best rated travel compression bags

The Best Compression Packing Cubes For Travel

Last Updated on September 11, 2023

In Summary: I looked at 14 different brands and choose these Gonex cubes as my pick for the top compression packing cube set.

They were my favorite because:

• The lightweight material doesn’t add unnecessary weight
• The high-quality zips and seams should prevent ripping and zip snagging
• They squashed my clothes down a reasonable amount
• The large overall volume capacity of the set
• The sizes of the cubes in the set were just right in that Goldilocks zone
• They were the best value for money at the time of review

I also liked the LeanTravel cubes and if I only traveled with rolling luggage and never carried my luggage I would choose their set. Visually they looked really professional but since my packing cubes are hidden from view style was not as important to me.

For a more colorful design I’d suggest version 2.0 of the Well Traveled cubes .

Many of the compression bags were of a similar design. There were 2 broad categories: lightweight designs that suit hikers and backpackers, and large capacity sets that work better for business travelers or anyone traveling with rolling luggage.

While glancing at the photos might not reveal much calculating the overall volume capacity gave a better way to figure out how much compression packing cube you were getting for your buck.

So I have included the volume capacity in liters for each of the sets under consideration.

At A Glance: Our Picks For The Best Compression Packing Cubes

• Eagle Creek 2 Piece Specter – 14 Liter Set
• Gonex 6 Piece With Windows – 30 Liter Set
• Gonex 4 Piece Without Windows – 32 Liter Set
• LeanTravel 4 Piece – 50 Liter Set
• Hynes Eagle 3 Piece – 27 Liter Set
• Semary 3 Piece – 18 Liter Set
• Tripped 6 Piece – 27 Liter Set
• SuitedNomad 6 Piece -26 Liter Set
• Coltant 5 Piece – 39 Liter Set
• Nomadz 3 Piece + Shoe Bag – 30 Liter Set
• Alameda 3 Piece – 18 Liter Set
• Taskin Duplex 4 Piece – 33 Liter Set
• Well Traveled 3 Piece Colorful Cubes – 25 Liter Set

Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Compression Cube Set

The Eagle Creek Specter Pack-it Cubes are ultra-lightweight compression packing cubes that are well-liked despite their luxury price point.

I suppose you can technically call 2 a set but it is stretching it a bit. Especially when other manufacturers are providing sets of 5 and a laundry bag for around the same price point.

The goal of the Specter cubes was to make them as lightweight as possible. For that reason there are little weigh-saving ‘features’ like where top zip (the one you open to pack the cube) only opens half the way around. This does reduce the weight but unless you are a serious hiker worried about the tiniest fractions of ounces then it’s actually a pain that the bags can’t open all the way around.

These were the lightest compression packing cubes I came across. But only by a small margin. There are many cubes that are almost as light.

The cube had Eagle Creek branded zippers with zip pull strings. The compression zip snagged on the material regularly but after time I got the hang of using it without snagging.

Material and Build:

The Eagle Creek Pack-it cubes are made using ultra lightweight silnylon material. Silnylon (silicon impregnated nylon) is a fabric that is mostly used to make something waterproof.

These were lightest cubes I tested. But only marginally.

• The 14 x 10 cube is 2 oz.
• The smaller 10 x 7 cube is 1.5 oz.

The set included a 14x10x4 cube and a 10x7x4 cube.

Altogether the uncompressed volume was just under 14 liters.

That means the 2 cubes would take up 31% of a large carry on suitcase.

If you squash them down they might take up around 9 liters. That would be 20% of a carry-on.

If you wanted to squash a carry-on full of clothes you’ll need to buy 5 sets. Better make an appointment with your bank manager!

Eagle Creek offer a warranty but require you to ship the defective item to them for repair or replacement. The process has been reported to be lengthy and you need to pay the return shipping yourself.

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

These popular Gonex cubes come in a wide range of colors. I tested the 6 piece set that includes 5 cubes and a laundry bag.

The laundry bag actually turned out to be very useful. It was great to put my dirty washing in.

They have Gonex branded zippers that work well. Snagging while opening and closing the compression zipper is probably going to happen. And you’ll need to learn how to deal with it and stop it happening. It can take some time to master it but once you get the hang of it you can use the compression zipper with no problems.

The Gonex cubes are made with a honeycomb Rip Stop nylon. I think nylon is a stronger fabric to use for the lightweight cubes. It can take the pressure you’ll put on it from stuffing the cube full.

These cubes are very lightweight. They are a good option for backpackers or anyone carrying their luggage.

There are 5 cubes in this set as well as a laundry/shoe bag:

• Large – 15.4 x 15 x 3.54 inches
• Medium – 11.8 x9.1 x 3.54 inches
• Small – 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches
• Even Smaller – 7.9 x 5.9 x 3.54 inches
• Slim – 13 x 3.9 x 3.54 inches

Altogether that adds up to around 30 liters of packing cube space when uncompressed. That would fill 66% of a large carry on suitcase.

You can probably squash that down to around 22 liters. So once compressed this set will take up about half of a carry-on.

Gonex offer a 1 year warranty.

Gonex Travel Organizers

These Gonex travel organizers are virtually the same as the previous set except they don’t have the mesh window. Don’t be fooled by the product renders which look very different to the real product. Your choice is window or no window, other than that they are the same.

These also had Gonex branded zippers that worked well and were not cheap. It was possible to avoid snagging by putting my finger between the zip and the fabric while zipping. You can also use something like a teaspoon to do this if you have one handy.

These are made of nylon. It’s water resistant which is great if you are using the cubes with a backpack and your luggage might get wet. The fact there is no window means you need to remember what is in each cube but they are more water-resistant to keep your clothes dry.

They are well made and you can really stuff a lot of things into these. However, the more you stuff inside the harder it is to close the compression zip. I find that a moderately stuffed cube works better for my blood pressure and keeps coins out of the swear jar.

The Gonex cubes are very light. Almost as light as the Eagle Creek cubes, and even lighter on your pockets too!

This set includes 4 cubes:

• 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches
• 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches
• 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches
• 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches

Altogether that’s 1972 cubic inches or 32 liters of packing cube .

So uncompressed they’d take up 71% of a full-sized carry-on.

You might be able to squash them down so they only take up half your carry on once they are compressed.

1-year warranty and lifetime customer service.

LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes

The LeanTravel 6 Piece is a large set. So large that you might not even fit them all in a carry-on before they are compressed.

If you’re looking to take packing cubes to the max or for a set to use with checked luggage then these might be your solution.

The LeanTravel cubes are made using SBS zippers. These Chinese zips are not top of the class like Japanese YKK zippers but they are good quality.

