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Packing Cubes 5 Pieces Value Set - by Martian Travel, Lightweight Suitcase Organizer Bags Perfect for Packing Short Trips with 40L Capacity, Space Black (Black) - MMPC2

About this item.

• ★ 5PCS VALUE PACKAGING CUBS SET ★ 1 extra large cube 13L (45 x 32 x 9cm), 1 large cubes 9.4 L (40 x 26 x 9 cm), 1 medium cubes 4.4 L (29 x 17 x 3.5 cm), 1 medium cubes 4.4 L (29 x 17 x 3.5 cm) .5 cm), 1 Small cube 2.6 L (24 x 12 x 9 x 9 x 9 x 9 x 9 x 9 x 9 x 9 x 9 x CM), 1 carry bag Bags 10L (30 x 40 CM) – total 40 liters packing capacity
• ★ VALUE FOR MONEY ★ With a total of 4 cubes and 1 carry bags, you can pack for your cabinets in the most efficient way. Find the right cube for that gap you need to fill. The variety of sizes allows you to make the most of your storage spaces.
• ★ ORGANIZED WRINKLE FREE PACKAGING ★ Protect your clothes from damage, stains, wrinkles and suit according to your storage system. Pack clothes tightly and you can save a lot of space in your drawers.
• ★ BUILD FOR STRENGTH ★ double stitched seams, box stitched handle, durable ripstop water resistant nylon. Our packaging blocks will last for many seasons or outings.
• ★ ECO PACKAGING ★ We do our part for the planet and this product comes without single-use plastic in the packaging. The presentation box is 100% recyclable.

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Storage packing cubes - the storage organiser you didn't know you needed, but can't live without. With homes getting smaller and thus less room for drawers and cabinets, it's more important than ever before to make the most of the storage space you do have, so these storage cubes are the best way to keep your clothes organized and visible. Convenient for medium to long term storage of clothing, from sets of clothing for special reasons such as camping, cruising, diving etc., to your seasonal exchange of summer and winter clothing. The mesh front means you can quickly see what's inside and the cubes are made with strong zippers, double-stitched seams, water-resistant fabric and an easy-to-use carry handle. Sizes are: 1x Extra Large Cube (45 x 32 x 9 cm) 13L 1x Large Cube (40 x 26 x 9cm) 9.4L 1x Medium Cubes (29 x 17 x 9cm) 4.4L 1x Small Cube (24 x 10 x 10.9 cm) 7 x 3. 5 in) 2.6L 1 x Drawstring Carry Bag (30 x 40 cm) 10L - can be for anything. A large total of 40L storage capacity.

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10 Best Packing Cubes for Maximizing Carry-On Space

Travel smoothly with these space saving packing cubes.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

How do they work? Pack your clothes into the cubes first, then fit the pieces into your bag like a puzzle. You can even get ones with built-in compression, so squeezing in that extra outfit (or two!) is no big deal. Whether you're using a carry-on, underseat suitcase or weekender bag , we think packing cubes are the ultimate travel MVP to keep your luggage totally organized.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of fiber scientists and travel product experts who test all types of luggage, travel accessories and more. To find the best packing cubes , we put 13 different styles to the test in our Lab and had consumer testers use them on their vacations all over the world (local road trips, international getaways, camping excursions and more).

Calpak Packing Cubes Set (5 Pieces)

Sold as a convenient set of five, these Calpak packing cubes are designed to hold everything you'll need for a trip away. The set includes one large, one medium and two small cubes as well as a zippered pouch for toiletries. Multiple GH editors swear by these cubes, and one said, "They really hold everything I need, keeping my suitcase organized (for once)."

One GH analyst used these cubes on a two-week trip to Japan and said, "These packing cubes helped me keep all my clothes organized when overpacking my carry-on. I appreciated that the sturdy material maintained its shape when I placed the cubes in my hotel drawers."

Each cube has a tab, so you can label it with what's inside; plus, they're mesh on top, so it's easy to see their contents. Calpak is known for its stylish travel solutions, and these don't disappoint. This set is currently available in 17 colors and patterns, including polka dots, cheetah print, florals and checkerboard. Complete your set with shoe packing cubes and compression cubes that make great companions for checked luggage.

Amazon Basics 4-Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set

This four-piece packing cube set from Amazon Basics gets you everything you'll need for your trip at the great price of about $6 per cube. And you can choose the size of the pieces that come in your set: either four small, four medium, four large or four slim or one of each.

In our Lab testing, we appreciated that each cube has a mesh upper to easily see what's inside and top handles for easy carrying . The polyester material is super lightweight and the zippers have longer tabs than some others we tested making them easy to open and close. The cubes held an impressive amount of clothing in our packing test and they stacked nicely into a carry-on suitcase.

We noticed some loose threads when evaluating these cubes, so they may not be as durable as some other options. Note that this set is spot-clean only and not machine-washable.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Set of Isolate Compression Packing Cubes

If you really want to maximize your packing space, compression packing cubes are the way to do it. In our Lab analysis, these cubes from Eagle Creek zipped down to compress about 1 inch to save more space in your suitcase. "I love their compression function," said one of our testers. "They fit a decent amount of clothing and then compress to take up much less space. They're also smaller than other cubes I've had, so they slot into a smaller carry-on suitcase with ease."

We found the zippers easier to use than those on other compression packing cubes we tested. One tester agreed, saying, " The compression function is really easy to use — the zipper is pretty seamless and doesn't snag or get caught on the cubes. " The top handle is convenient to pull them out of your luggage or backpack when needed. This set is one of the pricier styles we tested, but many GH analysts have owned Eagle Creek products for years and applaud the brand's commitment to durable and long-lasting travel gear.

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

These Gonex packing cubes compress your clothes, so you can fit as much as possible in your suitcase, and th ey are a more affordable alternative to Eagle Creek at just $22 for a three-piece set. A set of six is also available if you plan on checking a bag. The larger set includes a laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separate on long trips. The brand recommends rolling your clothes before placing them in the cube to maximize space.

We haven't tested this set in our Lab yet, but we have received promising feedback from our at-home testers. One tester who has used these cubes on multiple vacations said: "I loved the compression aspect and how you can fit so much more because of it. They are also very large cubes. I am very happy with them and will continue to use [them]."

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

Mesh packing cubes allow you to easily see inside and have the added bonus of being lightweight and breathable to keep your clothes fresh. Designed specifically for the mega-popular Away Carry-On , these cubes are the perfect dimensions for most carry-on suitcases. In our Lab analysis, these cubes were a favorite for being simple and easy to use, and of course, fitting nicely into a carry-on.

One tester who used this set on a trip to the Hamptons said, "The mesh made it easy to compact clothes into the packing cubes as the mesh let out any trapped in air. I also liked the configuration of the packing cubes. They fit together really well inside my suitcase." We love Away’s generous 100-day return policy , so there’s no harm in trying them out. Both the 4-piece and 6-piece sets include smaller cubes, but some testers wished they were larger.

RELATED: Away Luggage Review: Are the Popular Carry-Ons Worth the Hype?

Shacke Packing Cube Set

With over 21,000 reviews and an average 4.8-star rating on Amazon, these packing cubes are popular for their easy-to-use design that's perfect when traveling with the whole family. These packing cubes are available in 10 colors, so each family member can have their own set . This set includes a laundry bag, which is a game-changer to keep dirty clothes separate.

Although we haven't tested this set in our Lab yet, online reviewers are extremely impressed with the quality of this set for the price. One online reviewer said, "The material used for the packing cubes is durable and lightweight, ensuring that they do not add unnecessary weight to my luggage. They are also quite flexible, which allows me to squeeze them into tight spaces within my suitcase without worrying about them getting damaged." Another shared, "They are worth every penny and have become an essential travel accessory for me."

Beis The Packing Cubes in Black

Many testers preferred packing cube sets that included shoe bags or laundry bags, like this set from Beis. With three different-size cubes, a toiletry pouch and two shoe bags, this set is ready for any vacation. Uniquely, they come with pre-printed labels for common items like jeans, swimsuits and underwear as well as the days of the week to keep your cubes organized.

One tester said, "The larger zip bags really helped me separate nice clothes for going out from my beach clothes/comfy clothes, which made getting ready much easier since I could find everything without unpacking my entire suitcase." While testers liked the shoe bags, some wished they were bigger to fit larger sizes and bulkier shoes like booties.

Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cube

Keeping your belongings dry and clean is of the utmost importance when heading on an outdoor adventure. In our tests, these Sea to Summit cubes held up on hikes and beach vacations alike.

Sold individually, these packing cubes feature a water-resistant exterior and tight zippers to help prevent water from seeping in. Because the zippers are designed to prevent leaking, they were a bit difficult to open and close in our tests. Note that these cubes are water-resistant (not waterproof!), so they should not be fully submerged or soaked in water.

A big fan of its water-resistant capabilities, one tester said these cubes are "great for when I have to pack away wet or dirty clothes when I am leaving a vacation." She also appreciated that she was able to easily see inside because of the translucent panel. Another tester said, "The textile is indeed water-resistant, which was a nice feature to have during my outdoor camping adventure," and that the "shell is quite durable." These don't compress, so if you want both weatherproof materials and compression, we recommend Peak Design's packing cubes .

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

Available in sets of four or six, these cubes from Monos fit very well into our carry-on suitcase during our Lab evaluations. These cubes offer compression capabilities as well, and they reduced in size the most out of all the compression packing cubes we tested . The zippers are quite stiff, so it's challenging to compress them fully, which led some testers not to use the compression function at all. We also found the smooth material easy to clean, which is great if sand, dirt and salt water are a factor.

One tester shared, " I really liked the appearance of the packing cubes; they look simple and sleek. I enjoy the mesh top window because I can easily see my belongings and because it allows my clothes to breathe (especially useful for dirty clothes during travel)." He also said, "I appreciate the lightweight lining inside the packing cubes; it is a feature that elevates the appearance and quality of the packing cubes." These cubes are more expensive than other featured styles, but we think they are worth the investment.

RELATED: Monos Luggage Review: We Tested These Popular Sleek Suitcases

Baggu Packing Cube Set

Most packing cubes are only available in solid colors, but these trendy ones from Baggu come in fun patterns like stripes, florals and fruit prints . This set includes two packing cubes made from durable recycled nylon. We were impressed by just how lightweight these cubes are without sacrificing performance — every ounce counts! When evaluating these cubes in our Lab, we noticed they were a bit noisy (and a few testers noted the same thing).

Loving the stylish colors and patterns, one tester said, "Not only are they super cute but they are lightweight and durable. The amount you can fit in these packing cubes is amazing!" Another tester said, "I will definitely continue to use these cubes as I like them better than a set I bought off of Amazon years ago — Baggu strikes again!"

How we test packing cubes

When evaluating packing cubes, Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab pros place a standard packing load in each cube to see how much they can hold. Then, we place them in a suitcase to see how easy they are to organize. We analyze each cube in our Lab to ensure all the zippers are easy to open and close. For compression-style cubes, we pack them with a standard load and measure how much they reduce in size when compressed.

To get real-use feedback, we have consumer testers use the packing cubes on real-life trips. We had testers bring these cubes all over the world on all types of vacations, including camping trips, international getaways and local excursions.

How to choose the best packing cubes:

✔️ Compression vs. regular packing cubes: Some packing cubes have compression capabilities and others don't. Cubes that compress take up slightly less space in your suitcase and are great for overpackers. Generally, compression cubes are more expensive because they have two zippers instead of one and are usually sold individually or as a pair vs. in a larger set. Some compression cubes zip all the way around, which is great if you like to place your cubes directly in the drawer at your destination, while others only open at the top.

✔️ Materials: To avoid extra weight in your luggage, most packing cubes are made with lightweight materials like nylon and mesh. While waterproof capabilities may sound like a benefit, it's probably not necessary unless you're camping, and it comes at a cost — fully sealed packing cubes don't allow for ventilation, which means your clothes may have an odor after travel.

✔️ Luggage compatibility: Depending on what type of suitcase you are using (weekender bag, carry-on or checked luggage), a different style of packing cubes might be better suited.

• For a weekender bag , opt for smaller cubes as only two to three will fit in most weekender bags.
• Carry-on suitcases can accommodate more cubes, including larger ones for sweaters and jeans.
• When checking a larger suitcase , you can fit multiple sets of packing cubes. We recommend using a different color set of cubes for each member of your family for easier unpacking.

✔️ Value: Consider the cost per cube when purchasing a set. Some brands offer excellent value for their larger sets.

✔️ How do I use packing cubes?

Most sets come with different-sized cubes that are designed for certain items — small cubes for your underwear and larger cubes for shirts and pants, for example. Everyone has a preference for either rolling or folding clothes , but when packing in a cube, our pros say you should roll to avoid wrinkles. Rolling likely won't save as much space in a traditional packing cube, but many brands recommend it for compression picks. Doing this, and storing like items together, will make it much easier to find exactly what you want without rummaging through your bag. ✔️ Do packing cubes really save space? Yes! Packing cubes ensure that every item has a spot in your suitcase without it bursting at the seams. To further max out every inch, look for styles with compression. These work by having two zippers — one that closes the cube and a second that tightly compresses it to flatten your clothes and save space. ✔️ Do packing cubes wrinkle clothes? One of the main reasons clothes come out of your suitcase looking wrinkly is because they've shifted around during the trip. Packing cubes keep all your clothes still, so items are actually less likely to wrinkle. Some fabrics will wrinkle no matter what (hello, linen!), so we recommend choosing travel dresses and pants in more forgiving fabrics like polyester and Tencel for your next trip.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. She tested all the packing cubes in the Lab and sent samples to testers to get real-use feedback. She’s been at GH for over four years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for all types of travel product testing including carry-on suitcases, under-seat luggage, travel backpacks and weekender bags. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience and product quality expertise.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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The 9 Best Packing Cubes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These items organize your luggage better

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

Packing for a trip is no easy feat, yet packing cubes can offer the organization and space we seek. But with so many packing cubes to choose from, how can we be sure which are the best?

