Have you ever been backpacking? If yes, you would agree that it is a life-altering experience that can be a lot of fun. If you are one of those people who love the outdoors and enjoys exploring, backpacking is for you. However, beware, backpacking is not always easy and one of the biggest concerns for backpackers is keeping their stuff in order.
Luckily, a simple trick can help you avoid a good 10-minute hassle of rifling through your backpack every time you need something. All you need to do is get your hands on some packing cubes!
So, are packing cubes good for backpacking? Packing cubes are great for backpacking. It is a travel accessory that can take your traveling experience to the next level by making it easy to pack and unpack in just a few minutes. This is especially helpful for backpackers as they are always on the move and may need to pack and unpack quite often.
Moreover, using packing cubes mean you know exactly where your stuff is inside your bag at all times. It saves you time and effort and simplifies traveling. If you are backpacking with a group of friends, packing cubes will make it easy to share bags.
How to Use Packing Cubes to Save Space While Backpacking
I know from experience that packing cubes can make traveling so much better. Most people believe that using a packing cube will take more space. But did you know that packing cubes can actually save space while packing?
This makes it perfect for backpackers as they prefer to travel light. The trick is to choose the right packing cubes and use them properly. Here are a few tips that can help you save space while packing and make the most out of your packing cubes.
Similar Items Go Together – Packing similar items together is the first rule of using packing cubes. For example, use a packing cube for your socks and undies to make sure they are not haphazardly scattered around your bag. Similarly, pack all your toiletries in a separate packing cube to save you trouble.
Some other things that you can keep in separate packing cubes are:
- Electronic Gadgets, cables, and chargers
- Edibles like Protein bars and granola bars
- Baby products (if you are traveling with a child)
- Important documents and cards
- Clean and dirty clothes
Roll Your Clothes – Packing cubes allow you to fit more clothes in less space. An excellent way to save space while packing for your backpacking journey is to roll your clothes before putting them in the packing cube. It will make sure that your clothes remain clean and organized at all times.
Pack More in Less Space – Use this trick when packing space is your top priority. Unzip the packing cube only halfway. Roll your clothes and keep pressing them to the back of the packing cube until it is impossible to fill any more clothes. Since the packing cubes provide an enclosed space, they compress more clothes in less space.
However, keep in mind that you may have to iron your clothes before putting them on.
Mini Suitcases for Camping – Backpacking comes with loads of camping. If you are a camper and loves to set up tents, you probably already know that a tent is a small place and it can be hard to keep it clutter free. Moreover, it usually has limited space for storage. An easy way to tackle this situation is to use your packing cubes like mini suitcases.
If you are staying at a lodge where you can leave your stuff in a locker or are can leave your stuff in your van while you live in a tent overnight, packing cubes are your best bet. Instead of hauling along all your luggage in the camp, fill your backpack with packing cubes for each day and leave the rest of your luggage in a secure place out of the tent.
Separating Clean and Dirty Clothes – No one likes to mix their clean clothes with dirty laundry in a backpack and storing them in separate bags is just not functional, especially for backpackers, as it will take a lot of additional space. An easy solution to this problem is to use packing cubes. You can stuff them full to save space while keeping the dirty smelly laundry away from your clean and fresh clothes.
Fill Up the Bag – Using packing cubes can provide you with extra packing space. For example, if your backpack has bars at the bottom, some space will be left between the bars and the packing cube when you place it in the bag. Similarly, you will have some space on the sides of the bag. Don’t forget to use this space!
Top 3 Lightweight Packing Cubes for Backpackers
Packing cubes can make traveling easier in a lot of ways. However, they cannot offer much help to backpackers if they are heavy and bulky. This is because backpackers move a lot and often have to carry their luggage for long periods. Whether you are exploring the beautiful wilderness or traveling around a new city with your bag on your back, you need some lightweight packing cubes to travel light.
1. Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter
Eagle Creek offers two main types of packing units:
Eagle Creek packing cubes are perfect for backpackers as they are ultra lightweight. They are made using silnylon ripstop and since they are available in different shapes (cube and cylinder) and sizes, you can easily fit them in your backpack irrespective of the shape and size of the backpack. Moreover, they come in different colors so you can choose the one you like the most.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Weather-resistant
- Silnylon ripstop makes it possible to see the contents inside
- Washable
- Stain repellent
- Come with a sturdy grab-handle
- Durable with strong zippers
Cons
- Pricier than similar products
- Narrow than most other packing cubes
- Not suitable for storing toiletries
2. Seal Line Blocker Dry Bag Waterproof Stuff Cube/Sack
When it comes to backpacking, wet clothes can present certain problems. Moreover, nothing is worse than accidentally dropping your bag in water. But with a packing cube like Seal Line Blocker Dry Bag, you can stop worrying about your goodies getting wet even when you are rafting down a gushing stream.
This packing cube has been designed to keep your clothes and other goods bone dry. Even if your backpack gets fully submerged in water, the goods inside the packing stuff sack will remain dry. Also, it is perfect for rainy weather!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Durable and versatile
- Allows efficient packing and space-saving organization
- Available in different colors
Cons
- Only available in the USA
- May get punctured easily
3. eBags – Lightweight Packing Cube For Shoes
Everyone knows that wet or damaged shoes can totally ruin your backpacking experience. How do you carry them and where would you store them if not in your backpack? Fortunately, you can use a waterproof travel shoe packing cube. It fits shoes of all sizes and is a top choice among backpackers. eBags Ultra Lightweight Cube Set
When not using it for shoe, you can use it as an ordinary packing cube to store small clothing items, toiletries, cosmetics, socks, and undies.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Perfect for carrying dry and wet shoes
- Provides space for storing socks
- Two-way zipper
- Can store more than 1 pair of slippers along with a pair of sneakers
- Mesh
Cons
- Thin material
- The zipper may get stuck
The Perfect Setup (Osprey Farpoint 40 Backpack + Packing cubes)
To make the most of your packing cubes, find the perfect backpack to pack them in. The right backpack is just as important as choosing the right packing cubes. For the best traveling setup, combine Osprey Farpoint 40 Backpack with packing cubes. Here’s why you’ll love this combo.
- This backpack is perfect for traveling light which is why it complements packing cubes perfectly.
- It is one of the biggest carry-on backpacks which means you can carry a lot of stuff in there. Use packing cubes to keep it organized.
- No one likes to wait in baggage claim for their bags at the airport. While it is spacious, this 40-liter sized bag is guaranteed to be a carry-on bag.
- The bag is sturdy and durable and has different compartments but it does not come with impressive organization features. This is why it goes perfectly with packing cubes.
- The bag is not waterproof but it is water-resistant. If you use it with waterproof or water-resistant packing cubes, you will never have to worry about getting your stuff wet again.
Now that you know all about packing cubes, it’s time you start packing smart and enjoy your backpacking experience to the fullest!
Related content:
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Erick is a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast. Growing up in Nairobi Kenya and now calling Glasgow, United Kingdom home. Sipping on homemade spiced swahili tea and enjoying a good book is his idea of bliss.
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