We Tested 12 Compression Packing Cubes — These Are the Ones That Can Fit the Most

Eagle Creek has been making traveler-loved packing organizers for more than 20 years, and the Specter line is one of the brand's newest innovations. The zippers unzip three-quarters of the way around the cube, which makes it easy for you to load in a lot, and then, a second set of zippers compresses the cube's size by up to 50 percent if you packed it with flexible materials. I'm usually able to fit a full week's worth of warm-weather clothing — mostly dresses — into this medium-sized packing cube, and the smaller one is perfect for stowing for socks and undergarments.

Also, the material they're made of is incredibly lightweight and it's water-repellent, too, so your clothes won't get ruined if your toiletry bag happens to spring a leak.

To buy: amazon.com, $28 (originally $40)

Going on a backpacking trip and need to fit all your stuff in one rucksack? Be sure to use these compact compression cubes from Suited Nomad when packing. Each set comes with three packing cubes in varying sizes. They're made from a water-resistant, ripstop material that won’t snag or tear during your travels. The cubes also have convenient top handles to make it easier to pull them in and out of your pack.

The double-zipper compression system makes them super compact and small enough to fit inside a backpack while still being roomy enough to pack all the essentials. While testing out the set, I was able to fit all three fully packed cubes into my L.L.Bean backpack (llbean.com, $60) and still had enough room to pack other items like shoes and travel accessories.

To buy: amazon.com, $22

If you’re traveling for more than a week at a time, invest in one or two of these eBags compression cubes. The spacious packing cubes have a hidden zipper that allows for a 1.5-inch expansion and compression. They feature self-healing zippers, so you never have to worry about them coming off the track, and they have a top-handle strap for portability. 

I was able to comfortably fit two of these cubes inside my carry-on suitcase and still had room for toiletries and two pairs of shoes. Their large size allowed me to pack a week’s worth of lightweight clothes, like jeans, thinly knit sweaters, and dresses, inside them. And when I tried packing heavier items, I was able to fit in two sweatshirts and a jacket in each one. The best part? They’re made from an incredibly lightweight material, so they won’t add any extra weight to your bags. 

To buy: ebags.com, $15

If you are packing for more than one person, invest in this sleek six-piece set by LeanTravel. Each set comes with two large, two medium, and two small compression packing cubes. I found the small cubes were perfect for lightweight items like undergarments and cotton t-shirts. The medium-sized cubes fit my sweaters and jeans nicely, and the large cubes allowed me to pack jackets and heavy sweatshirts with ease.

Each cube features a mesh panel for added breathability and visibility so you can see the contents of the cube, which comes in handy when you’re unpacking. The cubes are designed with an added zipper that extends the size of the cube. Once you’ve placed the items you want to pack inside, simply re-zip the double zipper and it will compress the cube from four inches down to one inch. The zippers are made with anti-catch technology so you don’t have to worry about snagging or ripping.

To buy: amazon.com, $40

Looking for a way to pack extra items for a camping trip? Check out these compression packing cubes from Gonex. Each set comes with four different-sized compression cubes that look small but actually hold a lot. In the smallest cube, I was able to fit a week’s worth of undergarments as well as four lightweight T-shirts. The medium-size cube housed seven different tops ranging from chunky sweaters to lighter knits, while the large cube held three pairs of jeans and two pairs of sweatpants, and the extra-large size compressed two heavy jackets.

Similar to other cubes on this list, the packing cubes are compressed with a second zipper, which shrinks down the size of the cube when zipped. What’s more, each cube comes with a convenient handle so you can easily carry the cubes from one tent to another or carry your essentials to the campsite’s showers and restrooms. They are also made with a water-resistant material so your clothing will be protected from the elements.

To buy: amazon.com, $23

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