Packing Cubes vs. No Packing Cubes | Side by Side Comparison
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- Опубліковано 12 тра 2024
- Do Packing Cubes save space? This packing tip video breaks down the benefits of packing with packing cubes and shows a side-by-side comparison of packing a carry-on bag with and without packing cubes. Download Our Free Packing Checklist: awaytogether.com/packinglist
We've been packing carry-on only for over a decade and have been using compression packing cubes basically that whole time.
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We're Nik and Allie, a U.S. based couple with a love of travel and adventure on a 6-month sabbatical through Europe and Asia. We publish new videos every week.
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Should you use Packing Cubes?
0:50 What are packing cubes, really?
1:26 Benefit 1: Organization
2:20 Benefit 2: Moisture Resistance
3:19 Myths and Mistakes
4:14 Do Packing Cubes Save Space?
5:36 Side by Side Test
7:02 The Verdict
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I provided my information but was not able to receive the packing list.
@@angelagalluzzo883 strange! Did it go to your junk folder perhaps? If not, I will find your submission and email it to you directly.
@@awaytogether Please send it to me directly. I checked my junk folder, and it is not there. Thank you.
@@angelagalluzzo883 that's what I was saying in my original post, stack your clothes in groups, and remove them through stacks as well. You can separate the stack with hotel laundry as liners.
Another reason to love packing cubes is when you go through security; especially places like Mexico, a very organized case (without cubes) turns into a jumbled mess when they look through your case. With cubes, they tend to just feel around or check each cube individually.
Excellent idea, hadn’t thought about that. 👏
Absolutely agree on that . It is easy to just pick a cube with the "suspicious content" out and mantain the rest in order
I love the organization part of the cubes but I truly love that if my bag is checked by TSA, they do not touch my personal items. Also, I can quickly put my bag back together quickly after inspection.
My freshmen year of college I went out of the country for first time to puerto Vallarta for spring break. I got the unlucky ding for them to search my bag. Little did they know if took me and 2 sorority sisters to sit on it to close. When I say my all stuff fell out I mean swimsuits, thongs the whole shebang. I was so hung over I just crawled around trying to stuff it all back in when they finished and recruited my girls to help me close it again 😂
I experienced this at Boston when a grouchy mass-hole TSA started to rummage through. She opened it, saw the cubes, and you could see the disappointment in her face when she realized it would be more effort for her. She abandoned her evil plan and sent me on my way.
Spot on conclusion. Compression cubes may save a little bit of space but the best use of packing or compression cubes is organization and compartmentalization.
Thanks for watching!
I agree. I use big inexpensive shopping canvas bags though, mostly for my shoes. I really don't need small expensive bags with zippers inside my luggage bag. Doesn't make a difference for me.
Started packing now with cubes, and one thing I noticed which I am so happy for is how I can sort the items into groups so it will be easier to check I remembered everything, but also easier to find things during the trip
I made a list for each cube and taped to each bag.
Another benefit is using the cubes in hotel wardrobes or drawers. You can leave the clothes you don’t hang up in them so they don’t touch the drawers or shelves because who knows when they were last cleaned?
I agree. Also, it's possible to get the cubes in different colors and then you can quickly identify what type of items are in each.
I use gallon Ziplock bags for the things you used packing cubes for. I zip them most of the way, place a finger in the remaining hole at the zipper to hold it open, kneel on them to compress all the air out, and zip it up. That definitely uses less space!
Also available are 2.5 gallon Ziplock bags, which allow for even larger clothing items.
I need to be able to see everything when I look into my bag, so packing cubes wouldn't work for me. I've always been fine with Ziploc bags.
I love ziplock bags for travel because they are clear and keep things compartmented. The drawback is the sides where you zip them together come apart after a few uses when opening if you’re not careful.
