Do packing cubes actually make packing easier?
Yes. Packing cubes are lightweight zip up fabric boxes that sit inside your suitcase, and the first time you open a sorted bag instead of an avalanche of clothes, the appeal clicks. They keep tops, underwear, activewear and dirty laundry in separate compartments and stop everything shifting in transit, and compression styles squeeze more into a carry on.
The BAGSMART listing, for example, pairs large, medium and small cubes with a drawstring bag that can be used as a laundry bag for dirty or wet clothes or shoes. The one thing that should never end up buried in a cube is your travel documents, so keep the passport in a slim passport holder in the bag you keep with you. Buying for a traveller? Our travel gifts guide sorts 11 picks by budget.
Packing cubes come in two kinds, plain organisers and compression sets with a second zip, and listings do not always say which. We chose sets with a live Amazon Australia listing and read each listing's title, bullet points and product information for zip, compression, size and fabric details, then recorded the star rating and number of ratings shown on each listing.
What is the best packing cube set in Australia?
The best packing cubes in Australia for most travellers are the BAGSMART 6 Set Compression Packing Cubes, rated 4.8 from 79 ratings on Amazon AU. The listing describes an extra zipper around the outside that squashes clothes down, and large, medium and small cubes for jackets, shirts and underwear.
For other jobs, the Thule Compression set is a small and medium compression pair, the tomtoc 3 Set adds a clean and dirty cube and a small pouch, the BAGAIL 10 Set is a ten piece mesh set whose listing mentions family vacations, and the Amazon Basics set is four large mesh top cubes.
Packing cubes live inside your luggage, so think of them as a companion to a good suitcase or carry on rather than a replacement.
How our packing cube picks compare
The table lists each set's piece count, whether its listing describes a compression zip, and the star rating and number of ratings on the listing. The Samfolk and G4Free rows show no rating because their listings could not be matched to the product, as the cards below explain; open any live card for its current details.
| Set | Pieces | Compression | Rating |
|---|
| BAGSMART 6 Set | 6 | Yes, extra zipper | 4.8 (79) |
| Samfolk 8 Set | 8 | Named in the title | Not shown, see card |
| G4Free 6pcs | 6 | Not shown, see card | Not shown, see card |
| Thule Compression | 2 | Yes, compression zipper | 4.7 (281) |
| tomtoc 3 Set | 3 | Yes, 10L cube | 4.6 (198) |
| BAGAIL 10 Set | 10 | Not mentioned in the listing | 4.5 (4,177) |
| Amazon Basics 4 Piece | 4 | Not mentioned in the listing | 4.7 (1,354) |
How we chose these packing cubes
NestPath does not run a testing lab, and we will never pretend to. We are an aggregator: we read the live Amazon Australia listings and the makers' own bullet points and product information on each listing, then pick the sets that hold up across both. Specs come from the maker's bullet points and the product information on each listing.
Last checked: 20 October 2026
- Available in Australia. Every pick is an Amazon Australia listing, with brand, rating and specs read from the listing rather than assumed.
- Ratings and volume. We recorded the star average and number of ratings shown on each live listing, from 79 ratings on the BAGSMART set to 4,177 on the BAGAIL set.
- Zips and construction. We looked at what each listing says about its zips, fabric and construction, since the listing is the source we read for every set.
- Space saving that is honest. We separated true compression sets from plain organisers so you know what each one does before you buy.
- Size mix and value. We looked at the cube sizes each listing describes and what each set is built for.
Best overall: BAGSMART 6 Set Compression Packing Cubes
The BAGSMART 6 Set Compression Packing Cubes are the best overall set here: rated 4.8 from 79 ratings on Amazon AU, the highest rating among the live sets in this guide (the Thule and Amazon Basics sets are 4.7). The listing describes an extra zipper around the outside that squashes clothes down and minimises the space inside, with large cubes for jackets, sweaters and trousers, medium for shirts and blouses, and small for underwear. The title is aimed at women, and the listing mentions an ID tag pocket on the front of the packing organizers.
