Packing cubes and compression sacks look similar, but they solve different problems. If you travel with one carry-on, it helps to know which one belongs in your bag.
The short answer
- Packing cubes keep your bag organized.
- Compression sacks make bulky, soft items smaller.
- Compression cubes do a bit of both, with an extra zipper that squeezes the cube down.
Packing cubes: for organization
A packing cube is a zipped fabric box. You sort your clothes into cubes, for example tops in one, trousers in another and underwear in a third. The bag stays tidy, and you can pull out one cube without unpacking everything.
Good for: weekend trips, city breaks, any trip where you open and close your bag often.
Watch out for: cubes do not shrink your clothes much. They help you use the space well, but they will not fit more in on their own.
Compression sacks: for bulky items
A compression sack is a stuff sack with straps. You push soft items inside, cinch the straps and the sack gets smaller. It works best for puffy jackets, fleeces and soft layers.
Good for: winter layers on a ski trip, a warm jacket you only need on the plane or at the top of a hike.
Watch out for: sacks are round, so they can leave gaps in a square bag. They also make it harder to grab one item, so keep only things you do not need often inside. Avoid storing a down jacket tightly compressed for weeks, since it can flatten the insulation over time.
Compression cubes: the middle option
Compression cubes are square, like packing cubes, but with a second zipper that pulls the cube in. They shrink less than a compression sack but fit a bag better. Many travellers like them for a carry-on, as long as they are not squeezed too hard.
Which should you pick for a carry-on?
- Start with 2 to 3 packing cubes. One for tops, one for bottoms, one small one for underwear and socks.
- Add one compression sack only if you carry a bulky jacket or fleece that will not otherwise fit.
- Keep one soft pouch for toiletries and one for chargers, so small items do not get lost.
A simple packing order
- Heaviest items, such as shoes, at the bottom near the wheels or the back panel.
- Cubes in the middle, stacked flat.
- Rain jacket and layers on top, where you can reach them.
Final tip
Buying more bags will not make your trip lighter. Take only what you will really wear, then use cubes or sacks to keep it neat. That is how you fit a trip into one carry-on.
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Pack light. Go far.