I’m a recent convert to packing cubes (started using them in fall 2022). My cubes and suitcase are designed by the same company (Away Travel) so the cubes fit my suitcase efficiently without leaving odd gaps. I find the biggest advantage of using cubes is that they make packing and unpacking much quicker and less stressful:
-if all the clothes I’m bringing fit into my set of cubes, they will fit into the suitcase with no difficulties
-once I’ve finished filling the cubes, it takes just a moment to fit the cubes into my suitcase
-when I go to a hotel, it takes only a few minutes to unpack my entire suitcase. I simply pull out the cubes and put them into dresser drawers or on closet shelves. It’s so much nicer than always rifling through a suitcase and digging to find things. I also appreciate that my clothes are protected by the cube fabric from contact with the drawer/shelf surface, which may be unclean.
-similarly, repacking the suitcase when leaving the hotel is quick and easy. Dirty clothes go in a laundry bag. Clothes that can be worn again go back into their respective cubes and then the cubes are slotted back into the suitcase.
-with cubes, I find I’m more likely to wear the full range of what I’ve packed since it’s so easy to access everything.
I just completed a multi-week trip overseas in which I was often checking into a new hotel every day, so the ease of unpacking and repacking that cubes offered me was a godsend.
I like using good quality large 1-5 gallon ziplock style bags. They offer moisture resistance and allow you to see what’s in the bags. They’re also very affordable compared to most packing cubes.
I save and use the plastic containers that pillows and sheets are sold in.
I also
Also, I put professional outfits (I don't wear suits), into large ziplocks, as Jeff mentions above. I put all I'll need for that outfit (skirt, top, etc.) so I can pull out just one bag the night before I'm to wear it to let any wrinkles fall out or put that bag's contents in the bathroom to let the steam do that. Then I don't have to get into multiple bags to get what I need for my events. When you're going from city to city each day, it helps to have to pack and unpack as few times as possible.
Great tip! 😀
Me, too, though they tend to be a bit slippery. I use a few along with zippered mesh bags.
@@jamesbinns8528 great idea
The organization benefits were the biggest seller for me. However one thing to consider is the more you can pack into your luggage adds more weight which can be problematic for flying with an airline with tighter weight restrictions.
Both of your points are very valid ones.
Plastic grocery/shopping bags -- especially clear ones. Cheap (free -- in most places). Good size: not too big, not too small. Can be compressed and sealed by crossing over the handles and secured with a slip knot. Can be labeled with a Sharpie. Great for shoes and dirty clothes too. Recyclable. Carry extras.
Large contractor (trash) bags. Light weight, thick, heavy-duty plastic. Can be used to cover luggage, back packs, etc. Can be cut for a poncho. Can be used to cover wet surfaces: seating, grass, etc. Carry at least two.
The best way to pack jeans is into your drawer at home. Too heavy, hot in summer, cold in winter and never dry if they get wet. There are so many better choices for travel.
Great job on the side by side presentation comparison. You’re the only one I’ve found who has done this. Thanks.
Interesting topic. I love packing cubes and have used them for years. Besides the organization, (underwear in one small cube, bathing suits and cover ups in a larger size etc) I want all my stuff out of my suitcase and put away when I am in a hotel/resort. So I feel safer putting my cube inside the drawers, rather than having anything sitting in a drawer where I don’t know what has been there before. Some may say- a bit compulsive, but who knows what the previous occupant has put into the drawers. Oh, and when not travelling, I still use some cubes to store in my own drawers. Keeps things neater.
Not compulsive at all. I'm an RN. In my world, there are no gray areas; it's clean or it's dirty. I live out of my suitcase when traveling - I'm not putting my stuff anywhere that someone else has used. I've trained my husband & kids to do the same. With the exception of shower stuff, toiletries stay in my Lug Trolley. Still on the fence about packing cubes; I usually feel that not using them takes better advantage of the contours of the suitcase.
@@suzannej4953 I understand re the "dirty" concerns. I just cannot live out of a suitcase - becomes a jumble for me. :) The cubes give me a bit of "security".
I used my cubes in my drawers as well. I can't stand my stuff going into anything but my bag except toiletry stuff as well.
