ECOHUB Compression Packing Cubes: Worth Your Money in 2024?
Compression packing cubes are a travel hack that can make your life easier. But (and there is a big but), get the wrong ones and you might as well throw your money down the drain. We’ve been through many – some didn’t even get into the suitcase before the zip broke.
We’ve finally found our favorites – the ECOHUB 6 pc Compression Packing Cubes. After 6 months of constant and intensive use, they’re still going strong.
I’m sharing this review to save you from the months of trial and error that we went through.
TLDR: ECOHUB compression packing cubes are worth your money in 2024.
What Is a Compression Packing Cube?
Simply put, compression packing cubes are packing cubes that compress. These zip-up bags not only help you organize your clothes but compress them to save space in your case.
Unlike standard packing cubes, they have a dual-zip feature. After packing your clothes and closing the cube with the first zipper, the second zipper squeezes out excess air.
While compression cubes reduce bulk, they don’t reduce weight, so it’s still important to pack wisely (note to self).
There’s some debate about whether they’re worth it compared to standard packing cubes. But as a full-time traveling family of four, we can confidently say they are! I’ll explain my reasons in this review.
Benefits of Using Compression Packing Cubes
So, why am I so enthusiastic about compression packing cubes? Since discovering ECOHUB Compression Packing Cubes, our travels have been infinitely smoother thanks to the following benefits.
Reduced Anxiety at the Airport Gates
You know the dreaded baggage sizer at the airport? Compression cubes are a godsend. They keep everything neatly packed and compressed, making it much easier to fit within notoriously strict airline limits.
Happy Kids
If your little ones insist on bringing their favorite stuffed animals, compression cubes allow them to pack those toys without hogging all the space. Take Potato, for example—Pip’s most beloved (and oversized) companion. Normally, Potato would dominate an entire backpack. But pop her into a compression cube, and suddenly, Pip can bring clothes and toys without sacrificing anything. Happy child, happy parent.
No More Wasted Time
There’s no need to spend time unpacking and repacking at each stop. You can simply slide the compression cubes out of your case and straight into the drawers. Packing up when it’s time to leave is a piece of cake. Just a quick run around to grab the toiletries and odds and ends, and you’re good to go. Less stress, and more time to enjoy your trip? It’s a ‘yes please!’ from me.
Easy Access
Ever had a juice box disaster before even boarding the plane? It’s not just us then. With everything organized in cubes, finding that spare set of clothes is quick and hassle-free. We pack each family member’s clothes in separate cubes. The kids’ cubes are stashed in their backpacks making it even easier because there’s no need to open the suitcase to find what we need.
Leave the Travel Iron at Home
I won’t promise wrinkle-free clothes, but they’ll be in far better shape than if you just stuffed them in your case haphazardly. Since we started using these cubes, the iron has become a semi-endangered species on our travels.
Hide Valuables
If you want to keep your unmentionables—or anything else—out of sight, compression cubes have you covered. We’ve all been through the airport security line praying they don’t pull out the big knicks – haven’t we?
You can also hide credit cards, jewelry, or important documents between layers of clothes in your cubes. Even if someone gets into your bag, finding your valuables won’t be easy. This adds extra peace of mind when you leave your bags unattended in hotel locker rooms or on public transport.
ECOHUB Compression Packing Cubes: An Honest Review
ECOHUB 6 pcs Compression Packing Cubes
With a good set of compression cubes, you too can enjoy all the above benefits when you travel. Check out our review of the ECOHUB Compression Packing Cubes below to see why we think these ones in particular are among the best.
The Pros
1. Versatile Fit for All Your Bags
These cubes come in a range of sizes, making them perfect for different packing needs and bag types. The large cube fits perfectly into one side of our Eastpak Tranverz S carry-on, while two medium cubes sit neatly side-by-side on the other. Each of the kids’ backpacks can hold a medium and a small cube stacked on top of each other. Check out the table below for the exact measurements of each cube.
| ECOHUB Cube Size | Measurements (cm) |
| Large | 42 × 30 × 13 |
| Medium | 34 × 24 × 10 |
| Small | 30 × 22 × 10 |
2. Easy Packing and Unpacking
Some compression packing cubes only open halfway, which can be a real hassle. While there might be some logic to that design, it’s not for me. Thankfully, ECOHUB’s cubes open fully, making packing and unpacking MUCH easier.
