I’m an overpacker. Even during short trips, I’ve packed extra clothing and pieces, just in case. It’s admittedly not very efficient, especially when I’m carry-on only.
But I’ve discovered a game-changing find that still allows me to pack everything I want: packing cubes. And not just any, but specifically, compression packing cubes.
By design, they function like a regular packing cube, though clever compressive zippers remove any extra space. I can still pack as normal, but with extra peace of mind that I won’t have to edit out too many clothes. They also help to keep me organized, rather than rolling or folding my clothes in one jumbled pile.
My go-to is the Bagsmart 6-Piece Compression Packing Cube Set. They’re efficient and affordable at just $40. Though, I have spotted them on sale for as low as $25 over the last year. Here’s a closer look.
In this article
What Is the Bagsmart Compression Packing Cube Set?
Bagsmart is a popular budget-friendly travel brand, offering everything from generous weekender bags to thoughtfully designed toiletry bags. I also once turned to the brand when I—no surprise—overpacked and needed to buy an extra packable tote last-minute during a trip.
However, it’s their compression cubes that are one of my travel must-haves.
I own the six-piece set, which includes one large packing cube that measures 15 inches long, 10.5 inches wide, and up to 6 inches high; two medium packing cubes that measure 13 inches long, 9 inches wide, and up to 5 inches high; two small packing cubes that measure 13 inches long, 5 inches wide, and up to 5 inches high; and a double-sided drawstring bag that measures 21.5 inches long and 12 inches wide.
I’m not alone in my fandom. It’s also a customer favorite on Amazon, with over 10,000 five-star reviews. It comes in 30 colors, and you may also buy them in sets of two, four, and 14 cubes.
How Do They Work?
Standard packing cubes have one zipper to contain contents.
But compression packing cubes, like the Bagsmart set, have two. There’s the regular zipper to open or close the cube itself. And then there’s an additional zipper that wraps around the bag to utilize the compression feature.
Without compression, they may be used like regular packing cubes. But if you want to maximize your luggage space, you zip the compression zipper all the way around to remove extra air and compress the cube down into a more compact shape so it takes up less room in your suitcase.
They work similarly to vacuum-sealed bags, but instead of using a vacuum to compress, a zipper forces the excess air out to squeeze your clothes together.
Do They Actually Keep You Organized and Save Space?
As a habitual overpacker, I can confirm that, yes, the Bagsmart compression packing cubes really do keep me organized and save space in luggage.
Compressed or not, they create smaller compartments to organize your clothing. I like to organize them by types of clothes, keeping bulky sweaters or lightweight tank tops in one cube, or by outfits I plan to wear each day.
I also like that the cubes have mesh panels, which makes it easy to see what’s inside at a quick glance. There are also small slots where you can add included labels.
When compressed, though, is where the magic happens. Without this feature, the packing cubes can stand up to 6 inches high. But the compression zippers remove 1.8 inches of height. That can make a major difference in a crowded suitcase.
Recently, I was able to use just the large cube and the medium cube to pack 4 days worth of clothes, which was really impressive.
The Best Way to Use Them
To make the most of the Bagsmart compression cubes, you’ll want to fold your clothes strategically.
Instead of rolling them or folding them into small piles to fit inside the cube, aim to fold each piece of clothing to the size of the cube you’re using. Not only will it be easier to compress the cube, but it also helps prevent wrinkles.
And while I know how tempting it is to stuff the cube full to the brim, giving it some extra space can make it much easier to compress the cube. While the zippers are helpful, they can’t work miracles if you pack so much that it can’t close.
Another tip is to press into the sides as you zip to help with the compression and to make sure the material doesn’t snag.
And even though I don’t always use every cube, I still pack the rest with me in case I need them at the end of a trip. The extras are really useful when I do a lot of shopping and come home with souvenirs, and during the aforementioned 4-day trip, the extra cubes helped me organize smaller items and separate dirty clothes.
The Shortcut
The Bagsmart six-piece set runs $40, comes in 30 colors, and has more than 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
The compression zipper takes real height off each cube, enough to change what fits in a carry-on.
Fold to the size of the cube, not into small piles. Rolling works against you here.
Don't stuff it to the brim. The zipper needs slack to do its job.