We're carry-on only folks too, and I like rolling my clothes and not using packing cubes when traveling internationally in order to see everything at a glance. For bulky jackets or dirty clothes, I enjoy using a space-saver clear bag (that you squeeze the air out of). Can't wait for the next trip!
This is my first trip using packing cubes (non-compression). I do love the organizational aspect. And what you said about them keeping rolled items in place is spot-on. Also, as you mentioned, I didn't roll denims and a few other items. I'm very happy with the way everything fit into my small suitcase.
I love the organization packing cubes offer, plus keeps things together as shifting occurs during travel. Before packing cubes, I used the plastic, zippered bags bedding comes in when I packed my luggage.
My experience is ordinary packing, rolling, regular cubes,compression cubes, and plastic SpaceSavers with a one-way valve for squishing out the air. Only this last one gives you more room but at the possible disadvantage of over-packing since you have that extra space. All the other ways don’t matter because the suitcase will do the compressing when we shut it. I do like the cubes very much for organization, and I have the same ones you showed.
Love the cubes and when I travel ALWAYS used them and it does make a BIG difference!! ❤
I use a combo: some into packing cubes and some into the space saver bags (the vacuum sealer kind, but don't require a vacuum to press the air out) I get so much more into those, leaving more room for other things in my bag.
I totally agree!!! Sometimes those vacuum bags aren't durable and don't stay closed!!☑️
Ah. . . COMPRESSION packing cubes . . . That’s where I’ve veered! I do like having all of my clothes in meaningful compartments. I also like the idea of the water resistance and separation of dirty and clean. Great video, very helpful! Also, the packing music! 😂🕺🏼
One advantage I've found with packing cubes is if we're traveling by car and either staying a night or two in multiple places or in a hotel room without enough space for multiple large suitcases, we can each bring in a single packing cube (plus a second cube or small flight bag of toiletries and other essentials) and leave our large suitcases secured in the trunk. You just have to remember to fetch your clothes for the next day each evening.
Organization skills -Expert level😂
Packing cubes are a godsend to my travel habits. Mainly due to compartmentalisation. Thx for your no nonsense tips and tricks. ✈️
Packing cubes maintain organization, especially if you color coordinate cubes to items. I will always use packing cubes and unknowingly all of my cubes compress. I had to evacuate the hotel on one trip, packing cubes made it easy for me to repack and get out fast. additionally with dryer sheets in each cube everything smells great and dirty clothes (of which are few as I usually wash as I wear) don't funk up my clean clothes. Tip, always bring a few scented plastic garbage bags to provide extra protection from dirty items. Put the in a cube, put the cube in the plastic bag and funk is controlled. By the way, scented bag is optional, as are dryer sheets as not everyone likes scents. Happy travels.
Best video I’ve seen to date on this great debate. Why? Because it’s organized & precise in its presentation which will give you a huge clue as to where I stand. For me, the most important part about this is when I’m living out of a suitcase for two or more weeks is that I want it to be organized. I pack light as I travel via public transportation my entire trip, so weight and space saving are pretty much non issues. What I like to use are the zippered mesh bags as opposed to compression cubes because I can see in an instant what’s in them. I sometimes combine those with a couple of 2 gallon ziplock bags that I do NOT seal completely. Both are highly squishable and will compress when I close my suitcase. Leaving for a one month trip to Europe in a bit and finally convinced my husband (who tends to just throw everything in and then gets frustrated when he can’t find something) to try the mesh bags. Here’s hoping I have a convert. If not, more mesh bags for me 😂
Packing cubes are very helpful when using duffle bags because they provide more structure. Since I generally travel with a backpack + duffle bag, they are very helpful.
