Never Overpack Again: Tried-and-Tested Packing Cubes from Away, July, Beis, Monos, and Level8

[@ItsTheKellys]

Which packing cube is your favorite in the video? Which one is your least? Let’s talk about it!

[@kimnikki08]

I love the feel of my Monos cubes. Like you said, you can definitely feel the difference and the quality of them

[@merrillundgren1790]

My husband is a bit unconvinced about packing cubes because he feels that you don’t use the space “in the grooves” on the side with the handle. I was playing with some Eagle Creek ones I have but never used, last night. I thought I’d love the compression, but didn’t. But I like the concept of cubes in general (I’ll use them without the compression). Planning a month long trip with a carryon and a personal size backpack. 😃

[@ItsTheKellys]

@@merrillundgren1790 have you seen my video where I proved that packing cubes help take up 1/2 the space? Show him that haha. If you pack with the grooves too much, the handles don’t go up and down easily! But in a packing video coming up, I use cubes AND the grooves

[@merrillundgren1790]

@@ItsTheKellys I’ll totally look for it!!! New to your channel ❤️❤️

[@WestiBrazell1950]

I put socks in the grooves of the handle side (without cubes).

[@stefanisoliman]

"If you don't have luggage with compression then...that sucks." 😂😂

[@ItsTheKellys]

😂😂😂

[@fionacarter5358]

Thank you for your video. I had packing cubes and now have moved onto compression cubes. I prefer the compression, but it was so easy to overpack. In a recent trip, I just placed all the clothes I could fit into my carryon (without cubes, just folded) , took them out and then used three compression cubes for everything. One for large pants and shirts, one medium for sleep/active wear, one small for bras, socks and underwear. They were not bulky and I had room to use a large laundry bag plus toiletries. 10 days travelling and a wash day halfway during the trip. It was a struggle to not add extra but worth it 😀

[@ItsTheKellys]

That’s awesome! So proud!

[@shellytaylor9500]

Another very thorough comparison! Thanks again!

[@DeepDiveProductions]

Thank you SO MUCH for this in depth review !

[@ItsTheKellys]

You are so welcome!

[@patriciateague8677]

I bought the Away cubes when I bought my Away Carry-on à few years ago and they are holding up very well. The sizes are very practical. I actually put 2 pairs of shoes in the smaller one. They do hold more than you think and I like that they are softer so you can squeeze things around them.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’m glad to hear that! I have one packed for my next trip and it’s holding so much!

[@chevonnecurry1500]

You just helped me decide to order the away packing cubes. I was also surprised you picked away.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I may not like their suitcases, but their cubes are nice!

[@lisaellis7137]

Great job- per usual! We have the Level 8 cubes because- as you’ve stated- they came with the luggage. That was my first experience with packing cubes- so I always judge all the other ones by them. They were great the times that I’ve used them. But now I’m into the mesh, nylon ones with the handles. I’ve purchased Bagail Packing Cubes and just recently their Compression Cubes) from Amazon. Haven’t used either yet. I just bought Ebags & Shacke cubes because- you said so. 😅 I’m traveling next month. So I’ll let you know what I think. I’ve been eyeing the Monos. But the price always got me. I have enough cubes now, tho. And they don’t seem to compress well. So I won’t be purchasing those. Thank you for that. Like the post up there said- I have an unhealthy amount of cubes. 😂. HELP!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Between the two of us, we have them all! Haha. To be honest, the Monos ones are not worth it. They worked ok in this video, but I would never use them.

[@danieloneil1101]

I have the Away packing cubes which I use in conjunction with the Away Bigger Carry On Flex. I love that they are designed to fit together in my suitcase. It makes me so happy knowing that if I can fit all my clothes in my packing cubes, then my clothes will fit in my suitcase with no problem-and it’s quite satisfying slotting the cubes into place! Another benefit I appreciate is being able to lift the cubes out of my suitcase and put them into a dresser drawer or on shelves-it makes unpacking a suitcase so quick and easy, which is perfect for trips like my last where I was often staying only 1-2 nights in each place. I don’t know how I ever managed before having packing cubes. The convenience, organization, and peace of mind they offer makes them worth every penny.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Yes packing cubes are the best! All of the cubes are made sizing wise for suitcases, but I do love the away ones!

