A good set of large packing cubes can turn a chaotic suitcase into a tidy, grab-and-go closet. When you pick the right sizes and materials, you fit more into your bag, find what you need quickly, and keep everyone’s clothes in order, whether you are heading out for a week in Paris or a month of backpacking.
In this guide, you will learn how to choose large packing cubes that match your travel style, then compare some of the best options available today. You will also see how large cubes work alongside small packing cubes, compression packing cubes, and other organizers so your entire bag works as a system, not a jumble of zippers and fabric.
Why large packing cubes are worth it
Large packing cubes are the workhorses of any travel packing cubes set. You use them for the bulky items that normally swallow your suitcase space, like sweaters, jeans, and hoodies.
Instead of stuffing these pieces around your bag in random gaps, you group them in one or two large cubes. This makes your clothes easier to find and easier to compress, especially if you choose large compression cubes that take the air out and slim everything down.
Large cubes are especially helpful if you:
- Pack for more than 4 or 5 days at a time
- Share a suitcase between two people
- Travel with kids and need to divide outfits
- Move often as a digital nomad and live out of your bag
If you already use packing cubes for suitcase organization and want to level up your system, upgrading or adding large cubes is a practical place to start.
How to choose the right large packing cubes
Before you compare brands, it helps to know what actually matters. The best large packing cubes for you will depend on how you travel, what you pack, and how you like to organize your bag.
Think about capacity and size
Most large packing cubes are big enough to hold a week’s worth of clothing if you pack fairly light. In Wirecutter’s tests, medium cubes around 14 by 10 by 3 inches already held a long weekend’s worth of items, including several shirts, underwear, socks, a light fleece, and a small towel, with larger cubes stretching that to roughly a week of clothes for many travelers.
As you look at dimensions, ask yourself:
- Will this cube fit comfortably inside your suitcase or backpack without bulging?
- Do you want one big cube or a mix of one large and a few smaller cubes?
- Are you packing for cold weather layers or mostly light, warm weather clothing?
For traditional rolling suitcases, a rectangular large cube around 16 to 17 inches long and 12 inches wide often fills about half of a carry-on. For backpacks, Pack Hacker notes that rectangular bags work better with straight-edged cubes, while more rounded packs are easier to fill with curved-edge cubes that follow the shape of the bag.
Decide if you need compression
Large compression cubes give you a second zipper that tightens and flattens everything inside. You pack as usual, zip the main zipper, then use the extra zipper to squeeze out excess air and slim your clothes by as much as a couple of inches in height.
This can be a game changer if you:
- Are an overpacker trying to stick to packing cubes for carry-on luggage
- Travel in winter and need to pack sweaters, fleeces, and thicker pants
- Share one bag with a partner or child and need to carve out a little more space
There is one tradeoff. Compression can increase wrinkles, especially with dress shirts or structured fabrics. Many travelers solve this by reserving compression for casual wear and using non compressing lightweight packing cubes for items that need to look crisp on arrival.
Look at materials and durability
You want your large packing cubes to feel almost weightless but still hold up to frequent travel. That is where nylon or polyester ripstop fabrics come in. Many of the top picks use these materials because they are light, resist tearing, and keep moisture away from your clothes.
Compression cubes especially benefit from sturdy textiles since the zipper is pulling on the fabric every time you cinch them down. Options made from nylon or polyester ripstop balance durability with low weight, which is critical when you are working with large cubes and do not want to add extra bulk as you compress.
If you often deal with spills or damp swimsuits, it is worth looking at waterproof packing cubes or at least water resistant fabrics that keep moisture contained.
Plan how cubes will fit your travel style
Different trips call for different setups:
- Cold climates with bulky layers
Large compression cubes shine here. They swallow sweaters and insulated layers, then slim them down so your suitcase still closes easily. - Warm weather trips with light clothes
You may be fine with one large cube for pants and several smaller ones for T shirts and undergarments. Smaller cubes are easier to shuffle around, and compression is less critical when clothes are thin. - Backpacking or long term travel
Focus on lighter fabrics, breathable mesh panels, and cubes that slide into a backpack. Large cubes that are too tall can make it difficult to access the rest of your gear, so check height measurements carefully and pair them with packing cubes for backpacking. - Family travel
One large cube per person, color coded if possible, makes it simple to grab the right clothes in a hotel room or vacation rental. You can then layer in packing cubes for kids to keep outfits, pajamas, or swimwear separated within each person’s larger cube.
How to use large packing cubes efficiently
Large packing cubes work best when you treat them as part of a system, not just a single big container.
