Best Packing Cubes for Every Kind of Trip (2025), Tested and Reviewed
Other Packing Cubes We Tried
GoRuck Packing Cube for $25 (for 1, 10L flat): I loved the 15 x 10 x 3-inch size I tested of this rugged, 200-denier nylon cube with a mesh front. It fit almost anything I needed for any occasion, with a convenient carry handle and signature GoRuck American flag patch on the front. However, they are pricey, and unless you need them to match your GoRuck gear, there's nothing about them that stands out above comparably priced cubes.
Amazon Basics for $16 (set of 4): This four-pack of cubes with sturdy-mesh windows and ripstop-like fabric was comparable in quality to brands four times the price. However, Bagsmart's cubes were the same price and even sturdier, so they just edged these out for the top budget slot.
Away the Insider Packing Cubes for $45 (set of 4): I like that these come in 10 trendy colors, many of which match Away's luggage. However, after testing over 20 different brands and types at various price points, these cubes just didn't stand out. The material was very thin and was indistinguishable from those of some of the cheaper Amazon brands, and the zippers were small.
Shacke Pak Packing Cubes for $25 (set of 6): These were pretty good quality for an Amazon brand; there's a sturdy handle and the material is slightly thicker than other packing cubes at this price point. I like the mix of mesh for breathability and opaque fabric for privacy. They come in nine colors, but the colors are clownishly bright and the four-paneled mesh design reminds me of a jock strap. Shacke says it uses YKK zippers on all its packing cubes, but I peeled back the cord covering the zipper and could not find a YKK insignia anywhere.
Gorilla Grip Packing Cubes for $22 (set of 8): These were the least expensive packing cubes I tested, and unfortunately, it showed. The material was very thin, and the zippers were janky. I do like that they come with a shoe and laundry bag, however, and when not being used they fold down quite small. They come in a range of colors, with a nice mesh window while not being totally see-through. Hand wash only.
Other Travel Accessories We Like
Courtesy of Calpak
Calpak Luka Zippered Passport Wallet for $35: Whether you're traveling internationally or just neglected to update your driver's license before the US Real ID deadline (guilty), a passport wallet is a must. This stylish, puffy number from Calpak holds not only your passport, but cash, cards, and even your phone in a pocket on the front. The only down side is that it is quite large, about the size of a contemporary paperback book, and it doesn't have a handle or loop, so it is awkward to carry if you don't have a purse large enough to accommodate it.
Gorilla Grip Luggage Straps for $15 (set of 4): If you tend to travel with your hard-sided checked bag while it's expanded, you might have noticed the somewhat alarming lack of structure. Both hard sides contain their own strapped-down loads, flopping around while connected only by a thin fabric zipper. I rely on these straps to hold my precariously packed suitcase together when it's being launched off the scale onto the conveyor belt or thrown around on the tarmac. And as a bonus, the bright color (the company has nine to choose from) makes your bag easy to spot on the baggage claim carousel.
Kusshi Travel Jewelry Organizer for $49 (medium): I don't know how I lived so long just throwing jewelry willy-nilly into a toiletry bag, but I don't advise this unless you want to spend your first night on vacation untangling necklaces. For the ultimate in space-saving organization, you can't top this hanging model that folds down to be perfectly flat. The medium size features three tiers of soft-lined, PVC-fronted zippered pockets for earrings rings, bracelets, watches, and whatever else you might need, plus a nifty necklace holder with loops and snaps. The large size has the same, but with twice as many sections. When closed, it folds up flat about the size of an iPad.
Photograph: Kat Merck
How I Tested
I've been testing toiletry bags and adjacent accessories for the past seven months, using them daily in my bathroom and taking them on trips every few months. For the initial testing round for packing cubes, I inspected each cube or set of cubes for features and materials. I tested how smoothly the zippers zipped open and closed, and how easy it was to use any compression feature. I packed various cubes with bulky sweatshirts and sweatpants to see how many pieces I could fit in the largest cube. Then, at the end of the testing period, I packed a cube from each set in three suitcases and took them on a weeklong cross-country trip, assessing how easy they would be to pack or unpack, or if anything bothered me or my family amid the stress and unpredictability of travel.
