Do Packing Cubes Really Save Space? | No Cubes vs Packing Cubes vs Compression Cubes Comparison
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- Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
- Do packing cubes really save space? In this video, we do a side-by-side comparison with no packing cubes, packing cubes, and compression cubes, and then compare the results. Read the full article here: www.cleverjourney.com/do-pack...
Some people argue that packing cubes are useless and they don't actually save any space. But others use them every time when they're traveling. We decided to test it out for ourselves, so we packed the same amount of clothes in a carry-on without any packing cubes, with packing cubes, and with compression cubes, and then we compared the results and figured out whether packing cubes really do save any space and whether they're worth it.
Turns out, that regular packing cubes save only a tiny amount of space, if any. They're still great though for their organizational features, and they make packing your suitcase quicker and easier.
But if you're really looking to save some space, then you should consider getting compression cubes, because based on our own tests, compression cubes save around 15-30 % of the total space. They're harder to pack, but in the end, it's worth it because of the saved space.
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The reason I started using packing cubes was for organisation and easy access. So I didn’t have to dig through loose items. Every time I needed to access my toiletries, or camera equipment, or a clean pair of socks etc.
Exactly, they may not same space, but they save TIME!!
Same for me.
We have a camper van and this is the reason we use them. Saves scrabbling through the clothes and ending up with a jumble. Different items in different bags, or complete outfits in its own bag. So much better.
Same
Definitely useful for organizing one's packing.
I’ve traveled the world and found travel cubes don’t really save space, but are great organizers. I label each cube with a number with a permanent sharpie/marker and keep a list in my phone as to what is kept in each cube. When I arrive at my destination (hotel, cruise ship, etc.) I put cubes in dresser drawer/etc. and dress out of the cube. There’s no need to unpack the cubes if you roll clothing rather than fold. Carefully roll and you’ll avoid most wrinkles. When I return home I ensure the cubes are packed same as when I left home using my phone list.
Great idea! Thank you
Big brain moment, thank you!
Great video. Exactly what I was looking for. Nobody else has a simple comparison video like this.
The main advantage of plain cubes is organization (and preventing things from shuffling around) and that itself can lead to another benefit, which is that some travelers could use an aid to thinking through sytematically about the packing since you have to decide ahead of time what goes in which cube.
You might want to do the same experiment with clothes that are “rolled” (aka military roll in the US) vs. just folded, like in this video. If you rolled the shirts and pants, I would assume that you might be able to save even more space.
Definitely rolling them along with clothes under the cube would save so much more space
I’ve tried his method. Rolled clothes in regular cubes saves LOTS of space.
Also rolling the clothes helps to eliminate some of the wrinkles. Wrinkle spray also helps if it is needed.
Thats what I was going to say. Yes Rolling the pants and sweaters I am not sure I would to the button ups but you could. But Yes it would save more space.
I don't use cubes, but I do roll my clothes. It saves a lot of space as stuff fits better in the nooks and crannies of a suitcase, and stuff also doesn't wrinkle as much which is great! Would love to see the same experiment with rolled clothes.
That space in the corners created by the packing cubes is great for adding little pouches of belongings.
Great comparison, always thought about it but never tested! Really appreciate, great work!
There is definitely a technique to loading the regular cubes, like rolling & sliding items in with the zipper half zipped, pushing them towards the back. You can get a ton of clothes in that way. The way he packed them was the same way you would lay the in the suitcase 🙄
I don’t think they save space (unless they’re compression cubes) HOWEVER, I’ll sacrifice space to ensure organization.
I use them to keep my stuff clean, organised and mainly to keep it safe for instances of my zip breaking or the suitcase fail. I flew once and find the zip busted wide open when I collected my case. I had a strap round it but even so if I hadn't cube packed my stuff smaller items would have escaped. I also like that i can put my cubes on shelves and in drawers at my destination and mu stuff stays clean and organised. They also add an amount of protection against spills and stuff like that.
Very informative, thanks. I just bought one packing cube mostly to organize my clothes rather than save space in my travel backpack. It’s nice having an organized container rather than things getting jumbled around in the bag.
Thank you. Very helpful analysis. I appreciate the recommendation to use compression cubes for backpacks, not luggage.