[@lquirouette1]

I just joined your channel and appreciate the insight and expertise about how you travel with less. I am doing research about luggage because we are going to Ireland and Scotland next year and that is how I came across your channel.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thank you! Let me know if you have any questions! Happy to help 🥰

[@lenoremarie7632]

I have two sets of the monos and I honestly love them

[@ItsTheKellys]

That’s great to hear!

[@bobsmith4304]

I use different packing cubes but none of these. You did an awesome review. I do agree that cubes needs to be in different sizes and not bulky.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Which ones do you use? :)

[@rosac8168]

I bought some years ago and only used them twice ! Last week was looking for them and can’t find them so I guess I’ll have to buy them again

[@ItsTheKellys]

haha oh no!!

[@edmiddleton8138]

Hi Lauren. Love your videos. Based on your videos I'm gonna order a Monos Carry on and was thinking of adding some compression cubes. It seems from the above video that the Monos was the only compressible cubes and that you were mainly concerned with it being hard to compress the Monos but that you thought the quality was good. It would seem to me that any of the compression cubes would be hard to compress given that they all are similar in design. I also think it depends on what you put in the cubes as to how hard it is to compress. If it's say a down jacket then it will compress easily. You also mentioned the Monos being the most expensive but they were also the only compressible cube with dual zippers (which would make it more expensive). In Canada I can get the 6 pack of Monos compression cubes on sale for $98 Cdn ($72 US) of which I'll be able to use the smaller 4 for the carry-on and use the larger 2 for our larger checked bags when we use those. The "Lean Travel" compression bags which also seem to be very good are $49 US on amazon. So a bit cheaper and seem very similar. All to ask, do you think the Monos in comparison to other compressible cubes is good? Thoughts? Sorry for the long post.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’m honestly not a fan of compression cubes at all. I’m 100% normal cubes all the way, at least for my trips. I’m currently traveling with the July ones

[@reptoJane]

I've used cheap Amazon packing cubes and more fancy ones. Up until very recently, I loved my Zuca packing set up, but also disliked the fact that they only have a single zipper v. double zipper pulls. My new fav are by Monos. I really like the fact that they compress. That is such a game-changer for organization!

[@jerrygranata445]

Couldn’t agree more. LOVE my monos cubes. Not only do they compress but when not compressed they have the side walls which stay stable to hold the cube open. So often I’ve tried cubes and the sides are so flimsy that it makes packing them difficult. Monos cubes are well worth the $90 price tag, IMHO.

[@PerriesPassport]

Own the Away (along with the carry-on) and love them! Great review and I totally agree with your assessment.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Yay! Still my favorites!

[@sylviaescarcega6616]

Thanks for the review!I Always much appreciated. I also have a lot of packing cubes but none of these....and I think I will keep the ones I already have even though you are tempting me 😄. I use ultralight packing cubes. While they have no shape and do not hold up when empty, they are a must when traveling with strict weight restrictions (e.g. TAP Air Portugal.....which does weigh carry-ons often at the boarding gate, especially when flying economy). Ultralight packing cubes can also conform easier to luggage shapes, and the most expensive ones have other nice features (water-resistance, odor-free, durability, recycled, etc...). I have Osprey, Eagle Creek, and Trevelon. Other smaller and medium-sized packing cubes I use are made by Tom Bihn, but these do hold up their shape and their quality is amazing. They are not ultralight but are lightweight, and are super versatile because they can also be used as daily purses.

[@ItsTheKellys]

To me, use the packing cubes that work for you! Using light cubes is especially smart with those stingy international airlines and their weight requirements. I will keep some of those brands in mind when I reach out to more companies down the road. Thanks for watching!

[@TrumpetGapper]

Thanks for the reviews. I do use some compression cubes for my personal item (backpack, former Bento Bag). I always can't stand how compression cubes have such a bow. Just can't see that they actually save space in a suitcase. Sticking with my cheap eBag packing cubes, but thanks for verifying I'm not missing out.