Cool.... makes sense!!😉
Great video. After alot of research and shopping around, I started to use packing cubes on my weekend trips away in my aer backpack, I bought the exact same white ones you have in this video too and they work great. I'm travelling to the USA in Sept from the uk for 2 weeks so I will be using packing cubes in my case and bag. I think the main advantage to them is solely the organisation and tidiness that they provide, not having to route through your bag or case to get something, you can go straight to the cube with whatever you need in it. I admit I used the cubes for my jeans too but they do take up a bit of space, so I think on my trip I'll just leave the jeans and trousers folded underneath like you did then just use the cubes for tshirts, underwear etc. I also found myself using the roll method too with my tshirts in the cubes, I agree they don't prevent creasing like some claim but ironing a clean shirt before I go out isn't a big issue to me.
I like packing cubes for organization. I have some compression cubes and some regular ones. I usually run out of weight before I run out of space. (weight for checked luggage or for what I can reasonably carry around.) It's very helpful when going through security, especially in countries where they do a thorough hand check of your luggage before you board the plane. When my kids were little, I would pack their outfits in ziplock bags. It was easy to grab a new outfit, and a resealable bag came in handy for soiled clothes.
Everything i have thought about packing cubes. Thanks for a great video.
Great video. Clear, concise, informative and great production value. Thank you!👍👏🏻✌️🙏🤙
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!!!
This was helpful for me, thanks. I didn't know that there are compression cubes. We've always used compression zip-closed plastic bags designed for clothing that I first got for backpacking(waterproof). The disadvantage of the bags is that I feel it is harder to get things into them in an organized way and they always feel like a big mess when I decompress them. I think the cubes would be better for travel than the bags. For backpacking, the bags are good because they can be molded in a way to fit the shape of the backpack.
Good video.
I think one of the things that people really forget to use for packing is shoes! I put my socks and sometimes my undies inside my shoes. I cram a lot of stuff inside my shoes. If I'm worried about the inside of my shoes I use the bags from our newspapaer to put items in and then stuff them in shoes. Or ziploc bags or sandwhich bags. It also helps me to maintain the shape of a shoe. After packing the shoe, I usually put the shoes into another bag, like a grocery bag. I start packing my suitcase with shoes on edges and work inwards. I'm an old fart (LOL), been packing like this for decades My brother taught me how.
I'm a roller and I do like packing cubes too. Especially for nicer stuff, like a dress or slacks for a cruise. I also roll with tissue paper for really nice stuff. My sister-in-law taught us that one.
I always bring gallon freezer bags in case I need to pack something wet or gross on the way home.
That being said: packing cubes aren't just for clothes! I'm a musician and I use packing cubes for all my cords! I use 2 different colors for my primary cords and another for my backup cords.
Shoes? I only take one pair in my luggage so a shoe bag is efficient for me. Good tip of yours to put socks inside the shoes. 👟
Wow! I never thought of that. Great tip. Thank you
Negative space inside your extra shoes. Turn it positive using that space for socks and underwear. Keeps the shoe shape and saves space.
Terrible idea. Then your undies smell like your shoes.
Love cubes! Easy access to groups of clothes. In your roll method without cubes you'd need to remove all those individually rolled items to get to your jeans on the bottom. .(or whatever else is beneath them). Plus I love an organized suitcase. 🤓 I do agree about packing a couple larger ziplock bags to use for damp or wet items that may come up.
Just bought some packing cubes for my last trip to SLC! Game changer.
Been using gallon size ziplock backs for over 30 years! Going to give the compression cubes a try. Will feel better about using less plastic.
For me, packing cubes are a way of keeping my stuff organized. (I roll knit tops fold shirts and layer pants in compression cubes) I can unpack so easily putting the cubes decompressed and open on a shelf or in a drawer. I can find what I have at a glance. After I’ve worn something I’ll air it and put it back in it’s cube or set it aside to be washed. Basically when I go to my next destination it’s just a matter of putting my cubes back in my bag, no stress, no time.
I used (compression) packing cubes in my last vacation, and I found that it got me more organized, compared to the vacation when I didn't use them.
I just wished there was a way to see which items of clothes were in each compression packing cube, but I just left the cubes unzipped in my open luggage bag anyway.