Nice video for suitcase organization. For my backpack, I use bundle method, and one compression pouch for raincoat/ down jacket. Everything is weighted down with shoes in their individual pouches on top, with socks and chargers inside.
I ran a similar experiment recently with compression cubes and used a scale to measure the weight impact.
3 observations:
1) Smaller compression cubes provide a bigger space advantage (because most of the compression benefit is at the edges)
2) Packing soft, fluffy items like socks and fleece in small-to-medium compression cubes cut volume by about 15% (though as you pointed out it's not the most usable space)
3) For these items, the cubes added about 10% to the weight of the items
Bottom line: If weight is a concern, packing cubes don't help. If space is a concern, then compression cubes help only marginally. If you're going to unpack everything upon arrival anyway, there's very little benefit. But if you're going to live out of your bag, then regular (non-compression) packing cubes can help you stay organized.
Thanks for sharing yr findings. Do U also find that compression cubes INCREASE the overall weight of yr suitcase?
@@gvandalen well, yes, of course they do. They don't weigh a lot, but they do weigh something, and they weigh more than regular packing cubes because of the zippers and extra fabric. Of course some are lighter than others. Osprey makes some really featherweight cubes.
Great work Oscar ! Keep it up !
whoa thanks! helpful concise, and introduced me to the concept of compression cubes!
I’m interested to watch this, I’ve read a lot about packing cubes and decided my way of packing was acceptable. I’ve recently ordered compression cubes, and look forward to finally having my things organized for the long haul.
I've traveled enough that I believe I have a good way of packing that works for me. I'm always interested in doing it better, though!
Your video was very informative!
I had just ordered some compression packing cubes. By you showing the viewers how the compression packs works is awesome! The space in between the packing cubes can be for smaller items.
Those using the packing cubes can finish off their packing with a zip lock bags to fill in the space.
I've used zip lock bags for my underwear.
I wonder if using a ziplock bag first, then put them in a compression packing cubes would save even more space?
At least for few of the items.
Thank you for the video, very informative 😄
I love packing cubes for organization! And compression cubes are very helpful for a long trip when I need to get a bit more in
I found that regular packing cubes also make it very easy to unpack, as well. I put things that need washing in one cube and the other cubes are organized such as I can put things directly back into drawers when I get home.
I love the cubes for organization. I use each cube for similar items (e.g. all pants, tops, under garments). Just packed 4 dresses, 5 pants, 5 tops, 3 cardigans, 10 undergarments, 4 socks, 2 bras, 2 night gowns into 4 cubes and 3 pairs shoes.
You must be a very small woman
Good info. Thanks!
I definitely prefer the packing cubes to keep things organised and it is easier to go straight to an item you may need if they are in the cubes as opposed to having to pull out all the clothes to get to that item.
Thank you for the insights.
I've been using packing cubes for about 8 years now - I have tried packing for short trips without them and I just can't do it - once you get used to using them it is very hard to go back. I have never thought of them as being space savers - I just absolutely love them for the organisation. We mainly travel during the warmer months and I use one cube for a few winter items and that cube remains untouched unless the weather turns nasty.
The key to packing cubes is the modular approach that keeps everything in place as luggage gets tossed around. I’ve found that small to medium ones work best for softer items (socks, underwear, tees, etc). I roll them and stuff them in non-compression no-name cubes that still compresses them despite not having the second zipper
Great video. Thanks
Thank you for this 💛
Thx you for the video ! :)
The problem with compression cubes is that you'll put more stuff into your backpack or suitcase and make them heavier carry around😆 Otherwise they are great because you'll have room for your purchases from your trip...Also if for some reason you'll need to open your bag while on your trip, you will most likely not loose stuff if they are in packing cubes...
Heh... I can see myself traveling out with them *uncompressed* , then compress on the return trip, to make room for the purchases...
Having clothes that are more light weight like leggings, hiking pants, leisure wear and clothes that dry faster seem to be light weight. You can have more of them in your suit case.
1 pair of jeans should be enough instead of several.
You can always hand wash them and air dry them.
The bottom line is, we just need to experiment with keeping luggage within weight restriction.
