What Are Traveling Cubes And Are They Worth It?

Traveling cubes, also known as packing cubes, are small fabric containers designed to organize and compress clothing and other items in a suitcase or backpack. They come in various sizes, colors, and materials, and they provide people with a versatile solution to streamline and simplify the packing process. However, the question has to be asked: Are they worth the investment?

What Are Travel Cubes?

Travel cubes are lightweight, zippered containers made from durable materials such as nylon, polyester, or mesh. Depending on the type of travel cube, some of them offer additional features such as compression technology and water resistance. They come in sets of different sizes, colors, and designs and allow travelers to categorize and separate their belongings in an organized manner. For example, a person would use a traveling cube set by packing the large cube with bulky items such as sweats and pants, a medium cube for shirts and exercise clothes, and a small cube for undergarments and accessories.

What Is the Best Use of Travel Cubes?

Typically, the best use of travel cubes is to maintain an organized and efficient packing system when you are traveling. Whether you are going on a business trip or visiting family, traveling cubes are particularly useful for categorizing clothing, as they allow you to separate your clothes by type, cleanliness, or even style. This makes it easier to locate specific items without unpacking everything and turning your suitcase inside out.

Travel cubes are also extremely beneficial for multi-destination trips because they enable you to use different cubes for different segments of your journey, keeping your packing and unpacking process smooth, organized, and minimal. This can be especially handy for those traveling with family and children because it will help them easily identify whose items are whose.

Does the TSA Allow Packing Cubes?

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) does allow packing cubes in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, it is important to be mindful of what you pack into the traveling cubes because if you put any large amounts of liquids, gels, or creams, TSA agents will pull your bag to the side and confiscate them.

While most TSA agents will try to do their best to not make a mess of your carefully packed bag, some of them will not care and will unravel everything just to find the contraband item. However, if you use mesh traveling cubes it can make it easier for security personnel to inspect your belongings during checks. With that in mind, traveling cubes are allowed and recommended for traveling, but do be prepared to remove and repack your cubes quickly if asked to open your luggage for inspection.

How Many Travel Cubes Do You Need?

The number of travel cubes you need for your trip will depend on your travel habits, the size of your luggage, and the length of your trip. For short trips of one to three days, a set of three to four cubes should suffice and be enough for whatever you need to pack. For medium trips of four to seven days, a set of five to seven cubes is recommended to take into account any specific items that you need to pack and prepare for. For long trips of seven or more days, a set of eight to ten cubes is ideal if you want to be prepared for whatever plans you have for your trip.

However, any specialized trips such as outdoor adventures, camping, and cruises might require additional or specifically designed cubes that are best suited for the environment. For instance, waterproof travel cubes would be ideal for any outdoor or camping trips so you can separate any wet or dirty items. Whether you pack a lot of travel cubes or a few of them, traveling cubes can help you pack accordingly and effectively so you are prepared for any event or situation that may arise while you are on your trip.

What Are the Disadvantages of Packing Cubes?

While traveling cubes offer many benefits, they also have some disadvantages to their design.

For instance, the quality of your travel cube will vary greatly based on the brand and the price that you purchase it for, and while most travel cubes are generally durable and long-lasting, they can potentially add a bit of weight to your luggage.

In addition, the compact nature of travel cubes might encourage people to overpack and/or spend more time deciding on what to pack for their trip. In some cases, you may not be left with extra space to pack any souvenirs that you bought during your trip. With that in mind, it is important to consider how much space you really need when you are traveling.

Are Packing Cubes Really Worth It?

Generally speaking, packing cubes are a great way for travelers to stay organized when they are packing and moving their things around in their luggage. They can also help travelers decide on packing what they need for their trip. For frequent travelers, packing cubes can be a game-changing item that optimizes their organization and helps free up extra space in your suitcase.

If you love keeping things organized, packing cubes can simplify your packing process and be well worth the initial investment. However, for minimalist travelers who prefer to travel light, packing cubes might feel unnecessary and add bulk to their packing routine. Before you invest in traveling cubes, it is a good idea to understand your travel needs and preferences. Whether you are a business traveler, an adventure seeker, or someone who loves to stay organized on the go, travel cubes can enhance your packing experience and make your journeys more enjoyable.

What are travel cubes and are they worth it?