Discover how packing cubes and organizers can transform your travel experience. This guide by Rahaal explains the best types, uses, and benefits of packing cubes for solo travelers, backpackers, and adventurers using the best travel backpacks.
Introduction
As a traveler and filmmaker behind Rahaal – The Explorer, I've been on countless journeys—from the quiet peaks of northern Pakistan to the buzzing souks of Dubai. One thing that consistently made my life easier on the road? Packing cubes and travel organizers.
They may look simple, but don’t underestimate their power. If you’ve ever dug through your bag looking for a pair of socks, you know exactly what I mean. Whether you're using the best travel backpack or just a carry-on, this travel gadget is a game-changer.
Let’s dive into how to use them, which ones to get, and why they belong in every explorer's kit.
Why Use Packing Cubes?
Think of packing cubes as your personal travel drawer system inside your backpack. They divide your gear into tidy, accessible categories.
Benefits of Packing Cubes:
- Stay Organized: Separate clothes, tech, toiletries, and gadgets.
- Save Space: Compress items and maximize room.
- Pack/Unpack Fast: Just pull out one cube at a time.
- Keep Cleanliness: Dirty clothes can be isolated from clean ones.
- Stress-Free TSA Checks: Especially when traveling with electronics.
Whether you’re setting out for a hike in Skardu or flying out to film the Dubai Miracle Garden, these simple travel gadgets save time and reduce chaos.
Types of Packing Cubes & Organizers
Let’s break down the types you’ll want in your gear list—and how they fit inside your travel backpack.
1. Compression Packing Cubes
These come with a double zipper that compresses bulkier clothes like jackets and sweaters. They’re ideal for:
- High-altitude locations like Fairy Meadows
- Multi-weather trips (like a Naran to Hunza route)
Brands to try:
- Eagle Creek Pack-It
- Gonex Compression Cubes
2. Standard Packing Cubes (Various Sizes)
Use these to sort:
- T-shirts
- Pants
- Undergarments
- Nightwear
A 3-piece set typically includes small, medium, and large cubes—perfect for fitting snugly into your best travel backpack.
3. Toiletry Bags / Dopp Kits
This one’s for your toothbrush, razor, deodorant, and other bathroom essentials.
Pro tip: Choose one with waterproof lining and a hook to hang in bathrooms.
4. Tech Organizers
Cables, SD cards, power banks, and earbuds—these items get lost easily.
A slim tech organizer is a must-have travel gadget to protect your filming and charging gear.
Great when shooting travel vlogs in places like Baboon Valley or doing drone work near K2 Base Camp.
5. Shoe Bags
Keep your muddy hiking boots or sandals from mixing with clothes.
Some shoe bags even double as laundry bags on longer adventures.
6. Laundry Cube / Wet Bag
A cube with breathable mesh or waterproof lining where you toss your used socks and sweaty t-shirts.
Essential for trekking through nature-packed destinations.
7. Document Organizer
Keep passports, travel insurance, ID, and emergency contacts secure in one place.
Try RFID-blocking models for digital safety—especially if you’re flying internationally.
How to Use Packing Cubes Effectively
Now that we’ve got our cubes, it’s time to use them like a pro.
Step 1: Choose Your Categories
Assign each cube a category:
- Clothes
- Toiletries
- Tech
- Food/snacks
- Dirty laundry
Step 2: Roll Instead of Fold
Rolling clothes helps reduce wrinkles and takes up less space. This works especially well for T-shirts, jeans, and thermal wear.
Step 3: Label or Color-Code
If you use several cubes, get different colors for easy access (e.g., blue = clothes, grey = tech, red = first aid).
Travel Scenarios Where Packing Cubes Help Most
Solo Adventures in Nature
Traveling alone means all responsibility is on you. Packing cubes:
- Prevent gear chaos
- Help locate items fast
- Keep your travel backpack lightweight and structured
I used this system extensively during my Trekking to Dudipatsar Lake – Northern Pakistan and never looked back.
City Hopping Trips
When you’re jumping from hotel to hotel or city to city (like exploring Dubai), cubes keep things in order, so you don’t need to unpack everything at each stop.
My trip to Global Village Dubai had daily outfit switches—packing cubes made quick changes possible.
Filmmaking or Photography Tours
Separate your clothing from equipment, batteries, and microphones.
When vlogging in nature (like Siri Paye Meadows), I carry:
- One cube for filming gear
- One cube for drone accessories
- One cube for emergency tech (chargers, lens cloths, cables)
Recommended Packing Cubes & Organizers for Travelers
Here are tried-and-tested gear options that fit in every best travel backpack:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing Cubes: You’ll lose the benefit of compression and mess up backpack balance.
- Ignoring Cube Sizes: Make sure cubes match the dimensions of your travel backpack.
- Using Cubes for Everything: Essentials like water, documents, and snacks should remain directly accessible.
Bonus: My Personal Packing Setup (For a 7-Day Nature Trip)
Using my 45L backpack, here’s my usual cube loadout:
- Large Cube: Pants, T-shirts, base layers
- Medium Cube: Thermal gear, nightwear
- Small Cube: Underwear, socks, buffs
- Toiletry Kit: Toothbrush, razor, sunblock
- Tech Organizer: Drone batteries, SD cards, charger, cables
- Wet Bag: Dirty clothes + shoe bag combo
- Front Pocket: Passport holder + snacks
Whether I’m filming Baboon Valley Jeep Track Adventure or hiking to Babusar Top, this setup stays consistent and efficient.
Related Travel Vlogs by Rahaal
Planning a trip soon? Watch these nature and gear-focused travel films:
- Exploring Dudipatsar Lake | Northern Pakistan
- From Kashmir’s Waterfalls to Islamabad | Northern Pakistan
- Trekking to Dudipatsar Lake | Northern Pakistan
- Baboon Valley Jeep Track Adventure | Northern Pakistan
More Blogs from Rahaal You’ll Love
Hyperlinked for extra insights:
- Top 15 Must-Have Travel Gadgets for Every Explorer
- How to Pack Light with Smart Travel Gear in 2025
- Smart Travel Gears That Make Every Trip Hassle-Free
- Best Travel Gadgets for Solo Travelers in Nature
Final Thoughts by Rahaal
Packing cubes and organizers are more than accessories—they’re an explorer’s secret weapon. They bring clarity to chaos and let you focus on what really matters: the journey, the people, and the places.
Travel light. Travel smart.
Explore like an explorer.
— Rahaal