These are made with polyester with a mesh window so you can peek inside to remember what you packed.

The large cube weighs 0.4 lbs. The medium cube is 0.3 lbs and the small cube is 0.2 lbs.

Because it’s such a large set the overall combined weight of the cubes is 1.8 lbs. If you were carrying your luggage I’d say this is an unacceptable weight addition just for the sake of organisation. For rolling luggage you will probably not notice the difference, apart from when you need to lift your case into the overhead locker.

There are 6 cubes in the set. 2 large, 2 medium, and 2 small:

• Large – 15.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches
• Medium – 11 x 11 x 4 inches
• Small – 11 x 7.5 x 4 inches

I love that this set is so large but I wish they would tweak the sizes a little. I can’t put the 15.5 inch cube sideways in my carry on (14 width). This means I need to put it longways and then have a 2.5 inch gap at the side. The jigsaw doesn’t quite fit neatly together.

Uncompressed this set is 50 liters in total. A maximum sized carry on at 22x14x9 inches is 45 liters. And many rollaboards are a bit less that the maximum. You won’t be able to fit this entire set in your carry-on before you compress them.

You should be able to compress these cubes down to about 37 liters. So long as you have a larger carry on close to the max you can use them all. If you want to fill your suitcase with cubes then this is a good option.

Of course you don’t need to use all the cubes every time and maybe you have someone you can share them with!

There is no mention of a warranty beyond the standard Amazon 30 day warranty.

Hynes Eagle Travel Compression Packing Cubes

Hynes Eagle make great backpacks so I was excited to review their compression packing cubes .

These use a Hynes Eagle custom molded zip. The compression zipper snagged on the material a few times during testing but not fatally.

They opted for the mesh window approach. This lets your clothes breath and also lets you see what’s inside the bag. The window is great for seeing inside the cube but it also lets in dust and water. It’s a trade off and you need to decide if windows are important enough to you to lose out on the extra protection.

The large bag really doesn’t compress much at all in the middle.

These bags are lightweight. Not as light as eagle creek specter but I wouldn’t describe them as heavy.

This is a set of 3 cubes in different sizes. The large is 18 x 13 x 3.9 inches. So it’s really designed to occupy almost 1 full layer of a rolling suitcase.

The medium case is 14.2 x 10.2 x 3.3 inches. This means that their medium cube is somewhat shallower than many of the other brands who prefer a depth of 4 inches.

The small case is 11.4 x 7.1 x 3.3 inches. Again this is smaller in depth that most other brands.

All together the space in the uncompressed packs would be 27 liters . That’s 60% of a 45 liter maximum sized rollaboard.

Squashed down you’re probably looking at 20 liters volume. That means tons of extra space if you a have a full sized carry on backpack or trolley suitcase.

There is no mention of a warranty.

Semary 3 Set Organizing Cubes

The Semary Organizing Cubes come in a 3 pack with 1 large and 2 small cubes.

The zips of these are just regular zips. Be careful with the compression zips especially if the cube is tightly packed.

These are made with ripstop nylon. In theory any small holes shouldn’t spread.

These are made with a lightweight fabric. The large cube will bulge in the middle more because the distance is greater from the zips.

Be careful with this one. At the time of writing this post, they have the wrong size on their Amazon listing. They are advertising very large sizes in the text description but in the photos they write the real sizes. There is a big difference. In one place they write the sizes as 17.5 x 12.75 inches for the large and 13.75×12.75 inches for the medium.

In the photos and in real life the sizes are 14 x 10 x 4 for the large and 10 x 7 x 4 for the 2 small cases.

This is why the reviewers are saying these are smaller than expected!

This means that the 3 cubes combined are 18 liters uncompressed . That’s 40% of a maximum carry-on.

They do compress down though and I’d guess they will take up around 13 liters once the compression zips are used.

The seller is saying they compression up to 60%. I think this is misleading. Maybe you can compress a fluffy jacket 60% but most clothes won’t compress anywhere near this much.

Beware the marketing hype.

Semary offers a lifetime warranty with immediate refunds or replacements.

Due to the discrepancies in the size description and the hyped marketing I wouldn’t recommend buying these cubes.

Tripped Travel Organizers

The Tripped Travel Organizers (Tim & Fin) are a small company that got into manufacturing their own packing cubes after seeing how expensive the big brands were.

There are a few reports of snagging with the compression zipper. As always zip slowly and with caution.

Made with lightweight water resistant ripstop polyurethane. These cubes are another design that doesn’t open all the way on 3 sides. You should probably roll your clothes when using these.

The Tripped cubes are lightweight and would suit backpackers or anyone that carries their bag.

The set I looked at comes with 2 small and 2 large cubes. The large cubes are 14×10 inches and the small cubes are 10 x 7 inches.

That mean you have 27 liters of uncompressed packing cube space . The 4 cubes uncompressed would take up about 60% of a maximum legal carryon.

How much you can squeeze them down depends on what’s in them. But you’ll probably get them down to about 20 liters in total. Or less than half a carry on. Given the long list of clothes that you can squeeze into these things maybe you’ll be able to swap out your bag for something smaller.

The set also comes with a slim tube that is great for cables, adapters and other random items. And there is laundry bag that you could also use to stop dirty shoes from messing up the inside of your bag.

Tripped Travel Gear are a small business that cares a lot about how customers perceive their service and their products. If you are not happy in any way they will replace or refund you.

SuitedNomad Compression Packing Cubes Set

This set of SuitedNomad CPC’s come with a luggage tag and transparent TSA friendly toiletries bag.

While not YKK the zippers are of a good quality. You will need to be careful when compressing that the material does not snag, but that’s very common with CPCs.

Materials and Build:

Made with strengthened ripstop nylon. They are made with reinforced seams which is important because of the pressure they will be put under from the compression. Overall it’s a well made compression cube. But I would love to see a version that opens fully on 2 sides. The current design only opens on 2 sides meaning it can be hard to get things in and out without emptying the whole cube.

The weight of the total set is 1.19 lbs. But that includes the luggage tag, the laundry bag, and the TSA friendly toiletry bag. If you consider just the bags alone they are very light and only very slightly heavier than the Eagle Creek Specter bags. The difference would be too small to notice.

Overall these compression bags are lightweight and that makes them a great option for hikers, backpackers or anyone else that will be carrying their luggage.

There are 3 cubes each a different size. The extra-large is 16x12x4 inches. The large is 14x10x4 inches. The medium is 10x7x4 inches.

Altogether you are getting 26 liters of packing cube space . That’s 57% of a standard 45 liter carry on.