We took on this challenge and had six travelers test 23 packing cube sets. They stuffed clothes and toiletries into the packing cubes, running them through various tests to determine which worked the best in terms of capacity, design, quality, and value. The result? We found the top packing cubes in a wide range of categories, from the best for maximum compression to the best for durability, families, and more.

Final Verdict

How we tested.

• Others We Tested
• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, rei co-op expandable packing cube set.

Solid value

Durable, protective exterior

Big time space saving

The REI Co-Op Expandable Packing Cube Set only comes with two cubes. However, our tester loved their clever design, which sees the zipper curve around the perimeter of the cube twice for ultimate compression. In fact, the medium cube can go from 13 liters to 8.5 liters, while the large cube’s capacity changes from 21 liters to 14 liters when using the compression zipper.

Testers noted that the Bluesign-approved ripstop nylon fabric was akin to tent fabric and waterproof to boot. Of course, the mesh section won’t do much against water, but it does allow travelers to see what’s in the cube before opening it. The top handle makes pulling these cubes out of your suitcase easy, while the side handle is a bonus. For the price, you get two incredibly effective packing cubes with the kind of long-lasting material and stitching you’d expect from REI Co-op. The set fits comfortably in a carry-on suitcase and allows room for a toiletry bag.

Dimensions: Large: 14.5 x 10.5 x 6 inches, medium: 12 x 8 x 6 inches | Material: Ripstop nylon (Bluesign-approved), polyester mesh (Bluesign-approved) | Number of Cubes:  2

TripSavvy / Vicky Wasik

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Gonex compression packing cubes.

Simple and effective

Could be more protective

Our testers were surprised by the capabilities of this no-frills set of four packing cubes. They stuffed them all to the brim and used the double zippers to compress the cubes down. There was no indication that the threaded seams were stressed. This aspect made the testers overlook that the material is not as water-resistant as advertised. You can always double-wrap liquids, but you can’t always find packing cubes with excellent compression capabilities to fit a lot in a little space. Keep in mind, however, that the zippers do not go all the way around the cube. Our tester didn’t have any problem with that, but it is something we thought best to note.

The four pieces range in size from small to extra-large, giving you plenty of options for organizing all your items. With tons of color options and a phenomenal price point, we had to choose this set as our runner-up.

Dimensions: Extra-large: 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches, large: 4.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches, medium: 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches, small: 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches | Material: Ripstop nylon | Number of Cubes:  4

Veken Packing Cubes With Laundry and Shoe Bag

 Amazon

Large selection of pieces

Hassle-free packing system

Contents are easily visible

Not ideal for over-packers

You get a lot for a low price when it comes to the Veken Packing Cubes set. Buyers receive four cubes of various sizes plus two additional bags—a laundry bag and a shoe bag. The set comes in a wide range of colors but lacks a compression zipper, making them more apt for organization than saving space. See inside the cubes via the transparent strip of fabric and a small mesh section or just pack the cubes according to the clothing label found on the bottom right-hand corner of the cube.

Because the packing cubes don’t have compression zippers, this set works best for travelers with large suitcases who simply want their belongings well organized and easy to find.

Dimensions: Extra-large: 17.5 x 12.15 x 4 inches, large: 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches, medium: 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches, small: 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches, shoe bag: 16.96 x 9.06 x 4.72 inches, laundry bag: 20 x 14 inches | Material: Nylon, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyester | Number of Cubes: 4 cubes, 2 bags

Best Compression

Well traveled compression packing cubes.

Great for highly organized travelers

Choice of various shades

Easy to maintain

Not water resistant

The Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes set includes three cubes and one drawstring bag that can be used to store shoes or as a laundry bag. Available in a few colors, this set is reasonably priced and has an excellent compression zipper that maximizes your luggage space. In the larger cube, our tester fit one pair of jeans, two short-sleeve shirts, and two long-sleeve shirts. The medium cube fit two pairs of socks and two pairs of underwear; we packed the small cube with travel toiletries . When a traveler utilizes the compression zipper, the cubes go from 5 inches in width to 1 inch.

These cubes are not as structured as they appear in marketing photos. And unfortunately, our tester found that they didn't protect against spilled liquids. That said, they are machine washable and have tiny pockets to fit one of the 50 luggage cards included in the package.

Dimensions: Large: 10 x 5 x 14 inches, medium: 8 x 5 x 11.5 inches, small: 5.5 x 5 x 7 inches, laundry bag: 11 x 18 inches | Material: Twill fabric | Number of Cubes:  4

Best for Families

Shacke pak 5 set packing cubes.

Budget-friendly

Ventilation/viewing patches

Also available in set of eight

Could be more functional

Go with the packing cube set from Shacke Pak when packing for a family vacation . This five-piece set comes in a few color options and includes four cubes and one drawstring bag. Although our testers didn’t mention whether the fabric was water resistant or not, Shacke advertises that it is. Of course, that doesn’t include the mesh panels that allow you to look inside the cubes.

The cubes don’t have compression zippers, so they’re primarily intended for those who need a lot of space to keep each family member’s clothes organized and separated. You’ll better fit all these cubes in a large suitcase than a carry-on bag. Investing in multiple sets (one for each family member) is also a realistic option given the set's reasonable price tag.

Dimensions Extra-large: 17.5 x 12.75 x 4 inches, large: 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches, medium: 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches, small: 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches, Laundry Bag: 20.5 x 15.75 inches | Material: Unknown | Number of Cubes: 4 cubes, 1 bag

Best Durability

Peak design packing cubes.

Peak Design

Super light and tough fabric

Two compartments

Sustainably built

Pricey as a set

Somewhat involved to get into

You can buy Peak Design Packing Cubes as a single small or medium cube or shoe pouch or as a set of three, six, or eight. The way our testers raved about the small packing cube they tested, we suggest going for the three-piece set. But keep in mind the sets are expensive.

These packing cubes come in three color options, are designed with two handles, and have a moveable internal divider that lets you separate clothes however you see fit. Thanks to the double compression zippers, you can fit two packing cubes in the space of one. More specifically, the cubes are about 6.7 inches wide when fully expanded and have the capability of compressing to 3.1 inches. It's important to note that you'll have to use both zippers simultaneously when you want to open the main compartment.

These durable cubes are waterproof, though there is a slight gap near the zipper that, theoretically, water could get into. The likelihood of that happening is low. As we said, the price of this packing cube set is considerable, but with the superb craftsmanship and a lifetime guarantee warranty, you'll likely be satisfied with your buy.

Dimensions: Medium: 12.6 x 12.6 x 6.7 inches, small: 12.6 x 6.7 x 6.7 inches | Material: Ripstop 70D nylon/poly shell | Number of Cubes: 1 to 8

Best Personalized

Paravel packing cube quad.

Water-resistant fabric

Sustainable materials

Not the most affordable

Lacks some nice-to-have features

We can see the Paravel Packing Cube Quad being a phenomenal gift for the traveler in your life, mainly because of the excellent colors and the opportunity to have the cubes embroidered with custom monograms.

Of the four cubes, we used the larger one to pack three pairs of shoes and the medium cube to pack a couple of sweatpants, two long-sleeve shirts, two short-sleeve shirts, two pairs of underwear, and two pairs of socks. Basically, you can get a lot of clothes in the larger cubes and use the small cube for extra socks, underwear, or toiletries. Our tester noted that there was still some space left for them to pack more items in the cubes.

Although the cubes have two-way zippers, they aren’t compression zippers. We were also surprised that the cubes didn’t have handles but liked that they do have clear windows to see inside. Environmentally friendly travelers will appreciate that the fabric features 16 upcycled water bottles and meets the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and the Global Recycled Standard . It's also water resistant. The only downside? The hefty price.

Dimensions: Large: 18 x 3.75 x 12 inches, medium: 12.75 x 3.75 x 10 inches, small: 8.2 x. 3.75 x 6.25 inches | Material: OEKO-TEX Standard 100- and Global Recycled Standard-certified, water-resistant Negative nylon | Number of Cubes: 4

Best Splurge

Calpak packing cubes 5-piece set.

Fun and classic options

Feature filled

Long lasting

Only the pouch is water resistant

No compression

Packing cubes can be so bland in style, but not the Calpak Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set. Styles range from astrologically inspired to groovy wavy designs and even a few that have solid colors like hazel, olive, or black. Our tester found the four cubes and envelope pouch to be very durable. All the cubes (not the pouch) have mesh panels, organizing labels, and handles. While these cubes don’t have compression zippers and the price is a bit high, the durability of the material and the design options might be worth it.

Dimensions: Large:   17 x 12 x 3 inches, medium:   15 x 11 x 3 inches, small: 12 x 8.8 x 3 inches, envelope pouch: 13 x 10 x 1.5 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Cubes:  5

Best Budget

Ebags classic medium compression cube.

Good capacity

Packing cubes don’t have to be expensive to be of good quality; at least, that’s what the eBags Classic Medium Packing Cube proves. This single cube is budget-friendly and spacious enough to fit four to five pieces of clothing, plus a medium-weight winter coat. The compression zipper did an excellent job of removing air and saving space. In fact, the cube offers 1.5 inches of compression or expansion. Our testers found that the thin fabric of the cube could get caught in the zipper if the cubes were not packed to the brim.

The small mesh pocket fits a set of keys or a label the size of a business card that spells out what’s in the cube. Small note: the mesh is not see-through. The top handle strap is a nice feature, as are the two different color options. The fabric is more water resistant than waterproof, so it’ll keep your clothes dry as long as excessive liquids haven’t spilled.

Dimensions 14 x 10 x 5.25 inches | Material: Nylon | Number of Cubes:  1

With excellent compression capabilities, durable ripstop fabric, and a price that won't break the bank, the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set earns our top pick. Another set that performed well was the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes , thanks to their double-zipper compression and range of available colors, not to mention that they come in a set of four.

After removing the packing cubes from their packaging, we quickly assessed the materials, checking aspects such as the stitching and zippers for durability. Our next step involved packing the cubes with apparel, shoes, and accessories such as toiletries and cosmetics before zipping them up and placing them in a carry-on suitcase to see how much space they took up. We also splashed them with a bit of water to test the water resistance of the packing cube material.

For each packing cube set, we made extensive notes on the capacity, design, material quality, and value. With any carry-on luggage , space is limited, and we wanted to ensure we chose packing cubes that not only allowed us to fit as many items as possible but had the kind of material and design that would be durable for frequent travel use. To round it out, we wanted the price to reflect the features presented.

Other Packing Cubes We Tested

Béis The Packing Cubes : While we loved the label that came with these bags, we didn't think that the price reflected the space or quality of the material.

Herschel Travel Organizers : This set's small and medium cubes were wonderful, but we found the large cube awkwardly huge. It made packing a carry-on difficult and didn't offer the kind of space-saving functionality we desired.

Briggs & Riley Packing Cubes : These cubes fit a decent amount of clothes, seemed durable, and had an excellent expansion feature, but there wasn't anything that particularly wowed us. One drawback was that one full side of the packing cubes is mesh, which won't protect your clothes if a spill occurs.

Away The Insider Packing Cubes : Mesh is great for breathability, but the mesh cover of these packing cubes isn't going to do much against spilled liquids. Not to mention, they're a bit expensive, which seems to be mainly because of the brand name.

Eagle Creek Pack-it Starter Set : If you only need two regular cubes and a folder-style cube, the Eagle Creek Pack-it Starter Set isn't too shabby, mainly because it held up to our water test. If you haven't used a folder-style cube before, it can be confusing to pack.

L.L.Bean Packing Cube Set : The price point seems accurate for L.L.Bean but may be expensive for what you get—cubes with a little stretch and a partly mesh top. Our tester wanted the cube to have a bit more structure.

Bagail Compression Packing Cubes : The price is right, and the design is pretty standard, but we were a little worried about the seam work, mainly when the compression feature was utilized. These may not last as long as others.

YAMIU Packing Cubes 7-Pcs : These packing cubes are standard, but does one need seven packing cubes? And you'll have to be okay with see-through toiletry bags.

Lean Travel Premium Compression Packing Cubes : These no-frills packing cubes may work for the newbie traveler, but fitting all three in a carry-on was a challenge for our tester.

EZPacking Clear Packing Cubes : These may work if you're comfortable with see-through packing cubes. The small cube only fits a few toiletry items.

OEE Luggage Packing Organizers : Who doesn't love a bargain? Unfortunately, the price reflects super thin material that doesn't do well with thick clothing and flimsy zippers that get caught in the mesh.

TRIPPED Compression Packing Cubes for Travel : These cubes were a bit expensive, especially since they didn't feel sturdy and the zipper didn't go all the way around the cubes, making them a little harder to pack.

What to Look For in Packing Cubes

If you check your suitcase, weight is always a consideration. Choosing packing cubes that are light enough to make a negligible difference to the airline scale is therefore important. For the most part, packing cubes are not particularly heavy, though we’ve seen some structured ones that may add a few pounds to your bag. 