The listing says the fabric is super light so clothes pack neatly without adding extra weight, and that the small cube's drawstring bag can be used as a laundry bag to separate dirty or wet clothes or shoes. It also says hundreds of experiments simulating real use scenarios were run to improve durability, which is the maker's own claim rather than something we tested. The listing compares the compression to how a vacuum sealer works, and says the ID tag pocket helps you remember which cube contains your favourite shirt. The maker also invites buyers to get in touch about any quality problems, so a support route is described on the listing.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- At 79 ratings it has fewer ratings than the other live sets here (198 to 4,177), so the 4.8 average rests on a smaller sample.
- Compression saves space, not weight, so it does not help with an airline weight limit.
- Large, medium and small is the listed size range, so check that against your own bag and clothes before you buy.
Samfolk 8 Set Compression Packing Cubes (could not be bought on 20 October 2026)
The Samfolk 8 Set could not be bought on 20 October 2026: the Amazon AU link for this card opened a different product page (B0FPFSV1HW), so no rating, count or specification from that page is shown here for this set. The card title lists it as an 8 set of waterproof compression packing cubes.
This is a small set, so it works as a starter pair or an add on to cubes you already own rather than a full suitcase solution. The listing says the medium size is ideal for jeans, leggings and shirts, while the small size is great for socks, underwear and shirts. It also describes the fabric as semi sheer so you can see what is inside while keeping items discreet, and the durable compression zipper as eliminating excess air between garments to maximise storage space, which is the maker's description rather than something we tested.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Only two cubes, so most travellers will want a second set for a full suitcase.
- Compression saves space, not weight, so it does not help with an airline weight limit.
- There is no large cube in the set: the listing includes one small and one medium.
tomtoc 3 Set Packing Cubes: compression, clean and dirty and small cubes
The tomtoc 3 Set is a three cube system rated 4.6 from 198 ratings on Amazon AU. The listing says the 10L compression cube shrinks bulky clothing from 15L down to 10L, the 8L clean and dirty cube has a breathable upper compartment for clean clothes and a sealed lower compartment that helps isolate used items, and the 3L small cube holds underwear, socks and grooming gear. The fabric is described as lightweight, odor resistant SILVERPLUS fabric that is water repellent and machine washable, finished with YKK zippers.
The listing gives the three cubes' weights as 118 g, 110 g and 45 g, so together they weigh under 300 grams. The clean and dirty cube has a breathable upper compartment for clean clothes, with adjustable capacity between both sections as your trip unfolds. It says the set is designed to fit seamlessly with the maker's Navigator-T66 Backpack, so suitcase packers should check the cube sizes, such as the 10L compression cube at 30.5 x 17 x 16 cm compressed, against their bag. The 8L clean and dirty cube is 30.5 x 14.5 x 16 cm and the 3L small cube is 20 x 12 x 10.5 cm. The listing adds that the small cube has strap ready attachment points, so with a shoulder strap it can convert into a compact sling for quick outings.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Only three pieces, and one of them is a 3L small cube.
- Tailored for one bag travel, so suitcase packers should check the sizes against their bag.
- At 198 ratings it has far fewer than the BAGAIL set's 4,177 or the Amazon Basics set's 1,354.
BAGAIL 10 Set Packing Cubes: ten pieces with mesh
The BAGAIL 10 Set is a ten piece set in various sizes, according to its title, rated 4.5 from 4,177 ratings on Amazon AU. The bullet points describe a soft, visible mesh that helps identify clothes quickly, say the cubes fit most airline carry on bags, totes, weekenders, backpacks and duffel bags, and name a family vacation among the intended uses.
The listing does not describe a compression zip, so treat these as organisers that keep order rather than shrink a load. It calls the fabric smooth and durable and says it protects clothes from wrinkles and stains, which is the maker's claim rather than something we tested. The bullets add that the soft mesh protects delicate clothes from wrinkles and odors, that vivid color options are available, and that the cubes suit a business trip, hiking adventure, camping trip or RV journey as well as a family vacation.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- The listing does not describe a compression zip, so do not count on it to shrink bulky loads.
- Its title says various sizes and its bullets say multiple sizes rather than naming each piece, so check what the ten pieces are before you buy.
- At 4,177 ratings it has the most ratings of the live sets here, though a count is not a quality measure.
Amazon Basics Lightweight Packing Cubes: four large mesh cubes
The Amazon Basics 4 Piece set (previously Amazon Basics, now Amazon Essentials, says the listing) is four large cubes with a mesh top panel, reinforced double zip pulls and a webbing handle on each cube. It is rated 4.7 from 1,354 ratings on Amazon AU, and the listing says the cubes are machine washable.