But that’s before you compress the bags! You can probably squash your clothes down to about 18 liters using these bags. That would mean the 3 CPCs uses only 40% of a standard 45 liter carry on limit. You will have plenty space for a laptop, shoes, the toiletry bag.

Alternatively they might help you to downsize your bag for an underseater or a even a personal item sized bag.

The set also includes a laundry bag and a handy toiletry bag that were not used in these calculation.

SuitedNomad have identified and fixed many of the common problems that other CPCs suffer from. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better lightweight compression packing cube.

Coltant 5 Set Compression Packing Cubes

The Coltant CPC’s is a set of 4 compression cubes as well as another non-compressible bag for shoes or toiletries.

This is a large set for people who want to have a carry-on pretty much full of cubes. It comes in 4 different color options all are soft muted hues. Black, grey, heather blue and heather red.

Zippers: Got to love those YKK zippers. Zippers are often the weak point on CPCs. Not so with the Coltant.

Materials and Build: They open on 2 sides and that can make it a little harder to pack the cubes. With cubes that don’t open fully I recommend rolling clothes rather than folding. It’s hard to fold clothes and slide them inside with only 2 side of the cube open up.

The fabric is an Oxford polyester. It’s not ripstop like some other CPCs are. So don’t go packing tweasers or any sharp item that might puncture a hole in the fabric.

They also have a mesh window so you can identify the bag by viewing the contents inside. It means the cubes are not waterproof but since these are best suited to trolly-luggage your case should be watertight.

The complete set weighs 1.65 lbs. These work best for users of rolling luggage. As nice as it is to organize clothes I wouldn’t add 1.65 lbs to a backpack. Of course you don’t need to use the full set every time. The wide variety of sizes gives you plenty packing options.

4 compression packing cubes and 1 shoe bag or toiletry bag.

The 4 bags all have different sizes. 17.5×12.75 , 13.75×12.8 , 13.75×9.75 , and 11×6.75 inches. They are all 4 inches uncompressed.

This means that uncompressed the set is a whopping 39 liters of packing cube space . It will take 86% of a carry on when uncompressed.

Of course you can squash these down so they take up perhaps 30 liters. That will leave you 15 liters of space in a 45 liter carry on for that shoe bag, your laptop, your toiletries bag or anything else you want to put in there.

They offer a full refund for any reason.

It’s hard to believe Coltant can offer as much value for money as they do. This is a massive set of compression packing cubes that work really well.

Nomadz Travel Luggage-Organizer Set

This Nomadz Set come in a set of 3 with an additional shoe bag that does not compress.

The shoe bag is a really great way to stop dirty shoes making a mess. Flip-flops can be washed before you pack them, but if you travel with more than 1 pair of street shoes then a shoe bag is a good idea.

Claim premium zippers and anti-snag system.

Nomadz went for 300D snowflake polyester as well as mesh windows so you can see inside.

A more dense material helps to increase compression and reduce bulging. The result is a more rectangular, less curved compressed cube.

There is also another benefit to using a more heavy-weight material. The fabric uses to extend the size of the bag is less likely to snag on the compression zips. It is still possible to get the zip caught but if you are careful you will be able to avoid this.

At 1.52 lbs for the set Nomadz cubes are not the lightest. For that reason, they perhaps are better suited to people that roll their luggage rather than carry their bag.

There are 3 sizes of cubes. The large is 17×13.4 inches. The medium is 14×10 inches And the small cube is 11×8.5 inches.

All cubes are 4 inches uncompressed.

There is also a 17×5 shoe bag that completes the set. The shoe bag does not compress.

The 3 cubes provide 30 liters of packing space uncompressed . That’s 66% of a full-sized carry on.

How small these will squash down depends what you put in them. But you can probably expect to squash that 30 liters down to maybe 22 liters. This means that compressed the cubes will take up 50% of a 45 liter carry on.

That leaves plenty of room for the shoe bag and whatever else you want to take with you.

Nomadz mention the Amazon 30 day warranty but also say that they’ve got you covered for life and when it comes to any defects contact them and they will make it right.

Alameda Travel Compression Bags

These Alameda cubes come in a set of 1 large and 2 medium cubes.

Careless zipping might cause problems. Alameda even warn to press the extension fabric down with your finger while zipping to avoid snagging.

The cubes don’t have mesh window. But the white cubes at least are translucent so you can see what you put inside.

The fact that they don’t have a mesh window means that the cubes are water and dust resistant. So if you have a leaky backpack you’ll know your clothes have that little bit extra protection to stay dry.

Together the 3 cubes weigh only around 7 ounces. That’s about the weight of a cell phone.

The 1 large cube is 14×10 inches. It will fit nicely sideways in a 14 inch carry on.

The 2 medium cubes are 10×7 inches.

Be aware that the suitcase in that photo is a clam shell design. You could actually for 2 sets of Alameda cubes in a standard carry on uncompressed.

If you compress them you could potentially even fit 3 sets of Alameda cubes inside a 45 liter maximum carry on.

All 3 cubes together have a volume of around 18 liters uncompressed. That would be 40% of a maxium legal carry on.

Squashed down they will take up less room than that. I expect you can squash the entire set down to take up around 13 or 14 liters. This will leave you lots of room in a carry on for shoes, laptops or other items that don’t compress.

Alameda come with a lifetime warranty.

Taskin Duplex Clean & Dirty Cubes

The Taskin Duplex have a feature that I’ve not seen on any other CPCs.

Their idea to keep your clean clothes and your dirty clothes separate is an appealing one. But perhaps for most people it won’t be a deal breaker.

I could see the feature could appeal to people who travel and get their clothes really dirty. Perhaps from adventures sports or something similar, especially because the dirty clothes section of the cube is waterproof.

Hurrah! A compression packing cube with my favorite YKK zippers.

Even though YKK zippers are the best you can still snag them on the extension material. The best remedy for this is to zip slowly and carefully.

650D honeycomb ripstop ballistic nylon. These are solid. No complaints about seams bursting.

The large case weighs 219 grams and the small one is 148 grams. In total the set weighs 805 grams or 28 oz.

The 3 large cubes are 14.25 x 10.1 inches. That means that it’s a snug fit to put it sideways into a 14 inch wide carryon. I would have preferred it if they were half an inch smaller in that dimension but it’s no big deal.

Uncompressed the entire set is around 33 liters . So that would take up 73% of a full sized carry on.

Taskin don’t tell you what size they are compressed because it depends what you put in them. But they do claim you can take 40% more stuff. 40% more would mean they are compressed down from 4 inches to 2.85 inches.

Squashed down to 2.85 inches the set would be about 24 liters and take up 53% of a full-sized carry on.