[@ItsTheKellys]

My Ebags are still my faves :)

[@susandiekmann]

I have an unhealthy amount of packing cubes of various brands, but really tempted by your top two! Funny that you found some with labels, since my son and I said that feature would be great when we were using packing cubes for the first time in 2017. None of the brands I own have the label feature...What I REALLY need is a carryon with a compression side! Thanks for another great review, Lauren!

[@ItsTheKellys]

I really really wanted to love the BÉIS ones! I wish they had the smallest size with smaller ones and they would have been number one!

[@JenniferKeegin]

Great video - I have the six pack of Away packing cubes and love all the different sizes! I need smaller ones not big ones and I use them in other bags, not just the Away suitcases. I know you aren't a huge Away fan, so thanks for always being objective!!

[@ItsTheKellys]

I definitely want to give Away another chance! Im very into these cubes and very into their other bags!

[@lisamintzer4516]

Which Away bags do you like? (My nieces and one of my sons love their Away Bigger Carry on suitcases. I chose a Monos Carry On Plus for me.) I have my eye on the Away Everywhere bag. I like that it opens almost all the way and has a separate laptop compartment. I am vaccinating between that and the Nomad Lane Bento.)

[@mgpef02]

These are great but I’d probably just stick to my Amazon ones for now. I’ve got a few from Tripped, Gonex, Travelon (favorite), and plastic compression bags from samsonite. I love the travelon for the mesh and nylon. Tripped and gonex are ok but I agree that compression isn’t everything. Better bring wrinkle release spray! I haven’t tried out the samsonite plastic ones that you push out the air. They were for my teen that wrestles in her clothes. This was a great video. If I had to chose then I’d go with the July.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I love my ebags and shacke pack cubes still as well. Thanks for watching! ♥️

[@christinakalb5987]

I have Eagle Creek dirty/clean cubes. I really like the dirty/clean feature for climbing trips, as climbing clothes get really gross (especially if I've worn them multiple days) so it's nice to be able to separate them. They are the only cubes I've found with the dirty/clean option, so I wish more companies made this.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I have the dual compartments with my tripped cubes! I have used them on my last two packs!

[@christinakalb5987]

@@ItsTheKellys Which tripped cubes have the dual compartments? I was on their website, but didn't see ones that specified they had dual compartments

[@ItsTheKellys]

@@christinakalb5987 this one! amzn.to/3NBaULH

[@sarahknee3315]

I just purchased the XL Tripped mesh set before finding this video. How do you like those? Now I’m thinking that I don’t want compression cubes, I’d rather have compression in a suitcase-which I don’t currently have. I’d also like them to be a little more structured so that the edges don’t collapse-that way they work better for staying organized…

[@amandahobson1602]

I have the away packing cubes and used them once so far. I liked them. I also just bought the Tripped set and am interested to see how those work. It might be mix of them for my trip to Hawaii.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I always do a little mix depending on what I’m packing. My next trip I have a small away cube and a tripped double sided cube

[@TriciaLaLonde]

Just bought the Monos compression cubes from their Magnolia Bakery collection…. So nice!

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’m Glad you like them!

[@TriciaLaLonde]

@@ItsTheKellys Do you know when the next Monos sale will be?

[@xqueenfrostine]

I don’t understand the purpose of extra large sized packing cubes. Packing cubes are meant to organize your bag through compartmentalization, but if your cube is so big that it takes up an entire side of your suitcase you may as well just packed everything directly into the suitcase. Cubes that take up half of one size of a suitcase is the biggest size I want to see in a packing cube set.

[@GeminiRan]

That big one fills up the carryon but would be half of a check-in. For winter clothing you'd need a bigger one for it to be of use.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Agreed!

[@ItsTheKellys]

I used two mediums for my winter trip! One for clothes and one for outerwear accessories. (Did a video of it!)

