Packing Cubes vs Compression Bags: Which Is Better?

So, you’re staring at your suitcase, already dreading the Tetris game of fitting everything in?

I get it.

We’ve all been there, trying to cram a week’s worth of clothes into a space that seems designed for a weekend getaway.

And that’s where the age-old debate of packing cubes vs compression bags comes in.

Which one will actually save you space and sanity?

Which one will leave your clothes looking less like a crumpled mess?

Let’s dive in and figure it out.

What Are Packing Cubes?

Packing cubes are essentially fabric containers, usually rectangular or square, that help you organise your belongings within your suitcase.

Think of them as drawers for your luggage.

They come in various sizes, allowing you to separate different types of clothing – shirts in one, trousers in another, underwear and socks in a smaller cube.

The Benefits of Packing Cubes

• Organization: This is the biggest win. Knowing exactly where everything is eliminates the need to rummage through your entire suitcase just to find a pair of socks. It saves time and reduces stress.

• Compression (Sometimes): While not their primary function, some packing cubes have compression zippers that allow you to squeeze out some extra air, saving a bit of space.

• Wrinkle Reduction: By keeping your clothes neatly folded and contained, packing cubes can help minimise wrinkles, especially compared to simply tossing everything into your bag.

• Easy Unpacking and Repacking: When you arrive at your destination, you can simply lift the cubes out of your suitcase and place them directly into drawers or shelves. Repacking is just as easy.

• Hygiene: Keep clean clothes separate from dirty ones.

• Easy security checks: If a security person wants to check the contents of your luggage, it is easier to remove and repack the cubes, compared to loosely packed items.

The Drawbacks of Packing Cubes

• Limited Compression: Compared to compression bags, packing cubes offer less significant space savings.

• Added Weight: While lightweight, packing cubes do add some weight to your luggage. This is important to consider if you’re trying to stay within strict weight limits.

• Cost: A good set of packing cubes can cost a bit more than just throwing everything loose into your suitcase.

• Can take up a lot of space: If not packed efficiently in the suitcase, the cubes can take up a lot of space.

What Are Compression Bags?

Compression bags are designed with one main goal in mind: to squeeze out as much air as possible from your clothing, significantly reducing their volume.

They come in two main types:

• Vacuum Compression Bags: These require a vacuum cleaner or pump to remove the air. They offer the most significant space savings but can be inconvenient if you don’t have access to a vacuum.

• Roll-Up Compression Bags: You simply roll these bags up, forcing the air out through a one-way valve. They’re more convenient for travel as they don’t require any extra equipment.

The Benefits of Compression Bags

• Maximum Space Savings: This is the biggest advantage. Compression bags can reduce the volume of your clothes by up to 80%, allowing you to pack significantly more into your suitcase.

• Protection from Moisture and Odours: Compression bags seal your clothes tightly, protecting them from moisture, dust, and odours. This is especially useful for outdoor adventures or travel to humid climates.

• Great for Bulky Items: Ideal for items such as sweaters, jackets or other bulky items

The Drawbacks of Compression Bags

• Wrinkles: Compressing your clothes tightly can lead to significant wrinkling. This is a major concern if you need to arrive at your destination looking presentable.

• Can damage clothes: Over-compression can stretch or damage some clothes.

• Inconvenience: Vacuum compression bags require a vacuum cleaner, which is not always accessible when traveling.

• Not Ideal for Frequent Access: Once compressed, it’s a pain to get individual items out. You essentially have to unpack the entire bag.

• Not good for delicate items: Compression bags are not appropriate for delicate items that require some breathing room.

Packing Cubes vs Compression Bags: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Okay, let’s break it down, feature by feature.

Feature	Packing Cubes	Compression Bags
Space Saving	Moderate	Maximum
Wrinkle Control	Good	Poor
Organisation	Excellent	Poor
Convenience	High	Varies (Vacuum vs. Roll-Up)
Protection	Minimal	High
Cost	Moderate	Low to Moderate
Best For	Everyday Travel, Organisation	Bulky Items, Maximum Space Savings

Top 5 Packing Cubes

Top 5 Compression Bags

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Honestly, it depends on your travel style and priorities.