The listing gives two different sizes. Its bullet points say each cube is 18 inches by 13 inches by 3 inches (45.7 x 33.0 x 7.6 cm), while its product information table says 44.5L x 32.4W x 8.3H centimetres. Because the two do not match, check the size against your bag before you buy.
Be clear on what these are: organisers, not compression bags, because the listing describes a mesh panel, double zip pulls and handles and does not mention a compression zip. The four cubes are the same large size, so they suit folded tops and layers better than a mix of small pouches; pair them with a small pouch set if you like granular sorting. The listing says the size suits suitcases, duffel bags, rucksacks and totes and trips such as business trips, holidays, camping and cruises, and that the cubes can also be used at home to maximise closet space. It suggests sorting jumpers, t shirts, shirts, intimates, socks and shoes by type.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- The listing does not mention compression; these organise rather than shrink.
- All four cubes are the same large size, so no small pouches for socks or chargers.
- The listing title names Black as the colour, so check the listing for other options.
Compression versus regular packing cubes
A regular cube is a zipped fabric box: it sorts your clothes and squares off the shape, but it does not make anything smaller. A compression cube adds a second zip. You fill it, close the first zip, then run the second one to squeeze the air out and flatten the contents. On this list the BAGSMART 6 Set, the Thule pair and the tomtoc 3 Set describe compression in their listings. The BAGAIL and Amazon Basics listings describe organisers and do not mention a compression zip.
Compression buys volume, not weight, so it does nothing for a carry on weight limit and everything for fitting a puffer jacket in. The catch is creasing, which is why most people compress knits, socks and underwear and leave shirts in a regular cube. If you are packing one bag for a long trip, buy compression. If you mainly want the case sorted, a mesh set like the Amazon Basics cubes does that without the extra zip.
Compression does save space, within reason. The BAGSMART listing says an extra zipper around the outside squashes clothes down and minimises the space inside, and the tomtoc listing says its 10L compression cube shrinks bulky clothing from 15L down to 10L. The gain is real but not magic: overfilling strains the zip, and soft bulky clothes compress most.
What should you look for in a packing cube set?
Look for sturdy zips, whether you need compression or plain organising, a size mix that matches your clothes, fabric you can see through or wash, and cubes that fit your luggage. Compression sets such as the BAGSMART and Thule pair add an outer zip, while mesh sets such as the Amazon Basics cubes simply sort.
Five things separate a set you will still use in five years from one that frays on the first trip.
- Zip quality. Zips are the part that moves most, so look for chunky, double pull zips and, on compression sets, a second outer zip that runs smoothly. YKK branded zips, as on the tomtoc set, are a good sign.
- Compression or not. Compression cubes add an outer zip that squeezes air out and can shrink bulky clothes noticeably. They are worth it for travel with only a carry on and for winter layers. Plain mesh cubes skip the outer zip, so they have one less moving part.
- Size mix. A good set ladders from large down to small so you can match a cube to socks, tops or jeans. Sets of four identical large cubes, like the Amazon Basics pack, suit folded clothes but leave you short of small pouches.
- Fabric and mesh. Ripstop nylon and 300D Oxford shells resist scuffs; soft mesh tops let you see inside without unzipping. Water repellent or odour resistant finishes are a bonus for longer trips.
- Fit your luggage. Cubes sit inside your bag, so a set that is too tall or too wide fights your case. Check the largest cube against your carry on before you overbuy, and against a soft overnight bag if that is what you take for a weekend.
How do you keep packing cubes lasting?
Keep packing cubes lasting by not overstuffing them, closing zips gently and evenly, washing them cool on a gentle cycle and air drying, storing them empty and dry, and using the dirty clothes pouch so worn items stay apart. Check each listing's own care wording first, because the Amazon Basics listing says its cubes are machine washable.
Packing cubes are low maintenance, but a few habits keep the zips alive.
- Do not overstuff. The fastest way to kill a zip is forcing an overfull cube shut. Pack to full, not to bursting, especially on compression sets.
- Close zips gently and evenly. Guide the slider with one hand and keep fabric clear of the teeth so nothing snags.
- Wash cool, air dry. The Amazon Basics and tomtoc listings say their cubes are machine washable, so for any other set follow the care label and wash cool inside a laundry bag. Skip the dryer; air drying protects the coating and mesh.