Start by packing the largest cubes first. Expert organizers recommend placing them at the bottom of your suitcase or opposite the shoe compartment. This gives you a stable base so your suitcase does not topple when you pull up the handle. Once those are in, you can fit smaller cubes around them, some on their sides, to fill any remaining gaps.
You do not always have to fill a large cube to the brim. Sometimes it is more useful as a protective compartment for delicate or bulky pieces, like a chunky knit sweater or a formal dress you do not want crushed between shoes and tech gear. You can also dedicate a pouch to a specific item like a hair straightener to keep it separate from clothing.
Many travelers carry at least one extra large cube. On the outbound journey, it stays empty. On the way home, it becomes a catch all for:
- Dirty laundry you want to keep apart from clean clothes
- Souvenirs or gifts
- Pajamas and loungewear you reach for every night
Having this flexible extra cube often makes unpacking at home as simple as moving a few large blocks instead of dozens of loose items.
Best large packing cubes for different travelers
Below you will find standout large cubes, grouped by the type of traveler and priorities they suit best. Use these examples to decide what features matter most to you, then compare against any options you are considering.
Patagonia Black Hole Cube, Large 14L: Rugged and spacious
If you need a tough large packing cube that can handle rough travel, the Patagonia Black Hole Cube, Large 14L PR is a strong fit. It offers a 14 liter capacity and is made from durable recycled polyester ripstop with a weather resistant TPU film laminate. This construction helps shield your clothes from light rain or dirty hostel floors.
The clamshell design opens flat and reveals two compartments, which makes it easy to separate jeans and sweaters, or clothes and accessories. Because of its sturdy structure, it handles heavier items without sagging and is especially useful if you move around often, pack into cars or buses, or carry your gear through variable weather.
You might like this cube if you are a backpacker or digital nomad who wants one large, rugged organizer for bulky items and does not mind a bit of extra structure compared with ultra thin cubes.
Shacke Pak 5 Set (extra large cube): Long trip capacity
For family vacations or extended trips, the Shacke Pak 5 Set includes an extra large packing cube that measures 17.5 by 12.75 by 4 inches. Made from water resistant nylon, this cube has the volume you need for trips up to about 14 days, especially if you combine it with smaller cubes from the same set.
This extra large cube can hold multiple pairs of pants, dresses, or outfits for a single person, or you can use it as a shared cube for two children’s clothes. Because it comes as part of a broader system, it is also easy to assign each family member one large cube plus a smaller matching cube for underwear or pajamas.
If you are new to packing cubes and want a bundle that covers most of your organization needs in one purchase, this set is an approachable place to start.
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes (XL): Maximum shared space
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes include an extra large size at 17.3 by 13 by 3.54 inches. This cube offers ample room for multiple travelers’ belongings, with compression zippers that help you maximize space once everything is inside.
The nylon fabric is not fully waterproof, so you will still want a separate solution for damp swimsuits or toiletries. However, the combination of large volume and compression suits couples or families who prefer one big cube per person rather than several smaller ones.
Because it can take over most of a backpack or suitcase compartment when fully packed, you will want to be intentional about how you arrange your other cubes and gear around it. Pairing this extra large cube with a few slim packing cubes for shoes or accessory pouches helps you avoid wasting the remaining pockets of space in your bag.
Calpak Packing Cubes (large): Stylish and structured
If you like your travel gear to look as good as it functions, the Calpak Packing Cubes set is worth a look. The large cube in this set measures 16.75 by 12 by 3.5 inches and typically covers about half of a rolling carry on. It is made from durable polyester and features a mesh panel, so you can see what is inside without unzipping.
The set comes in several colors and patterns, which makes it easy to assign each traveler in your group a different shade. This is especially helpful if you are sharing one big suitcase for a weekend trip but still want to keep everyone’s things separate.
Calpak also offers Large Compression Packing Cubes that are expandable by 4.5 inches. Expanded, they measure 16.75 by 12 by 4.5 inches, and when compressed they slim down to 16.75 by 12 by 2.5 inches. These are designed to hold roughly 2 to 5 days of clothes or bulkier items like coats. Calpak even recommends keeping one of these large compression cubes empty on the way to your destination, then filling it with souvenirs for the return trip.
When shopping on Calpak’s website, you can choose to add Return Coverage for a small fee at checkout, which then covers free returns and exchanges if the cubes do not work as expected. This gives you some flexibility to test sizing with your particular suitcase.