[@xqueenfrostine]

@@GeminiRan the size difference between a carryon and most checked luggage is not so great that a XL packing cube is going to take up only half of one side. That Beis XL packing cube is 17.5x12.5, and the interior of their largest suitcase 16.5x 29. That means even in their own luggage, using the large cube could make playing packing cube Tetris a little awkward. Also, unless you’re packing something truly bulky like a snow suit or a long heavy coat (which I wouldn’t bother packing in a packing cube anyway), no you don’t need the XL packing cube for winter clothes. I pack for winter trips using the same set as I do for summer clothes, and while I may get fewer items per cube than I would when packing for my summer trips, my sweaters and sweat shirts pack up just as well into a medium sized cube.

[@Listen2me400]

One thing I like about using cubes is when the bag is open and you drop it your things aren’t all over the floor.

[@cindyyinger5718]

Great video. It was very helpful. I just got the Monos Carry on Plus and I was thinking about the cubes. Not my fav after watching your video. I’ve been traveling with a double sided packing cube and I love it. Anyone else use one of these? Thanks again for all your GREAT information.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I have the double sided from Tripped travel gear and it’s my new favorite 100%

[@bgar9818]

I’ll be looking into ordering a set of Away cubes, thanks for this video! On a different topic and maybe an idea for a video ; I’ve been wondering about using a travel agent to book an international trip, never used an agent before, have you and what are your thoughts about that in general? Also group travel tours, they look doable and safe for someone like myself who doesn’t really want to travel alone. Would love to know your thoughts and suggestions!! Thanks Lauren😊

[@ItsTheKellys]

Hi! I’ve never used a travel agent because I’ve always had a talent for booking and researching, and truly enjoy the process. As for group trips, I have 4 HUGE trips next year that are group trips: China/Japan, India, Bolivia, and Papua New Guinea! I’ve never technically done a group trip before (I’ve created some!) but I think it can be a wonderful idea, as long as the itinerary is exactly what you want to do, or have some free time. Do keep in mind that there are either single supplement rates, or rooming with a stranger options :)

[@bgar9818]

Thanks Lauren!!

[@kryssygee4814]

Palllooooozzzaaaaa!!! 😂 Ah ~ you do such a good job!!! You know what… I’m thinking that i would like to start using packing cubes to organize my other things~ like my journal stuff and my art stuff. Imagine it in just the right-sized packing cube. Wow - so great to just zip open a cube and have all the things i would want to use.🎉 Pop it in a tote - tadahhh!! (Not fussy when it comes to brands of cubes but i do use mid size and smaller cubes way more often.) ❤

[@ItsTheKellys]

I use mine for all of my hair extensions 😂😂

[@wadkins101]

Great video! How to handle all the choices you have to make with luggage and accessories?

[@ItsTheKellys]

It’s so hard 😂 it all depends on what I’m packing and the airlines!

[@BillandLaurenDoStuff]

When I bought my July carry on I bought their 8 pack, actually in the same sky blue you got. They are nice, but I'm not sure they are any better than the ones I bought from tripped travel. Nice comparison!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thank you! And I LOVE my tripped ones!

[@BonnieChanzit]

Do you have a review on the newer BEIS compression packing cubes?

[@ItsTheKellys]

I don’t. I don’t really like to use compression cubes

[@BonnieChanzit]

Thank you for getting back to me. @@ItsTheKellys

[@plramirez2449]

I like the washable ones. The mesh net is not a game changer for me only because of the fact that i like my clothes protected from dirt, water, bed bugs, smells. I like a set that is a combination of small and medium mostly because the large i doesnt always allow me room in non compression duffels or luggage. I do like shoe, dirty laundry and wet bags to keep my luggage clean and dry especially if i pack up with non used outfits

[@kararusselo9205]

LOVE your videos, have been so helpful in choosing luggage! I’m now shopping for compression cubes, could you please compare monos/gonex/tripped? Thanks!!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thank you :) I did monos and Gomex with others here, and probably won’t be comparing any other cubes for a while. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2mro6mij75krMk My current go-to is the double sided one from tripped, with the small compression one from tripped for undergarments

[@kararusselo9205]

That’s what I needed to know, thank you so much!!

