BAGSMART 6-Set Compression Packing Cubes Review: The Only Set I've Restocked

I've bought this exact set twice now, which is either a glowing endorsement or proof I'm hard on luggage. Given the zippers are what usually go on cheap cubes first, and mine haven't, I'm going with glowing endorsement.

The BAGSMART 6-Set Compression Packing Cubes is the overall pick on our packing cubes list, and for a solo carry-on it hits the size mix that actually matters: large, medium, and small cubes plus a shoe pouch, each with a second compression zipper, for under $32.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick note on prices: everything below is in USD unless I've flagged otherwise — most of these picks are US-sourced, even though I'm reviewing them from Australia.

BAGSMART 6-Set at a glance

What the compression actually does

Each cube has two zippers: one to close it normally, and a second parallel zipper that presses the air out once it's packed, flattening a stuffed cube down noticeably. The mesh top panel means you can see what's inside without unzipping, genuinely useful at a security checkpoint or digging for a charger in a dim hostel room. Each cube also has a see-through label window with a slip-in card, so you can mark "tops" or "chargers" instead of guessing by feel.

Pro tip: don't max out a cube before zipping the compression seal, the fabric underneath can jam in the zipper if you've overstuffed it. Pack it three-quarters full, then compress.

What we like

• Full size range plus a shoe pouch, which most 4-piece sets skip, meaning shoes stop touching your clean clothes.
• Compression that genuinely works, not just a marketing bullet point, the before-and-after difference in a stuffed cube is real.
• Label windows make repacking after laundry day faster than memory-based sorting.
• Priced for a full 6-piece set what some brands charge for 3, hard to beat on cost per cube.

What could be better

• No extra-small size, so very small items (jewelry, cables) end up loose in the small cube rather than in their own compartment.
• Compression zippers can jam if you overpack, a five-second annoyance but worth knowing before you're rushing at a gate.
• Not as bomb-proof as pricier ripstop sets. If you want a set built to outlive several trips a year for a decade, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Original is the sturdier buy.

Who it's for

Solo travelers who want one set that covers a full carry-on without buying pieces separately, and who'd rather have 6 well-sized cubes for $30 than 3 bulletproof ones for $45. It's the set I hand to anyone asking "do I actually need packing cubes" as a low-cost way to find out.

BAGSMART 6-Set Compression Packing Cubes — the set I'd actually restock. 6 cubes, compression zippers, mesh top panels. Typically $28 to $32. Check price on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Does the compression zipper actually save space?
Yes, noticeably, especially on bulkier items like sweaters. It won't work miracles on a genuinely overpacked bag, but it buys back real room.

Is the shoe pouch big enough for real shoes, not just sandals?
It fits two pairs of everyday shoes (sneakers, flats) comfortably. Bulky boots will be a tighter fit.

How does this compare to the Eagle Creek Pack-It Original?
You get twice the pieces and a shoe pouch for roughly the same total price, but Eagle Creek's ripstop fabric and reinforced zippers are built for more years of hard use.

Can I use these in a backpack instead of a suitcase?
Yes, they work well in a backpack since they hold their shape and stop clothes shifting around inside a soft-sided bag.

See how it stacks up against the other 3 picks in our full packing cubes comparison for solo carry-on travel.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.