Packing cubes are typically made of nylon, though some use better nylon than others. Ripstop nylon, for instance, is less likely to tear than other types. Although we love to see a water-resistant or waterproof packing cube, many of our testers found that the water resistance or waterproofness wasn’t as effective as expected. Many packing cubes have mesh panels that somewhat defeat the purpose of using water-resistant fabric. Of course, mesh panels let you see inside the bag and are more breathable than plastic panels.

Packing cubes come in various sizes that differ from brand to brand. (A size small from one brand will have different measurements than a small packing cube from another brand.) Look at the dimensions for the packing cubes before buying. Most packing cubes will fit in a carry-on suitcase, though we’ve seen some large or extra-large packing cubes that are too big, take up too much space, or are an awkward size. The same thing can happen with small packing cubes—some are just too small to really fit anything inside. While not everyone likes packing cubes with compression features, they remove air and save space, which is a nice feature to consider.

Number of Cubes

Do you need more than five cubes? That all depends on the size of your family if you plan on buying one set to share, or if you're buying for a checked bag and a carry-on. Packing cube sets can range from two cubes to as many as eight. It never hurts to have a backup cube in case you rip one, lose one, or it just wears out, though if you want to limit how much you pack , it might be a good idea to buy a two- or three-cube set.

How you pack your cubes in a carry-on suitcase will depend on the type of luggage you’re using. No matter what type of carry-on bag you have, you’ll most likely have to play Tetris to figure out the best method for fitting the packing cubes in the luggage. Those with carry-on suitcases might find that positioning the cubes vertically rather than horizontally provides more space, but again, this can only happen if the suitcase is deep enough to allow such a packing strategy.

While you can find many tips and tricks for packing clothes in packing cubes, it’s likely that when you remove your clothing, it will have some wrinkles. Rolling your clothes—once you’ve buttoned and zipped all tops and bottoms—may reduce wrinkles. This is because there are fewer folds in the fabric. You could also try limiting the pressure exerted on the outside of the cube to prevent folds from compressing and forming wrinkles. Or, save yourself a headache and pack clothes made of fabrics resistant to wrinkling. As a last resort, consider bringing along a travel steamer .

Most packing cubes can be put in the washing machine on cold, but you should double-check the tag to see if they need to be hand-washed. If you put them in the washing machine, zip them up so the zipper doesn't snag on anything. Most people suggest air drying the packing cubes as the material tends to do poorly against the heat of a dryer. A hand sanitizing wipe can clean away germs or small spills if you're in a bind. Although some suggest using Febreze or essential oils to refresh packing cubes, be mindful of how oily the product may be, as it could cause the packing cube to get sticky or stain your clothing. Putting a dryer sheet in the cube may be a better option.

Author  Alex Temblador  is an outdoor and travel journalist who lives in Texas. Alex seeks out adventurous travels all around the world, and often uses packing cubes to get to her destination. Throughout her career she has rappelled in Mexico, kayaked in Puerto Rico and Thailand, skied in Telluride and Montana, surfed in Zihuatanejo, scuba dived in Bonaire, and hiked in Peru and Switzerland. Products for this article were chosen according to the results of lab tests carried out by the TripSavvy team.

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The 12 Best Packing Cubes for Travel

Streamline your pre-trip preparations with these time-saving packing accessories.

By Sean Tirman and Hayley Helms

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

The many minimalists among us will assert that there is really only one right way to pack luggage : efficiently. Thus, one travel accessory most Gear Patrol staffers won’t hit the road without is packing cubes. These mini organizational tools are a low-lift way to keep your bag tidy; they offer some modularity (so you can customize them to the suitcase you’re packing ), and you can even use them to compartmentalize your travel gear (keeping your travel pants separate from your dress shirts and other travel gear , for instance). Whether you’re packing a hard-sided roller , a duffel or a carry-on backpack , packing cubes streamline the process, so you never have to worry if you packed your extra pair of socks, undies or favorite jacket.

Products in the Guide

Best Overall Packing Cubes

Best Upgrade Packing Cubes

Most Versatile Packing Cubes

Best Expandable Set of Packing Cubes

Best Budget Packing Cubes

Best Packing Cubes on Amazon

Most Rugged Packing Cubes

Best Packing Cubes for Organization

Best Ultralight Packing Cubes

Best Luxury Packing Cubes

Most Colorful Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes With the Most Color Options

How to Use Packing Cubes (the Right Way)

The truth of the matter is that packing cubes are really not that complicated, and if you just want to stuff and/or shove all your clothes into one, you can do just that. But if you want to maximize their effectiveness, there are a few tips and tricks you might want to follow — and we’ve outlined them below.

Compartmentalize

There are two schools of thought regarding how to pack in a packing cube. The first is that each cube hosts one type of item — pants in one, shirts in another, socks and underwear in yet another, etc. This can help keep you organized when you travel and will also ensure you’re not rooting around in desperate search for a specific garment when the time comes. The other is that you can pack a full day’s worth of supplies into a single cube — meaning you’d just have your full outfit in a single bag rather than multiples.

We’ve found that the latter method works best for shorter trips and the former works best for longer ones, generally speaking. But you can and should figure out what works best for you through trial and error.

Roll, Don’t Fold

While folding (or hanging) your clothing might work at home in your dresser or closet, you can actually maximize your packing space by rolling your clothes into tight burrito-like rolls. Not only will this allow you to fit more into the same space, but it can help guard against wrinkles just as well, so long as you’re cautious and conscientious with your rolling.

Be Strategic About Sizes

While there are no standardized sizes for packing cubes, you should be careful when choosing which ones to use for which bags. A huge packing cube isn’t going to do you much good if it’s the same size as your carry-on and your checked luggage will be a pain to manage if you have to stuff 50 different tiny cubes into it. Think of packing your cubes into your suitcase like Tetris — there are lots of possible winning combinations, but you still want to be clever and careful with how you pack them, which sizes you choose and where you put them.

If your bag has compression straps, we highly recommend using them. They’ll help compress your cubes (and clothes) into a smaller area than you might be able to manage yourself, giving you more packing space than you might otherwise expect.

Don’t Assume They’re Good for Everything

Packing cubes aren’t the end-all-be-all of packing. In fact, it can be risky to use them for all your travel gear. For instance, toiletries probably belong in a waterproof dopp kit instead of a packing cube, as they were designed for things like haircare and skincare products, whereas a packing cube might have a mesh exterior — meaning if you stuff some toothpaste into a packing cube and it bursts, you could end up with toothpaste all over everything in your bag. Use your noggin and you should be fine.

How We Tested

Peak Design Packing Cube

• $30.00 at peakdesign.com
• Versatile and comprehensive
• Surprisingly good-looking
• Can't see what's inside
• Material: 100% recycled 70D nylon/polyester
• Number of bags: 1-8
• Size Range: S-M

Peak Design has won over crowds of photographers with its innovative camera accessories and bags. It’s no surprise that when it launched a travel collection that also turned out to be incredible. The Travel Backpack anchors the line, but the under-the-radar winner might be the Packing Cubes . They’re available in two sizes, small and medium; they also expand and contract with clever zippers to accommodate more or less stuff and include a second compartment for dirties that gets bigger as the ratio of clean-to-dirty changes. There’s also a shoe pouch that’s perfect for bringing along footwear.

One other feature our tester loved is the opening mechanism: it uses two zippers on separate tracks divided by a tab you simply pull up for fast access. If our tester could change one thing, however, it would be adding a see-through panel so they could see what’s inside each cube without opening them.

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

• $3,237.00 at Away
• Designed for use with popular Away luggage
• Water resistant
• Seven available colorways
• Somewhat expensive
• Material: Nylon
• Number of bags: 6
• Size Range: XS-XL

These strategically structured cubes from one of our favorite wheeled carry-on luggage brands fit perfectly in Away’s luggage — and presumably fit pretty well into any standard-size rolling carry-on. The waterproof nylon exterior keeps clothes free from dust and the mesh top allows you to see everything you packed, so you’re not scrambling to find that one button-up you need for the rehearsal dinner. The cubes come in nine colors, and while this is the priciest option here, you’re getting a total of six cubes, the most of any package deal on this list.

OEE Packing Cubes

• $12.00 at Amazon $13.00 (8% off)
• As versatile as they come
• A whopping 13 size/color options
• Size range: S-L

With a whopping six size options to choose from, OEE takes the cake for most versatile packing cube option. The nylon cubes are washable and water-resistant thanks to YKK zippers and have interior buckles to keep everything in its place. Use these to pack items from toiletries to clothing and everything in between.

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cubes

• $45.00 at REI
• Four unique colorways
• Made from recycled materials
• Only three size options
• Number of bags: 3

Made of ripstop nylon with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating, REI’s three-cube set is as sturdy and reliable as they come. If you’re the fastidious type, the mesh windows are for placing cards listing each cube’s contents. These cubes also feature a compression system similar to that of Peak Design and Eagle Creek, plus user-friendly top and side handles.

eBags Classic Packing Cubes

• $17.00 at Amazon $20.00 (15% off)
• Super inexpensive
• Versatile (many size options)
• Not the most durable
• Kind of ugly
• Material: TechLite Diamond nylon

These packing cubes come in three sizes and are made from TechLite Diamond nylon. Each has a self-healing zipper, so the bag is guaranteed for its lifetime, which is pretty hard to beat. Mesh top panels remind you what’s in each cube, and multiple color options allow you to coordinate with your carry-on — if that’s how you roll.

Our tester actually used these cubes over the course of years, to the point that a couple of them are getting worn out. That is to say: they really love these bags, especially for anyone looking for a reliable, long-lasting budget option.

Shacke Pak Packing Cubes

• $22.00 at Amazon $25.00 (12% off)
• Exceptional value proposition
• Sturdy zippers
• Not great looking
• Somewhat bulky
• Chemical smell
• Number of bags: 5
• Size range: S-XL

You don’t garner more than 13,000 five-star ratings on Amazon without making something people can count on. And that’s what you get with the Shacke Pak, four durable, differently sized nylon cubes with mesh windows for visibility and x-shaped reinforcements to keep them from squishing or folding during travel — plus a laundry sack for stashing dirty clothes. In short, quite a lot of value for the price.

Mystery Ranch Zoid Packing Cubes

• $24.00 at mysteryranch.com
• Can be purchased individually
• Super durable
• Seven colorways
• Expensive for single bags
• Material: 210d Hitra Robic nylon
• Number of bags: 1
• Size range : S-L

Mystery Ranch is known for its bomb-proof outdoor items, and its Zoid Packing Cubes continue that trend. Three different sizes (245 cu-in, 505 cu-in and 885 cu-in) mean you don’t have to compromise your wardrobe on the go, and lightweight yet durable 210d Hitra Robic nylon and YKK zippers up the hard-working aspects of the packs. The mesh lid provides visibility into the cube, making it simple to grab and go.

Our tester loves the durability of these cubes, as well as the semi-transparent top panels — which make it easier to discern what’s inside of them at-a-glance. However, the fact that each must be bought individually is a big drawback, as it can get pricey fast.

Tumi Double-Sided Packing Cubes

• Double-sided for better organization
• Only two sizes available
• Size range: M-L

This nylon packing cube does double duty with dual compartments — and it has a larger brother to expand on its versatility and organizational options. At under half a pound each, Tumi’s packing cubes fit everything you need and nothing you don’t. The dual compartments make it easy to organize by clothing type or for the cleanliness-conscious, to divide worn and unworn items.

Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set

• $12.00 at osprey.com $42.00 (71% off)
• Incredibly lightweight
• Can't see what's inside when closed
• Somewhat small
• Material: 40D ripstop nylon

Anybody that travels a lot can tell you that every ounce makes a difference when it comes to packing. Unfortunately, that means your packing cubes are eating up some of your bag’s weight. You can limit that as much as possible, however, with these incredibly lightweight cubes from lauded pack brand Osprey. This three-pack will have you organized and ready to go without costing you too much on weight.

If only these packing cubes had a transparent window, they might be perfect, according to our tester. Still, even without that, these are tough contenders for their combination of durability, ultralight weight, and super thin material (which saves on space).

Leatherology Nested Travel Organizer Trio

• $275.00 at Leatherology
• Beautifully made
• Five colors available
• Not vegan / vegetarian friendly
• Extremely expensive
• Material: Leather
• Number of bags: 1 or 3

As rugged as it can be, nylon isn’t for everyone. If you’re a fan of the finer things, however, you’re not out of luck when it comes to packing cubes. That’s because the folks at Leatherology have made this set out of top-grain leather (in your choice of five different handsome colorways). And while they work great in use, they also nest inside one another to make storing them easier when you’re not using them.

Cotopaxi Cubos Del Dia Travel Cubes

• Good quality to price ratio
• Only three sizes
• Can't pick your own colorways
• Material: Repurposed nylon and mesh

Cotopaxi has done wonders in using recycled materials that would otherwise be discarded in landfills. And these packing cubes are prime examples of just that. Made from nylon and mesh, albeit recycled, they’re just as tough and capable as any of the others on our list. Plus, they come in vibrant, unique colorways — no two are exactly the same. The only downside: you can’t pick your colors. You get what you get.

Calpak Packing Cubes

• $34.00 at Calpak
• Available in single, duo, trio, and quintet sets
• 14 colorways to choose from
• A little expensive compared to others
• Polyester isn't the best material
• Material: Polyester
• Number of bags: 1-5
• Size range: XS-L

With a whopping 14 different colorways (including some sold-out special editions), Calpak’s packing cubes come in more available styles than just about any others on our list. And while we don’t love polyester (especially when nylon is an option elsewhere for comparable prices), these cubes are so versatile and stylish its hard not to love them, especially for anyone who puts style at the top of their list of gear wants.

