How Do Compression Packing Cubes Work + Are They Worth It?

Are you looking for a way to pack more in your luggage?

With baggage prices going up and up seemingly every year, investigating ‘how do compression packing cubes work’ is a smart idea!

I used to only be a medium-sized luggage girlie, but on a recent trip to Europe, I wanted to save as much money as possible so I could spend it on the important stuff—castles, museums, chocolate, and whatever else my heart desires.

I didn’t want it going into the pockets of airlines for simply putting my luggage in the cargo.

And many other travelers feel the same way, which is why compression packing cubes are growing in popularity.

I was initially skeptical because I couldn’t imagine how some extra zippers could really make that much difference.

But discovering that I could actually fit everything I needed for a European adventure into carry-on luggage (something I swore was impossible for my packing style), save hundreds of dollars on baggage fees, and stay organized throughout my trip transformed my entire approach to packing.

From learning the best folding techniques to maximize compression to understanding which types of clothing compress most effectively, I’m sharing every practical lesson and honest insight so you can decide if compression cubes are a worthwhile investment for your travel style and goals.

What Are Compression Packing Cubes?

hybridmax packing cube double capacity graphic — Visualization of how do compression packing cubes work

Compression packing cubes go beyond what standard packing cubes do by incorporating a compression mechanism.

Unlike regular packing cubes, which simply organize your belongings, compression cubes have an additional zipper that allows you to reduce the space taken by squeezing out excess air.

Compression packing cubes typically feature a dual-zipper design:

The first zipper closes the cube normally, securing your clothing/items inside
The second zipper applies pressure to compress the contents, reducing their volume by 30-60%, depending on what you packed

Compression cubes are different from vacuum storage bags in that they don’t require external tools, such as vacuum cleaners, to remove air.

Instead, they use mechanical compression through the zipper system, making them practical for ongoing use during travel rather than just for departure and arrival packing.

However, I will note if you’re already using a Vacuum Seal Compression Travel Backpack that comes with a portable air pump, then vacuum storage bags are a good option. But only if you’re bringing along multiple pieces of luggage and want to use the pump included for the other pieces since the backpack already compresses.

Benefits of Using Compression Packing Cubes

There are many benefits to using compression packing cubes, but the ones that I find most useful are:

Space savings: Depending on what you pack, using compression can reduce the volume of a cube by 30-60%
Organization: I’m a type A kind of person, so having everything organized is simple super helpful to me and allows me to not worry so much I’m missing or have forgotten something
Water resistance: Before I went to Belize, I really wouldn’t have even worried about water-protection, but after traveling there with a backpack instead of a hardside luggage I can say just how much I love this added protection
Time-saver: When packing and unpacking between destinations, it’s super easy to see how much time is saved when I don’t have to worry what goes where
Wrinkle-reduction: If you pack properly, not scrunching it all in, instead laying out your items of clothing to the shape of the cube, then you’ll have a far better chance of wrinkle reduction

Types of Compression Packing Cubes

well traveled packing cube black voyage backpack open interior — Figuring out which sizes fit my backpack best

well traveled packing cube black voyage backpack — Figuring out which sizes fit my backpack best

There are several different sizes, and which ones will be the best compression packing cubes for you will really depend on what you plan on packing.

The 8-piece set I have been using comes with 2 large & 1 medium HybridMax compression cube, 2 small compression cubes, 2 small accessory bags, and 1 laundry/shoe bag.

I chose which ones I’d be using by figuring out which ones best fit my backpack and carry-on luggage. I played a bit of Tetris with the different sizes until I found the ones that best utilized the space I had.

Getting a set that allows you options, especially if you have multiple sizes of luggage, is really helpful!

Compression cubes can also come in various materials (nylon, polyester, waterproof options) as well as have specialty options such as vacuum-sealed, ultralight, etc.

One important thing to consider is the weight of the compression cube. You don’t want to be adding unnecessarily to your luggage weight restriction.

The other essential thing is the zippers. If you don’t have well-made zippers, the compression will not be as effective or last as long.

How to Use Them Effectively

As part of looking into ‘how do compression packing cubes work,’ you’re also likely wondering how to use them effectively.

I’ve found that folding my clothing to the shape of the cube is most efficient. There will inevitably be some ‘leftover’ that won’t quite go from one corner to the other, but I found this method lays my clothes as flatly as possible and minimizes wrinkles.

Alternatively, in the past, I’ve also rolled my clothing. However, I found this takes up more space in some instances.

My best tips for maximizing compression is to lay the items as flat as possible and then zip the closing zipper. From there, if it’s pretty full you can either use your hand to push out some of the air within or go straight to using the second zipper to compress.

I’d decide which is best on a case-by-case basis, as it depends on how stuffed the cube is.

My Review

well traveled 8 piece hybridmax compression packing cube set box

well traveled hybridmax packing cube set box back features contents

After reading my post on female travel essentials, The Well Traveled Store contacted me about their 8-Set Deluxe Compression Packing Cubes.

I’ve been a fan of packing cubes for a while now and typically use a set I had gotten many years ago at a conference. I’d loved these as they were long, and three of them would nicely fit in one side of my Delsey hardside luggage.

However, they weren’t compression, so while they were perfectly shaped, they didn’t help with space-saving like the set by Well Traveled does.

The cubes’ twill fabric makes them lightweight yet durable, while the reinforced stitching and smooth 2-way zippers ensure secure compression.

I’ve yet to test out their water resistance, but I love that they have it, as I won’t have to pack any longer about my items getting wet. They are also washer and dryer safe should anything spill on or within them.

I got the black set as I wanted it to match my BlackVoyage backpack, but they also have them in a variety of colors and even a sunset graphic design.

They also have luggage tags for each cube. I typically travel solo, so I don’t have too much use for these, but I can see someone who travels with a partner or family using them to keep who’s is who’s cube straight.

But most importantly, aside from the compression working, they come with a lifetime warranty, making them an excellent gift for someone traveling to Europe!

So, are Compression Packing Cubes Worth It?

delsey suitcase well traveled packing cubes floor

Partly because of these cubes, I’ve been able to limit myself ‘just’ to carry on, which is shocking for me as I used to say I could never do it. I’ve been traveling with my carry-on suitcase as my overhead bin allotment and my vacuum compression backpack as my personal item.

Even if you don’t get the specific brand I recommend, the Well Traveled compression cubes, I still highly recommend trying out compression cubes in general.

They help to save space by a significant amount, organize your outfits (I typically put pants in one cube, shirts in another, etc.), keep your clothing and items protected in case of weather or spillage in your suitcase, save time by allowing you to quickly pack or unpack, and lastly, reduce wrinkles so you can look your best on your trip!

For the price compression cubes go, especially on Amazon, I find them to be well worth the investment. I have yet to replace a set of cubes (some of which I’ve had for a decade), compression or not, due to their durability.

Transparency: This was a complimentary item I was gifted, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

FAQs

Do Packing Cubes Save Space?

Yes! Depending on what you’ve packed, they typically save 30-60% of space. If it’s something hard or you’ve packed a ton, then it won’t compress much. But let’s say you packed a few fluffy sweaters; then they’ll compress quite a bit.

Do I Need Packing Cubes?

You don’t need packing cubes to travel. However, I’d highly recommend them as they allow you to bring much more than you would be able to without them. I find that they help me save space, organize, and help to keep my clothes less wrinkled.

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How Do Compression Packing Cubes Work, and Are They Really Space Savers?