I don't see compression cubes doing much over regular cubes, whenever I see a video of them in use the center of the cube is just as thick as the non-compression cube, just that the edges are slightly thinner. At any rate, I love using packing cubes because they provide nooks in between cubes where you can slide fragile stuff between and they're well-padded. I also had an experience where TSA needed to go through my bag because I was a doofus and packed a metal nail file, since I used cubes it was super easy to reassemble and head to the gate.
I use a combination of cubes and just making use to all the little crevices and odd empty gaps left from what you are packing or even the luggage itself (most have cavity channels where the handle retract). Most Large-Med packing cubes and especially compression cubes cannot shape themselves into those smaller spaces. I think the best way is to be adaptable and come up with a system that works for you. One other thing packing cubes are great for are separating an entire outfit. You may want a business attire for a meeting or comfy set of clothes that you can easilly grab out of your carry-on and change mid flight or a bathtoom without needing to rummage though separate bags.
Love your sharing, need to travel really soon. This got really handy
I think you guys have officially sold me on packing cubes!
Super helpful and exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
I have found there is more of an advantage with compression packing cubes when you fold vs ranger roll the clothing. The compression is more efficient with folded clothes.
Well articulated. Thank you for the video.
I've been using regular packing cubes for a while and it works well for me (especially since I often travel with a big hiking backpack). Today I tried compression packing cubes for the first time and I'm not very impressed by them. They fit a lot less stuff than I expected, because if I fill it completely, it won't compress anything anymore.
Ziplock bags are the same as compression cubes. Been doing it for years.
What size Ziplock bags? Are they big enough for shirts or pants?
@@canyonoverlook9937 you could always get vacuum storage bags
TOTALLY AGREED!!!💯☑️💯☺️
@@canyonoverlook9937 They have 2 gallon sized ziplock bags available too!! I use them for pants and any other bulkier apparel!!
Same. The ikea ziplocks (various sizes were my go to for years.
Most of the trips I take are multi city tours where we’re only in one place for 1-2 nights, so you can’t ever “unpack”. Living out of a suitcase sucks, but packing cubes are my lifesavers. I pack pants in one, tops in another, underwear and pjs in another, etc. This allows me to stay organized. It’s way easier to just stuff all the cubes back in my suitcase vs. trying to Tetris everything back in place.
I only recently discovered compression cubes, and I’m not sold. Maybe I’m not packing them correctly, but when I get them all zipped up they end up in this sort of football shape that’s puffy in the middle and tapered on the sides. They don’t compress down into a nice rectangular like my standard cubes, and they seem to take up MORE space in my bag due to the odd shape.
I travel every week and honestly when I started using cubes even folding my clothes the same way and not using compression cubes. Everything fits better and takes up less space simply because of the organization it provides and the ability to move the cubes around in different configurations in my duffle bag
I like them for unpacking in hotel rooms. Keeps everything organized and clean
That Monos bag has great organization features that kind of act like packing cubes. You have the top half with the zippered compartment acting like a big cube, and then the bottom half even has a compression divider to hold all your rolled items. Not to mention the flat pockets in the middle. If we were comparing to duffle bag or old-style single compartment soft suitcase, it may show a bit more advantage to the cubes. The advantages of organization are also amplified when you don't have a split style suitcase.
I use packing cubes selectively. I put sweaters in a compression packing cube. I use zippered mesh laundry bags, that I cut down in size, for underwear and stockings. If I wash in a machine while traveling, this keeps them all together. I will pack special event clothes in a packing cube - extra dressy clothes or hot weather clothes, when I am mostly traveling in a cool place but spending a few days in a side trip to someplace hot. I have some long narrow cubes that fit in the spaces caused by the arm of my roller bag and I fill them with either small knits or accessories or sandals etc. But mostly I roll and stuff.
Really like these videos, I travel a lot and I bought the Monos carry-on you recommended and used your link. I really appreciate the work you put in to this. I’m going to try the packing cubes. I like the idea, and to one problem I find with not using them is if you need one item from your bag you can mess up your packing without them. I’m interested to see if this improves things.