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Best Packing Cubes for Travel in 2024 (Pack Smarter)

Written by Dan

Updated on April 26th, 2024

Packing cubes help keep your clothes organized and compressed. They're essential for traveling, but with so many options, how do you find the best packing cube? Let's find out!

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Best Packing Cubes

• Peak Design Packing Cubes
• Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes
• BluffCube from Bluffworks
• TravelWise Packing Cubes
• Bagsmart packing cubes
• Knack Shoe Bags
• Tortuga Packing Cubes (Set of 3)
• Eagle Creek Pack-it (Specter Tech Cube Set)
• Eagle Creek Pack-It (Original set)
• Bagail Packing Cube Set
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes
• The Insider Packing Cubes, by Away Travel
• Nested Travel Organizer Trio, by Leatherology
• Calpak packing cubes
• REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set
• Topo Designs Pack Bag (10L)
• GORUCK packing cubes
• Trakke waterproof packing cubes
• Osprey UltraLight Zip Organizer
• The Centerfold Garment Sleeve
• IKEA RENSARE

Over the last few years of travel, I’ve really come to know and appreciate packing cubes.

There’s something really satisfying about seeing your packed suitcase or travel bag neatly organized with various cubes and pouches . When I get to my destination and open up my backpack or suitcase for the first time, seeing all my neat cubes, I can’t help but feel like I’m winning at the travel game.

The organization that packing cubes give you allows you to find things quickly in your luggage, and also allows you to fit more inside of your travel bag.

Here's everything that I tested

• Peak Design Packing Cubes Check availability
• Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes Check availability
• BluffCube from Bluffworks Check availability
• TravelWise Packing Cubes Check availability
• Bagsmart Packing Cubes Check availability
• Knack Shoe Bags Check availability
• Tortuga Packing Cubes Check availability

If you’ve reached a critical capacity limit with your travel bags, and you want to pack some more, then read on, and hopefully you’ll find a packing cube that fits your needs based on the ones I’ve tried!

Peak Design Packing Cubes

The Peak Design Packing cubes are some of my favorite packing cubes on this list. In fact, I like them so much, let’s call them my #1 pick. I’ve been using them frequently for the past few years.

I enjoy the tear-away style zippers because they are easy to get things in and out of the cubes with. You can think of it like those tear-away pants from the 90s — except in packing cube form.

The Peak Design packing cubes are durable and lightweight. The pack away nicely when you’re not using them. As for materials, they are made from 100% recycled weatherproof 70D nylon and poly shell.

I have the Peak Design Travel Backpack and the packing cubes integrate perfectly with that bag. The medium cube leaves about one third of the space available for other things, like a small camera cube.

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These packing cubes from Peak Design are also expandable. I’ll usually pack them pretty tightly, leveraging the expanded volume. I’ve never had any issues with overstuffing them.

Let’s quickly go through how cool expandable packing cubes are!

Here is a normal amount of items that I would fit inside of a packing cube this size.

But because they expand, we can fit a little more!

We’re not done yet: there’s one more secret pocket that we can utilize to squeeze in another shirt or two.

Here’s everything that fits inside!

Check out the Peak Design Packing Cubes

Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes

I’ve been using these Nomatic packing cubes since December 2022, and I must say, they have been a dream to use. I listed them as one of the best travel products for backpackers and for any type of traveler who likes to stay organized.

They are plenty sturdy and do a great job of compressing the clothing items inside. I have the complete set of small, medium and large, and they all have their own purposes.

The small packing cubes are great for your socks, underwear and maybe a bathing suit or smaller accessories. Whenever I travel with a suit , I pack my undershirts, watch, belt and dress socks in the small packing cube.

For me, I’ve had the best luck packing all of my T-shirts in the medium packing cube . I roll them up, and can fit a bunch! Folding flat should also work well. There’s been enough room to pack a set of gear and apparel for a trip that’s a week or longer, because of the added compression.

The large packing cube has been good for pants, sweatshirts and jackets. Depending on where I am going, I might skip packing the large packing cube, as I don’t typically bring a lot of pants nor multiple jackets whenever I travel. If you travel with a partner , you can always share the large packing cube, which might additionally help save space overall.

Packing Cubes

Achieve packing perfection with these Packing Cubes, offering optimal organization and efficient use of space.

Photo via Nomatic

Check out the Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes .

BluffCube from Bluffworks

I really enjoy using my BluffCubes. I think the design is unique and is really effective. Instead of needing different size cube, you can change the size by rolling the cube and closing it off.

You can compress your clothes as much (or as little) as you like and you can have some variety into what you fit inside.

I’ve packed my BluffCube full of T-shirts and also my Bluffworks travel suit .

The BluffCube did a great job of accommodating both sets of clothes. We even outline how to pack a suit into a packing cube in our guide for folding suits for wrinkle-free travel solutions.

They are made from 100% lightweight ripstop nylon fabric, which keeps the weight and footprint down. You can wash these in the washing machine with no problem (do hang them dry, though).

Check out the BluffCube

TravelWise Packing Cubes

I got this packing cube set in 2016 (I checked my Amazon orders for this date!) when I first left to travel for a year around the world. These packing cubes of mine have been through a lot of use, zips and packs!

I actually still use them on occasion, but since 2016, there have been a lot of new packing cubes that have come out that I also like.

Bagsmart packing cubes

I tested these Bagsmart packing cubes (the set of 6) and was pretty impressed with the quality and practicality for the price.

The set of 6 gives you lots of size options and gives you a shoe (or laundry) bag option as well.

Not all packing cubes offer the ability to compress your clothes, but these Bagsmart packing cubes do! If you’re looking for a set of packing cubes as your first set to test out, I would recommend this set from Bagsmart without a doubt!

Check them out .

Knack Shoe Bags

Knack sells packing cubes , which I’ve used in the past. They help with organization, but not so much for compression in my testing. However, their shoe bags are fantastic, in my opinion.

My general packing advice is always going to be to limit the amount of shoes that you travel with. Shoes end up taking the most amount of room in your bag. My wife Becca talks all about how to decide which shoes to pack for a trip in this article .

I broke my own rule recently because I traveled to California for a wedding and wanted to bring nicer shoes, running shoes and the walking sneakers that I normally wear every day.

Half my bag was dedicated to shoes, which I wrapped in plastic bags (and reused them on the way home). This was really not the best use of space, though, and I was sure that there was something out there to solve this problem.

And there is!

The compressible shoe bags from Knack are pretty cool. You can stash one pair of shoes in the small bag, or two pairs of shoes (depending on the size of your shoes) in the larger bag.

The best part is you can compress the bag, which allows you to save space for other things that you need to pack.

The compression does come at a small expense, and it will sort of squish your shoes. For me, I’m ok with that, but depending on the type of shoes you have, I’d keep that in mind (like if you have leather dress shoes for a wedding).

Check out the Knack Shoe Bags

Tortuga Packing Cubes (Set of 3)

I tested out the Tortuga Packing Cubes in the set of 3, and they are super lightweight. I thought they nested really nicely in my new Tortuga Laptop Backpack , which they pair very well with as a duo.

The packing cubes from Tortuga are made from the same high-quality materials as all Tortuga backpacks are, so they’re durable as well as waterproof, and have these great zippers with little turtle logos on them.

When I say they’re lightweight, I mean it. The three of them weigh around half a pound all together and they’re thin, yet strong. I like the top mesh flap and structured design.

They won’t provide as much compression as some of the other packing cubes on this list.

These packing cubes come at a higher price point than, say, the ones from Amazon Basics. That’s because Tortuga is a trusted brand and a leader in adventure gear for travelers. These aren’t any old packing cubes, so they’re for a person who appreciates quality and long-lasting goods to invest in.

Check out the Tortuga Packing Cubes Set

Everything else!

Here are the other packing cubes that I found that either offer something unique, have a good price or are overall well reviewed and used in the travel space.

Eagle Creek Pack-it (Specter Tech Cube Set)

The Eagle Creek Pack-it (Specter Tech edition) will be your lightweight and relatively affordable option for a set of packing cubes.

You can trust Eagle Creek because they have been around for more than 40 years! They were some of the first packing cubes that I ever tested. I don’t own them anymore. I think I sent some older style of Eagle Creek off to a friend that didn’t have them. I don’t remember!

This particular set has some waterproofing, but isn’t rated to be fully submerged in water. They can withstand a few drops and splashes, but I would not suggest letting them fall in the ocean or be rained on for more than a few minutes.

You are able to wash them in a washing machine. I would air-dry them as opposed to putting them in a dryer, for sure.

They are made from 30D Silnylon Ripstop. Silnylon in a combo material made from silicone and nylon. It’s strength-to-weight ratio is known to be favorable! So, these packing cubes are both strong and lightweight.

Check out the Eagle Creek Pack-it (Specter Set)

Eagle Creek Pack-It (Original set)

This original set of Eagle Creek packing cubes is pretty much your classic packing cube set .

They come in a set of three, which is perfect for most of your packing needs. I like to dedicate one cube for socks and underwear, one cube for shirts and one cube for pants and sweatshirts .

You can expect a standard level of quality and functionality with these packing cubes. They are made from a nylon material, have decent zippers and feature a quick-grab handle.

Compared to the Eagle Creek Specter set, these are a bit heavier.

Check out the Eagle Creek Pack-It (Original set)

Bagail Packing Cube Set

The Bagail packing cube set is going to be the most affordable option in this list.

You’ll receive six packing cubes in three unique sizes. They are made from a typical nylon material, and that’s about it!

I would get these packing cubes if you’re interested in keeping your costs down and don’t need any major features or care about the design.

Check Out the Bagail Packing Cube Set

There are a few similar types of packing cubes that you can find on Amazon. I would check these options and compare which has the best price.

Amazon Basics Packing Cubes

I’ve had good luck with most Amazon Basics products. I am pretty sure that Amazon white-labels existing products and puts their own branding on them.

My guess is that these packing cubes are some variation of the TravelWise or eBags ones. They likely all share a similar manufacturing process.

Like most of the Amazon Basic products, the cost is affordable and you can find a generous return policy. You’ll also get a 1-year warranty.

These packing cubes have a mesh top. The mesh is nice, for seeing what is inside. If you are careful with your packing cubes, the mesh should be okay.

If you use the cubes a lot and are a bit more rough with your things typically, I would assume that the mesh will be the first part of them that will start to show signs of wear.

Check out the Amazon Basics Packing Cubes

The Insider Packing Cubes, by Away Travel

We like the products that we have from Away. Becca uses the Away Daypack and the Away Carry-On suitcase for most trips that we take these days.

These packing cubes are great because they integrate really well with the carry-on bag.

They come in a pack of four and have a 100-day free trial. The free trial is basically an extended return policy. You still have to pay for them up front, but Away will refund you if you aren’t happy within the 100-day period of time.

If you’re looking for more packing cubes or want to split them between a few bags, they also offer a set of 6 .

In terms of material and usability, they are made from a nylon material and are somewhat water-resistant. They have a mesh top, so they’re not totally waterproof.

Check out The Insider Packing Cubes

Nested Travel Organizer Trio, by Leatherology

The travel organizers from Leatherology are absolutely going to be your splurge pick or high-end choice of the bunch.

They are made from full grain leather and includes nickel hardware accents. You’re able to personalize the bags, which I believe is having your initials or some other small marks that are custom to you.

These bags would be a great complement to any luxury travel or would be a nice gift for someone who likes quality items.

The size variety that comes in the set is perfect for packing toiletries, charging cables, clothes and everything in between, in style.

Check out the Nested Travel Organizer Trio

Calpak packing cubes

The packing cube options from Calpak are so fun! The set comes with five pieces and has many of great color choice and patterns to choose from.

If you’re traveling with your packing cubes outside of your bag for some reason, you’ll be able to benefit from the carrying handle and an organization label.

Check out the Calpak packing cubes

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

REI is known for consistency, quality products, good customer service and having everything you need for travel and outdoor activities.

REI’s packing cubes hold up to their expectations, undoubtedly.

The REI expandable packing cubes come in a few sizes and are made from ripstop nylon. The outside has a durable water-repellant finish.

You can use them for a number of applications and can beat them up a little bit. Don’t take their lunch money, though.

One of the best features of these packing cubes is their ability to expand. Each of the three sizes expands to hold more capacity.

These packing cubes also hold some sustainability credentials. They have a bluesign® certification. You can learn more about what that is directly on their website .

As an added bonus, if you’re an REI Co-op member, you’ll save about $4 (coming back to you in a dividend) after buying these packing cubes. Learn more about becoming a Co-op member here!

Check out the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Topo Designs Pack Bag (10L)

The bags and packing cubes from Topo Designs are among some of the highest quality items that you can find.

Their products will likely hold up for many years and you can put them through a lot of wear and tear.

The 10L packing cube is made from 400D nylon pack cloth and includes heavy-duty YKK zippers. This basically means they are some of the highest quality packing cubes on this list.

If you’re into it, they hold a Fair Wear certification and you can learn more about that process here.

The size and durability of this packing cube is perfect for some of your bulkier items, like shoes, sweaters, jackets and so on.

Check out the Topo Designs Pack Bag

GORUCK packing cubes

The packing cubes from GORUCK come in two sizes, a 5L and a 10L size. They are incredibly durable being made from 200D nylon.

When you’re not using them, the pack down really small, which allows you to keep them out of sight.

They integrate nicely to the GORUCK GR3, GR2 or Kit Bag. If you already own some of the GORUCK products or like their mission, these would be a great option for you!