There is a limited lifetime warranty against materials and workmanship defects. I can’t find examples of the warranty being honored because I can’t really find anyone complaining about defects.

Overall these are really well-made compression packing cubes. That is reflected in the price point but they have extra features and a solid reputation that may justify spending that little bit extra for something that is going to last. They are solid but they are a bit heavier than other options.

Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes

These colorful cubes are the only cubes I came across that featured artistic designs.

The colorful designs means that they all look different and you won’t get confused which one is which. However, in this set they have 3 different sizes so you would be able to tell just from the size of the cube alone.

The zippers themselves seem to be sturdy and high quality. It’s the seams at the zippers that have been suspect in the past.

The latest versions of this product open on all three side allowing you to pack your clothes in easily.

Materials & Workmanship:

They are made with 420d ripstop polyester that will strengthen the fabric and small holes or punctures shouldn’t spread.

To save you time reading them all, any negative reviews are because of instances where the seams burst.

Even some of the positive reviews were initially negative reviews about seams that they turned around with replacements and good customer service.

I should point out. Most people who used these cubes didn’t have any problems.

Striving For Perfection

I reached out to Well Traveled for comment about the seams ripping.

Scott Bright the owner of Well Traveled let me know that after a lot of testing they had identified the problem as inferior fabric and switched to a new manufacturer.

He has dumped all the old stock and replaced it with the new improved design from the new manufacturing company.

Scott also traveled to the factory in China to test the packing cubes himself and ensure better quality control.

If you like the designs of the Well Traveled cubes but were put off by the reports of seams breaking I wouldn’t worry too much about it.

Having spoken to Well Traveled I am sure they have improved their product and these historical negative reports no longer apply to the product that is currently for sale.

How To Choose Good Compression Packing Cubes

While you might think that CPCs are all the same as each other there are some big differences between the cube sets.

Here are the things to consider then choosing a CPC set.

Check Those Zippers

Zipper failure is the biggest reason for angry customers. CPCs have that fabric to extend or compress the cube, and it can often snag. Are you a patient, careful zip user? You might need to be. Especially with the lightweight nylon varieties. Pay careful attention to the zippers on any CPC you are thinking of buying.

Top Tip: With any compression packing cube don’t over-pack it and make sure you zip the compression zipper slowly. Put your finger between the zip and the extension material to stop snagging as you close the zip.

10 oz for the set of 3

Large: 15.7 x 11.2 inches, Medium: 13.8 x 9.8 inches, Small: 11.8 x 8.5 inches. 3.75 inches deep uncompressed down to 1.8 inches compressed.

Uncompressed these 3 cubes are together around 25 liters in volume . Theoretically they can compress that 25 liters down to 12 liters, but you can’t squash the unsquashable it does depend what you put inside them.

For comparison a full-sized rolling carry on has a volume of 2772 cubic inches or around 45 liters.

So uncompressed this set takes up about half a maximum sized carry on and compressed perhaps a third of a regular carryon.

In addition to Amazon’s standard 30 days after delivery warranty Well Traveled offer a 6 month warranty on any manufacturing issues.

Customer service is pretty good and you will get a replacement if there are any problems within this time period.

Materials & Workmanship Matter

Another problem that is occasionally reported with some compression packing cubes is the seams tearing. Because you will be compressing and putting force on those seams the quality of the stitching is really important.

It would be a major pain in the ass for a compression cube to break mid-journey. You might not be able to fit everything in your case without a functioning cube.

So I advise you to pay extra attention to build quality to avoid this happening.

We’re going to look at 14 cubes. I’ll do my best to give you the lowdown on the build quality of each product in the individual reviews.

Keep An Eye On Unpacked Cube Weight

If you are a hiker or backpacker you might want to try to get lightweight cubes. There is no sense in adding extra weight to your back.

That said, even regular packing cubes usually don’t weigh a lot. It’s the clothes that you put in the cubes that accounts for most of the weight of your luggage.

Size Them Up

It’s not helpful if your packing cubes are not shaped to fit inside your bag.

For example, carry on luggage is often 22x14x9 inches. So cubes that are longer than 14 inches can’t be packed sideways. An ideal cube size to put into a carry on sideways would be 13.75 inches.

CPCs are also often sold as sets and the size and number of cubes in the set varies. The number of cubes you’ll need depends on how long your trips are and what you pack.

When you are choosing a compression packing cube it’s really time for a bit of mental Tetris. Think about the size of the bag you will be using and how you will arrange the cubes in your bag!

That’s why I calculated the total size in liters for each compression packing cube set.

For some people, a good warranty is highly valued. It shows that a manufacturer had confidence in its product. However, products with excellent warranties can cost more. In a way you are paying for the failure of the product in advance. If a product cube has a good reputation and solid reviews I don’t always think a long warranty is essential. Especially for a lower priced product like a compression packing cube.

If you buy from Amazon you have a lot of leverage because Amazon sellers hate to receive negative reviews. Especially small companies work hard to avoid this because a single bad review can be so damaging to the little guys.

FAQ’s

Do You Really Need Compression Packing Cubes?

CPC’s have 2 main features.

• They help you organize your things
• They help you squash down your things so they take up less space

No, they are not essential, they are just nice to have for some people. I might seem obvious to say but you don’t need to compress the cubes . If you use them uncompressed they just help you to segregate and organize your things like regular packing cubes.

They especially help if you are trying to fit many things into a small case. But if you never come close to your case being full you won’t benefit from compressing your clothes.

Also, if you are happy to have your socks mixed in with your underpants then the organization features won’t help you much either.

I think how much you like packing cubes goes right to the core of an individual’s personality. Some people just love being very organized, where others are more comfortable and perhaps even thrive on mess.

You know best what type of person you are!

How much do compression packing cubes weigh?

Even a large compression cube only weights around 2 – 4 oz. So if you had a carry on full of compression cubes they won’t seriously contribute to the overall weight of your bag.

For most travelers the weight of the cubes themselves won’t be an issue but ultralight hikers or anyone carrying their bag for long periods might have different requirements.

What can be a problem for your average Joe is that by compressing all your clothes you end up packing too many clothes!

Some people end up with a suitcase over 50 lbs because they are using packing cubes to squash down so much stuff! This can lead to extra charges for overweight luggage .

Compression packing cubes are a useful tool but if you are an over-packer then be careful how you use them.

Are packing cubes good for backpacking?

There are a few things to consider when backpacking.

