Regular Packing Cubes vs. Compression Packing Cubes

Organizing your clothes before a trip can be overwhelming—deciding between three pairs of jeans, two pairs of shoes, or just one pair of each. Any vacation can be filled with unpredictable adventures, making it hard to be fully prepared, especially when you have limited space.

However, a good rule of thumb is to use packing cubes, as they help maximize space in your suitcase. In this article, we’ll break down whether a compression packing cube or a regular packing cube is better for packing.

A packing cube helps you organize your belongings within your suitcase. Since suitcases are large, it’s easy to misplace clothes, but packing cubes keep them in place, making it easier to get ready each day. You can organize your packing cubes based on shirts, pants, and socks, or pack a full outfit in each cube. They also make it easier to transfer your clothes from your suitcase to a dresser if you prefer not to live out of your suitcase on a trip.

There are two main types of packing cubes: regular packing cubes and compression packing cubes.

A regular packing cube comes in various sizes and shapes and is secured with a zipper. It is usually lightweight, made of thin material to optimize luggage space. Regular packing cubes are ideal for smaller, thin items, and you can maximize space by rolling your clothes.

A compression packing cube also comes in various sizes like a regular packing cube; however, its material is usually more durable. These packing cubes are secured with an airtight zipper to completely seal any gaps where air could escape. To reduce the bag's size, you need an air pump to suction out the air. Be sure to check out the SANDMARC Compression Packing Cube, which includes its own travel-friendly air pump.

The main difference between a regular packing cube and a compression packing cube is that the latter can fully compress your clothes by removing excess air, maximizing space.

There is a lot of debate around if its better to fold or roll clothes inside of a regular packing cube/compression packing cube. For smaller clothing items, rolling is the best option as it saves space and minimizes wrinkles. However, for bulkier items like jackets, folding is more effective for maintaining their shape and fitting them neatly inside the cube.

Whether you choose a regular packing cube or a compression packing cube, both will help keep your luggage organized. However, for maximizing space, we recommend using a compression packing cube.