Check out the GORUCK packing cubes

Trakke waterproof packing cubes

For people who like camping or need a waterproof option, this packing cube set from Trakke is your go-to option.

They are truly waterproof and hand made in Scotland. Their bright orange color makes them stand out and easy to identify.

Let’s say the wash away in a river, you’ll be able to easily find them assuming whatever you have inside decides to float.

The material is a dry-finish waxed canvas, which is really my favorite material.

Check out the Trakke waterproof packing cubes

Osprey UltraLight Zip Organizer

The Osprey UltraLight Organizer has a feature that makes them stand out from the rest. Why? Because you can hang it.

The hanging ability allows you to stash away electronics or toiletries (hopefully not together) and have them easily accessible.

There are plenty of pockets inside for additional storage and really allows you to organize everything exactly how you want it.

Check out the Osprey UltraLight Zip Organizer

The Centerfold Garment Sleeve

If you’ve ever tried traveling with a suit, it’s not easy. You usually need to be really careful to make sure everything stays propped up and doesn’t fall off the hanger and collapse and wrinkle.

If you’re looking for a travel suit, check out the travel suit options from Bluffworks as well as my Gramercy travel suit review .

Away makes a nice garment bag that you can use to travel with a suit, dress or really any attire that you want to keep looking freshly pressed.

Inside of the bag, they have a small pocket perfect for some accessories, like a tie, clips or a comb.

The outside of the bag has some hanger clips that you can use for organization after you travel. The bag is designed to clip into some of Away’s existing bags.

This is a great option if you’re looking for a garment bag!

Check out the Centerfold Garment Sleeve

IKEA RENSARE

If you know anyone who loves IKEA like I do, you’ll like the RENSARE packing cubes. They are exactly what you would expect IKEA to make.

Don’t worry, though: you won’t have to assemble them. They come pre-assembled!

They are mostly polyester and some polyurethane. I believe they are made from 90% recycled material, but don’t quote me on it!

They are able to be put into the washing machine, but be careful and don’t put them in the dryer.

The biggest benefit of these is the price. They are really some of the most affordable packing cube options that you can find. If you live near an IKEA, check them out. Otherwise, you’ll probably need to pay for shipping.

Check out the IKEA RENSARE

Why should you trust me?

I’ve been packing bags since I left for my first full year of travel in 2016. In preparation for that trip, I thought I discovered packing cubes and was so impressed by how I could effectively turn my duffle bag into a lost game of Tetris.

Little did I know that the packing cube industry was thriving and about to explode with tons of new ways to pack your stuff.

By the time I finished my year of travel, I downsized a lot of my duffle bag because I was moving around so frequently. There were some instances where my bag would barely close, because it wasn’t packed well enough. There were other instances when I needed to dig something from the depths of my bag, and digging through all of the loose items was not fun.

I realized how useful packing cubes were for both of those reasons. And during that realization, after more long trips, another year of travel, and lots of testing, did I come to really know and love packing cubes.

You should trust my because without knowing it, I’ve willingly packed well over 50 suitcases, duffle bags and backpacks to travel anywhere between 2 and 365 days.

Does rolling or folding your clothes matter?

Kind of? But probably not enough to over-think it.

I always like to tell people to pack half what you think you need. But there are times when it’s hard and that extra pair of pants sometimes takes you over the edge and makes it hard to close your suitcase.

I’ve repacked my bag a few times, by carefully rolling clothes to leave no gap, so they compress more. I’ve neatly stacked my clothes to the same effect. I haven’t found a huge space savings by doing either method.

I have found that using packing cubes is a better space-saving method because when I have a mix of dirty and clean clothes, sometimes my dirty clothes are loose in my bag when the clean clothes are in the packing cubes. It’s those times when my bag is hard to close.

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The best packing cubes to save space and keep you organized

These travel cubes will keep your suitcase in order, whether you’re going on a short getaway or a round-the-world adventure.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or planning an around-the-world adventure, packing cubes can help streamline the packing process. Packing cubes are bags that come in different sizes in a set. They can help organize clothing and save room in your suitcase. Frequent traveler Kayli King uses packing bags daily to keep clothes organized in her van while traveling. “Honestly, after traveling so long, I can’t imagine not using them,” she says.  

After talking to King, we compared packing bags, looking for durable travel cubes with functional designs and a wide variety of sizes. Our top overall pick is the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes. Compression zippers, handles, and a low price tag make this set the best all around.

Our picks for the best packing cubes for travel

The best packing cubes for travel, best overall: gonex compression packing cubes.

Buy it now on   Amazon

Why we like it:   The Gonex Compression Packing Cubes are our choice for the best overall packing cubes. Despite being one of the more affordable travel cube sets on this list, these compression bags have plenty of features, including ripstop nylon, reinforced seams, and handles. They compress via double zippers that pull the edges of the travel packing bag together. The packing cubes can hold everything from socks to jackets and are designed to fit together like puzzle pieces. They’re also available in over 10 colors.

Keep in mind:   These packing cubes unzip only halfway, so you have to stuff your clothes inside rather than lay them flat. Some reviewers note that the compression zippers are difficult for people with arthritis or reduced mobility.

Product details: Size: 4-piece set: 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches (small), 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches (medium), 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches (large), and 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches (extra large) | Material:   Ripstop nylon | Weight: 12 ounces (set)  

Best for traveling light: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set  

Buy it now at   Backcountry

Why we like it: At 4.2 ounces, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is half the weight of other packing cubes on this list, but they’re far from flimsy. They’re made of ripstop polyester and have “self-repairing” zippers—if a gap opens in the chain, you can slide one of the zippers over it to close it. Eagle Creek also offers a warranty that covers fabric tears and zippers. Because they’re lightweight and sturdy, these travel cubes are great for hikers and campers who want to organize their backpacks.  

Keep in mind: The set includes only three smaller-sized travel cubes. While great for backpacks and carry-ons, you may want bigger packing cubes for checked luggage.

Product details: Size:   3-piece set: 4.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches (extra small), 7.25 x 10 x 3.25 inches (small), and 10 x 14.25 x 3.25 inches (medium) | Material:   Ripstop polyester | Weight:   4.2 ounces (set)  

Best for overpackers: REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Buy it now at   REI

Why we like it:   The packing cubes in the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set are the opposite of compression bags. Each cube has a second zipper that, when unzipped, increases its width to six inches—double the size of other packing bags on this list. They’re designed to last with ripstop polyester treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. The packing cubes also meet the Bluesign criteria, the highest environmental standard for sustainable textile manufacturing.

Keep in mind:   REI Co-op recently updated its packing cubes, and some buyers believe the quality has suffered as a result. Third-party reviews mention thin material, unreinforced zippers, and mesh that snags.

Product details: Size:   3-piece set: 8 x 6 x 3 inches (small), 12 x 8 x 3 inches (medium), and 14.5 x 10.5 x 3 inches (large) | Material:   Ripstop nylon, polyester mesh | Weight: 8.3 ounce (set)  

Best upcycled option: Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle

Why we like it:   The brightly colored Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle is an upcycled option you can feel good about. The packing bags are made of 100-percent repurposed nylon and mesh. Kayli King likes that the mesh panels allow your things to air out and that you can hang them up by their handles.

Cotopaxi’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond its packing cubes. The company says that 94 percent of its products use repurposed, recycled, or responsible materials. They also offer programs to repair items and trade them in to avoid landfills.

Keep in mind:   Despite its competitive price, this bundle comes with only three packing cubes. The size range is small compared to other packing cube sets. However, King prefers this set for longer trips.

Product details: Size: 3-piece set: 7 x 8 x 2 inches (2-liter bag), 6 x 11.5 x 3 inches (3-liter bag), 10 x 11.5 x 5 inches (10-liter bag) | Material:   100 percent repurposed nylon and mesh | Weight: 9 ounces (set)

Best style: Calpak Packing Cubes Set

Buy it now at   Calpak

Why we like it:   While many packing cubes seem to favor function over fashion, the Calpak Packing Cubes Set balances both. The packing bags come in over 20 colors, with patterns like “cheetah” and “lime viper.” They’re durable, with thick polyester sides and mesh covers that let you see inside. Each packing cube has a zippered pocket for smaller essentials and an ID tag to write down the contents. If five travel cubes aren’t enough, you can buy additional Calpak travel organizers, like shoe bags and laptop totes.

Keep in mind:   The Calpak Packing Cube set is by far the heaviest and most expensive option on this list. You may want lighter packing cubes if you travel with just a carry-on or are concerned about overweight luggage.

Product details: Size:   5-piece set: 13 x 10 x 1.5 inches (envelope), 12 x 8.8 x 3 inches (small x 2), 5 x 11 x 3 inches (medium), 17 x 12 x 3 inches (large) | Material: Polyester and mesh | Weight: 1 pound, 12.8 ounces (set)  

Best set: Tripped Checked Bag Set

Why we like it:   The Tripped Checked Bag Set has a travel cube for almost every packing need. The set includes seven packing bags, including two extra large sizes, a slim cube, a shoe bag, and a roll-top laundry bag. Mix and match the travel cubes to fit your suitcase and packing needs. Most of the packing cubes in the Checked Bag Set also have a compression feature. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and an illustrated set featuring national parks.  

Keep in mind:   While the packing cubes are made from a ripstop blend, reviewers mention that the material and stitching feel thin and flimsy. Some of the travel cubes don’t unzip all the way, making packing more difficult.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 12.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches (shoe bag), 12.5 x 4.5 x 3 inches (slim cube), 21 x 11.5 x 0.1 inches (laundry bag), 10 x 7 x 4 inches (small), 14 x 10 x 4 inches (large), 16 x 12 x 4 inches (extra large x 2) | Material:   Ripstop nylon-polyester blend | Weight:   15.5 ounces (set)  

Best budget: Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes

Why we like it: The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes come with six packing cubes, including a laundry bag and a shoe bag. They cost less than half the price of most other packing bag sets on this list. The low price doesn’t mean low quality, though. The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes are made of thick polyester, with sturdy zippers and mesh panels to help keep clothes fresh. Plus, they come in 12 colors.  

Keep in mind: The laundry and shoe bags are small. The polyester is not ripstop and can melt if dried on high heat.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 4.7 x 17 inches (shoe bag), 14 x 20 inches (laundry bag), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 17.5 x 12.15 x 5 inches (extra large) | Material:   Polyester | Weight:   10.4 ounces (set)  

How we chose the best travel packing cubes

We weighed the following qualities when curating the best packing cubes:

Third-party reviews:   We considered reviews from sources other than company websites and spoke with seasoned travelers to find out what they liked.  

Brand reputation: Anything you use for traveling should be functional, long-lasting, and, preferably, good for the planet. We looked for brands that value high-quality gear and sustainability.

Quality of material:   We chose travel cubes that were made to last, with durable materials like ripstop nylon and polyester, reinforced seams, and strong zippers.

Size range: Different-sized packing bags make for an easier packing experience. We chose packing cube sets in a range of sizes, from extra small to extra large.

Compression options: Some packing cube brands offer compression bags, which can be a nice feature if you’re tight on space.  

Tips for buying packing bags

Here’s what to consider when picking your own packing cubes:

Brand reputation  

Choose a trusted brand with a proven reputation. Brands with zipper and fabric warranties or repair programs will also help you get as many vacations as possible with your travel organizers.

If you only use carry-ons or smaller luggage, choose a packing cube set with fewer, smaller travel cubes. If you prefer to use checked luggage, go for a packing cube set with more travel cubes and bigger sizes.  

If you travel with just a carry-on or want to use packing cubes for hiking, choose an ultralight packing cube set. Every ounce counts when packing light, and some travel cube sets are nearly 1.5 pounds lighter than others.

Packing cubes are typically made of polyester or nylon, both strong synthetic fabrics. If you need something even more durable, look for ripstop nylon or polyester, which has extra threads to prevent tears from becoming bigger.

Some brands offer compression bags, which can save space. However, King finds that compressed bags can be awkwardly shaped, making them harder to fit together in your suitcase. If you are a heavy packer, travel cubes for shoes or laundry can help keep the rest of your luggage clean.

Frequently asked questions

Are packing cubes worth it?

Packing cubes can help save space in your suitcase and improve organization, reducing stress while traveling.

Does TSA allow packing cubes?

Packing cubes are TSA-approved, provided everything inside is within the regulations. Check with your airline on what is allowed in carry-on and checked bags.

How many packing cubes do you need for a suitcase?

How many packing cubes you need depends on the length of your trip and the size of your suitcase. Four to six packing cubes is a great starting point. You can adjust the number as needed.

How much does a packing cube cost?

The packing cube sets recommended here cost between 20 and 70 dollars. Some companies may sell individual packing cubes for less.

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The 10 Best Packing Cubes for Travel [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

778 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

33 Published Articles 3134 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Why You Should Use Packing Cubes

What to look for in packing cubes, how to use packing cubes, 1. the comprehensive packing cube set, 2. best for long weekends and short breaks, 3. durable and resistant packing cubes, 4. the ultralight packing cubes, 5. packing cubes with organization in mind, 6. affordable packing cubes, 7. packing cubes with a compression system, 8. beautiful basics from amazon, 9. high-end packing cubes that will stand the test of time, 10. best for heavy packers and families on vacation, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Packing cubes are growing in popularity as more and more of us look for ways to stay organized when we travel. Packing cubes can help us better arrange the interior space of our suitcases and kit bags and will turn a packing novice into an expert in no time.

Trust us when we say that packing cubes will completely revolutionize the way you pack your backpack or suitcase forever. These little cubes of layered goodness will help you keep all of your belongings in neatly and ordered compartments, allowing you to find whatever you are looking for in record time.

