Is it worth getting compression packing cubes?
Let's be honest - compression packing cubes cost more than regular ones. Sometimes twice as much. So the big question is: are they actually worth the extra money?
After years of testing different brands and getting feedback from thousands of travelers, here's everything you need to know about whether compression cubes are worth it for your travel style.
Is it worth getting compression packing cubes?
For most travelers who struggle with luggage space, yes. But it's not a simple yes-or-no answer.
Compression cubes are worth it if you:
- Often run out of space in your luggage
- Pack bulky clothes like sweaters or winter gear
- Travel for more than a week at a time
- Want to pack light but bring lots of clothes
- Frequently travel with just carry-on bags
They're probably not worth it if you:
- Never have trouble fitting everything in your suitcase
- Mostly pack formal clothes that shouldn't be compressed
- Only take short trips with minimal clothes
- Are happy with regular cubes for organization alone
The math that matters
A Carry Cubes compression set costs about £35 more than regular cubes. If that lets you avoid checking a bag even once, you've already saved money. Checked bag fees usually run £30-50 each way.
Plus, compression cubes last for years. Spread that extra cost over dozens of trips, and we're talking about maybe £2-3 per trip for the convenience.
Are compression packing cubes any good?
The quality varies wildly between brands. Good compression cubes work great. Cheap ones break quickly and barely compress anything.
What makes compression cubes actually work
- Strong zippers: The compression zipper needs to handle a lot of pressure. Cheap zippers break or get stuck.
- Durable fabric: Needs to hold its shape under pressure. Thin fabric stretches and stops compressing properly.
- Smart design: The best cubes have easy-grip pulls and smooth compression systems.
Signs of good compression cubes
- YKK or other quality zippers
- Reinforced stress points
- Substantial but lightweight fabric
- Smooth compression action
- Good reviews mentioning durability
At CarryCubes, we test every batch of cubes by compressing them 500 times before they leave our warehouse. That's about two years of heavy travel use.
Do compression packing cubes make luggage heavier?
Yes, but not by much. The weight difference is usually worth the space savings.
The weight breakdown
A typical compression cube weighs about 3-6 ounces more than a regular cube of the same size. For a set of three cubes, that's maybe an extra pound total.
But that extra pound lets you pack 20-50% more clothes in the same space.
When weight really matters
If you're backpacking and every ounce counts, regular cubes might be better. For most travelers flying commercial airlines, the small weight increase is worth it.
Smart tip: Use compression cubes for bulky clothes and regular cubes for lightweight items.
What are the disadvantages of packing cubes?
- The wrinkle factor: Compressed clothes wrinkle more. Workaround: pack casual clothes in compression cubes and dress clothes in regular cubes.
- Overpacking temptation: You might pack more than needed. Stay disciplined with a packing list.
- Initial cost: Quality cubes cost more but last longer.
- Learning curve: Takes practice to pack efficiently. Try at home before trips.
- Access issues: Once compressed, it's harder to grab one item. Plan ahead by mixing cube types.
Real cost-benefit analysis
Sarah's business travel
- Travels 2 times per month
- Switched to carry-on only
- Saves £60 per trip in bag fees = £1,440 per year
- Cube investment: £35 → Net savings: £1,405 first year
The Johnson family vacation
- Family of four, two weeks trip
- Packed in 3 suitcases instead of 4
- Saved £150 total on fees & taxi costs
- Cube investment: £105 (3-sets) → Broke even on first trip
Mike's backpacking trip
- Three months in Europe
- Packed in carry-on size backpack
- Saved hundreds on laundry & baggage fees
- Investment paid off within 2 weeks
Making the decision
Ask yourself:
- Do you often struggle with space? → Compression helps.
- Do you pack bulky clothes? → Works great.
- Do you take long trips? → More benefits.
- Do you prefer carry-on only? → Huge advantage.
- Can you handle more wrinkles? → Consider trade-off.
Our recommendation
Start with one compression cube and test it on a real trip. Most travelers find a mixed system works best:
- 1–2 compression cubes for bulky clothes
- Regular cubes for delicate items & quick access
- Toiletry cube for essentials
At CarryCubes, we see this pattern with our happiest customers. They use compression strategically where it helps most.
Want to try compression cubes risk-free? All CarryCubes Products come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Test them on your next trip and return them if they don’t save you space.
👉 Check out our complete collection of Compression Packing Cubes
