After traveling to 100 countries without a checked bag, I know a thing or two about efficiently packing my carry-on bag.
The things that are always with me when I travel are my prescription medication, battery pack, glasses case and laptop. However, there’s another often overlooked piece of travel gear I take with me on all my trips: packing cubes.
I use packing cubes on every single trip, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a month abroad. They provide organization and make it easier to decide what to pack. Plus, they make it easier to fit more in a small bag.
Nowadays, there are many different brands, each selling their own version of a packing cube organization set. However, some are better than others — and, as you’d expect, they come at various price points too.
Let’s take a look at an inexpensive option from Hotor that we found on Amazon for just under $10.
These packing cubes help you stay organized and expand the usable space in your carry-on bag, all while staying under $10. This set of six packing cubes includes various sizes and a drawstring bag for endless ways to pack.
How I found the Hotor Packing Cubes
Preparation is key when it comes to travel. Packing for a trip can be challenging for many. Knowing exactly what to bring for a trip comes down to trial and error.
Packing cubes let me pack more clothes and help keep everything organized. In addition to making the process of packing easier, packing cubes have allowed me to make a “home” for every item I pack in my bag. This allows me to bring exactly what I need without worrying if I’m overpacking.
I found these inexpensive packing cubes while looking for a beginner-friendly set to introduce a newer traveler to using packing cubes. At under $10, there’s very little risk in trying these first before upgrading to a more expensive set.
Why the Hotor Packing Cubes are a score
For just $10, Hotor’s packing cubes are a great way to see the benefits of using packing cubes without breaking the bank.
They’re made of a lightweight polyester material and they have a mesh top panel so you know exactly what’s packed in each cube. The mesh window on one side also keeps the packing cubes breathable, reducing scent transmission from dirty clothes.
The packing cubes are thin, lightweight and durable. The entire set weighs less than 1 pound and won’t add any extra weight to your luggage, which is especially important when it comes to one-bag travel and packing light in general.
The six-piece set comes with three cubes (small, medium and large), one shoe bag, one drawstring pocket and one underwear bag. This gives you plenty of options in how you pack them on your trip.
I like to pack according to each clothing item I’m bringing on my trip. In the large packing cube, I was able to fit six everyday T-shirts, a dress shirt and an extra pair of pants. In the medium packing cube, I was able to comfortably fit seven pairs of boxers and seven pairs of socks.
Finally, I also like the fact that the Hotor Packing Cubes have a minimal design. There aren’t any large logos or other branding, so it won’t ruin the look of your travel gear.
Bottom line
Packing light and staying organized when traveling is an art, and packing cubes make that much more attainable. I’ve tried many different brands of packing cubes over the years and can recommend only a handful.
At just under $10, the Hotor Packing Cubes are a solid choice. They provide organization and help maximize precious luggage space. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to make your next trip more enjoyable, try using them on your next trip.
Looking for a new travel credit card? Check out CNN Underscored’s list of the best credit cards currently available.