BAGSMART Compression Travel Packing Cubes (large): Everyday value
The BAGSMART Compression Travel Packing Cubes are a solid middle ground if you want practical compression without paying premium prices. Their large size cube comfortably fits three pairs of pants and a hoodie, which makes it ideal for your bulkiest clothes on most trips.
BAGSMART also offers the Blast Compression Travel Packing Cubes, which include a large cube that expands to 14.96 by 10.24 by 5.91 inches and compresses down to just 1.77 inches in height. Heavy duty compression zippers and flexible but structured polyester fabric help the cube maintain its shape while you slim everything down.
These cubes work well for business travelers who pack both casual and work clothes. You can dedicate the large compression cube to jeans and hoodies and then use a non compressing cube or garment folder for dress shirts and blazers to limit wrinkles.
Travelpro Essentials Large Expandable / Compressible Cube: Carry-on friendly
If you are focused on carry on only travel, the Travelpro Essentials Large Expandable / Compressible Packing Cube is designed with that in mind. It offers ample room for several rolled or folded items, such as T shirts, shorts, pants, dresses, and button down shirts, while still fitting comfortably in either a carry on or checked bag.
This cube features an extra zipper for compression, which lets you expand to pack everything, then compress the air out to reduce volume. It is made from highly durable, tear resistant, and quick drying polyester, and the wrap around zippers with tabbed pulls are easy to open and close, even when the cube is full.
A breathable mesh section on the soft top allows air circulation and visibility, and when expanded and packed, these cubes stack neatly. That means they can double as wardrobe organizers once you reach your destination, sitting on shelves or in drawers like small, portable drawers. Travelpro backs this cube with a one year limited warranty for the original purchaser or gift recipient, as long as you keep your proof of purchase.
Osprey Straightjacket Compression Sack: For serious space saving
Although technically a compression sack rather than a traditional cube, the Osprey Straightjacket Compression Sack is worth considering if you want to compress larger volumes of clothing into a very compact form. Available in eight and twelve liter sizes, it earned a strong compression rating of 7 in tests, which speaks to its ability to shrink bulky gear.
This option is well suited to backpackers and hikers who need to pack puffy jackets, sleeping layers, or bulky cold weather gear alongside more rigid items. Because it compresses into more of a cylinder than a flat block, it may fit better in top loading backpacks than in slim suitcases.
You can pair an Osprey compression sack with more traditional packing cubes for men or packing cubes for women to keep the rest of your wardrobe neatly folded, then reserve the sack for outerwear or reserve clothing you do not need until later in the trip.
Thule Compression Cubes (medium / large equivalent): Structured compression
Thule’s compression cubes are available in a two pack with a small and medium size, although the medium often functions as a large cube for shorter trips. These cubes feature a structured rim and water repellant nylon, which makes them ideal for compressing bulky items like sweaters and also isolating aromatic goods such as coffee or spices if you shop while you travel.
They also earned a compression rating of 7 in testing, which reflects both their robust construction and the quality of their YKK zippers. The structure around the edges helps maintain a rectangular shape even when tightly compressed, which makes them easier to stack in a suitcase than very soft packing cubes.
If you value an organized, grid like interior and sometimes carry odd shaped items that benefit from a slightly firmer container, Thule’s cubes deserve a close look.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate and Reveal (large sizes): Lightweight and washable
For travelers who prioritize washable and water resistant materials, Eagle Creek’s Pack-It lines are practical options. The Pack-It Isolate cubes use polyester ripstop that is both water resistant and machine washable, and the largest cube in the ultralight set weighs only 1.3 ounces. Its angled zipper creates a tub shape that helps it stand open while you pack, which is handy if you often pack on the bed or floor.
The Pack-It Reveal Cube Set was relaunched in 2024 using 100 percent recycled 300 denier polyester fabric, and the three cube set suits most travelers. Interestingly, the largest cube in this set is labeled “medium,” yet it comfortably fits shirts, shorts, and insulating layers for about a week of clothing for many people.
If you want a balance of visibility, durability, and low weight, these Eagle Creek cubes make sense. You might combine a large Isolate cube for heavy layers with Reveal cubes for everyday outfits and undergarments.
REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set (large): For overpackers
If you tend to add a few extra items “just in case,” the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set gives you a bit of wiggle room. The large cube measures 14.5 by 10.5 by 3 inches and can expand and compress. This lets it hold more clothing without completely taking over your suitcase.
The set includes small and medium cubes as well, so you can divide your wardrobe logically: large for pants and sweaters, medium for shirts, small for underwear and socks. The compression feature helps keep everything contained even if you end up packing more than you planned.