• Is your backpack rectangular? Or more curved? – The cubed shape of regular packing cubes mean they they stack nicely together in a regular suitcase. A backpack with a curved interior can actually work well with compressed cubes because well… they are no longer strictly speaking cube shaped after pulling that zip shut.
• Do you change hotels or hostels every few days? – Compression packing cubes are great to squeeze things down and get everything into a bag under the limit. But it could see it being annoying to decompress a bag every day, remove socks, and then recompress. If you are in and out of your stuff frequently you might be better rethinking your packing strategy.
• Do you fly on budget flights often? – Compression packing cubes can help you fit almost 50% more stuff in the same space. This can mean the difference between taking a carry on backpack vs a checking a bag. Or you might be able to downsize your carryon. It can even mean the difference between carrying only a personal item vs a carry-on. And that could be important in the future because some airlines have even started charging extra fees for regular carry-ons.

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10 Best Packing Cubes for Travel

Stay organized and maximize your packing space with these compressive compartments.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall

Calpak packing cubes set (5 pieces).

Amazon Basics 4-Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set

Best Compression

Eagle creek pack-it set of isolate compression packing cubes.

Prepping to pack for a trip can leave you with many questions: How do I choose the best luggage brand ? How will I fit everything in my carry-on suitcase ? How will I keep my bag organized while traveling? Packing cubes help solve many of your packing woes by offering convenient organization during the trip and once you get to your destination.

How do they work? Pack your clothes into the cubes first, then fit the pieces into your bag like a puzzle. You can even get ones with built-in compression, so squeezing in that extra outfit (or two!) is no big deal. Whether you're using a carry-on, underseat suitcase or weekender bag , we think packing cubes are the ultimate travel MVP to keep your luggage totally organized.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of fiber scientists and travel product experts who test all types of luggage, travel accessories and more. To find the best packing cubes , we put 13 different styles to the test in our Lab and had consumer testers use them on their vacations all over the world (local road trips, international getaways, camping excursions and more).

Sold as a convenient set of five, these Calpak packing cubes are designed to hold everything you'll need for a trip away. The set includes one large, one medium and two small cubes as well as a zippered pouch for toiletries. Multiple GH editors swear by these cubes, and one said, "They really hold everything I need, keeping my suitcase organized (for once)."

One GH analyst used these cubes on a two-week trip to Japan and said, "These packing cubes helped me keep all my clothes organized when overpacking my carry-on. I appreciated that the sturdy material maintained its shape when I placed the cubes in my hotel drawers."

Each cube has a tab, so you can label it with what's inside; plus, they're mesh on top, so it's easy to see their contents. Calpak is known for its stylish travel solutions, and these don't disappoint. This set is currently available in 17 colors and patterns, including polka dots, cheetah print, florals and checkerboard. Complete your set with shoe packing cubes and compression cubes that make great companions for checked luggage.

This four-piece packing cube set from Amazon Basics gets you everything you'll need for your trip at the great price of about $6 per cube. And you can choose the size of the pieces that come in your set: either four small, four medium, four large or four slim or one of each.

In our Lab testing, we appreciated that each cube has a mesh upper to easily see what's inside and top handles for easy carrying . The polyester material is super lightweight and the zippers have longer tabs than some others we tested making them easy to open and close. The cubes held an impressive amount of clothing in our packing test and they stacked nicely into a carry-on suitcase.

We noticed some loose threads when evaluating these cubes, so they may not be as durable as some other options. Note that this set is spot-clean only and not machine-washable.

If you really want to maximize your packing space, compression packing cubes are the way to do it. In our Lab analysis, these cubes from Eagle Creek zipped down to compress about 1 inch to save more space in your suitcase. "I love their compression function," said one of our testers. "They fit a decent amount of clothing and then compress to take up much less space. They're also smaller than other cubes I've had, so they slot into a smaller carry-on suitcase with ease."

We found the zippers easier to use than those on other compression packing cubes we tested. One tester agreed, saying, " The compression function is really easy to use — the zipper is pretty seamless and doesn't snag or get caught on the cubes. " The top handle is convenient to pull them out of your luggage or backpack when needed. This set is one of the pricier styles we tested, but many GH analysts have owned Eagle Creek products for years and applaud the brand's commitment to durable and long-lasting travel gear.

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

These Gonex packing cubes compress your clothes, so you can fit as much as possible in your suitcase, and th ey are a more affordable alternative to Eagle Creek at just $22 for a three-piece set. A set of six is also available if you plan on checking a bag. The larger set includes a laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separate on long trips. The brand recommends rolling your clothes before placing them in the cube to maximize space.

We haven't tested this set in our Lab yet, but we have received promising feedback from our at-home testers. One tester who has used these cubes on multiple vacations said: "I loved the compression aspect and how you can fit so much more because of it. They are also very large cubes. I am very happy with them and will continue to use [them]."

Shacke Packing Cube Set

With over 21,000 reviews and an average 4.8-star rating on Amazon, these packing cubes are popular for their easy-to-use design that's perfect when traveling with the whole family. These packing cubes are available in 10 colors, so each family member can have their own set . This set includes a laundry bag, which is a game-changer to keep dirty clothes separate.

Although we haven't tested this set in our Lab yet, online reviewers are extremely impressed with the quality of this set for the price. One online reviewer said, "The material used for the packing cubes is durable and lightweight, ensuring that they do not add unnecessary weight to my luggage. They are also quite flexible, which allows me to squeeze them into tight spaces within my suitcase without worrying about them getting damaged." Another shared, "They are worth every penny and have become an essential travel accessory for me."

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

Mesh packing cubes allow you to easily see inside and have the added bonus of being lightweight and breathable to keep your clothes fresh. Designed specifically for the mega-popular Away Carry-On , these cubes are the perfect dimensions for most carry-on suitcases. In our Lab analysis, these cubes were a favorite for being simple and easy to use, and of course, fitting nicely into a carry-on.

One tester who used this set on a trip to the Hamptons said, "The mesh made it easy to compact clothes into the packing cubes as the mesh let out any trapped in air. I also liked the configuration of the packing cubes. They fit together really well inside my suitcase." We love Away’s generous 100-day return policy , so there’s no harm in trying them out. Both the 4-piece and 6-piece sets include smaller cubes, but some testers wished they were larger.

RELATED: Away Luggage Review: Are the Popular Carry-Ons Worth the Hype?

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

Available in sets of four or six, these cubes from Monos fit very well into our carry-on suitcase during our Lab evaluations. These cubes offer compression capabilities as well, and they reduced in size the most out of all the compression packing cubes we tested . The zippers are quite stiff, so it's challenging to compress them fully, which led some testers not to use the compression function at all. We also found the smooth material easy to clean, which is great if sand, dirt and salt water are a factor.

