Best Packing Cubes for Carry-On Only Travel

For travelers who want a simple start, with no compression zippers to learn, on weekend or business trips with a few outfits.

Key specs are three cubes in XS, S and M, mesh tops, water resistant fabric, and easy grab zipper pulls. The light fabric adds little weight.

Pros:

• Three sizes cover small items and shirts
• Mesh tops show contents at a glance
• Light fabric adds little weight

Con: The set has no large cube, so bulky sweaters need a separate cube.

Owner review themes, in our own words, focus on the light fabric, the clear mesh tops, and a size mix that fits a small bag well. Owners also mention smooth zippers when cubes are not overfilled. On the downside, some say the XS cube holds little more than socks and small items, and the set feels light for heavy denim.

Price tier: Mid-range. Check current price on Amazon.

Check current price on Amazon

For travelers who want compression and a place for dirty clothes in one set, on trips of three to five days.

Key specs are four pieces: two Reveal Compression Cubes in S, one in M, and one Reveal Clean and Dirty Cube in M. The compression cubes use a second zipper to flatten soft clothes, and the clean and dirty cube has a separate section for worn clothes.

Pros:

• Compression cubes flatten soft clothes
• Clean and dirty cube separates worn clothes
• Set is sized for a carry-on

Con: Compression zippers need care when a cube is very full, or the zipper can snag on fabric.

Owner review themes, in our own words, praise the carry-on fit, the useful clean and dirty section, and the way compression cubes free a little room for souvenirs. Owners also note compression works best on soft knit clothes, less well on stiff cotton shirts, and that they use only two cubes on short trips.

Price tier: Premium. Check current price on Amazon.

Check current price on Amazon

For travelers who want one set for clothes, shoes, and small gear, for a full carry-on load.

Key specs are six pieces: 1 large, 3 medium, 1 small, and 1 shoe bag, per the Amazon listing for model 4015. The cubes use compression zippers and light polyester fabric.

Pros:

• Six pieces cover a full carry-on load
• Shoe bag keeps shoes apart from clothes
• Compression zippers reduce bulk

Con: The large cube can be too wide for a narrow carry-on half, so check your bag width first.

Owner review themes, in our own words, focus on the useful size mix, the shoe bag, and zippers that hold up on many trips. Owners also mention compression helps most with soft, flat clothes. On the downside, some say the large cube bulges with a jacket, and the set needs a test pack before a first trip.

Price tier: Budget. Check current price on Amazon.

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For travelers who fold shirts and want deep cubes that hold a stack well, on shorter trips with fewer cubes.

Key specs are four cubes plus a laundry bag. Sizes are 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, and small 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches. The laundry bag measures 21 x 14.75 inches. The cubes use water resistant nylon, mesh tops, and reinforced stitching, at 4 inches deep, deeper than many slim cubes.

Pros:

• Four cube sizes cover most clothes
• Deep 4 inch cubes hold folded shirts well
• Laundry bag separates dirty clothes

Con: The deep cubes can make a small carry-on hard to close if you fill every cube to the top.

Owner review themes, in our own words, praise the sturdy stitching, the clear size range, and a laundry bag that is large enough for several days of worn clothes. Owners also mention cubes hold their shape well, helping stacking. On the downside, some say the extra large cube is too large for a small carry-on and leave it home on short trips.

Price tier: Budget. Check current price on Amazon.

Check current price on Amazon

For travelers who want many small bags in one buy, for clothes and gear, with a bag for each job.

Key specs are eight pieces in total. The set includes an extra large cube, a large cube, a medium cube, and a small cube, plus a shoe bag, a laundry bag, a toiletry bag, and an accessories bag. The fabric is twill polyester, with mesh panels and two way zippers. The extra large and large cubes have buckle straps in some versions to keep a full cube flat.

Pros:

• Eight pieces cover clothes and small gear
• Mesh panels help you see contents
• Bags for shoes and toiletries keep a bag tidy

Con: With eight pieces, it is easy to overpack, and the set adds weight even when the cubes are light.

Owner review themes, in our own words, focus on the large number of bags, the useful toiletry and shoe bags, and a set that suits a first buy. Owners also mention mesh panels make items easy to find. On the downside, some say the smallest bags suit only cables and small items, and using all eight pieces can make a carry-on feel full fast.

Price tier: Budget. Check current price on Amazon.

Check current price on Amazon