Exactly 😅
I don’t know about saving space but they do help a lot with organization. I’ve started my trips with a perfectly packed suitcase which turns into a mess after 3-4 days on the road because of me rummaging around searching for the right top to go with the right bottom. The cubes help a LOT with that
you have to role the clothes for packing cubes... otherwise it defeats the purpose...
Thanks for the video
Saving space is all very well, but as most airlines these days go by weight I cannot see their value. As for organising my packing I find ziplock bags in a variety of sizes answer just as well. Not only can I see exactly what is in each bag but they are significantly cheaper.
Ziplock bags are the best invention for travel!
The principal key to using packing cubes is the way you fold the clothes. There are a few videos that show you how to do it. Again, taking advantage of the packing cubes is how you fold and arrange the clothes inside the cubes.
So how do you go about doing this ?
thank you, you helped me decide!
Thank you for this video! I have a better idea of which cubes are best for my trip 👍
debating between the compressions or the vacuum seal bags.....
Very good video.
The combination of cube sizes is like a puzzle. If you have the right combination of sizes for your specific bag, they do save space. I have used them for years - different combinations in different suitcases.
The compression cube set used here, is not in a combination that works in the presenter’s bag. Also, if wrinkling matters to you, consider packing cubes.
HI,WATCHING FROM ITALY.. INDEED, I DI AGREE ABSOLUTELY!! GREAT COMPARISON..WELL DONE.THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS VERY USEFUL VIDEO!
what bag are you using,.. the brand and model of the bag if possible.. thanks
I find packing cubes, and particularly compression cubes lend structure to unstructured duffle bags, such as the Osprey Daylite.
Solid content
what company are these red travel packing cubes?
helpfull, thank you!
I traveled to nearly 70 countries without packing cubes (Until recently I never heard of them quite frankly) but I think it's now time to ditch the plastic bags.
Good review. I will go for the compression ones because I plan to travel by motorbike a lot from now on. Every square cm counts. I will fill the open spaces between the cubes with candybars haha. See, there's a solution for everything.
I feel like my space saving packing cubes don't really give me more space, maybe a little..but I like them more for the fact that it keeps everything together. And if they open your bag your underwear aren't just out for everyone to see lol and if you absolutely NEEDED you could put one of the smaller sized ones inside your personal bag easily and it would still be kept together.
Ever since TSA poking through my unmentionables became a possibility, I've always put them in a ziplock bag.
Just wondering what happens if you roll your clothes first before putting them in packing cubes... Rolling clothes can save a lot of space.
Also clothes don't get so wrinkled of they're rolled instead of folded.
Rolling clothes in a packing cube makes a significant difference.
Was wondering also
@@romancetips365 I used to have a drawer of about 20 folded tshirts. Until I decided to role them and now I can fit 36, 6 roles in a line and 6 roles wide.
The bonus is I can now see all of them and pick which one I want. Rather than lift up all the folded tshirts to find one. Also they definitely have less wrinkles.
The reason I like packing cubes is it keeps clothes contained when youre rummaging around your bag and prevents clothes from unravelling and becoming a giant mess. However, you just folded your clothes and folding takes up a shitload of space and is probably the most inefficient method to pack clothes. Rolling the clothes tightly saves so much space but rolling clothes and densely packing them inside the cubes like sardines SAVES SO MUCH SPACE and will keep everything contained.
but dont they get all wrinkled? lve always hated that every time l tried it so l dont pack clothes rolled uo anymore.
@@angelakosmas3218 guess it depends on the type of clothes you wear!
@@idylledoll true, but lm thinking more of cotton tops which usually look wronkled no matter how much lve practiced rolling them as neatly as l can. Any suggestions would be more than welcome.
@@angelakosmas3218 I seldom travel with cotton garments for that reason except to lounge or sleep. Synthetic fibers or combo are my choices for travel, easy packing and ease of care like sink washing and overnight drying (hopefully).
Thanks for being honest about how the first kind didn't save space. They seem to be more about organization.
Just bought some compression cubes (Nordace), might just use them for underwear since I don't have to worry about organization/wrinkling.
I love packing cubes for organisation- like with like then the cubes into the draw when you arrive. No fuss. Especially good if you are changing accommodation. When camping for the weekend (one a month) I will pack two small cubes, each with a tee shirt, a pair of socks and a pair of pants (us underwear). A larger one with warm clothes. I have a bright pink stuff sack for my PJs and bed socks so I can find them easily at night. Taken me ages to perfect this system but it's perfect for me.
