I fly almost 100,000 miles per year and don't travel without these packing cubes from Calpak
- Packing cubes can make your travels much easier, simpler and more organized.
- The best packing cubes are very durable, easy to maneuver and come in multiple sizes and colors.
- Calpak's five-piece packing cube set is not the cheapest on the market, but in our real-world tests, it's not only one of the prettiest designs but one of the most durable.
I resisted packing cubes ... for years. They seemed like an unnecessary gimmick that over-complicated packing. But, having become a packing bag convert, it's true: If you want to be more organized when you travel, fit more in your suitcase and potentially keep yourself safer from bed bugs in the process, you need packing cubes. But like with everything else, packing cubes are not all created equally.
Once you decide to make packing cubes part of your long-term packing strategy, you'll want one of the best options on the market. Consider Calpak packing cubes. I have used them for the past year and a half and put them through the wringer. After tens of thousands of flown miles and dozens of trips under their zippers, I can say they are head and shoulders above many other packing cube options that I've tried.
Calpak five-piece packing cube set: $68
What to look for in good packing cubes
After going through a few less-than-amazing packing cubes that didn't hold up beyond a trip or two, the best packing cubes I've tried have a few things in common. They come in a variety of sizes, have strong zippers, are washable, are made of a material that can stand up to both heat and routine use and have a waterproof pouch.
The least expensive packing cubes are often made of thin nylon that is likely to not hold up well, especially if heated in the dryer (which I recommend doing, more on that to come). While not essential, it's also great if the cubes you choose come in colors or designs that are fun and something you enjoy.
Having cubes in different colors can help with some useful strategies such as organizing your cubes by day or by person, especially when you have the whole family along for the journey. Even just putting the first 24 hours worth of stuff you will need in one packing cube can help so much with that first night and morning in the hotel.
Related: Why you should use packing cubes
Why we like Calpak packing cubes
Calpak makes its packing cubes out of a thick mesh and polyester material that has held up extraordinarily well across our theme park trips, ski adventures, cruises and beyond.
The handles, cute patterns (such as marble and polka dot) and see-through mesh that allows for breathability as well as a peek at what's inside, are all reasons I like Calpak. However, those are just "nice to haves" as far as I'm concerned.
What makes Calpak a brand that I've ordered with my own cash not once -- but twice -- is how well it holds up to extended real-world use. Specifically, after bringing bed bugs home in my luggage from a trip a few years ago, I've forever changed how I pack and unpack.
Now, to reduce the risk of repeating that nightmare, my luggage never comes into the house. Instead, it lives in the garage in big plastic bins, and only the clothes and the packing cubes come in and out. However, these items do not come straight into the house. They are first heated in the dryer for about 30 minutes to kill any potential bugs.
Packing outside or in the garage is pretty tough without packing cubes, but very simple if all you have to do is put some fully packed cubes in your luggage and hit the road. This all may sound extreme if you've never lived through bed bugs, but it's really not hard once you get the hang of it.
Unlike some other brands made of less durable material, my Calpak packing cubes have survived many rounds of heat in the dryer without any noticeable impacts — something that cannot be said for many other brands.
Additionally, the cubes have waterproof pockets that you can use to keep wet or especially dirty items separate from the rest of the items, meaning that the last morning's jump in the pool won't make your whole bag a bit soupy.
Related: 13 must-have travel items the TPG team can't live without
What's in a Calpak packing cube set?
In the five-piece Calpak packing cube set (currently priced at $68) you get:
- One envelope pouch (13" x 10" x ¼").
- Two small cubes (12" x 8 3/4" x 3").
- One medium cube (15" x 11" x 3").
- One large cube (17" x 12" x 3").
The large and medium cubes are what I get the most mileage out of, though occasionally the small ones play a role for swimsuits, underwear and other really small items. I've found those small cubes are also handy for some of my youngest kiddo's things since they are smaller in size than adult items.
The entire packing cube set weighs in at 1.8 pounds, so they add very little to the total weight of your bag, even if you use multiple packing cubes in your luggage.
In my Rimowa carry-on, I can usually fit two large and one medium Calpak cube, along with some other assorted items such as a curling iron and a pair of shoes.
Bottom line
Since I'm on the go so frequently — often packing for the whole family in the process — and I'm pretty stringent with how I now try to avoid bringing home bed bugs, I'm very tough on my luggage and packing cubes. I've been through at least a half-dozen different packing cubes brands in recent years, and while there are certainly cheaper options than Calpak, I haven't used any that have held up and met my needs nearly as well.
If you aren't in a rush to purchase packing cubes, stay on the alert for Calpak sales and coupon codes, especially when they occasionally clear out some limited-time prints.
The cost is higher on the front end for Calpak cubes versus more budget-friendly packing cube brands. But, given the 18 months that I've had these in my own rotation, I'm comfortable recommending these as a top packing cube pick, as they have held up fabulously for mile after mile without any damage or issues.
As an added bonus, the marble colors are cute and fun to see as you do the not-so-glamorous tasks of packing and unpacking.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.