• Choose Packing Cubes If:

  • Organisation is your top priority.
  • You want to minimise wrinkles.
  • You need easy access to your clothes.
  • You don’t need maximum space savings.
  • You have delicate items

• Choose Compression Bags If:

  • Space is at a premium (carry-on only, backpacking).
  • You need to pack bulky items.
  • You’re not worried about wrinkles.
  • You need to protect your clothes from moisture and odours.
  • You are going for a long-term stay and you just need to pack

A Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds

Here’s a little secret: you don’t have to choose just one.

Many travellers use a combination of packing cubes and compression bags to maximise space and organisation.

For example, you could use compression bags for bulky items like sweaters and jackets, and packing cubes for your everyday clothes like shirts, trousers, and underwear.

This allows you to save space where you need it most while still keeping your belongings organised and wrinkle-free.

Tips for Using Packing Cubes Effectively

• Choose the Right Sizes: Get a variety of sizes to accommodate different types of clothing.

• Roll Your Clothes: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save space and minimise wrinkles.

• Fill Every Cube Completely: Don’t leave empty space in your cubes. Fill them up to maximise their effectiveness.

• Color-Code Your Cubes: Use different coloured cubes for different types of clothing (e.g., blue for tops, green for bottoms).

• Use the Folding Method: Use the KonMari folding method for efficiently and neatly fitting in the clothes.

Tips for Using Compression Bags Effectively

• Don’t Overfill: Overfilling compression bags can damage the zipper and reduce their effectiveness.

• Fold Clothes Neatly First: Folding your clothes neatly before compressing them can help minimise wrinkles.

• Consider Using Dryer Sheets: Throw a dryer sheet into the bag to help keep your clothes smelling fresh.

• Be Mindful of Delicate Items: Don’t compress delicate items that could be damaged.

• Use compression bags with a vacuum pump: It will make the compression easier and more effective.

What About Compression Packing Cubes?

Now, there’s a new player in the game: compression packing cubes.

These are essentially packing cubes with built-in compression zippers that allow you to squeeze out some extra air, offering a compromise between the organisation of packing cubes and the space-saving benefits of compression bags.

They’re a great option if you want some compression but don’t want to deal with the wrinkles that compression bags can cause.

Are Packing Cubes and Compression Bags Worth It?

Absolutely.

Investing in packing cubes or compression bags is an investment in your travel experience.

They can save you space, reduce stress, and help you stay organised on the go.

And let’s be honest, anything that makes travel less stressful is worth its weight in gold.

My Personal Experience

I’ve used both packing cubes and compression bags on countless trips.

I’ve found that packing cubes are essential for keeping my clothes organised and wrinkle-free on shorter trips.

Compression bags come into play on longer trips, especially when I’m trying to pack everything into a carry-on.

I’ve recently combined both methods by using compression cubes to save space for longer travels, and separating my clothes into different clothing categories to keep them organised.

Other Alternatives to Packing Cubes and Compression Bags

While packing cubes and compression bags are popular choices, here are a few other alternatives you might consider:

• Rolling Clothes: This classic method can save space and reduce wrinkles. It’s a great option if you don’t want to invest in packing organisers.

• Bundle Packing: This involves wrapping your clothes around a central core (like a toiletry bag or shoes) to create a compact bundle.

• Space Saver Bags: Space saver bags, also known as vacuum storage bags, are similar to compression bags but are typically used for storing clothes at home. They can be used for travel, but they require a vacuum cleaner to remove the air, which may not be convenient.

• Suitcase Organisers: These are inserts designed to fit inside your suitcase and provide compartments for different items. They can help you stay organised, but they don’t necessarily save space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion: Pack Smart, Travel Happy

Ultimately, the choice between packing cubes and compression bags comes down to your individual needs and preferences.

Consider your travel style, your priorities, and the types of clothes you’re packing.

Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you.

And remember, the goal is to pack smart, travel happy, and enjoy the adventure! Now you have enough information to choose between compression bags and packing cubes so that you can strategically pack for your upcoming trip.