More importantly, they give you the extra space you need to pack that little bit more! Other benefits include:

• Quicker to transfer your clothes to a drawer
• Easily separate your clean clothes from your dirty clothes
• Clothes don’t shift when in transit, reducing the number of creases
• They are incredibly affordable

Your packing cubes should be a useful addition to your luggage armory, and not just cute little packages that don’t make any difference to the way you travel. When purchasing, consider the following:

Weight — They will need to be light in order to help organize your belongings without making your luggage too heavy.

Material — They should be made of durable, washable (or wipeable) material as they will need to withstand long journeys and multiple uses; canvas or nylon packing cubes are good for this.

Visibility — Color-coded or numbering systems can make your life even easier when you need to find something super quickly.

Breathability — Mesh fabric is your friend. You need air to be able to circulate inside the cubes to prevent dampness from setting in thus causing mold on your precious belongings.

Surely you just put your clothes in and zip them up, right? While it might seem pretty simple how to use a packing cube, there are some tips that can make them even more useful.

Use Variety — Use a combination of different-sized packing cubes and colors that will allow for easier identification.

Theme Your Cubes — Take your organization to the next level and have each cube be a theme. Maybe you utilize your small cube for packing your socks and underwear, while you use your yellow cube for your evening outfits. The possibilities are endless.

Roll Your Clothes — Some people prefer folding but the common consensus is that rolling your clothes before putting them in a packing cube is best. The thinking behind this is that it saves space and reduces wrinkles.

Don’t Overstuff — Being organized means you can fit more in than you think, but however you organize your cubes, just remember to not overstuff them.

Once your cubes are packed, arrange them in your suitcase as you see fit. Most of these cubes will fit together like soft, overstuffed puzzle pieces, so you can have as much fun as you like arranging them to achieve maximum space in your suitcase.

The 10 Best Packing Cubes for Travel

Thinking of investing in some packing cubes for your next adventure? Here are some of the best packet cubes:

YAMIU Packing Cubes 7-Pcs Travel Organizer Set

This set offers a clever combination of excellent value and outstanding practicality. With a selection of 7 different cubes to choose from , your clothes and belongings will be kept neat and tidy while in transit. There is also a handy water-resistant shoe bag, as well as 2 different-sized waterproof bags perfect for keeping your makeup, sunscreen, and toiletries contained, should any leaks occur.

For your added convenience, one of the bags is a TSA-approved size, making it just right for airline-approved toiletries or other liquids. The cubes themselves are made of lightweight and high-quality nylon fabric with strong double zippers that make for fast and easy access to your belongings every time.

What We Like

• Includes 2 waterproof, TSA-approved clear bags

What We Don’t Like

• The shoe bag is a bit small

TravelWise 5-Piece Packing Cube System

Perfect for a long weekend away, this 5 piece travel organizer set comes with:

• 2 large packing cubes measuring 3.7 x 12.6 x 18.11 inches
• 2 medium packing cubes measuring 3.3 x 9.8 x 13.8 inches
• 1 small packing cube that measures up at 3.1 x 6.9 x 11.8 inches

The innovative lay-flat design allows you to compartmentalize your belongings in “drawers” while you travel, and the 2-way easy-to-pull zippers provide reliable and easy opening . Supplied as a matching set, you can tailor the way you pack your cubes to fit what you want to bring with you.

Made from durable nylon, this set of lightweight, breathable mesh packing cubes will ensure that your clothes remain wrinkle-free and organized while in transit, meaning you are ready to unpack and explore the minute you get to your destination.

What W Like

• Helps to reduce wrinkled clothing
• The mesh material is a bit fragile

Shacke Pak – 4 Set Packing Cubes Plus Laundry Bag

The Shacke Pak packing cube system is designed to help you neatly pack all of your clothes tightly away. This set of 4 different sizes of packing cubes and 1 laundry bag will leave your clothes fresh and wrinkle-free.

The cubes measure:

• Extra Large — 17.5 x 12.75 x 4 inches
• Large — 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches
• Medium — 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches
• Small — 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches

Made from high-quality, durable, water-resistant nylon , these Shacke Pak’s are designed to withstand the wear and tear of travel. At 4 inches deep, each cube gives you optimal packing space.

The X-design web stitching creates a strongly reinforced lid that will hold your clothes in place and prevents the bag from sagging in the middle. Finally, the YKK zippers are smooth and sturdy; guaranteed to stand the test of time.

• Comes in a range of bright colors
• Easy to overpack and stretch the seams

Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set

The Pack-It Specter Cube system offers 2 different sized packing pouches that will help you to organize your luggage without adding extra weight to your suitcase . Made from water-resistant nylon, you can keep your belongings protected from leaks or spills along the way.

The innovative design also has a zipper that runs around at least half of the perimeter of the packing cube, meaning you can easily reach the contents. There is also a haul loop to make loading and unloading super easy.

Eagle Creek’s packing cubes work like building blocks, and you can simply choose the sizes you need to meet your needs. Choose from Tube Cubes, Half Cubes, and more to make the most of your luggage space next time you travel.

• Machine washable
• The half zipper opening makes it harder to access your clothes

5 Piece Set Packing Cubes for Suitcases

These packing cubes are color-coded, offering you awesome luggage organization options. Allocate the different colors among family members, or categorize your own packing with each colored cube. They won’t bulge or sag, meaning you can neatly stack them like shelves or lay them flat on top of one another inside your suitcase

Made from water-resistant fabric, with tough, long-lasting quality zippers, these cubes will keep your clothing dry and free from wrinkles. They adhere to international carry-on sizing so your packing cubes will fit perfectly in your carry-on luggage , allowing you to easily access your belongings during any part of your journey. Enjoy stress-free, efficient packaging with 5 identically sized packing cubes measuring 14 x 5 x 2.75 inches.

• Color coded for easy organization
• The material could be stronger

Travel Packing Cubes, Gonex Luggage Organizers

As one of the most popular brands of packing cubes available, Gonex is famous for its ability to offer exceptional quality at affordable prices . This standard set contains 4 packing cubes of varying sizes, all made from durable, rip-stop nylon, and they are available in a variety of color options. The packing cubes measure:

• 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches
• 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches
• 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches
• 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches

These lightweight cubes also include carry handles, sturdy double zippers, and can fit comfortably in a hotel drawer or in your carry-on. These will keep your suitcase organized and make items easier to find, which in turn makes for easier packing and happier, more relaxed traveling.

• They compress down small when not in use
• The zippers can sometimes catch on the inner fabric

LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes

These small, gray, and mesh cubes are stylish looking and effortlessly practical, making them perfect for travelers looking to reduce the size and bulk of their luggage.

Each of the 3 cubes features a mesh window for breathability and the cubes can compress from 4 inches to just 1 inch , which allows for flatter packing and more spare space in your suitcase. The 2 larger cubes measure 15.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches, while the medium cube measures 11 x 11 x 4 inches.

The LeanTravel system does not remove air from the packs but simply compresses the contents to make the cubes more compact. Worried about creasing? Don’t be; the premium quality polyester fabric and sturdy construction help to reduce the risk of wrinkles during transit.

• Has a mesh top to quickly identify clothes
• On the pricey side

Amazon Basics 4-Piece Packing Cube Set

The Amazon Basics line of products offers a great packing cube set that is not only durable but also affordable. The set contains 2 large and 2 medium cubes; this combination is ideal for heavy packers or those with young families.

The larger of the cubes measures an impressive 17.5 x 12.75 x 3.25 inches and can easily hold jeans and hoodies, while the medium measures in at 13.75 x 9.75 x 3 inches, making it perfect for pants, shirts, and dresses.

The mesh front means you can easily identify your belongings without having to take everything out of your suitcase just to know what you have. Given their value for the price, these Amazon Basics packing cubes are well worth the investment to ensure hassle-free packing.

• Lightweight and durable
• The large cubes are quite large for carry-on luggage

eBags Packing Cubes for Travel – 4pc Classic Plus Set

With a higher price tag than many of its competitors, eBags is a brand that is known for its superior luggage solutions and high-quality travel products . Its packing cubes are just as durable and are some of the best-selling packing cubes available today.

In this 4-piece combination, each cube is made of extremely strong Techlite diamond nylon and premium YKK zippers for fast and reliable access.

The set contains 4 different size cubes offering a variety of packing combinations that will ensure you can fit everything you need in your carry-on or checked bag . The cubes are also stackable, meaning that they can be used as impromptu drawers to save you the time and hassle of packing and unpacking at every location.

• Comes with a lifetime guarantee
• No choice on size combinations

PRO Packing Cubes for Travel

This 6-piece set has everything you need to keep your belongings safe and sound during transit. Available in a variety of colors, they are perfect for heavy packers, or families heading out on vacation . There are 3 different sizes of cubes in this pack, all of which are incredibly useful.

• The large cubes measure 17.5 x 12.75 x 3.25 inches and are perfect for jackets, towels, sweaters, and trousers.
• The medium cubes come measure 13.75 x 9.75 x 3 inches, just right for shirts, blouses, and shorts.
• The slim bags measure 14 x 5 x 3 inches, making them ideal for underwear, socks, and toiletries, we well as your adapters and cables.

Made from strong, durable nylon, and breathable mesh, you will be able to organize your luggage interiors perfectly and arrive at your destination with wrinkle-free clothing that is as neatly organized as when you packed.

• Double zippers for better compression
• The material is quite thin

Packing cubes are, without a doubt, a traveling necessity. It can be easy to get carried away and overfill them or stuff too many cubes into your suitcase at one time.

The key to successful “cubing” is to separate and organize your belongings well and to allow for easy access when you arrive at your destination. If you want to arrive organized, then packing cubes are definitely for you!

Looking for more organizational accessories and stellar travel tools to up your adventure lifestyle? Check out these additional product reviews:

• The Best Travel Toiletry Bags for Men and Women
• Carry-on Travel Essentials for Short and Long Flights (His & Hers)
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place

Frequently Asked Questions

How useful are packing cubes.

Packing cubes are extremely useful for keeping your backpack or suitcase organized. They make it much easier to unpack clothes into a drawer and by packing your different types of clothes together means that you can find items quicker. Packing cubes are also great for separating clean clothes from dirty ones.

Do packing cubes wrinkle clothes?

While packing clothes in any enclosed space will result in some wrinkles, packing cubes can help reduce the amount of wrinkles your clothes get during transit. As the clothes are in a cube, they are less likely to shift around as much compared to just being loose in your luggage. The excess shifting will cause more wrinkles.

Do packing cubes actually save space?

Packing cubes don’t save space as you still have the same number of items, they are just more organized and easier to find. Compression bags or vacuum bags on the other hand will suck out the air and save space. That said, packing cubes are still worthwhile for their organizational abilities.

Are packing cubes worth it?

How do i choose a packing cube.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Best packing cubes | how to travel and pack like a pro.

Our picks for the best packing cubes and tips for successfully packing all your stuff.

We’ve traveled thousands of miles and tested dozens of travel products but there is one thing that finds its way into our backpacks/suitcases every trip — packing cubes.

Seriously, packing cubes have changed the way we pack and travel. They’re the experienced traveler’s secret weapon. These handy travel accessories help us keep all our clothing organized and they’re great when you’re packing light. And trust us, being able to unpack all your stuff in seconds is almost therapeutic —  especially during the chaos of travel.

In this article, we’ll cover the best packing cubes on the market and then we’ll give you some tips and tricks for using these super helpful travel accessories.

The Best Packing Cubes

There are dozens of different companies that make packing cubes — Eagle Creek , eBags , Shacke Pak , TravelWise , Osprey , and about a million more . The problem is that there are a lot of low-quality options so we wanted to test the most popular cubes to find the best packing cubes on the market.

We’ve narrowed it down to our favorite four brands/styles:

• Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes (best overall)
• eBags Packing Cubes (close second place)
• Eagle Creek Spectre Tech Packing Cubes (ultra lightweight favorite)
• AmazonBasics Packing Cubes (best budget option)

Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube Set

It’s pretty hard to beat the Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube set — which is why they’re our overall top pick. After all, Eagle Creek essentially started the packing cubes craze and they continue to be the leader. The Pack-It Cubes come in multiple sizes but we think the Pack-It 3-Piece Set ( Pack-It Cube,  Pack-It Half Cube, &  Pack-It Quarter Cube)  is probably the best value. Each size cube in this set is perfect for travel backpacks and carry-on suitcases.

There is also a Pack-It Double Cube  which is probably too large for most backpacks so it’s more suited for a suitcase.

The Details

• Construction: Nice overall construction and stitching — much better than some cheaper bags we’ve tested. We feel confident that we can overpack these and the fabric/stitching won’t tear.
• Fabric: Sturdy 300D Poly Micro-Weave fabric that provides a bit of structure. This extra structure also helps make zipping the cube a bit easier. Of the cubes we tested, these seem like the most sturdy.
• Mesh Panel:  The packs have a mesh top for visibility and breathability. The mesh is also high quality and fine enough that it will hold up to a bit of abuse.
• Zippers: Zippers are smooth and are sewn well to the fabric. That said, they no longer use YKK zippers but they seem high-quality. We didn’t notice any catching when zipping/unzipping.
• Handle: Each cube has a nice little handle.
• Colors:  The bags come in a few basic colors but they randomly also come in brighter colors as well.
• Sizes: Available as individual sizes or multi-piece sets. We think the  Pack-It 3-Piece Set  is the best value.
• Warranty: Lifetime Warranty

Price: Eagle Creek Packing Cubes cost around $30 for the three-piece set. There are a few other sizes/sets available at various price points.

