Packing Cubes Versus Compression Cubes.The Choice is Obvious.
When I planned my first five-month trip, I bought packing cubes to organize my clothes: a bag for shirts, a bag for socks and underwear, etc. But after just four weeks of travel, I threw away all but one travel bag, which I used for electronic accessories, glasses, toiletries, and such.
However, during my travels, fellow travelers talked about compression bags, saying they helped save room, a valuable commodity for a long-term traveler. So, on my second five-month trip, I bought a set of compression bags. I still have everyone.
And I recommend compression bags to anyone debating between the two. Let me tell you a little more.
What Are Packing Cubes?
Packing cubes are small, zippered bags typically made from lightweight fabric to help travelers organize their luggage. They come in various sizes and can compartmentalize clothing, toiletries, and other travel essentials. They are designed in sizes and shapes to fit into your suitcases. No matter if you have a small carry-on or full-size bag.
The primary purpose of packing cubes is to maximize space, maintain order, and make it easy to find items without rummaging through an entire suitcase.
What Are Compression Cubes?
Compression cubes, on the other hand, are an upgraded version of packing cubes. They help organize your luggage and feature an additional zipper that further compresses the contents, reducing their volume. This compression functionality allows travelers to pack more items in the same space, making them particularly useful for extended trips or those who prefer to travel light with carry-on luggage.
How to Use Packing Cubes
Using packing cubes is straightforward. Start by sorting your items into shirts, pants, undergarments, and accessories. Place each category into a separate packing cube. This method keeps your suitcase organized and makes unpacking at your destination more efficient. Place the packing cubes directly into drawers or on shelves for easy access.
How Do Compression Cubes Work?
Compression cubes work similarly to packing cubes but with an added benefit. Once you’ve filled a compression cube with your items, you use the additional zipper to compress the contents, squeezing out any excess air. This process significantly reduces the overall volume, allowing you to fit more into your suitcase. The compression feature is convenient for bulky items like sweaters or jackets.
How to Pack with Packing Cubes
To pack efficiently with packing cubes, follow these steps:
1. Sort and Categorize: Divide your clothing and items into categories.
2. Roll or Fold: Choose whether to roll or fold your clothes. Rolling garments often save more space and reduce wrinkles.
3. Fill the Cubes: Place each category into its respective cube, filling them to capacity but not over stuffing.
- Organize: Arrange the packed cubes in your suitcase, utilizing every inch of space.
Why Use Packing Cubes?
Packing cubes offers several benefits:
Organization: They keep your luggage neat and orderly, making it easy to find specific items.
Space Maximization: By categorizing your belongings, you can fit more into your suitcase.
Convenience: Packing cubes make unpacking and repacking a breeze, especially useful for multi-destination trips.
Protection: They provide additional protection for your items, reducing the risk of damage during travel.
Why Compression Packing Cubes Are Better
While both packing cubes and compression cubes have their advantages, compression packing cubes stand out for their dual functionality. They can be used like regular packing cubes, offering the same organizational benefits.
However, the added compression feature provides a significant edge, especially for travelers who need to maximize space. Compression cubes are versatile, allowing you to pack more efficiently and effectively. They are ideal for short trips where you want to carry only a tiny bag and long journeys where every inch of space counts.
In conclusion, while traditional packing cubes are excellent for organization and convenience, they don’t offer space-saving features for the long-term traveler. Compression packing cubes, on the other hand, offer an enhanced travel experience by combining the benefits of packing cubes and space-saving compression.
I’ve discovered that investing in compression packing cubes was an intelligent choice for me and would be for any traveler looking to optimize their packing strategy.
Until next time, enjoy life’s journey and pack well.
Joseph O’Brien