One tester shared, " I really liked the appearance of the packing cubes; they look simple and sleek. I enjoy the mesh top window because I can easily see my belongings and because it allows my clothes to breathe (especially useful for dirty clothes during travel)." He also said, "I appreciate the lightweight lining inside the packing cubes; it is a feature that elevates the appearance and quality of the packing cubes." These cubes are more expensive than other featured styles, but we think they are worth the investment.

RELATED: Monos Luggage Review: We Tested These Popular Sleek Suitcases

Beis The Packing Cubes

Many testers preferred packing cube sets that included shoe bags or laundry bags, like this set from Beis. With three different-size cubes, a toiletry pouch and two shoe bags, this set is ready for any vacation. Uniquely, they come with pre-printed labels for common items like jeans, swimsuits and underwear as well as the days of the week to keep your cubes organized.

One tester said, "The larger zip bags really helped me separate nice clothes for going out from my beach clothes/comfy clothes, which made getting ready much easier since I could find everything without unpacking my entire suitcase." While testers liked the shoe bags, some wished they were bigger to fit larger sizes and bulkier shoes like booties.

Baggu Packing Cube Set

Most packing cubes are only available in solid colors, but these trendy ones from Baggu come in fun patterns like stripes, florals and fruit prints . This set includes two packing cubes made from durable recycled nylon. We were impressed by just how lightweight these cubes are without sacrificing performance — every ounce counts! When evaluating these cubes in our Lab, we noticed they were a bit noisy (and a few testers noted the same thing).

Loving the stylish colors and patterns, one tester said, "Not only are they super cute but they are lightweight and durable. The amount you can fit in these packing cubes is amazing!" Another tester said, "I will definitely continue to use these cubes as I like them better than a set I bought off of Amazon years ago — Baggu strikes again!"

Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cube

Keeping your belongings dry and clean is of the utmost importance when heading on an outdoor adventure. In our tests, these Sea to Summit cubes held up on hikes and beach vacations alike.

Sold individually, these packing cubes feature a water-resistant exterior and tight zippers to help prevent water from seeping in. Because the zippers are designed to prevent leaking, they were a bit difficult to open and close in our tests. Note that these cubes are water-resistant (not waterproof!), so they should not be fully submerged or soaked in water.

A big fan of its water-resistant capabilities, one tester said these cubes are "great for when I have to pack away wet or dirty clothes when I am leaving a vacation." She also appreciated that she was able to easily see inside because of the translucent panel. Another tester said, "The textile is indeed water-resistant, which was a nice feature to have during my outdoor camping adventure," and that the "shell is quite durable." These don't compress, so if you want both weatherproof materials and compression, we recommend Peak Design's packing cubes .

How we test packing cubes

When evaluating packing cubes, Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab pros place a standard packing load in each cube to see how much they can hold. Then, we place them in a suitcase to see how easy they are to organize. We analyze each cube in our Lab to ensure all the zippers are easy to open and close. For compression-style cubes, we pack them with a standard load and measure how much they reduce in size when compressed.

To get real-use feedback, we have consumer testers use the packing cubes on real-life trips. We had testers bring these cubes all over the world on all types of vacations, including camping trips, international getaways and local excursions.

How to choose the best packing cubes:

✔️ Compression vs. regular packing cubes: Some packing cubes have compression capabilities and others don't. Cubes that compress take up slightly less space in your suitcase and are great for overpackers. Generally, compression cubes are more expensive because they have two zippers instead of one and are usually sold individually or as a pair vs. in a larger set. Some compression cubes zip all the way around, which is great if you like to place your cubes directly in the drawer at your destination, while others only open at the top.

✔️ Materials: To avoid extra weight in your luggage, most packing cubes are made with lightweight materials like nylon and mesh. While waterproof capabilities may sound like a benefit, it's probably not necessary unless you're camping, and it comes at a cost — fully sealed packing cubes don't allow for ventilation, which means your clothes may have an odor after travel.

✔️ Luggage compatibility: Depending on what type of suitcase you are using (weekender bag, carry-on or checked luggage), a different style of packing cubes might be better suited.

• For a weekender bag , opt for smaller cubes as only two to three will fit in most weekender bags.
• Carry-on suitcases can accommodate more cubes, including larger ones for sweaters and jeans.
• When checking a larger suitcase , you can fit multiple sets of packing cubes. We recommend using a different color set of cubes for each member of your family for easier unpacking.

✔️ Value: Consider the cost per cube when purchasing a set. Some brands offer excellent value for their larger sets.

✔️ How do I use packing cubes?

Most sets come with different-sized cubes that are designed for certain items — small cubes for your underwear and larger cubes for shirts and pants, for example. Everyone has a preference for either rolling or folding clothes , but when packing in a cube, our pros say you should roll to avoid wrinkles. Rolling likely won't save as much space in a traditional packing cube, but many brands recommend it for compression picks. Doing this, and storing like items together, will make it much easier to find exactly what you want without rummaging through your bag. ✔️ Do packing cubes really save space? Yes! Packing cubes ensure that every item has a spot in your suitcase without it bursting at the seams. To further max out every inch, look for styles with compression. These work by having two zippers — one that closes the cube and a second that tightly compresses it to flatten your clothes and save space. ✔️ Do packing cubes wrinkle clothes? One of the main reasons clothes come out of your suitcase looking wrinkly is because they've shifted around during the trip. Packing cubes keep all your clothes still, so items are actually less likely to wrinkle. Some fabrics will wrinkle no matter what (hello, linen!), so we recommend choosing travel dresses and pants in more forgiving fabrics like polyester and Tencel for your next trip.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. She tested all the packing cubes in the Lab and sent samples to testers to get real-use feedback. She’s been at GH for over five years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for all types of travel product testing including carry-on suitcases, under-seat luggage, travel backpacks and weekender bags. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience and product quality expertise.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other carry-on backpacks we tested.

• What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

A solid backpack is key to a successful trip. Think about it: You can use it as a carry-on, and if you pack light, it'll be the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip. It won't weigh you down as you rush to catch the inter-terminal train at the airport, and it'll look good on you as you stroll the streets of your destination. Find a good travel backpack, and it will serve you for years to come.

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backpack to take you through all kinds of situations and environments. Waterproof, anti-theft, stylish, lightweight, wheels or no wheels—all things to keep in mind as you shop. To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

Does the perfect travel backpack exist? We’re not sure, but we can’t think of one that comes closer than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This second version of Cotopaxi’s best-selling backpack is rugged and comfy, has excellent organization capabilities, and is the perfect size to throw in an overhead bin, toss in a vehicle, and huff around from train to hostel.