This kit suits occasional travelers who want a versatile set that works with both carry on and checked bags and who appreciate the flexibility of expansion on the outbound trip and compression on the return.
Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle Del Día: Colorful and sustainable
If you want your large packing cubes to reflect your personality as well as your values, the Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle Del Día offers a fun, eco conscious option. These cubes are made from repurposed leftover materials in a multicolored patchwork design, and each set is unique.
The sturdy construction and clamshell opening make them practical, while mesh lining on the sides allows your clothes to breathe. Since Cotopaxi is a Certified B Corp, you also support a company that emphasizes social and environmental responsibility.
You can use the largest cube for jeans and sweaters, or reserve it as a shared family cube for beach gear, towels, or extra layers. The bright colors make it easy to spot quickly in a crowded suitcase or under a hostel bunk.
How large cubes fit into a full packing system
Large packing cubes work best when they are part of a complete setup that includes different sizes and specialized organizers. Here is how they typically fit into a broader system:
- Large cubes
Use these for bulkier items like pants, jeans, sweaters, and hoodies. In many cases, one large cube can hold a full week’s worth of clothing, especially if you roll garments and layer them efficiently. - Medium and small cubes
Medium cubes handle shirts and shorts. Small cubes are perfect for underwear, socks, bras, and accessories. Many travelers follow advice similar to Pack Hacker’s approach of reserving large cubes for bulkier clothes, medium for T shirts, and small for underwear. - Compression cubes
When you want to reduce volume, compression packing cubes let you tighten everything with a second zipper. You can use large compression cubes for sweaters and jackets and non compressed cubes for more delicate or wrinkle prone items. - Specialty organizers
Dedicated packing cubes for toiletries keep liquids contained. Packing cubes for shoes isolate dirt. You can round out your main clothing cubes with these to prevent spills and scuffs.
If you are starting from scratch, browsing a curated list of best packing cubes and reading detailed packing cube reviews can help you quickly narrow down your options based on your main bag size, your typical trip length, and whether you check a bag or stick to carry on only.
A simple rule of thumb: let your large cubes hold the volume, and let your small cubes handle the details.
Once you adopt that mindset, you will find that packing, unpacking, and even living out of your suitcase on longer trips feels less like a chore and more like sliding drawers in and out of a compact, portable closet.
Matching large cubes to your next trip
To choose the best large packing cubes for your upcoming travel, start from your specific scenario and work backward:
- First time international trip
Choose a well rounded set that includes at least one large cube, like Shacke Pak or REI’s expandable set. This gives you room for a week of clothes plus smaller cubes for essentials. - Frequent business travel
Combine a structured large cube, such as Travelpro’s or Thule’s, for casual wear with separate, non compressing cubes for work shirts and trousers. This mix keeps your suitcase neat without over wrinkling work clothes. - Backpacking or digital nomad life
Look at lighter, durable options like Eagle Creek Isolate, Patagonia’s Black Hole cube, or Osprey’s compression sacks, and pair them with slim lightweight packing cubes to keep your pack comfortable on your shoulders. - Family vacations
Consider systems like Calpak’s sets or Shacke Pak, where each traveler can have a distinct large cube and color. Add kid focused organizers through packing cubes for kids so you can prepack outfits by day and hand them out quickly in the morning.
If you build your packing around one or two large cubes and then fill in gaps with smaller organizers, you will spend far less time digging for that one T shirt or missing sock, and more time actually enjoying your trip.
FAQs
What size counts as “large” for packing cubes?
“Large” varies by brand, so compare dimensions. A common versatile cube is around 14″ x 10″ x 3″, while “XL” often pushes past 16–17 inches long.
Are large compression packing cubes worth it?
Yes if you pack bulky layers, share luggage, or need carry-on efficiency. Compression cubes use a second zipper to reduce volume by removing air and bulk.
Do compression cubes wrinkle clothes more?
They can. Use compression for casual wear (hoodies, tees, denim) and keep dress shirts/blazers in non-compression cubes or a garment folder.
How many large packing cubes do I need?
Most travelers do well with 1 large (bulk) + 1 medium (tops) + 1 small (essentials), then add a spare cube for laundry or souvenirs.
How should I arrange cubes in a suitcase?
Place larger/heavier cubes first, ideally opposite the shoe side, then fill gaps with smaller cubes for stability and easy access.
What’s better for backpacks: cubes or compression sacks?
Cubes keep a rectangular “drawer” shape; compression sacks can be better for bulky outerwear and odd spaces. For backpacking, choose lighter fabrics and sizes that don’t block access.