Why Not Just Use a Ziplock Bag?
This is the question I see most from travelers suspicious of using packing cubes. Ziplock bags are inexpensive, and you can see everything inside. Why would one spend $25 or even $100 on a set of packing cubes when a box of 2.5-gallon bags costs $5? It's a valid question, and one I set out to investigate by packing a couple of slide-lock Hefty bags along with my packing cubes for a weeklong trip. I discovered few things.
• Packing cubes are breathable. This is especially helpful on the way back home when most or all of your laundry is dirty. If your clothes smell like anything—anything at all—you will be hit in the face with that smell after they've been sitting in an airtight plastic bag.
• Packing cubes are durable. Unlike a plastic bag, packing cubes won't rip, burst, or develop unexpected holes.
• (Some) packing cubes are compressible. Can you fit five days' worth of pants and shirts in a plastic bag? Probably not. But you definitely can in a compressible packing cube, like some of the options above.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
26 minutes ago
- CNN
The Nomadix Festival Blanket turns any terrain into a lounge space. Here's why it's my new summer staple
As soon as spring temperatures begin to creep over 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the sun emerges from behind the clouds, I race to get outdoors and embrace the weather (and a good book) as soon as I can. And an afternoon spent lounging at the park, pool or beach isn't complete without a good blanket to spread out on. For years now, I've seen and even written about the Nomadix Festival Blanket, which promises to give you a comfortable and protective surface to lounge on, no matter where you are. Nomadix towels are already staples on my travel packing list, and after testing the Festival Blanket for myself over the past few weeks, it's quickly become one of my most essential pieces of outdoor gear and surely will remain so for many summers to come. Nomadix Festival Blanket The Nomadix Festival Blanket turns any terrain into a lounge space. Designed with a waterproof, dirt-resistant base layer and a soft top to lie on, it's a great companion for park picnics or days at the beach. The durable build and its lightweight, packable design make it well worth the $70 price tag. It holds up against the elements What sets the Nomadix Festival Blanket apart from the throw blanket on the back of your couch is that it's designed with the outdoors in mind. The blanket is made of two layers: The first is a microsuede top layer designed to keep lounging comfortable, and the second is a water-resistant bottom layer to keep you clean and dry on damp or dusty ground. The bottom layer is really what makes this a blanket built for the outdoors, and by protecting you from damp grass or sticky sand, the Nomadix Festival Blanket turns pretty much any surface into one you can sit on. During my testing, dirt, sand and water rolled right off the bottom layer of the blanket. These elements were equally as easy to shake loose from the blanket once my park or beach day was done, which helped ensure my tote bag didn't end up full of debris. Both the top and bottom layers of the Festival Blanket are made from postconsumer recycled polyester, which might make you feel a little less ecological guilt for buying something new. It's comfortable Once it's spread out, the Nomadix Festival Blanket looks and feels, for the most part, like a normal picnic blanket. The blanket overall is pretty thin but still has enough protection to keep you from feeling like you're sitting directly on the ground. The microsuede top feels soft to lie on, and, unlike other blankets I've tried, the material didn't stick to my skin once my arms and legs started to sweat, which I appreciated. The blanket is also spacious. I'm 5 feet, 7 inches tall on a good day and was able to comfortably lie down across the blanket with plenty of room left over for my bag, books or an extra lounging companion. Nomadix's Festival Blanket comes in 14 different print options, and I found the blue polka dot design decorating my blanket utterly adorable. It's a small thing, but it brought me a little extra dose of joy to see the bright pattern sprawled out in the sunshine. Despite how cute it looks, it's worth noting that the microsuede top isn't quite as element-resistant as the blanket's bottom. When shaken or brushed off, sand and large dirt particles are easily removed from the blanket, though darker dirt or mud clumps might leave behind some stains. The top is also not water-resistant, so if you spill your drink or hop down onto the blanket after a dip in the