3. Sturdy Zips That Last
I’ll admit it—I’m not exactly gentle when I pack. But ECOHUB’s zips have stood up to the challenge, even when I’ve really put them to the test. Flimsy zips are one of my biggest pet peeves, and we’ve been burned by them before. But with ECOHUB, the stitching around the zips is strong, and so far, not a single zip has failed us. Knock on wood!
4. Long-Lasting and Resilient
ECOHUB Compression Packing Cubes are crafted from tough ripstop nylon, which features raised squares that prevent tearing. Unlike other packing cubes we’ve tried that quickly show signs of wear, these hold up remarkably well. They feel more structured too—keeping their shape even when not compressed, which makes them perfect as drawer organizers at your destination.
5. Easy to Grab and Go
The built-in handles are handy when pulling the cubes out of a tightly packed bag. Placed perfectly on the top of each cube, these handles let you easily grab them from top-loading backpacks. Plus, since they’re made of fabric, they don’t take up any extra space.
6. Quick Visibility for Easy Access
These cubes are semi-transparent, so you can easily get a glimpse of what’s inside without having to unzip them to check.
7. Good to the Planet
Sustainability is key for us, and so ECOHUB as a brand aligns with our values. These cubes are made from the equivalent of 32 plastic PET bottles. It feels good to support a brand that’s doing its part to protect the planet.
8. Exceptional Value for Money
For under £30, we got an impressive set of five Compression Packing Cubes (1 large, 2 medium, 2 small) plus a bonus shoe/laundry bag. The value was so irresistible that we ended up buying two sets. To put this in perspective, other top-rated brands like Eagle Creek offer just two compression cubes for around £50, and Thule’s set of two comes in at about £55.
9. Elevates Your Travel Style
The sage green trim around the seams adds a touch of style that’s both subtle and sophisticated. These cubes not only feel high quality but also look the part.
The Cons
1. Adds Extra Weight to Your Luggage
When you’re down to the last gram (like I usually am), every little thing in your case has to earn its place. Compression cubes aren’t weightless, so you need to be strategic. Having said that, for me, it was worth ditching an unnecessary item to keep the cubes. They’ve proven their worth many times over.
2. Zips Take a Bit of Manhandling
To be fair, I really cram these cubes to the max. Getting them zipped often means I’m practically kneeling on the cube while my husband inches the zip around. I feel like I’m scraping the barrel a bit here as I’m impressed that the zips have held up this long! This con is more a testament to the cubes’ durability than a major drawback.
3. Limited Color Options
If you’re someone who loves to coordinate your travel gear, the limited color options might be a downside. While the sage green trim is stylish, you may prefer more variety to match your personal style or easily differentiate between your family members’ cubes.
Alternatives to the ECOHUB Compression Cubes
If you’re curious about other options, consider Eagle Creek and Thule. Both brands offer solid alternatives, though I still find ECOHUB to be the standout for value.
Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes vs. ECOHUB
Both the Eagle Creek and ECOHUB compression packing cubes are made from durable ripstop nylon, ensuring they hold up well over time. They also share the convenience of a quick-grab handle on top.
However, when it comes to style, the ECOHUB cubes have the edge with their sleek sage green trim, while the Eagle Creek cubes come in a solid blue that, in my opinion, isn’t quite as stylish.
Another key difference is visibility. ECOHUB cubes are semi-transparent, allowing you to see what’s inside without unzipping them—something the Eagle Creek cubes lack. This small detail can make a big difference in the convenience of your packing experience.
But the real deal-breaker for me is value for money. As a family of four, we need around 10 compression packing cubes between us. At £50 for just two Eagle Creek cubes, we’d be looking at a hefty £250 to cover our needs! In contrast, the ECOHUB cubes offer a much more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. For just £60, we were able to get all 10 cubes we needed.
For us, ECOHUB is the clear winner in this comparison. However, if you’re traveling solo and need fewer cubes, the Eagle Creek compression cubes could still be a good option.
Thule vs. ECOHUB Compression Packing Cubes
When comparing Thule compression packing cubes with ECOHUB, a few key differences stand out.
Thule offers their cubes in three solid colors—white, blue, and green. While the product images suggest some transparency in the fabric, it seems like it would be harder to see what’s inside compared to ECOHUB’s semi-transparent design.
In terms of style, the Thule cubes have a more masculine look, which might appeal to some, but for me, they’re just not as visually appealing as ECOHUB’s sleek sage green trim. Of course, style is subjective, so it depends on your personal preference.