Thank you for the video. I'll stick to just throwing my clothes in. I think if you simply just fold them neatly it gives you about the same result. Plus packing is a hustle and to have to put everything into another bag feels like more hustle.
Thanks!! Now I can make a better decision!
I've got a 3 day trip coming up in August.. packing cubes work and it adds a little more room for a souvenir or 2
We just wanted to say that this is singlehandedly the most comprehensive and useful test out there for all travelers. An answer for an unanswerable question, if you will.
Thank you for making this video!
Thank you so much! We're happy to help :-)
I use paking cubes and would never go back to old way. It is better if you roll your clothes into the packing cubes
I don't use packing cubes to save space, more for organizing. I didn't like compression cubes.
Cubes keep things contained and organized
I roll my clothes in the cubes and that helps. I also like the organization. I also use one cube to put a complete outfit including underwear so if I am staying a hotel for one night before catching a cruise I can just pull that cube out and not have to completely unpack cubes.
I love packing cubes that unzip on three sides, so you can fold the top back. I can take them out of the suitcase and put them straight into a drawer. Super fast!
They’re also really easy to pack into. And since I always roll and stuff, regular cubes are basically compression cubes for me. 🤷♀️
I also cubes because if I have to open my suitcase in public, there’s no chance of my undergarments falling out! 😂
Wasn't wholly convinced by the gompression cubes, result looked much more 'bulgy', so of course there would appear to be more space. Rolling definitely saves space and is usually the way I go.
should put the cubes in sideways lol would’ve made SO much room
gallon and 2 gallon ziploc bags with zippers do a better job than packing cubes...it is clear and organised and can be squished into corners as well....:)
I used them about 4 years ago to be more organized so packing and unpacking would be faster and keep me from over packing I would just pack the cubes and put in suitcase and be done then get to destination and take cubes out and store in drawer and be unpacked in less than a minute but I found out they make luggage heavier I found once I used luggage scale the suitcase would feel ten pounds heavier so I experimented took everything out cubes and packed normally without over packing and weighed again it was lighter I kept experimenting by taking more clothes out and spreading weight the problem was jeans I had packed jeans together in one cube which made the suitcase feel heavy and increased the weight on scale so once I took out a few pairs of jeans and repacked the cubes evened everything out the suitcase felt more balanced and weighed it and it was five pounds under the max weight limit for Amtrak so once I got to train station and had it weighed their scale had same reading I still use packing cubes I learned how to distribute the weight by making sure each cube doesn’t have more than the other
I love packing cubes, not sure they save space but sure is much easier to organize. For folk who don’t care to separate carrying by category, it really doesn’t make any difference. For people like me with minor OCD, packing cubes are must have.
More stuff in but the clothes still weigh the same and you have to add the weight of the cube. So for checked bags, if you’re close on weight, they are not always a good idea.
I have my clothes in packing cubes inside my dresser drawers, Marie Kondo style. That way, with a little swapping of a few items, I am always ready to travel.
I've never bothered with packing cubes. I travel really light and nearly everything I pack would probably fit into one cube. I never need to rummage in the case or backpack for anything because I take everything out and hang it up or put it on a shelf on arrival.
it's ok if you stay for a long time but not if you change hotels everyday
Ranger roll (essentially compression) the clothing and then pack them into regular packing cubes (organization) properly sized for the travel bag being used without overstuffing the cubes to maintain its intended shape. Compression packing cubes are extremely expensive, a real pain to compress, and don't come out regularly shaped so there is a lot of space wasted as already mentioned and visibly shown. I used them on one short backpacking trip and never touched them again.
I still use the compression cubes, just don’t compress because I observed the same phenomenon. The unit still acts as a packing device.
@@carylhalfwassen8555 , yeah that works fine too. But if you're counting the grams, then a compression packing cube is weighs more in zips, zipper lines and extra fabric. I sold mine away already because I won't ever use them again.