My husband and I started using packing cubes years ago and we’ve never packed again without them. They’re very useful!
I have Ebag cubes and love them. For compactness I use vacuum seal bags and a portable kitchen vacuum pump that is rechargeable. Cheap and works magic
Fabric compression packing cubes have one disadvantage--you can't see what's inside after you pack them. I use a label maker to label them, so I don't have to remember what color cube contains what. Thanks for the excellent video.
We use the ones with a mesh panel.
Packing cubes are a good way to go. And i've seen some comments about using zip lock bags too. But i've used space bags for packing. they come in all sizes and you can squeeze all the air out easily with no air getting back in. they really are the best way to pack for me!
I haven't used them yet, but I bought some for an upcoming vacation in August. What I'm most excited about is organization. I try to keep things organized, but during the flight and when getting clothes out, everything becomes unorganzed and it becomes extremely hard to find a pair of socks or a piece of underwear. Plus it's always really hard to separate clean from dirty clothes (especially if you're traveling to a couple different places on your vacation.
I use one garment sleeve and two packing cubes. That's all I need. I have learned to travel bringing the minimum so I always have room regardless the cube takes a tad little more space. I also don't need the cubes to have compression as I have room and those with compression if you overstuff them the zippers will break.
One thing I haven't seen a lot of in these types of videos is actually maximizing regular packing cubes and using them with compression. I fit A LOT more clothes in mine that way and am pretty convinced that they do save space. I can pack 4 kids worth of clothes for a whole in packing cubes and fit it all in a vera bradley small weekender. I can pack for a 2 week trip in a standard duffle with cubes with my stuff. I generally agree though that the BIGGEST benefit is the organization. The space is second., but still significant.
We use a combination of compression packing cubes and folders. We roll clothes in the cubes but for things that would be so wrinkled, folding them up, placing in a folder that you can tighten down allows you to store it so during transit without worrying that it will shift and end up with a ton of wrinkles. The OCD in me loves being organized!😅😅😍😍
Peak Design packing cubes are THE VERY BEST I have ever used. 1000x better that every cube I have seen.
watching no packing cube version, I saw myself try to find/ pull "that specific garment" from the bottom at a hotel and redo all the packing again. So, packing cube for me looks like saving time at hotel for a better enjyoable stay ^^
Same for me!
I agree rolling is the real space saver here
Thank you. I like the organization factor and plan to use compression packing cubes on my upcoming trip to Italy. Cheers (carry on)
Thanks Nik for your in depth video buddy. Regards Rusty
Thanks for the video
Lots of good information👍👍
I’m going to Europe and I’m using compression packing cubes for the first time. I do like the compartmentalism aspect.
Packing cubes + space saving bags. I use this combo for when I want to bring back souvenirs. Also, with cubes and space saving bags, you can take out the cubes at the hotel and just put them in the drawer. I usually leave everything in my luggage and grab out of it, but with cubes, it is easier to take things out to be visible when getting dressed.
The space saving bag also helps keep dirty clothes in their own space without leaking sweat and odor onto other clothes in your bag.
Nick,
Are there any disadvantages of using ziplock bags instead of packing cubes?
I tried such packing cubes last year, I had to go to the hospital and had no idea how long I had to stay, but I didn't want to take so much with me, so I wanted to pack as space-saving as possible. I thought it was great, I was physically battered and the fact that I could pack it clearly saved me a lot of searching. Soon I will go to a specialist clinic and I will use such packing cubes again. I'm also going to use the ones I've already tested, but they're not compression cubes, so I'm going to get them
Weight is the biggest problem because you tend to overpack. Pants are the hardest thing to put in packing cubes. I found alternating the top of pants when layering them in the suitcase works best.
BTW nice collection of Rick Steves books in the background.
For me it depends on how I'm packing. If I'm doing a road trip, I usually pack everything into 2 hockey bags. The packing cubes I have slot vertically into each bag nicely. I'm 50/50 on packing cubes
As others have noted packing cubes will take a ton of stress out of your life when you are called out for a detailed security check. Cubes make repacking super fast and you are on your way. Cubes reduce the chance something has been left behind.