ocean, it'll stay damp unless you allow it to dry out in the direct sun. Any discoloration left behind by dirt or spills was gone after I washed the blanket, but just know that you'll be compromising some element-resistance on the top for the sake of comfort, which I found to be a pretty fair trade. It's lightweight and packable On my first outing with the Nomadix Festival Blanket in tow, I didn't head to the park right away. Instead, I roamed around New York City for a few hours — running errands, doing some window shopping and even checking out some new exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art — all the while shocked that my shoulder wasn't feeling weighted down by the blanket I was carrying. When I did finally make it to the park, I took the blanket out of my bag and spread it across the ground without any issues. When it first arrived at my door, I expected the blanket to be much heavier than it is. Despite the generous 60-by-72-inch size, it only weighs 2 pounds. I also anticipated the blanket being thicker, since it has two different fabric sides, but it folded up small enough to easily throw in my tote bag along with a water bottle, wallet, e-reader and other odds and ends. Plus, the Nomadix blanket actually stayed folded up and compact while it was in my bag, which isn't always the case with outdoor blankets. This made it easier to see the rest of the items I'd packed and prevented me from having to take the blanket out of my tote to dig for something underneath it. To test its packability even further, I stashed the Nomadix Festival Blanket in my carry-on for a weeklong trip to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It was no trouble to throw in my duffel bag and fit comfortably in my Mystery Ranch daypack when I wanted to take it on beach excursions. In all these instances, I almost always forgot I had a full-size blanket in my bag, since the Festival Blanket is both lightweight and low profile when folded up. It doesn't include stakes One of the best things about the Nomadix Festival Blanket is that it's designed with loops on each of the four corners so you can secure the blanket to the ground using stakes. Because the blanket is so lightweight, the corners do have a tendency to fold back on themselves on windy days, so being able to stake the blanket to the ground can make a world of difference, preventing you from getting wrapped into a blanket burrito and having to readjust your spread every few minutes. But the Nomadix Festival Blanket doesn't come with its own set of stakes. This isn't a deal breaker, and Nomadix clearly states that stakes aren't included with the blanket on its site. All it took was a run to my local hardware store and an extra $6 to find stakes that would do the job. Alternatively, you could grab a few sticks or rocks from around your lounging site, but when you're shelling out $70 for a blanket, it'd be nice if there were some stakes already thrown in with the purchase. It's not cheap Look, $70 is a decent amount to spend on a blanket, especially when you could get by using an old throw or sheet for your summer outings. However, it's worth considering that the Nomadix Festival Blanket provides more protection from the elements than any old fleece throw. Compared to other waterproof outdoor blankets from competitors like Yeti, RTIC and Rumpl, the Nomadix Blanket is cheaper by a margin of anywhere from $30 to $130. Even less expensive outdoor blankets, like this one from still start at around $60. Given the quality of its build, its packability and the cost of competing outdoor blankets, I don't think $70 is an outrageous price to pay for the Nomadix Festival Blanket, especially since I'm confident that it's durable enough to last for many years to come. The Nomadix Festival Blanket is an all-around great outdoor blanket, and now it's really the only one I think of grabbing when I see that the sun's out. It's thoughtfully designed with stake loops, a soft microsuede top and a waterproof, dirt-resistant bottom that ensures the elements stay where they belong. Though it's big enough for two people to sprawl out on, it's still lightweight and portable enough to carry around all day, making it great for those who like to explore. If you already have a picnic blanket or beach blanket that's serving you just fine, you probably don't need to shell out $70 on the Nomadix Festival Blanket. But if you're looking for a replacement, an upgrade or a gift for the adventurous folks in your life, the Nomadix Festival Blanket has proved to be a versatile outdoor blanket that makes a great companion for any outing. Can you wash the Nomadix Festival Blanket? Can you wash