[@Unlyshed]

I watch a ton of your videos and love them! Always so well done and informative. One thing I noticed is you don’t review Calpak a lot, especially in the comparison videos. Any particular reason? That’s one of my favorite brands and though I love BÉIS, I think Calpak is a little better quality. I would love to hear your thoughts on them.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Calpak is the whole reason I started reviewing luggage. One of their pieces of luggage broke on my honeymoon but I do have a review of the Calpak Luka Carry on schedule to come out Saturday. Thanks for watching!

[@craigo2142]

It would have been interesting to see a "cheap" set compared even if they didn't have the same brand suitcase. I use Amazon cubes and like them just fine. Figure if one or all go bad, I can replace it pretty cheap. I don't like compression cubes. They downsize some but always look wonky with slim edges and bulky middles. Keep up all your interesting, educationist and fun videos.

[@ItsTheKellys]

This is my third packing cube comparison video. It was a request to compare the same brands that I reviewed in my luggage videos. Now that I have my favorite from here, maybe one day I’ll compare them to my others. But to me, as long as there’s a medium and a small, I’m good!

[@wasmadeinthe80s]

Have you tried the Away cubes in the Monos Hybrid Carry-On? Wondering how they fit because the Hybrid Carry-On is my go to for luggage but I'm not huge on the cubes.

[@ItsTheKellys]

All of the cubes are designed with luggage sizes in mind, whether it’s the standard carry on size, the larger one, or checked sizes. I use all cubes in all brands :)

[@DavishayLawrence]

Hi! I know I’m late, I recently found your channel and love it! Have you ever tried folding clothes with compression cubes instead? If so, did that make a difference? Thank you for your content! ❤

[@ItsTheKellys]

I do a fold/roll combo depending on the garments. Still not a fan, as they get too hard and mis-shaped.

[@buildingbread]

If you email them, Beis will replace some non-luggage items. I bought the commuter duffle, and they sent me a new one.

[@Listen2me400]

Purchased a Monos Carryon Plus bag and with the purchase I got the 4-piece packing cubes at a discount. They seem very well made but the compression aspect does not impress. It seems as if eventually the seems will rip. Used without compression they’re fine. I am thinking about getting the away ones.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Away and July are still my favorite. You couldn’t pay me to use compression bags to be honest haha

[@kakesandpie]

Have you seen the Tropic Feel Smart Packing Cube? Seems like a cool concept and it comes in two sizes. I would love to know your thoughts on it.

[@ItsTheKellys]

It made me say “meh”. The idea behind it is there, much like Solgaard luggage, but it doesn’t seem to actually fit alot in it. If I ever get the opportunity to review it, I will. My current favorite is the double one from tripped travel gear. Fits my entire capsule wardrobe and I can separate my items.

[@IndiaDelgado]

Also would love to see you review the vibes from peak design and nomatic. I’ve been looking at those but I think it’s cause I have a videography business and those brands are super popular in that industry.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’ve reached out to both of those companies several times with no response, unfortunately.

[@gena_unknown]

I bought the gonex compression cubes over a year ago and love them. Thank you for the recommendations. Recently the Biaggi Ultimate Compression Zip Cube has been all over my feed. I searched your playlist, have you done a review on it? I’m also intrigued by their compression bags. It can get difficult packing work 10 day work trips on a carryon. I have stuck with it, but this last trip I ended up shipping stuff home 😅. I’m wondering if the double sided compression will save room overall

[@ItsTheKellys]

I have actually just created some content for them, so you will see my ads soon enough on that ultimate compression cube, it’s great! Hoping to review it eventually for them too :)

[@gena_unknown]

@@ItsTheKellys awesome!! Have you tried the bags? Does that mean you will have an affiliate link? If so I will want to use it :)

[@johnjulie6657]

May I ask what you think of the Heys packing vubes

[@ItsTheKellys]

They are great. Extremely lightweight.

[@neshachristian-hendrickson5598]

Can you review the Biaggi ultimate packing cube?

[@ItsTheKellys]

Im trying to :) they haven’t responded to me! Check out the double one from tripped travel gear too :)

[@hmadlenka]

The question is...are these better/worth it compared to some generic ones you can find on Amazon etc.? I've been looking at getting a set of packing cubes but don't want to spend a fortune.