Just got my first packing cubes with a new Monos Hybrid set and I packed with the cubes and found them unhelpful as they sat on top of the channels that hold the handle and all the space between them was lost. Yes, they help organize, but unless designed specifically for a given bag I found I could organize just as well without.
I use zip lock bags of various sizes when traveling. Label them as follows:
Underwear, shirts, socks, tee shirts,
medicine, phone charger, etc.
This method makes it easier to know what to pack and stay organized.
Thank you for the video. What is the model of your packable rain jacket?
My personal favorite thing about packing cubes is i like to take random spur of the moment trips to the beach and with the cubs prepacked in the closet I'm always packed and ready to go. And can just throw it in the bag while also leaving my main travel bag available for other trips instead of have that bag always packed for one type of trip.
What about packing folders? Do a comparison of folders vs cubes Having everything flat as opposed to a thick cube
I'm thinking about getting some 'cubes' but some folk say drybags are equally good .. with the added bonus, they are (or should be) pretty waterproof
Nice video! The only reason I've been anti-packing cube for most of my trips is I don't want to have to fish through multiple cubes to find what I'm looking for. I like seeing everything in one place. "Oh I want the red shirt? It's right there!" vs opening the packing cube and fishing through them all to hopefully pull out the red shirt. That's just me! Thanks for this video!
If you don’t know where your red shirt is in a packing cube, then you’re using them wrong. Or you’re using the wrong kind of a packing cube. Check out something like peak design that opens up completely. The organization is why I use them. Because finding an item is much easier. Unpacking in a hotel takes three seconds.
It's without the cubes I don't find anything. In the (mesh) cubes I see and find everything fast.
those compression packing cubes would be great for dirty clothes. see a lot of waterproof/air tight ones. great video
Packing cubes are a must for cruisers. Eighty-five cruises over 20+ years I have noticed ever new ship seems to have less closet space. Cubes allow you to stack clothing without them shifting all over the place making for a more organized cabin.
I use packing cubes for work (I’m a pilot) and I can guarantee you that using packing cubes saves space. When you travel as much as I do (12 days at a time) and try to get by with using just a carry on, I’ve become a master at space saving. Every cm of free space helps and compression packing cubes overall help save a cumulative amount of space to where I’m able to take as much clothes as I need, and not have to force my zipper around the bag in order to close it. Before I used compression packing cubes, I would have to either sacrifice on what I would bring and how much of it and I would always have to force the zipper around.
Great video. Thx. And anyone out there, if you pack for 2 weeks, yeah you just packed for 2 months or 2 years. 😊😊😊
Fan if compression cubes for separating and making smaller.
Big fan of a 2 gallon ziploc from the Dollar Tree for super mega compressing my full length LL Bean flannel bathrobe into a 1" x 5" space.
If I'm traveling for 7 or 8 months at a time that one piece of clothing is a huge comfort, also a blanket, beach towel, pillow, wind break, weird sunscreen, Hug.
Being cotton flannel, yeah. Challenge in the one bag world.
Like you said, different things for different purposes.
Everything has to work together.
My big stupid wonderful happy flannel ribe gets squashed into a 2 gallon ziplock that takes up less space than 5 lightweight t shirts and 2 ls tees.
For me that's awin.
Obviously, not as durable as fabric compression cubes, I always bring a couple extra in case of a rip.
Great videos!!!
I DO love your pack for what works attitude. There is no oerfect answer for any one person. Lors if tips and knowledge create a perfect pack hybrid.
😊
I need the cubes for the first time coming up. need to pack a duffel to climb kilimanjaro and have to be able to find what I need.
