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Compression Packing Cubes + Free Packing List | Complete explanation!

Packingcubes Thousandtravelmiles
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Written by Thousand Travel Miles

When we travel, our compression packing cubes go with us! It doesn't matter if we go camping, go on a sun holiday, take a city break or a complete backpack trip. Packing cubes make packing your backpack or suitcase a breeze! After all, it is a familiar story for many people: you have to pack your weekend trolley, backpack or suitcase and it ends up in a big chaos. Very recognisable and absolutely unnecessary! In this blog, we tell you all about compression packing cubes!



What are compression packing cubes?

Packing cubes are lockable organiser bags designed to keep your clothes organised during your holiday or trip. It keeps all your clothes compact and organised and each cube can accommodate different items of clothing. Ideal if you travel around and stay overnight in many different places. Because if you have to unpack your backpack or suitcase every time, packing cubes will soon be your greatest friend. 

But then what are packing cubes with compression, or compression packing cubes? There is one big difference between “packing cubes” and “compression packing cubes”. A packing cube is a cube where you store clothes in, close it with one zip and then put it in your backpack or suitcase. The big advantage of a compression packing cubes is that it has a double zip. This means that once you have packed the cube, closed it with the zip, then with another extra zip you can flatten the cube with compression. And that... can sometimes save up to 60% of space!

What are the benefits of compression packing cubes?

Why you want to use packing cubes is obvious, right? Your backpack or suitcase looks neat and organised, you can easily pack/unpack it and you can search for a garment in a targeted way! Ideal for travelling, because especially the latter is going to save you a lot of time because you won't have to turn your whole backpack or suitcase upside down anymore.

Will you go for the compression packing cubes? Then you'll earn another 60% space allowing you to still carry that one favourite shirt, shorts or even a smaller bag/case! A word to the wise:

  • Your backpack or case looks orderly and organised
  • Your clothes are extra protected from water and dirt
  • You can decide what to take in each cube
  • Packing/unpacking has never been easier and saves you a lot of time
  • Compression allows you to carry more clothes or a smaller bag/case!

What kind of packing cubes do we recommend? 

When we first travelled in 2016, we had two old ‘borrowed’ toploader backpacks with us. At first glance, this seemed fine, but there were two drawbacks: firstly, the inside completely let go, and secondly, you fill a toploader backpack from the top with clothes and stuff. This meant that all our stuff was covered in black speckles and we had to continuously empty our entire backpack. For our next trip, we therefore immediately invested in a front & toploader backpack from Lowe Alpine. This is a backpack that you can also lay down and pack from the ‘front’. Are you also still looking for the ideal backpack? Then take a look at these options on Bol.com or Beaver!

But because of the black speckling and awkward unpacking, we decided to buy our first set packing cubes as well. This immediately made our backpack neatly packed and our clothes protected. The Ikea had packing cubes at the time and we bought it. We soon found out that this fabric was of minimal quality and it had no compression zip, which meant you still had to push all your clothes on.

We thought: this could be better! Together with our team of travel enthusiasts, we started developing our own set packing cubes. In doing so, we took into account the issues we ran into, such as the quality of materials, the compression zip and eye-catching colours!

In total, we now have 6 colours available!

What's in our compression packing cube package? And what all fits in it? 

A frequently asked question is: “How much actually fits in such a cube?”. It all depends on your personal style of travelling and packing. If you are preparing yourself for a cold destination, your packing cube will be filled differently than if you are packing clothes for a sunny destination. Our set consists of 6 cubes of the following sizes:

XS - Socks cube 10 x 33 x 8 | 2.64L
S - Underwear cube 10 x 33 x 8 | 2.64L
M - T-shirt cube 35.5 x 25 x 8 | 7.10L
L - Trousers cube 40.5 x 31 x 8 | 10.04L
XL - Vest cube 40 x 40 x 8 | 12.80L
Shoe bag - 42 x 22 x 12 | 11.09L

As you can see, there is an option for every kind of item. Where you put your clothes does not matter, when you are packing you can choose which cube you use for which clothes.

Compression-Packing-Cubes---6-Piece-Orange---Thousandtravelmiles-Sizes

Pluses and minuses of the compression packing cubes set

As experienced travellers, we understand better than anyone how important it is to explore the world with the right equipment. That's why we have spent the last few years scrutinising various brands of packing cubes and tried to develop the ultimate packing cube set on that basis.

Our packing cubes with compression stand out because, unlike many other brands, they can open fully 180 degrees. This makes it easy to pack your clothes without the hassle of cramming. In addition, the compression feature is practical and the eye-catching colours ensure you travel in style!

Our advantages:

  • 6 different cubes; so there is a cube available for every garment.
  • Lightweight material of high quality
  • Ventilation mesh; to prevent unpleasant odours
  • Strong zips and double-stitched seams
  • Compression zips; You will save up to 60% space in your backpack or case
  • Available in 6 different colours
  • Each cubes has a handle; so you can easily remove them from your backpack or case
  • Cubes can be zipped open 180 degrees

Our drawbacks:

  • Not 100% waterproof due to ventilation mesh
  • Grand cube not optimal for backpack

Still not convinced? Check out our reviews on Bol.com!

Compression Packingcubes Thousandtravelmiles

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How does packing with the compression packing cubes?

Packing is simple, easy and quickly done if you know what you want to take with you.

Step 1: Fill the cubes: Start by choosing the garments you want to carry. Lay the packing cubes open on a flat surface and start filling it with garments.

Step 2: Close the top zip: All packed? Then close the top zip of each packing cube. This ensures that your belongings stay firmly in place and prevents them from shifting. Make sure the zip is fully closed along its entire length.

Step 3: Close the compression zip: This is where the magic begins! Yes yes, we hear people thinking... what an exaggeration but try it! Use the compression zip on the side of each packing cubes to make it even more compact and remove excess air. Start at the bottom of the cube and work up while closing the zip.

Step 4: Ready to go: You're now ready to go on an adventure! Pack the cubes in your suitcase or backpack and let us know what you think of the packing cubes! On arrival at your destination, easily take the cubes out of your suitcase or backpack, open the zips and enjoy your neatly organised clothes.

Download free packing list

Could you use some extra help while packing or afraid of forgetting something? Don't worry, with this comprehensive packing list you won't have to think about anything. We have already packed our backpack or suitcase dozens of times and have developed the ultimate packing list. Cross out what you do not need and tick off what is in your packing cubes!


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