the Nomadix Festival Blanket? Yes, the Nomadix Festival Blanket is machine-washable. After a few days dirtying up my blanket at the park, I machine-washed it with a load of other towels and linens using the cool temperature setting. You can hang the blanket to dry to save energy, but I took the convenient route and tumble-dried mine on low heat. It came out looking as good as new with no visible fading or damage. How do Nomadix blankets compare to other outdoor blankets? How do Nomadix blankets compare to other outdoor blankets? It's hard to say how the Nomadix Festival blanket compares to every outdoor blanket out there. Previously, I was using this Therm-A-Rest Argo Blanket for my park days, and I do prefer the Nomadix Festival Blanket since it's waterproof and more comfortable to lie on. While the Nomadix blanket is a bit pricier than run-of-the-mill quilts or beach blankets you can grab on Amazon, it has a much more thoughtful design. I can tell the Nomadix blanket is thoughtfully made for sitting and spreading out, as opposed to just warmth. Intentional features like the waterproof base ensure you stay dry while the microsuede top keeps you comfortable and doesn't stick to your skin as you sweat. Nomadix also makes a few other blankets, including a Blanket Towel and a Puffer Blanket, though I haven't reviewed either yet myself. We are, however, big fans of the Nomadix Original Towel for saving space and keeping us dry when we travel. CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy tested the Nomadix Festival blanket, packing it for days at the park and international vacations, to see how it held up.
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
Montauk Yacht Club: Casual Elegance In The Hamptons
Patio at Montauk Yacht Club with view of the sandy beach Montauk Yacht Club Especially enchanting in summer, Montauk Yacht Club blends contemporary flair with its classic coastal heritage. Set on a glimmering lake with a sandy beach, this seaside sanctuary is luxurious but understated. Montauk is a hamlet on the easternmost tip of Long Island's South Shore, administratively part of the town of East Hampton. Conde Nast Traveler named Montauk one of the 17 best beach towns on the East Coast. Although officially part of the fabled Hamptons, Montauk's distinct character derives from its rich maritime history and geography. The community is often characterized as more relaxed, down-to-earth, and less crowded than its trendy neighbors. Its beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound are more rugged, and visitors are more likely to find surf shops than posh boutiques. The downtown area looks like a fishing village with less pretentious eateries than elsewhere in the Hamptons. However, Vanessa Gordon, founder and publisher of East End Taste magazine, who resides on the East End, observes that Montauk has been changing over the past few summer seasons. 'More and more high-end properties, and upscale brands and businesses are heading further East, and the crowds are certainly booming more than ever,' she says. 'Although it still has that seaside charm and a strong local community, Montauk is getting a significant 'bougie' uplift.' The newly renovated Montauk Yacht Club is leading the pack. Aerial view of the sprawling grounds of Montauk Yacht Club and the marina Montauk Yacht Club Montauk Yacht Club has a storied history. In the 1920s, Developer Carl Fisher purchased 10,000 acres of land, hoping to create a 'Miami Beach of the North.' The developer is credited with putting Montauk on the map as a resort destination, investing in the area's infrastructure and roads. Fisher created the Montauk Yacht Club, a private social club on Lake Montauk that attracted wealthy families like the Astors, Whitneys, and Vanderbilts among its members. But his own wealth was short-lived. He was left virtually penniless after the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the club he founded struggled over subsequent decades with multiple changes in ownership. The club's renaissance began in 2018 when it opened as Gurney's Star Island Resort & Marina, following significant renovations aimed at restoring the grandeur of the past. The 35-acre resort's second rebirth began when Safe Harbor Marinas, owner of the largest boating network in the world, acquired the property in 2022 for $149.4 million, making it the largest realty sale in Hamptons history. The company made a massive investment, estimated at $13 million, in a total facelift of the guest rooms, villas, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, and other public spaces. The Montauk Yacht Club reopened under its historic name on Memorial Day