- Empty and dry between trips. Store them unzipped and flat so no damp lingers, which keeps odour resistant fabrics fresh.
- Use the dirty clothes pouch. Keeping worn items separate protects clean clothes and stops the whole set needing a wash after every trip.
What else do you need to pack smart?
Pack a toiletry bag for anything that can leak, a luggage scale so a compressed bag stays under the airline limit, bottles for liquids, shoe bags and luggage tags. The links below go to each on Amazon AU, and the toiletry bag guide covers bags for bathroom kit.
The cubes handle the clothes. The other half of the case is everything that can leak, which is why a proper toiletry bag is worth buying before the trip rather than after the first spill.
Packing cubes work best as part of a small kit. These companions all live on Amazon Australia:
What about Zoomlite, Antler and Eagle Creek packing cubes?
Zoomlite, Antler and Eagle Creek packing cubes appear in Australian search results for this topic, but none is ranked here because this guide covers sets with a live Amazon Australia listing that we could read. That is a limit of our brief, not a verdict on those brands.
The saved Australian search results show a Zoomlite collection of compression and regular packing cubes on its own site, an Antler collection of packing cubes, and an Eagle Creek collection of packing cubes. Read each maker's own site for its specs, because this page has not compared any of them.
On Amazon itself we kept to seven listings rather than list every bundle.
How many packing cubes you need and which size to start with
Most solo travellers do well with three to five cubes: one large for tops, one medium for bottoms, a small pouch for underwear and socks, and a laundry pouch. Couples and families sharing a checked bag are better off with a larger set, such as the BAGAIL 10 Set, or one set each. Buy for how you travel.
If you are starting small, begin with a medium and a small. The medium takes tops and knitwear, the small takes underwear and socks, and between them they cover a carry on for a week. Add a large only when you are checking a bag. The Thule pair is exactly that medium and small combination.
Cubes can fit inside a carry on bag if you match the size. The Thule listing says its small and medium pair fits perfectly in most carry ons with some room for other things, and the BAGAIL listing says its cubes fit most airline carry on bags. Check the largest cube's size against your own bag before buying.
How to use packing cubes in a suitcase
One category per cube is the rule: tops in one, underwear and socks in another, and anything you need on arrival in the smallest. Fold shirts flat, roll knits, and fill each cube to the shape of the case rather than stuffing it. Keep a mesh cube empty for dirty laundry on the way home.
The Amazon Basics listing suggests sorting jumpers, t shirts, shirts, intimates, socks and shoes by type, and the BAGSMART listing says the small cube's drawstring bag can be used as a laundry bag to separate dirty or wet clothes or shoes. Compression cubes help when space is tight, but they save volume, not weight.
Packing cube questions, answered
Do packing cubes work better than rolling?
Packing cubes and rolling solve different problems. Rolling knits and tops saves space and cubes keep each category together, so the two work well combined: roll soft items, fold shirts flat, and fill each cube to the shape of the case. A compression cube adds an outer zip to squeeze air out, which rolling alone cannot do.
What are the 5 biggest packing mistakes to avoid?
This guide points to five mistakes: overstuffing a cube until the zip strains, buying compression when you only need organising, ignoring whether the largest cube fits your bag, burying travel documents in a cube, and mixing worn clothes with clean ones instead of using the dirty clothes pouch.
What is the best luggage to buy in Australia?
This page covers packing cubes, not luggage, so start with our best suitcase guide and our best carry on luggage guide, which compare the bags your cubes sit inside. Match the cube sizes to the bag you choose, since a set that is too tall or wide fights your case.
What is the best way to pack a suitcase?
Put the heaviest cube nearest the wheels, fill gaps with soft clothes, and use one cube per category so you can find things without unpacking. Compression cubes help when space is tight, but they save volume, not weight. Keep passports and other documents in a passport holder in your carry bag, not buried in a cube.
Set up the rest of your trip
Packing cubes are one piece of a well-packed bag. Once your clothes are sorted, these NestPath guides cover the rest of the kit:
About the author
Anish Puri founded NestPath in 2026 after going through the Australian first home buyer process himself. NestPath focuses on Australian first home buyers because the existing review sites are American, generic, or both. Anish handles editorial selection across the homeowner hub. Reach out: hello@nestpath.com.au