Check Amazon for the latest prices . 

eBags Packing Cubes

We’re also big fans of eBags Packing Cubes — they’re honestly not that much different than the Eagle Creek packing cubes other than a few small design differences. The fabric and mesh both feel durable so it shouldn’t have any trouble holding up during your travels. We also like that the bags use YKK zippers. These also come in a three-piece set and each cube is a bit larger than the Eagle Creek three-pack.

• Construction: No complaints about the overall construction. My bags were sewn well so the seams should hold up to a bit of overpacking. We did read some reviews from people mentioning that their seams ripped — but we didn’t experience any issues.
• Fabric: These bags are made from durable TechLite Diamond Nylon. The material is slick but a bit crinkly. The fabric offers a bit of structure so packing it is still simple.
• Mesh Panel:  These cubes have a mesh top for visibility and breathability.
• Zippers:  The zippers are made by YKK so that’s great. We didn’t have any issues zipping/unzipping the bag and everything was smooth.
• The large cube is pretty large so we kind of wish it came with two medium cubes instead. This cube can be good for bulkier items like sweaters, jeans, etc. but we can see how some people might have trouble filling the large cube.
• Colors: These packing cubes come in multiple colors. Some people prefer brighter colors so they stand out inside your bag.
• Warranty:  Limited-Lifetime Warranty

Price: The three-piece eBag Packing Cubes set costs around $30. There is also a four-piece for $40 and a six-piece set for $50.

Visit Amazon to see the current prices/selection .  

Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Packing Cube Set

Back to Eagle Creek for their Pack-It Specter Tech Packing Cube Set . These are different than the previous two sets because they’re made of crazy-lightweight ripstop Nylon — which means they’re half the weight as the Original Eagle Creek Cubes and the eBags cubes. These bags don’t have any structure but they’re still fairly easy to pack. The fabric is actually surprisingly durable and it has the benefit of being water resistant. The main downside is the price as they’re more expensive than the other packing cubes on this list. That said, we really do like these bags but we’re not sure if it’s worth the extra cost.

• Construction: The construction is nice and lives up to what you’d expect from Eagle Creek. The stitching on the seams looks to be high-quality.
• Fabric: A first look the ripstop Nylon does seem like it would be fragile but it’s actually very sturdy — we were able to cram a lot of stuff inside without fearing it would rip. The material is also slightly translucent so you can see what’s inside the cubes.
• Zippers:  The zippers are smooth and feel like they’re high-quality.
• Handle: There is a pull handle at the top of the bag.
• They also have a dirty/clean version that has two sides so you transfer clothes from the clean side to the dirty side. It’s a nice, but not necessary, feature

Price: The three-piece set usually costs around $40 for the XS/S/M version. The S/M/L version is around $55. There are a few other variations and single sizes as well.

Check out Amazon for prices and selections .

Note: There is an older version called the P ack-It Specter Compression Packing Cubes — these are essentially the same packing cubes but they have an extra zipper that offers slight compression abilities.

AmazonBasics Packing Cubes

On a budget? Check out AmazonBasics Packing Cubes . The material and construction aren’t as good as the other packing cubes on this list but they’re only around $20 for a set of four packing cubes.

Note: Some people said that the colored cubes bleed color when wet so we’d stick with black or grey.

• Construction:  The overall construction isn’t terrible but you can tell that they’re not super well-made. The mesh is decent but we can see how the loose weave it might rip after a few trips.
• Fabric:  The fabric is nylon. It’s a bit crinkly but feels decent.
• Zippers:  The zippers are a little rough and they sometimes get stuck when the cube is full.
• Handle: There is a pull handle on the side of the bag.
• Sizes:  The main set comes with four sizes — slim, small, medium, and large. The large is actually very large and probably wouldn’t fit in a backpack… so it’s kind of useless for a lot of people.

Price: The AmazonBasics Four-Piece Packing Cube set costs around $20-$24. Check Amazon for the latest prices and color options.

Packing Cubes: The Basics

A packing cube is a thin, soft-sided bag that helps you organize and compartmentalize your clothes and other accessories. Ideally, you fill each bag will the same types of clothing for maximum organization. For example, all t-shirts go in one, underwear and socks go in another, etc. You can even pack gadgets like cords and small electronics in them.

Other people pack their cubes by outfit but that requires a little too much planning for us.

Then you pack the packing cubes inside your backpack or suitcase. This way you can easily get to what you need without having to unpack and riffle through all your stuff. If packed correctly, packing cubes can also help reduce the amount of space your stuff takes up and can help reduce wrinkles.

The Benefits Of Packing Cubes

Alright, let’s talk about why we’re big fans of these handy travel accessories.

Organization

The best thing about packing cubes is the organization — especially when you’re traveling out of a backpack. We like to pack each type of clothing in its own cube. For example, we’ll put all t-shirts in a cube and then we’ll put all socks and underwear in another. This way, you can quickly pull out that cube when you need something.

Without packing cubes, you have to rummage through all your stuff to find what you’re looking for. It may not seem like a big deal now but we can’t travel without them now.

Space Savings

Packing Cubes help keep clothing “bundled” and compressed – which reduces how much space your clothing takes up. This is very helpful if you’re traveling with a single backpack because it allows you to fit more in a smaller space.

Wrinkle Reduction

Packing cubes can also help reduce wrinkles in your clothing. That’s because one major cause of wrinkles is from your clothing shifting around in your bag as you move. However, packing cubes keep things compresses — which prevents movement. There are also other packing techniques that help with wrinkles and we’ll cover that later.

Fast Unpacking

One of the best things about packing cubes is that you can take all the cubes out of your bag when you arrive at your destination. You’re essentially unpacked in 30 seconds. Some people will place the cubes directly in the drawers and then stow their bag out of the way (super handy in small spaces like hostels/hotels or apartments).

Repacking is also easy because you already know where everything goes so you can get repacked very quickly.

How To Use Packing Cubes

Using packing cubes is pretty easy but there are few techniques you can use to make your packing even easier and help reduce wrinkles.

Divide Clothing

First, divide your clothing into like items.

We usually do something like this:

• Socks and Underwear
• Button-Up Shirts
• Pants/Skirts
• Jackets, Outerwear, etc.

Fold, Bundle, & Roll

Next, we’ll prepare clothes to be packed into the packing cubes. There are a few different techniques and we’ll cover a few of our favorites.

1. Fold Technique

The Fold Method is the most simple method and it works well for things like t-shirts, button-ups, and pants. The idea is simple — just fold your stuff like normal and put them in the packing cubes. You can actually fit a good amount of stuff with this method.

We find that medium-sized packing cubes work best for this method.

2. Bundle Technique

The Bundle Method is similar to the Fold Method but instead of folding each item individually, you stack multiple items together and then fold them all at once. It works well with shirts and pants.

There are two main benefits to this method: First, you only have to fold things once instead of multiple individual items. Second, having multiple layers stacked together helps reduce wrinkles because the bulk of the extra layers creates softer creases.

3. Roll Technique

The Roll Method is very popular and it’s a great way to vastly reduce the amount of space your clothes take up. Basically, you tightly roll each item. We find this works best for things like t-shirts, socks, and underwear but some people roll all their clothes.

That said, we’re usually too lazy to use this technique on shirts and pants but it’s probably the most efficient packing method if you have the time/ patience.

Other Packing Aids

Packing cubes aren’t the only things that help keep you organized — here are a few more things…

Packing Folders

Packing folders are like packing cubes but they’re so they’re better suited for pants, sweaters, and button-up shirts. We really like the Eagle Creek Garment Folders  — they come in multiple sizes and colors.

Toiletries Bags & Containers

Find yourself toiletry bag that can be hung up. Most European bathrooms are small and may not have much (if any) no shelf space. A hanging toiletry bag will save you a lot of hassle.

Here are a few of our toiletry favorite bags:

• The Ogio Doppler Kit (via  Amazon ).
• The Lewis N Clark Hanging Toiletry Case (via  Amazon ).
• The Davidsbeenhere Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag (via  Amazon ).

Another way to travel light is by transferring your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. into travel-sized bottles.  We love the  Humangear GoToob Travel Bottles  since they’re probably the best travel bottles for shampoo and other liquids/gels. They get a ton of great reviews for being the one travel tube brand that doesn’t leak — but they are a bit pricey. Be sure to check out their website for a list of liquids that they’re not compatible with. A three-pack cost about $17-$25 depending on the size of the bottles (via  Amazon ).

PLASTIC BAGS

Ziploc bags  are great for storing multiple things and keeping liquids from spilling over all your stuff (we like to keep my passport in a plastic bag for safekeeping). They’re great for dirty or damp clothes. If you bring two pairs of shoes we suggest putting the other pair in a plastic bag so your clothes won’t get dirty.

Ziploc makes multiple sizes of bags, so I like to pack multiple bags just in case I ever need one. There is even a  three-gallon bag  that works well for storing an extra pair of shoes so you don’t get your clothes dirty.

COMPRESSION BAGS

A  compression stuff sack  is nice for keeping dirty clothes away from your clean clothes, and it serves as a good bag for doing laundry. Multiple companies make them and they run about $10-$40 depending on the size (via  Amazon ).

More Packing & Gear Guides

We’re always on the hunt for the best travel gear. Here are a few guides to help you pack lighter and travel smarter.

• Europe Packing List For Men
• Europe Packing List for Women
• Best Travel Backpacks For Europe
• Our Favorite Travel Shoes, Sandals, and Boots
• Best Travel Underwear For Men and Women
• Best Hiking Socks For Travel
• Fashionable Travel Clothes and Performance Techwear
• Best Travel Daypacks
• Recent Posts

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• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024
• Best Prepaid eSIM For Italy | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 18, 2024

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How to Use Packing Cubes Efficiently: Step-by-Step Guide

Why use packing cubes.

Have you ever missed a flight or skipped an important part of your itinerary? All because you were spending so much time packing your luggage! Or you were probably too busy scrambling to find items that you need in your suitcase or backpack 🤦‍♀️ 

Wouldn’t you rather spend your precious time traveling and exploring places instead? 

If these scenarios seem all too familiar, it might be a good time to rethink your packing strategy. Packing cubes will change the way you pack and help you organize so you can finally focus on your trip. Yup, these awesome pouches are the secret to a super organized suitcase and we’ll tell you why:

✓ Stay Organized - Let’s be honest: folding or rolling are great ways to organize your clothes when traveling. But whether these strategies can actually keep your travel items organized is a whole other story. Packing cubes allow you to stay organized for the entire duration of your trip (not just before the trip!) because they act like traveling drawers for your suitcase. Curious? More on that later 😉

✓ No Mess - Makes it easier for you to find the things you need without having to go through the entire suitcase… Like your favorite pair of socks or pants! Just grab the cube that you need without messing up the entire bag.

✓ Privacy - Keep private things private (like underwear)! Packing cubes give you some privacy during airport security because your items are secured and not easily visible during inspection.

✓ Unpacking Made Easy - There’s no need to unpack once you reach your destination. Remove the cubes from your suitcase, then place into your hotel’s drawers (or any flat surface) and voila, no unpacking required! Bonus: they’re also more hygienic.

These are just a few reasons why packing cubes rock! Hopefully we’ve convinced you to be a cube convert. Now that you know the why , let’s go ahead and move to the how.

How to Pack Efficiently With Travel Cubes

Want to know a secret? There are some tips and tricks that will help you pack more efficiently using packing cubes. Follow the steps below and you’re on your way to a fun trip (and a more organized suitcase!):

1. Cut it down to the basics

The first (and super important) step is to figure out which items are essential for your trip. Leave behind the extras and pare down your items to the basics. Once you do this, packing is less daunting and you’re sure to maximize the space in your suitcase (without the extras weighing you down).

2. Lay ‘em flat and categorize

Gather all your travel items and lay them in a flat, empty area (like your bed or the floor). Then it’s time to categorize! Place similar items together like your tops, bottoms, toiletries, shoes, etc. 

This is a great way to find out if you’re packing duplicates or excesses of certain items. If you’re traveling with your family, you can avoid packing doubles (or triples) of toiletries or other items that can actually be shared during the trip.

3. Choose your packing strategy

Not sure how to pack your travel items into cubes? We’ve got some good news for you! There are actually different strategies for packing your clothes (or other travel items) into cubes. Choose one according to your #travelstyle and start packing like a pro:

✔️  Packing by Category - Probably the most popular because it’s just so simple and easy! Similar items are packed together in one packing cube. Undies and socks can go in a Small Cube . Tops (like shirts & tank tops) go in a Medium Cube and bottoms (like pants & shorts) go in another Medium Cube. It’s the best packing strategy for a long trip! 

✔️  Packing by Outfit - This strategy is less popular but very convenient in some situations. For example, if you’re going on a short trip (like a weekend getaway) and you already have all your cute outfits planned. Or for families traveling with small kids (who can’t pick their own outfits yet). You can use a few Small Cubes or Medium Cubes to organize your (or the kid’s) planned outfits which makes it easier to get ready during mornings.

✔️  Packing by Individual - If you’re checking a large suitcase for the whole family, you can allot each member a Large Cube to organize their essentials. Want to make it less stressful (and more fun)? Let them pick the cube in their favorite color so they can easily find their ‘own’ cube in the suitcase. #packinghack

✔️  Packing by City - Going on a multi-city trip? Organize your essentials for each city in a Medium Cube. Don’t forget the accessories!