On the practical side, Thule cubes, like both ECOHUB and Eagle Creek, come with a convenient grab handle on top, and they’re also made from durable ripstop nylon. So, in terms of functionality, they hold their own.
However, the biggest drawback for me again is the value for money. At just under £55, you only get a medium and a small cube from Thule. That’s not enough for even one person, especially if you’re a long-term traveler like us.
The only reason I could see someone buying these compression cubes over the ECOHUB ones would be if they liked the more masculine-looking design.
Even with Thule and Eagle Creek in the mix, we still believe ECOHUB are the best packing cubes for families.
How Many Compression Cubes Do I Need?
As a general guideline, a large cube and two medium ones should fit nicely into a carry-on-sized bag like the Eastpak Tranverz S. For an under-seat backpack, a medium and small cube can stack on top of each other. We’re a family of four, and we use 10 ECOHUB compression packing cubes between us.
To give you a clearer idea, here’s how we do it:
Two Eastpak carry-on cases: Each case holds one large and two medium cubes.
Two Backpacks: The kids carry their clothes in a small cube, with their soft toys squished into another small one.
That adds up to 10 compression cubes altogether—two sets of ECOHUB’s 6-pcs packing cubes.
If you’re traveling solo with just a carry-on and a rucksack, one set should be enough for you. If you’re carrying more, simply scale up based on our example.
Best Way to Pack with Compression Packing Cubes
- Split Clothes into Piles: We create a pile for each family member—two adults and two kids. If you’re traveling alone, you can indulge in more detailed organization. Separate warm and cold-weather clothing, or go granular with trousers, tops, and dresses. The choice is yours!
- Fold vs. Roll: Travel experts often recommend folding clothes for compression cubes, but I like to mix it up. I usually roll bulkier items and lay them across the bottom, then fold lightweight clothes to place on top as the cube fills up. It’s a bit rebellious, but it works!
- Zip It Up: Zipping can be a two-person job. One person can press down on the cube while the other guides the zip around. As you zip, hold the seams together and tuck in any stray fabric to avoid catching it in the zip.
- Give It One Last Squeeze: This step is optional, but I swear by it for that extra bit of compression. After zipping, I stand on the cube and wiggle around a bit. This squeezes out any remaining air, making the cube even flatter.
- Pack Your Bags: Now it’s time to fit the cubes into your bags. Keeping the kids’ cubes separate is a smart move—you’ll appreciate it when dealing with that pre-boarding juice box explosion I mentioned earlier!
Summary: Choosing the Best Compressible Packing Cubes
To wrap it up, finding the right compression packing cubes for travel comes down to a few key features:
- Durable ripstop fabric
- Sturdy zips
- A fabric grab handle
- Some level of see-through design for easy access
- Eco-friendly
- Value for money.
Ready to get organized for your next trip? Check out the ECOHUB compression packing cubes for yourself on Amazon!
ECOHUB 6 pcs Compression Packing Cubes
Frequently Asked Questions
Both methods work, but it depends on your preference and what you’re packing. Rolling is great for maximizing space and minimizing wrinkles, especially for bulkier items. Folding can be more efficient for lightweight clothes and helps create a flat, even layer in the cube. You might find that a combination of both gives the best results.
Compression packing cubes themselves are lightweight, so they won’t add significant weight to your luggage. However, they won’t reduce the actual weight of your clothes, so it’s still important to be mindful of how much you pack.
Absolutely! Packing cubes help keep your luggage organized, make packing and unpacking easier, and can even help save space. Compression packing cubes take it a step further by squeezing out excess air, allowing you to fit more in your bag.
Regular packing cubes help organize your clothes, but they don’t compress them. Compression packing cubes have an additional zipper that compresses the contents, reducing bulk and allowing you to fit more into your luggage.
While packing cubes are incredibly useful, they do add an extra step to the packing process. Also, if you overstuff them, zipping them up can be challenging. Finally, they don’t reduce the weight of your items, just the space they take up.
Clothes can get wrinkled in any type of packing cube, especially when they’re tightly compressed. However, careful folding or rolling can minimize wrinkles, and some fabrics are more wrinkle-resistant than others.
Yes, compression packing cubes can save space by compressing your clothes and reducing bulk. This allows you to fit more into your luggage, making them particularly useful for carry-on-only travel.
To get the most out of your compression packing cubes, sort your clothes by type or family member, fold or roll them as needed, and pack the cubes efficiently. Compress the cubes by zipping them up carefully, and then arrange them in your luggage for easy access and organization.
