By: Danielle Higgins
My travel packing was elevated when my cousin tipped me off to packing cubes. These game changing zippered bags transformed my suitcase from chaotic piles to orderly units that can easily be packed and unpacked. Since my adoption of packing cubes, I’ve found a few other organizing bags to go in my suitcase, travel backpack, or personal item, creating my ideal setup of bags within bags.
1. Packing Cubes
We might as well go ahead and start with packing cubes. For those not familiar, packing cubes are a rectangular bag with a zippered closure. They come in various sizes, however, the general premise is to corral items (usually clothing) into these bags. Now they neatly pack into your suitcase, duffel, or backpack of choice. Having separate packing cubes allows you to organize your belongings and easily get to specific items without having to disrupt the rest of your luggage. This was a huge selling point for me on packing cubes. Previously, I’d stack my clothing into the suitcase and have to constantly dig through, pull things out, and repack throughout my trip. If you are conducting a trip with more than one leg or accommodation, I highly recommend packing cubes for this ease alone.
Compression Packing Cubes
There is much debate among the internet packing community (yes, a vibrant one exists!) as to whether packing cubes actually save space or not. Traditional packing cubes, I can see the argument, but compression packing cubes, hands down save space! These packing cubes contain a second zipper around the perimeter of the cube and when zippered closed, compress the air and dead space out of the contents. Note, compression packing cubes are very much designed for clothing or fabric based items. I upgraded from traditional packing cubes before my honeymoon in Europe. My compression packing cubes absolutely save me valuable space in my luggage.
I have a few sizes of compression packing cubes that I use devoutly when I travel, even for a weekend trip, and pretty frequently in daily life as well. My Eagle Creek Compress It packing cubes in the medium and small sizes have held up well over two years and many miles. I find they are the right size for short trips or long excursions. Usually, I’ll pack the medium with all my outfits and one to two smalls for underwear, pajamas, and workout clothes. If it’s a particularly long trip with multiple activities, I may pack in two mediums. I’ve also found the small packing cube great to toss in my gym bag for an after work workout. In the winter, I’ll use the small packing cube to contain hats, scarves, and gloves in my purse. There are too many examples for these versatile packing tools.
Recommendations
If I have peaked your interest in adding a set of packing cubes to your travel gear, I’ve included links to the packing cubes I personally own, a set my husband raves about, as well as a set my cousin swears by. However, if you are looking at other options, I’d recommend scrutinizing the zippers. Especially, in compression packing cubes, the zippers are under some considerable pressure; at least they are for me! Regardless of style, size, or brand, in my opinion, packing cubes are the biggest upgrade to your travel packing setup with the exception of your suitcase itself.
- Eagle Creek Compress It Packing Cubes
- Small: https://amzn.to/3PLcLxP
- Medium: https://amzn.to/3WpqfTw
- Thule Compression Packing Cubes
- Small: https://amzn.to/40rT2Ir
- Medium: https://amzn.to/3Ce8xvw
- Small & Medium Set: https://amzn.to/42nER9M
- Compression Packing Cube Set: https://amzn.to/4i8XxhV
2. Shoe bag
Imagine you have just walked into the airport restroom and stepped through some questionable liquid. At the end of your trip, you are packing to come home and you stick those same shoes next to the package of cookies you purchased for Grandma as a gift. Gross! I can’t put shoes in my suitcase without putting them in some kind of bag. For many years, I used the plastic bag method, which my husband still favors. Don’t get me wrong they work well! Then somewhere along the way, I acquired a shoe bag for my running shoes; I think it came from TJMaxx. Since then, I will never go back. Much more sustainable, doesn’t rip, fully sealed, and can be washed, the shoe bag is another constant when I travel.
Recommendations
I was unable to find the exact shoe bags I have, but the links below are an approximation for the two I own. The first style is a zippered nylon bag. The other is a cotton drawstring bag that has an internal divider to separate the two shoes. I use this one for running shoes since the outside of the bag is embroidered with the phrase “Gotta Run” (clear enough instructions for me). However, a style like this would be great for dress shoes that you don’t want getting scratched.
- 2 Pack Zippered Shoe Bags: https://amzn.to/3E9OMGe
- Internally Separated Drawstring: https://amzn.to/4ljnn5w
3. Laundry bag
When I purchased my Cotopaxi Allpah travel backpack, I received a mesh laundry bag for free. It helps separate my clean clothes (packed in my packing cubes) from the dirty. The mesh allows things to breath, avoiding unwanted smells in my luggage. It also doubles as a delicates wash bag if I’m doing laundry on my trip. This is another bag I started traveling with about two years ago, but couldn’t imagine doing so without now.
Recommendations
I don’t think this piece of travel gear needs to be anything elaborate or fancy. Mine is a mesh zippered pouch, something you can easily find outside the travel department even. Some brands offer packing cubes with dual compartments, one for clean and one for dirty. This could be a good option if you are looking to go down the packing cube route as well.
- Mesh Laundry Bag: https://amzn.to/3FXkbfO
- Dirty/Clean Packing Cube: https://amzn.to/44cIctb
4. Folding Shopping Bag
Something I rarely leave home without, my foldable shopping bag is one of my most used travel companions. It fits into a jacket pocket or crossbody purse then transforms into a full sized tote bag when extra items need a place on the go – like that jacket when it starts to warm up. Countless times, I whip out the foldable tote at the grocery store for snacks and water bottles before heading back to the hotel. Not exactly a packing tool when you set out, foldable shopping bags help corral the things you acquire along the way!
Recommendations
I recommend a nylon bag that folds into an attached pocket. These can be harder to find, many have a detached zipper pouch, but I enjoy not having to keep track of the pocket while using the tote.
- Foldable Shopping Bag (Pack of 6): https://amzn.to/4arSpD2
- Singular Foldable Shopping Bag: https://amzn.to/4jjKWJE
5. Wine Bags
I’ll end with something fun! My parents live in an area with an abundance of wineries. I found reusable sealed padded wine bags to pack and send wine home in my suitcase (checked of course). These ensure your wine makes it home safely, no need to worry about it breaking and staining your favorite white shirt! They are something I throw in my suitcase often, since they are flat and take up practically no room. I brought two on a recent trip to Champagne, France and was very happy it meant two bottles of champagne got to come with me! Even if you aren’t traveling to Europe or Napa Valley, you never know when you will find some good wine (or beer, Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, etc.) you want to bring home to share with friends and family!
Recommendations
I have the Jet Bag version. They work well, but the internal pad can be fussy to get aligned. While I recommend them overall, I plan to try these Wine Angel ones when mine are ready to be replaced.
- Jet Bag Wine Protectors: https://amzn.to/42xe36z
- Wine Angel Protectors: https://amzn.to/3FQIZpx
Final Thoughts
So there are five bags to consider for your next trip. Excited to get packing, but need some inspiration where to go? Check out my San Francisco Travel Guide, link below! Also, leave a comment with your favorite packing organization bag. I’m always on the hunt to optimize my travel setup.
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