4. Grab a set or add on cubes as needed

Now that you have chosen the ‘perfect’ packing strategy, it’s time to get your cube on. But first, you have to decide which set or cubes to add to your collection:

✔️   Starter Set - This set includes 1 each of our 4 packing cubes sizes (from Extra Small to Large). Perfect for organizing your carry-on luggage! Recommended for solo travelers, couples or families with older kids. 

✔️   Complete Bundle - This set includes 8 cubes! 2 each of our 4 packing cubes sizes (from Extra Small to Large). It also includes other travel accessories like a shoe bag, laundry bag and folding board set. Perfect for organizing your checked suitcase! Recommended for couples or families sharing a suitcase.

✔️   Individual Cubes -  Got your eyes on our fun solo cubes? Maybe you want to build your own cube stash? You can also buy our cubes individually or add on as needed.

5. Fold or roll (it’s up to you!)

For the folding camp, we like to alternate the necklines (for shirts) and seams (for pants) when packing them into cubes. This helps balance the weight so every inch is maximized and you don’t end up with a lumpy cube. 

If you’re in the other camp, make sure to roll each garment tightly to avoid wrinkles and creases. We like rolling our smaller items like underwear, shirts, dresses and shorts. 

6. Don’t waste the space

Packing strategy? Check! Packing cube set? Check!

Next, let’s get those cubes ready and pack our essentials inside. Go ahead and fold (or roll) your clothing items. Pack them inside your cube, making sure to utilize every available space. 

However, if you do end up with a cube that has a bit of space left, don’t fret! All you need to do is zip it up then push the cube down. This will remove the excess air and help compress the cube so you don’t end up with any wasted space.

On a similar note, if at the end of your trip you have empty packing cubes, you can compress them so they won’t utilize as much luggage space.

7. Stack the cubes like Tetris

Now it’s time to actually pack the cubes into your suitcase. This is super easy but requires some of your Tetris skills. Depending on your suitcase, you can stack our cubes either horizontally or vertically.

If it’s a suitcase with one deep compartment, you can stack the cubes vertically. Our cubes are super structured (and not flimsy at all) which is why they’re perfect for this.

If you have a suitcase with two shallow compartments, you can then stack our cubes horizontally instead.

8. Don’t forget your Quart Size Bag

Both our Starter Set and Complete Bundle include a TSA Approved Toiletry Bag (AKA the cutie Extra Small Cube). This is a super handy (and a customer favorite) addition to our cube sets. 

It’s perfect for packing your 3 oz liquids for travel. It’s under quart size, has a clear design and makes getting through airport security a breeze. Just make sure you pack it in an easy access place like on top of your carry-on bag.

9. Unpack if you have space

Once you reach your hotel (or Airbnb), the unpacking process begins. But don’t worry, unpacking is super easy with packing cubes. Remove the cubes from your suitcase, zip them open and then place on any flat surface for easy access to your travel items.

Place your TSA Approved Toiletry Bag in the bathroom. With our cube’s zip-top opening, you don’t need to dump the items out just to find what you need.

You can then place the other remaining cubes into your hotel’s drawers (if there’s space).

10. Use like ‘traveling drawers’

Staying somewhere with very limited space (like a hostel or cruise stateroom)? You can use our cubes like drawers instead. No need to unpack them from your suitcase! 

Pro Tip: Cramped space? Place your suitcase (with the cubes inside) under your hotel bed to maximize space.

Other Ways to Use Packing Cubes

Now that you know the basics on how to pack with travel cubes, let’s have some fun! There are LOTS more ways to use packing cubes and we’ll give you some ideas below:

1. Organize your backpack 

Love traveling with a backpack? Great news! You can also use our packing cubes to keep it organized. Check this blog post to learn how.

2. Organize your baby’s diaper bag

Our packing cubes are also perfect for organizing your baby bag. You’ll need a few Extra Small Cubes and Small Cubes for this. Want to learn more? Check out this blog post.

3. Pack a Hair Travel Kit

Can’t leave without your favorite hair tools and products? Pack your own Hair Travel Kit using our Medium Cube. Want to learn more? Click here for the tidbits!

4. Keep your house organized

Yup, packing cubes are not just for travel organization. You can also use them to keep your home neat and tidy. Here are some ideas to get you started:

✔️  Craft Room Organizer - Keep your art supplies like your yarn, knitting needles, etc. organized with a Medium Cube.

✔️  Toy Room Organizer - Use a few Large Cubes to sort and separate your kid’s toys. Read our post on toy room organization here.

✔️  Linen & Closet Organizer - Keep your off-season clothes organized (and protected) with our Large Cube. You can use our Storage Cube for your larger items like bed sheets and duvets.

Ready to level up your packing game with travel cubes? We hope this guide helped you pack more efficiently with cubes. If you have any more questions, leave them in the comments section below or send us an email.

Happy Packing! 

P.S. Want to learn more about packing cubes? Check out our post on Packing Cubes Review 101: All You Need to Know and More!

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This Genius Invention Will Change How You Pack

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G.I.L.I. Convertible Compression Packing Cubes

G.I.L.I. Set of 3 Water-Repellent Shoe Bags

G.I.L.I. Toiletry Bag with Clear Travel Pouch

“Now that the world is beginning to open up, and we are starting to plan adventures, I am beyond thrilled to be able to help people prepare for their journeys with ease,” Martin tells Oprah Daily.

Thanks to a special compression zipper, these cubes get super compact once they're filled, helping you fit more items in your suitcase. Some other things that make them great: They have antimicrobial protection on the interior and the exterior is water resistant, they’re easy to clean, and they come in five patterns and colors. But, perhaps the best part is that each cube has two metal hooks, so you can hang them right up in the closet and create your own little on-the-go shelf—no unpacking required. You can even connect up to four cubes to make a mini portable closet.

It should come as no surprise that as the creator of such an efficient travel-friendly tool, Martin is a self-proclaimed expert packer herself. So, she offered us some of her top tips to make the process more streamlined.

• Make a specific packing list. Don’t just write “T-shirts.” Jot down “white T-shirts," for example. Print it out and stick to it.
• Whenever possible, pack in a carry-on. You can do it—you just need to be strategic. Plus, if you're super selective, then odds are, you'll be packing your favorite things.
• Lay out everything on your bed. Don’t make up a story about an item that you might wear. Every item should have a purpose in your bag.
• Use your space wisely. For instance, pack socks in your shoes. Bringing a large hat? Pack the top face down and place items in the inside of the hat, and pack around it to protect the shape.

Safe travels!

Holly Carter is the style features director at O, The Oprah Magazine . Obsessed with all things hair and any shoe with studs, she’s currently working on upping her social media skills and decluttering her apartment sans Marie Kondo.

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My Carry-On Fits Over a Week's Worth of Outfits Thanks to These Best-Selling Packing Cubes

They're on sale for just $2 apiece.

Real Simple / Tyler Roeland

No matter where I'm heading, I'm known to be a notorious overpacker . I often find that I have a few clothes and accessories I never even touched by the end of my trips. I'd rather be over prepared for the unexpected than under prepared, but that approach doesn't usually bode well for my luggage. My husband is also an overpacker, but after traveling the world for months at a time with just a backpack he shared his secret: packing cubes.

I finally tested his strategy out with the Bagail Eight-Piece Packing Cube Set , which is currently on sale for just $17 at Amazon—that's just $2 apiece. These best-selling packing cubes have gotten me through a honeymoon, several work trips, and long weekend getaways, but more importantly, I could fit eight day's worth of outfits in my 22-inch carry-on suitcase. The set includes a drawstring bag, a shoe bag, a cosmetic case, a sock bag, an underwear bag, and three mesh-front bags in various sizes made of matching, water-resistant, yet lightweight nylon.

Bagail Eight-Piece Packing Cube Set

The eight-piece set is perfectly sized, so I don't feel like I'm playing a complicated game of Tetris to get them all to fit neatly in my suitcases. The mesh bags are where I store my bottoms, tops, and dresses, and each cube features two nifty buckles to securely store your clothing while also saving as much space as possible. Ideally, the shoe bag is large enough to fit my sporty sneakers and a slim pair of sandals, but on a recent short trip, I managed to squeeze in two pairs of mules and water shoes.

Other Amazon shoppers were similarly surprised at how much room they had in their luggage, thanks to the Bagail Packing Cube Set . One shopper who also considers themselves an overpacker boasted that they were "shocked" that they could fit enough winter clothes in their 28-inch suitcase for eight days, including "two jackets (one heavy snow and one medium weight rain), 10 sweaters (eight heavy, two medium weight), eight pants/jeans, three pairs of winter pajamas, two pairs of sweats (tops and bottoms), three pairs of shoes (one pair low boots, one pair sneakers, one pair slippers), underwear/bras, eight tanks/camis, 10 pairs [of] thick socks, and one heavy hoodie." They also noted they still had room for bulky snow boots! They added that this was just for "a practice run to see if [they] needed a larger suitcase" and were pleased to see that they "definitely [did] not."

Do yourself a favor and grab the Bagail Packing Cube Set for $2 apiece before your next vacation without having to check a bag. Below are a few other travel essentials on sale that I swear by.

Tranomos Eight-Pack Silicone Bottle Covers

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Simple trick: how to use packing cubes efficiently

L ove them or hate them. That seems to be the consensus with those that have used packing cubes. However, if you are unaware of how to use packing cubes efficiently, then this post is for you!

First, let me tell you that I am NOT a light-packer. I wish we could just take carry-ons, but that’s never going to happen.

With a child, I probably overpack. She has enough outfits so that she wears them 2-3 times each. Plus, two pair of shoes and flip-flops for swimming. When you are packing for a 2-3 week trip to Europe, it does add up.

This is where packing cubes come in! While I may pack a lot of stuff, packing cubes let me do it efficiently.

Let me show you.

What are packing cubes?

Think of packing cubes as lightweight storage boxes for your clothes when traveling.

They come in different sizes and colors.

In fact, I have so many different colors and sets. Maybe I’m a packing cube addict , I don’t know. But, I like every single item in my suitcase in a cube.

Different colors make it easy to see whose clothes are in each cube. After arriving at our destination, we either unpack the cubes or just put the whole cube in a drawer (separated by color). This allows us to get the big suitcase stowed and out of the way.

My daughter likes it because it is now easy for her to find her own clothes.

Packing cube sizes

A set of packing cubes typically comes with three or four different-sized cubes.

These packing cubes from Well Traveled even include a shoe drawstring bag.

My favorite cube is the narrow one . It is perfect for just underwear and socks – no rummaging through large cubes to find what you need. I wish it was a little longer though (and then it would be perfect for my needs anyway).

Plus, I use one for hairbrushes, deodorant, and any other small loose items.

The large cube is where the main clothes go. Our clothes fit in here perfectly for a one-week trip.

Here’s the exact ones I recommend on Amazon.

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Use the small or medium cube to pack swimsuits, coverups and pajamas separately. Again, this makes it easier to find something you are looking for quickly.

In fact, when we stay at an airport hotel for a quick overnight before a flight, I pack everything we need into a single cube and just remove that from the luggage.

How to use Packing Cubes

I am definitely a roller. By that, I mean I start at one end of the cube and roll each clothing item. Pack the first item next to the edge of the cube and tightly add additional items as you roll them.

As you fill half a cube, pull the zipper halfway around so the clothes stay in tightly.

Keep rolling until the bottom is filled with clothes.

Do you have room on top of that layer? If yes, then roll some more and start a second layer – pushing your rolled clothes all the way to the back of the bag first.

Sometimes, I am able to fit a pair of shoes on top, too.

My goal is to not have any loose items in the luggage – everything is in cubes. Use the small cubes for combs, brushes, elastic ponytail holders – anything that is loose.

Compression zippers

What’s great about Well Traveled’s packing cubes is the compression zipper!

So, instead of just a top zipper, there is also one at the bottom of the packing cube that reduces a full inch when closed.

Truthfully, I have used another brands’ cubes with compression zips and I did not like them at all. I could not ever get them closed without having to take out a lot of clothes.

I did not have this trouble with the Well Traveled ones. I’m guessing it’s because their zipper went straight across whereas the other brand I have does it on a diagonal.

So, if you are looking to save some suitcase space, purchase packing cubes with a compression zipper!

This is quick to unpack when you arrive at your hotel room.

There you have it. Are you a believer yet?

Buy these packing cubes on Amazon.

Please note: While I have many packing cube sets, I was contacted by Well Traveled to use and review theirs in exchange for a complimentary set. My opinions are my own. I really love packing cubes!

Do you use packing cubes? Do you think packing cubes are worth it? Let me know in the comments!

Read the following for more travel tips:

• How to do Disney on a Budget
• Italy – 21 Travel Tips You Need to Know

Please PIN this to share with others! Thank you.

The post Simple trick: how to use packing cubes efficiently appeared first on Treasured Family Travels .

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Compression packing cubes work by squeezing and flattening your clothes to remove excess air and space. When you close the zipper on the cube, the built-in elastic sides tighten and compress your items further. This allows you to fit up to 30-40% more clothes and accessories in the same amount of luggage space.

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Packing cubes are absolutely worth it! They make organizing your suitcase much easier and faster. Packing cubes separate different item types so you can find what you need quickly. They also save space by compressing your clothes. Overall, packing cubes make the packing and unpacking process more efficient.

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Yes! Packing cubes are also useful for organizing things beyond travel. You can use them to separate and store linens, out-of-season clothes, craft supplies, toys, and more both at home and when traveling. The cubes help keep similar items grouped together to make them easier to find.

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I Spent Hours Reading Shopper Reviews to Find the 10 Best Travel Accessories at Amazon — From $10

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

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Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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