With the increase in checked luggage fees, more and more travelers are using carry-on bags (like the Minima spinner suitcase by Chester). Carry-ons are convenient (no waiting for your luggage at the carousel). But, that convenience comes at a cost. It can be difficult to pack everything you need in the small bag. For that reason, compression packing cubes have become essential travel items. They can help expand the limited space you have in a carry-on bag, by, well, compressing your clothing to save room.
Short On Time? Pin It For Later!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Compression Packing Cubes
We were gifted a set of Traveling Holmes Compression Packing Cubes to try out and review. Having never used travel cubes before, we didn’t know what to expect. But we were very impressed by the amount of space using the compression cubes saved us. I also loved how they kept the suitcase organized!
Why You Need This Essential Travel Item
Compression Packing Cubes Save You Space
I have heard so many wonderful things about packing cubes, and how they are an essential travel item. After using these compression packing cubes, I am sold! They gave us more than 50% additional packing space versus not using them. You can see the difference below!
Before Using the Compression Packing Cubes
My son’s clothing for a long weekend took up almost the entire side of the suitcase. All of the above pictured clothing, except for the black sweatshirt, fit inside the three packing cubes. You can see the difference they made below! His sweatshirt is under the smallest cube.
After Using the Compression Packing Cubes
Using the compression packing cubes allowed me to pack my daughter’s clothing on the same side of our suitcase. That allowed us to pack our small air mattress and pump on the other side. They are two items we always bring when traveling with kids.
Compression Packing Cubes Keep You Organized
When packing the cubes, I separated the clothing based on type. Socks and underwear in one cube, pajamas and swimsuits in another, and shorts and t-shirts in the largest cube. This helped keep us organized on our most recent trip, especially since we stayed at a different hotel each night.
How to Use Compression Packing Cubes
Before you use the compression packing cube, make sure to unzip both zippers. Add your clothing to the cube. Then, close the smaller zipper.
After that, close the outer zipper. This will help compress the clothing down, saving you more space overall.
Our Thoughts on Traveling Holmes Compression Packing Cubes
Although I had heard great things about compression packing cubes, I still wasn’t sure if it would be a product for us. We generally use two larger suitcases, not carry-ons, when we travel. I thought packing cubes were for smaller travel bags and backpacks.
However, after using these compression packing cubes, I have learned how wonderful they are! The additional space and the organization truly make them an essential travel item, and we will definitely be using them on future trips.
Are you a seasoned compression packing cube user? Have you thought about them but never used them before? Let us know in the comments!