[@ItsTheKellys]

These are my favorite Amazon ones! They are great! amzn.to/3XknbaI

[@s.k-z1f]

I was hoping if I read through all the comments I would find your amazon favorites! Thanks...I have learned so much from you already, after only a few of your videos! @@ItsTheKellys

[@IndiaDelgado]

Hey Laura! I’m going on a trip soon and purchasing my first set of packing cubes. What would be your top two recommendations? I want something that will last. This first trip will be a 6 days but I’ll multiple sizes for longer trips. Thanks!!

[@ItsTheKellys]

The main one I use now is the double sided one from tripped travel gear. It is the best one i own by far. amzn.to/3EcqesP

[@IndiaDelgado]

@@ItsTheKellys thank you 🙏🏽 I really appreciate you. I sent you a super thanks on another video I meant to add it here. But I’ve been binging your content lol! Haha. I’ll check these out!

[@ItsTheKellys]

@@IndiaDelgado thank you so much🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@lovestodive1879]

Interesting comparison. Not a huge fan of packing cubes so if I were to get any of those it would probably be the Away just because they did pack down for storage so small. Here is a weird question and you do not need to do a video, just me going hmmmm. Would the Away (or any of the others) fit well into another brand. Example, say I got a wild hair and got the Away, would they fit well in the Beis carry on?

[@ItsTheKellys]

All packing cubes are always made with luggage dimensions in mind, and even though there are 2 standard carry on sizes and 2 standard checked sizes, all brands cubes should fit in everyone’s bags. I mix and match all the time :)

[@danakolpin1289]

Have you heard of Tripp packing cubes or Eagle Creek ….?

[@ItsTheKellys]

I haven’t used eagle creek but I do use a lot from tripped travel gear. I have an entire packing cube playlist :)

[@seastarbutterfly]

Packing cubes need to come in an assorted color pack. Red for shirts, blue for pants, etc.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Agreed! But now I need to show you how to put shirts and pants in one ;)

[@drewboox]

Honestly, the monos should be number one but if you calculate the price, yes it’s a bit expensive but you get what you pay for and the monos is basically a 2 in 1; compression/packing cube where as the others are just packing cubes.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Over a year later and the only ones I use from this video are the Away and July ones! I really struggle with the Monos ones and they definitely don’t fit as much. Plus, they are about 4x as heavy as a cube the same size from Away or July.

[@james22939]

Your the best friend

[@DianaTorres-gj9ql]

Do you roll or lay flat

[@ItsTheKellys]

It depends on the clothing item!

[@auntlynnie]

I feel like compression cubes just turn a cube into a football. They compress around the outer edges more than the middles.

[@ItsTheKellys]

100%

[@lynn-888]

I have Eagle Creek compressible packing cubes, but (last night) bought the Monos ones to go with my new carry-on. They are on sale for Father's Day! I am somewhat afraid to watch this review right now...

[@ItsTheKellys]

They just don’t hold as much stuff as the other cubes. I’ve tested them several times, and don’t personally love them. But some people do! You will have to let me know what you think!

[@chevonnecurry1500]

I kind of think the large packing cubes that take up almost one side are a waste. I think it’s a conspiracy by the designers lol. Also I have noticed only a few companies have designed the cubes to really fit perfectly in their luggage.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Agreed. Medium and small all the way! If I had my own design, I know exactly what I would do, based on size, packing ability, color, and how much it can hold!

[@spark_6710]

​@ItsTheKellys Please design & sell 'em !! Lol. I trust yours ! I am a newbie to cube packing ...haven't bought any,yet ! I almost did it many times !! Lol 👍👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞

[@spark_6710]

So many swear by it & some others say there's not much difference & don't waste our money on those !! After watching so many videos of those cube packing guide videos ,I came to yours as I know I can trust your judgements / techniques on packing !! Lol.👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶✈️👝🎒🛍💞

[@ItsTheKellys]

Any packing cube is going to be better than nothing, but I definitely find some to be better than others, of course it’s all personal preference:) hehe

[@spark_6710]

@@ItsTheKellys I see ! Very good to know !! Thank you ! Thanks so much for !! 👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶✈️💞