Can you let know how many pieces of clothing you packed? That also helps
I'm writing this BEFORE watching the video...I like packing cubes because they *organize* my bag, making it easier to find certain items AND so that random people at the TSA aren't rifling through my "unmentionables" because they can pick the cubes up, look at them, scan them, whatever, without actually opening them. I'm here to see if compression cubes are even better at organizing that space.
I agree with the comment below. They organize you. I can swap bags easier by by just grabbing what in need. You group your stuff together.
Standard packing cubes definitely save space, and much more than this video demonstrates. You've just got to use a different packing technique to do it - rolling, stuffing, etc. I also find that using smaller cubes (especially longer, narrower sizes) strangely enough will save more space than using these larger ones.
I would guesstimate that you could save half the suitcase height by using the rolling/stuffing method and different sized cubes.
I just think it's messed up how restrictive airlines are and continue to be to the point there are packing, rolling, sliding, cube videos all over UA-cam 🤦🏽♂️
I've been backpacking around Europe and Asia several times, but not until now I discovered packing cubes. I also used hiking backpacks instead of travel backpacks, which could be really messy sometimes when I wanted to grab something from the bottom of the bag.
Also I think packing cubes are great for another thing, bedbug prevention. As long as you don't use cubes with too big mesh holes those little critters will have a really hard time to hide in your clothes, which leads to much less worry when you return home
You need to over pack the compression packing cubes to maximize the space. There most space savings are at the edges. That's why rolling saves so much space; you can put the rolled clothes at the edges.
I save space by rolling and standing the rolls up so I can see the items easily
Looking for organization not volume
God bless you
And when that TSA agent decides to check all your cubes..good luck getting everything back in there in a timely manner. No thanks. This is just a gimmick that is more trouble than it's worth.
Eagle creek the way they compress makes them wonky. Peak designs is a better because they are more cubic. There is a compression cube set that flight attendants or pilot wives use called something like Rose or Rosa something.
They are the Compass Rose packing cubes for carryon.
I think you overstuffed the large compression cube, so it became a ball. It doesn't really work like that.
When I travel for two days (for my job), I use one compression cube for my clothes (2x Tshirt, 3x Boxers, 3x Socks). The rest of my stuff fills the empty room around it.
A 23 litre backpack works well that way.
I use for organizing
I like them for organization not really for saving space.
Probably makes little difference for carry-ons. Large and even medium suitcases definitely benefit because you have two compartments to organise and optimise. Easier to do piecemeal! And without everything falling out of place with one change. 😹
The thing is, with packing cubes, it's easier to find them, ID them, otherwise, if I use a small suitcase, I really do NOT need it.
I think a combination of compression cubes and rolling some clothes un-cubed is a good option eg undergarments and jumpers are ideal for compression cubes, shirts and pants I think is just better to roll. Also depends WHAT you're packing - you might not need jumpers or thermal layers so then the compression aspect doesn't (shouldn't) matter so much.
This way you have some organisation but effective use of space (compression cubes DON'T allow you to fill up odd little gaps; I watched a chic once and her method is no rolling, no cubes - just stuff [a backpack] firmly from the top - in this way she is able to fit heaps. Not what I would do but she DOES fit a lot in)
I have a suitcase in my closet that is full and heavy. What’s in it? You guessed, empty packing cubes.
I have never thought that travel cubes were meant to save space. That is not the point of them for me. Their huge advantage is in organizing the items that are in them. I use one for my underwear, socks, and handkerchieves, another for T-shirts, shirts, and a few other small items. Organization is the key - not saving any space.
No worry about wrinkles. I travel with a small spray bottle that I call my "travel iron." Fill it with water at the destination, unfold a piece of clothing, spray the wrinkles with water, and when the water dries, the wrinkles are GONE.
I love packing cubes for organizing but it’s ridiculous to think that by adding more material to your bag you are somehow reducing space used.
Thank you. I'm traveling to Florida very soon.. it is my first time on a plane at 30,000 ..so anything helps..
If you travel carry on only then 7 kilos limit is 7 kilos regardless of how it is packed. The advantage is in better organisation .
To compress things you can just use the lid of the suitcase
I do it for organizing and hygiene.
I prefer using cubes because I like unpacking at my destination and it’s so much easier to just pull the cube out and throw in the drawers!
But what about your toiletries and shoes?
organization more than space-saving