Weekend in 2023. Proper Hospitality, which operates a collection of independent, luxury, design-driven hotels, took over management. The property includes 219 slips on Lake Montauk at the largest marina in the Hamptons, which can accommodate vessels as large as 300 feet. Set on a scenic peninsula extending into the lake, the resort includes 106 guest rooms housed in two separate two-story buildings. Rooms have private balconies or patios with views of the lake, a private sandy beach, or the courtyard and gardens. Families and groups can stay in one or more of five fully restored 'cottages,' each with 2-9 bedrooms. Originally built in 1928, this enclave is located on the former Ziegfeld Estate, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cottages have access to the Great Lawn, a Great Lawn Pool, and tennis courts. The tasteful guest room renovation includes natural white woods complemented by soft colors—grays, tans and pale blues—that reflect nature's coastal palette. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors draw attention to expansive water views and invite you to sit on comfortable outdoor lounge furniture. Spacious bathrooms have plush linens and Aesop amenities. The rooms are not only beautiful but also functional, with more than adequate drawers and horizontal space. Euro-top Chadfield Beautyrest mattresses assure restful sleep. Bathrooms with stall showers are spacious and thoughtfully curated minibars featuring local products, and each room has a Nespresso machine with aromatic Lavazza capsules. Chef Jarad McCarroll in the open kitchen of the Ocean Club Montauk Yacht Club Ocean Club Montauk is the resort's signature restaurant and bar, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. A favorite of locals, too, guests can dine inside, outside, or beside the pool, all with 180° views of the marina. The seasonal menu from award-winning South African Chef Jarad McCarroll emphasizes fresh, local seafood and produce from nearby farms. Many dishes prepared in the open kitchen are wood-fired over a grill. Intimate nook for coffee and snacks at The Market Lavazza In partnership with Turin-based coffee maker Lavazza, The Market looks like a cross between a mercato and an Italian coffee bar. Its vibrant colors and colorful decor make you feel like you are living La Dolce Vita. In addition to gourmet groceries, the market serves up sandwiches, snacks, freshly brewed specialty coffees and more, either for a quick bite or to take on a picnic or boat ride. Like other Proper hospitality locations, Montauk Yacht Club prioritizes health and well-being. Guests have 24/7 access to a gym with state-of-the-art equipment, and the Cabana Spa, partnering with Sisley Paris, provides massages, yoga, and breathwork, with instructional programs available seasonally. Scenic walkways and jetties invite leisurely sunset strolls. The resort boasts indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and sand volleyball courts, and new Padel courts. Other complimentary offerings include kayaking, paddle boarding, a harbor cruise on a private boat (owned by Safe Harbor) and use of Linus bikes for exploring. One of the boats in the house fleet that takes guests on sunset cruises Montauk Yacht Club The marina is easily accessible for boating, fishing expeditions, and leisurely excursions. The attentive staff readily assists guests in finding nearby beaches, surf spots, hiking trails, and golf courses. Ultimately, Montauk Yacht Club offers a pampered, stress-free environment that entices first-time guests to return and stay longer, drawn by Montauk's relaxation and recreational allures.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-header-living-room-presidential-suite-equinox-hotel-nyc-EQUINOXPENTHOUSE0625-0074fe8cf76a41c8aaa9424f9db69497.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
2 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This $11,000/Night Penthouse in NYC Was Designed to Give You the Best Sleep—As a New Mom, I Put It to the Test