The pack uses burly TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and lightweight 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling. It has excellent weight distribution with comfy shoulder and sternum straps and hip belts, or stow the straps and carry the pack with side handles. The inside features multiple pockets of different sizes that we found perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, electronics, and shoes. Bonus: It comes with a rainfly to protect it from the weather.

Capacity: 35 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces | Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Materials: TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

Osprey’s women-specific Fairview 40 pack impressed our tester with its size, space, and compartments. “This bag has a lot of compartments and a lot of straps to hold everything in place,” our tester reported. Despite the bag fitting a bit large, our tester said it was still very comfortable to wear. Osprey employs its proprietary Lightwire Frame Suspension, which helps spread the weight across the back panel and from the harness to the hip belt.

Despite being a 40-liter pack, it weighs just about 3 pounds, thanks to the lightweight nylon ripstop material and frame. “It did not hurt my back, and I like how most of the weight was shifted to my lower back,” our tester mentioned. Besides the fit, we also appreciated that all straps are stowable, making it easy in case you need to check the bag on a plane (which is possible on smaller planes with this larger-capacity pack). For the men’s version of the same pack, check out the Farpoint 40 .

Capacity: 38 liters (extra-small/small size) | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8 inches | Materials: 210-denier nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and 600-denier packcloth

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 3 /5
• Comfort 4 /5

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

This 40-liter pack checks all the boxes, including excellent value. Vancropak says it fits enough for trips between three and seven days, and we’d have to agree. “It fit everything even though I packed quickly and not thoughtfully or strategically,” our tester said. “It’s perfect for a weekend trip when you want to pack extra ‘just in case’ outfits or items. It even expands to provide more room. It has extra pockets, opens like a suitcase, has many different handles, and backpack straps that can be tucked and zipped away.” Compression straps also help shrink the bag back down after being packed.

And if you weren’t convinced yet of its value, it also includes packing cubes. “Its business-casual aesthetic makes it ideal for short business trips, too,” a tester added. One nitpick? There’s no laptop sleeve. But our testers thought the other features—and comfort—more than made up for that slight issue.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 13.7 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

If you didn’t dig the budget pack above, behold another excellent value travel pack. Like the Vancropak, the Asenlin Travel Backpack also includes three packing cubes. Our testers found they could easily fit everything needed for a weekend trip. They also liked the internal straps for organization and the external straps for compression. “It offers three different carrying methods, which is nice,” the testers reported. “It has a lot of different pockets and storage areas. The bottle holder on the side also unzips to expand, which is a thoughtful addition.”

Our testers liked how comfortable the bag was to wear and that it wasn’t overly heavy (the brand claims it weighs less than 3 pounds). We also believe this could double as a business travel bag.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

• Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

While we certainly love this bag's sleek and simplistic aesthetic, there’s a lot more to it than just looks. It’s durable and water-resistant and has multiple carry options (e.g., duffel and over the shoulders), a separate shoe compartment, lots of tech organization, and a TSA-ready laptop sleeve.

Our testers loved the capacity of this pack. “It easily fit everything on the list with plenty of room to spare,” one tester said. “I think everything you would need for up to a week away would fit easily.” The pronounced rectangular shape of the bag made it extra easy to pack and helped organize folded clothes. “The bag had two different shoe pockets, a laptop sleeve, and many other compartments for both smaller clothing items and even some work supplies,” a tester reported.

The one drawback of this pack was our testers didn’t find it the most comfortable. Specifically, the straps were stiff and dug into one tester’s neck. Overall, though, our testers were very pleased with the pack and thought it was worth the fit, especially for the design and ease of packing.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 14 inches | Materials: Not listed

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

This 45-liter travel pack from Peak Design debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in 2018 and promptly won many awards. A few years later, it still holds up. Peak Design basically thought of everything when designing this pack. The outside features weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon canvas and ultralight padded foam. It includes grab handles on each side, stowable hip belts, and a sternum strap. The inside has multiple pockets for organization and loads of room for trips of four days or longer.

Our testers loved the size and the zippers allowing access from four different sides of the bag. “It was super easy to pack, and there were just enough organization solutions to provide options for different packing strategies,” a tester said. “I also loved how many handles there were. A grab handle on all four main sides of the bag makes it super easy to maneuver, especially when putting it in the overhead compartment.”

Testers also liked the sheath built into the pack to stow the hip belt and the small pocket on the belt for stashing quick-grab items like lip balm, keys, or cards. They also enjoyed the water bottle pockets on both sides and the pack's comfort. Oh, and this pack is 100 percent carbon neutral. The only issue they saw was the price—it’s one of the most expensive on this list. But if you can look at this as an investment, the durability suggests it should last for many years. It's certainly carry-on luggage that any travel-savvy guy can appreciate.

Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Weatherproof 100 percent recycled 400-denier nylon canvas external shell and 900-denier waterproof bottom liner

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

If your travel involves carrying your backpack for long periods, we recommend Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag. This super durable pack is also super comfortable with plush and padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. We also love that there are multiple ways to carry this pack with a comfy and padded sling. Its construction includes durable and recycled nylons with a canvas feel. And it meets Fair Wear certification standards, ensuring fair labor practices.

“There are a ton of compartments and pockets, so a lot of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes,” one tester said. “I could easily see places to stash cords, travel docs, electronics, water bottles, and more.”

While our testers liked a lot about this bag—including its durability—the comfort won them over. “All the features built into the bag suggest it's intended to create maximum comfort for someone who anticipates carrying the bag for a more extended period of time,” our tester concluded.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces | Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 1000-denier recycled nylon, 400-denier recycled nylon, 210-denier recycled nylon, 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

If you weren't convinced by our business travel pick above, consider this your alternative. This pack's sleek, durable, and comfortable design makes it ideal for business and formal travel. Our testers found it easy to fit enough items for up to three or four days away. Lighter packers could stretch this to five days. The inside is designed more like a typical carry-on pack with one large compartment.

“This bag felt super light on my back and was padded in all the right places,” a tester reported. “It has adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the back of the pack when you don't want to use them, which is a genius feature.” Our testers were also impressed with the bag's durability, as it survived being tossed around our lab with zero marks or scuffs.

Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Recycled Dura nylon

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

Launched in 1958, Samsonite’s Silhouette collection is likely the oldest on our list. But those six decades of innovation have helped make this one of the best and most versatile bags out there—not to mention one with excellent style. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that it features 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.

Our testers liked the size of the bag and the opening, similar to a suitcase, which made it easy to pack and access items. There were many—almost too many—pockets and compartments. And our testers loved how comfortable and supportive this bag was to carry, noting its excellent weight distribution. “I would recommend this bag to someone looking for a backpack they can use as a primary form of luggage,” a tester concluded. “It has enough room and compartments to fit all of the essentials and keep them organized. It's also comfortable, supportive, and easy to carry.”