Outside if packing cubes, the monos plus is slightly larger than what is allowed as carryon right? Do you normally get thru with it or is that a check bag for u? New here and came for the reviews, really liking the videos
I don't need to save space, I need to find my stuff in my bag if I am not unpacking it where I'm staying. That's the real benefit for me. I can organize everything well in my travel bag but it will get thrown around and I don't want to rummage around every time I need something.
Zip lock bags work the best. Also learn how to pack "Army" style. Roll-up with tuck at the end prevents clothing from unraveling.
I use packing cube for my clothes when it rains to New Jersey from Arizona, i think it helps the rain
Does rolling really allow you to take more? Vs just folding your shirts and stacking them then placing them in the compression cube? I didn’t see a difference, I just fold and compress
You mentioned Monos Carry on Plus and Carry on PRO. Which do you prefer?
Hi
Thank you for great detailed information! Watched and learned from your videos...
We are going to Mediterranean cruise on May 24th thr Celebrity. And after, we are touring some of neighbor countries on our own. Base on your experiences, do you have any travel insurance you can recommend?
100% YES! I am a big fan of World Nomads. Allie and I used them for our 6-month round the world trip and needed to make 2 claims. Once we had to fly home suddenly due to a family member's terminal diagnosis. World Nomads covered our flights home (which were NOT cheap) and we were reimbursed something to the tune of $3,200. WORTH IT. Here's my link (I do earn a small commission if you apply through me, but no pressure) www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100803894-15403748
I use standard packing cubes in a variety of sizes and they are quite thin so they don’t really take up extra space. You can use them to pack complete outfits so you are not sorting through everything in your bag to find what you want. I don’t find rolling saves you space but it can reduce the wrinkles to some degree. I would be interested to know how you repack all these clothes when they need washing. I have a seperate dry bag that I can compress the air out, that way no smell transfers to the clean clothes. The same goes for shoes. With all of this, my primary packing method is to reduce the amount of wrinkles as I probably won’t have an iron at hand at the other end.
Also good for quicker repacking if you get security inspected. Save space? No, the opposite, always some dead air space. But a life saver if you use ultrathin cubes and need to free up some space on the flight back. Just un-cube everything, military roll really tight, pack without regard to keeping similar items together, and at the end flatten out the unused cubes and lay them on top.
I have used packing cubes for years. They are especially helpful if you are on a multi-stop journey where you will be packing and unpacking a few times. When like items are organized together in a packing cube, it makes the packing and unpacking so much easier. As far as compression bags go, I used them a couple of times and then decided they weren't for me. You may be able to get more stuff in your bag, but that stuff weighs the same whether it's compressed or not. I ended up with nicely compressed but super heavy luggage. Not for me. Packing cubes, absolutely. Compression bags only if you are ready for a much heavier suitcase.
Do you like the Monos carry-on plus? Is it approved on all flights as a carry-on? That's the one I am looking at. They are having a mothers day sale now
Compression cubes are good for light bulky items. Too many compressed items may take you over the weight. I like the ones with handles so you can pull them out and carry them. I use a packing cube for all the stuff you have to remove for security checking, ( it saves scrabbling for items I the case). I also use one for the items I want handy on the plane so I can pull it out and put in the seat pocket. I can just put the underwear one straight in the drawer when I arrive. Different colours are useful so you can spot which one you need. I keep one in my day bag to put my scarf, cardigan or other clothing in to keep them clean and folded in my bag. They are sturdier than plastic bags, neater, stronger and look better.
Do you know how much weight the compression cubes added to the luggage?
I like packing cubes with another zipper, it makes it slightly smaller, and it keeps my stuff tidy also I can stack some stuff next to it on the corner of it, like a deodorant and such.
Have you looked at the Solgaard carry on with the closet?
Packing cubes only work for me if it is a very short trip. Let’s say you buy several shirts at your destination. How will yo add them to a packing cube that is already full? However, you can easily roll and squeeze them between your other clothes that are not packed in a p. cube…
When the checkin counter tells me my carryon is 2kg overweight.... i just take out one packing cube... for a minute .... and return it into my carryon afterwards.
Sounds like what I'll do!!😉😄🗽