It started as a distant pulse, a steady metronome, tugging me from the weight of my sleep. Beep, beep, beep. The sound was familiar, but not harsh. It didn't jolt; it nudged, like someone tapping on my shoulder, gently reminding me it's time. Beep, beep, beep. The noise grew closer. Warm, swaddled in a goose-down duvet, I drifted through the last threads of sleep, chasing the alarm with my fingers, a sound I hadn't heard in months. Waking up at the 212-room Equinox Hotel New York, in the popular Hudson Yards on Manhattan's West Side, doesn't feel like an interruption. It feels like a return. It had been 334 days since I had heard my alarm. With an early-rising 11-month-old, who, without fail, woke before our alarm buzzed each morning, sleep—let alone restful, continuous sleep—was a far-off dream. So when I got an invitation to spend the night at the Equinox Penthouse Suite, designed by actual sleep scientists to create an ideal shut-eye experience, I called in reinforcements: grandparents to report in for babysitting duty. A fire place lights the dining and living area. From the moment I entered the 38th-floor suite—or as the website calls it, 'sleep chamber'—I could tell this wasn't just a fancy hotel room—it was a space intentionally designed for optimal rest. Yes, it's massive—1,500 square feet or 2,000 with the optional add-on of an adjoining second bedroom—and yes, its past guest list reads like a who's who of Hollywood. But the David Rockwell decor—quiet and confident in its palate of black, gray, and warm beige—was not flashy. Inspired by Equinox Hotels CEO Christopher Nolan's apartment in Toronto, it's meant to evoke a peaceful NYC pied-à-terre. The wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling windows framed the best of the city (on a clear day, you can even glimpse the Statue of Liberty from the see-through fireplace while lying in bed), and the spacious living room and separate dining room were made for entertaining. But I wasn't here to regale; I was here to rest—and sleep is serious business at the Equinox Hotel New York. Panoramic city views from the bedroom. Jesse Dittmar/Equinox Hotels The pin-drop-silent suite is kept at a cool 66 degrees—and that and the blackout shades and lighting are easily controlled via a 'Dark, Quiet, Cool' button on a bedside iPad. But let's talk about the bed: Custom made for the brand, the king-sized nest is layered with handmade pillows and duvets using all-natural materials for optimal air circulation. Even better, there are temperature-regulating double duvets, providing individualized comfort for couples sharing a bed with even the greediest blanket hogs (guilty). 'Our Sleep System—which includes the rooms, beds, and everything on them—took two years to develop,' Nolan told Travel + Leisure . But sleep is top of mind even when you're not cocooned under the covers. The in-room AM + PM Rituals Program, for example, leads guests through meditation and movement on a massive TV to improve circadian rhythms. The apartment-sized bathroom, with a centerpiece tub, has custom Grown Alchemist products for both morning and night, each concocted with a special formula using herbs from the High Line, which sits steps away. The RoomBar, according to Nolan, 'flips the traditional hotel mini bar on its head,' with herbal, sleep-inducing teas, high-performance eye masks, superfoods, and more. And the in-room dining menu offers snacks to support natural melatonin production. Even the 27,000-square-foot spa, which has cryotherapy treatments, IV drips, and an infrared sauna, houses a Wave Table, which claims to provide the equivalent of three hours of sleep in 30 minutes. Suddenly, the $11,000/night Penthouse Suite price tag seemed like a bargain to my bone-tired body. 'We believe sleep is the most crucial aspect of one's health, which is why every touchpoint in the room and beyond is designed with the 24-hour circadian rhythm in mind,' Nolan said. And the Equinox is on to something: 'Sleep tourism' is a buzzy phrase in 2025, and it makes sense—according to the CDC, roughly 36 percent of Americans are getting inadequate sleep. As a result, guests are increasingly prioritizing their well-being on vacation. They want to do more than relax; they want to sleep, and sleep well—and so hotels are waking up to the importance of providing a good snooze. The deep soaking tub in the suite's bathroom. Jesse Dittmar/Equinox Hotels After sleeping like babies, my husband and I, energized, made our way to the 60,000-square-foot fitness club—this is the Equinox, after all—for an invigorating hour with a trainer. Guests get unlimited access to group classes and personal training, plus an indoor saltwater pool, a heated outdoor pool with panoramic views of Manhattan, and our favorite, the outdoor barrel saunas. We moseyed back to our room in our robes, as if we were hotel residents, our bodies reminded of what true rest feels like. A gorgeous room service breakfast spread—among it, what my husband claimed were the 'best blueberries he's ever tasted,' fueled us before we packed our bags and began the journey home. Just a 45-minute subway ride away, it somehow felt like we had been transported to another place and time. But as I learned in under 24 hours at the Equinox Hotel New York, sleep is less something you do and more somewhere you go .