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.31 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | Materials: Polyester and Recyclex

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

We’ve been pleasantly surprised with Thule’s line of luggage. And that certainly includes the Subterra backpack. This rugged pack could also be a good commuter option as it has a magnetic rolling top closure, a padded laptop sleeve, and a PowerPocket for charging items on the go. We love that it has many access points and comes with a packing cube and garment bag for dirty clothes.

"I loved being able to put my normal packing cubes inside the big cube that comes with the bag, and I was able to use the bag as a day bag anytime I needed to carry extra, and it never felt super bulky,” a tester reported—however, they noted that the bag didn’t particularly help their already-sore back. Not surprisingly, considering its construction, the pack aced our durability tests.

Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.2 x 9.1 inches | Materials: 800-denier nylon

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

If you’ve never heard of Mystery Ranch, let us introduce you to the Bozeman, Montana-based brand, which makes super rugged packs for backpacking, hunting, the military, and firefighters. This travel-focused pack is incredibly solid on the outside and has many excellent organization and design features inside.

Highlights include a stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, multiple carrying options, a dirty clothes compartment, three inner divided pockets, and lockable zippers.

Capacity: 30, 45, and 60 liters | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 inches | Materials: Plain spun nylon, 210-denier nylon

We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack thanks to its incredibly durable polyester and nylon materials, well-designed internal storage, and included rainfly. Another great pick is the Vancropak Travel Backpack , which rings up at a fraction of the cost of some other options on the market.

We selected products to test based on the expertise of TripSavvy editors and writers and on internet research. Not surprisingly, TripSavvy editors and writers travel a lot. And they have many carry-on backpacks they like and don’t like.

To ensure we weren’t missing anything, we also researched what other prominent sites have featured and looked at top-rated and reviewed backpacks on sites like Amazon and REI. Once an initial list of products was selected, we narrowed it down to the final 28 for testing based on style, function, and price.

We tested the backpacks for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. In our New York City-based testing lab, we asked testers to pack each backpack with three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag to test for capacity. We asked the testers to consider all aspects of the backpack’s construction, organizational capabilities, and any design innovations.

Testers then carried each backpack around using the different carrying styles. We asked the testers to rate how comfortable the bag felt fully packed. After the comfort test, we asked testers to toss and throw the bag several feet multiple times. We looked for damage on the outside of the bag and any damage to products inside the bag. Lastly, we asked testers to rate the bag for overall value after a price reveal.

We have since sent the backpacks to testers to continue testing as they travel. We will update this document accordingly as their insights are submitted.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : This pack was comfortable to wear thanks to its supportively firm and cushioned back, while its rugged fabric stood up well to rough handling. Our tester subtracted some points for capacity, as it was a squeeze to get everything on the list to fit, and for the more function-forward style.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack : This bag is very nice to look at and proved quite durable. However, it's on the small side and the features aren't particularly travel-oriented—namely, the inflexible bottle holder and the magnetic flip top that is easily displaced when the pack is full.

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag : Our tester appreciated the comfort of the straps and the practical capacity of this bag, though the price was on the higher end and the packing experience was a bit of a learning curve.

Monos Metro Backpack : Another looker, the design of this bag got high praise. We liked the 270-degree opening, the easy-release front pouch, and the comfortable straps. At 18 liters, this back is more of a complement piece to other luggage and could use a better weight distribution system.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable : The expansion feature was a hit once we figured out how to use it and the durability of this pack was undeniable. It was difficult to look past a faulty zipper design that got caught frequently when trying to close.

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

Prices for carry-on backpacks vary widely, so consider what your greatest needs are. You can find a spacious travel backpack for under $100—often under $50—but if you plan on facing harsh outdoor environments , consider investing a bit more money for something waterproof. Leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars; keep this in mind if that material is important to you. Anti-theft travel backpacks can be a bit more expensive but are often essential in highly trafficked destinations.

There are so many styles out there you could spend days filtering through the different backpacks on the market. Keep it simple: How will you be using this backpack? If you’re interfacing with clients or business partners, look for something minimal and sleek that doesn’t showcase a million pockets. If you plan on living out of your backpack for most of your trip, pockets are more of a priority. You'll want a bag that zips open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and unloading (this also makes going through security easier).

If you are using your travel backpack for hiking, find something with a removable hip harness to distribute the weight of your pack better when you’re on the move. If you plan on wearing your travel backpack casually—only in the airport or to work—seek out a style with adjustable straps and a padded back. This will help ward off any back pain, especially if you carry a lot of weight. When you’re trying on backpacks, test out the shoulder straps and imagine how they would feel if the pack was filled to capacity. Is there ample padding? Will the material cut into your shoulders? Does the back of the backpack feel like it would be breathable?

The size of backpacks is generally measured in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches or centimeters). While it is essential to refer to the specific requirements of the airline you'll be flying, a good starting point for a carry-on when flying domestically is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 total linear inches (115 centimeters) including all handles and wheels. This size comes out to a 43-liter pack, so anything smaller should easily meet any U.S. airline size restrictions. However, this is only the beginning, and several factors may increase or decrease your allowance, such as the size of the plane and flight class you book.

This will vary based on your backpack's materials. For nylon and other water-resistant fabrics, get a damp cloth and spot-clean your pack. A damp cloth will also do the trick if your bag has plastic or metal elements. For leather backpacks, you’ll want to purchase a special leather conditioner and cleaner to maintain the integrity of your backpack.

This is an excellent feature if you plan on hiking or spending long periods carrying your backpack. It will help distribute the weight of your pack better across your body, ultimately providing more comfort. Most backpacks that are focused on outdoor adventures will have this feature.

Many backpacks are marketed as anti-theft, meaning it’s tougher for someone else to get inside your pack. Some backpacks have zippers that allow you to open the main interior compartment while wearing it—so you don’t have to take it off and risk having someone else pick it up. Others are designed with webbing over the zipper openings, making it very hard for someone to locate and unzip the bag while you have it on.

No, this is not the norm when it comes to backpacks. Compression cords make packing easier and function the same way a compression strap or cord would work in a regular suitcase. Some travel-focused carry-on backpacks do have this built-in. But if you want to squeeze in more items, consider investing in some packing cubes . These will help organize your backpack, too.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He has traveled to five continents, including plane, train, and bus travel. For most travel scenarios, he prefers backpacks over spinners or roller suitcases because of their ruggedness and different carrying methods. He currently uses Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L, Thule’s Subterra, and Topo Design’s Global Travel Pack the most. Each product recommended in this review was thoroughly researched and tested.

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