Every packing-cube convert has a first set, the cheap one that either sells them on the whole idea or ends up shoved in a drawer within a month. The Gonex 4-Piece is a good candidate to be that first set, because it doesn't cut corners on the parts that actually matter.
The Gonex 4-Piece Expandable Compression Cubes is the budget pick on our packing cubes list: four sizes (XL, L, M, S), each with a compression zipper, for well under $30.
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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.
Gonex 4-Piece at a glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Set size | 4 cubes: XL, L, M, S |
| XL cube | ~17.3" x 13" x 3.5" |
| L cube | ~14.5" x 10.6" x 3.5" |
| M cube | ~11.8" x 8.9" x 3.5" |
| S cube | ~9.8" x 7.5" x 3.1" |
| Material | Ripstop nylon, water-resistant coating, SBS zippers |
| Price | Typically $18 to $27 — Check price on Amazon → |
What you actually get for the price
Each of the four cubes has a dual-zipper compression system, the same core mechanism as the pricier sets on this list, plus grab handles for pulling a cube out of a packed bag without disturbing everything else. The fabric is ripstop nylon with a water-resistant coating and double stitching, which is more durability than the price tag suggests. The size range (XL down to S) covers a genuinely useful spread: bulky items in the XL, folded shirts in the L or M, smaller items in the S.
Pro tip: the XL cube is big enough to compress a full week of tops on its own. Start there if you're new to packing cubes and want to see the space-saving effect immediately.
What we like
- Real compression, not a token gesture, the dual-zipper system works the same way pricier sets do.
- Genuinely low price for four cubes with a useful size spread, easy entry point if you've never tried packing cubes.
- Ripstop fabric and water-resistant coating punch above the price point for durability.
- Grab handles on every cube, a small detail that makes repacking faster.
What could be better
- Only 4 cubes, no dedicated shoe pouch or laundry bag like the pricier sets on this list.
- Not backed by the kind of lifetime warranty the Eagle Creek Pack-It Original carries, so treat it as a great-value set rather than a forever set.
- Colors and exact set contents vary by listing, double-check what's included before buying.
Who it's for
Solo travelers trying packing cubes for the first time, or anyone who wants a genuinely functional compression set without committing $40+ to find out if they like the system. It's also a sensible second set if your primary cubes are mid-trip laundry and you want a spare.
Gonex 4-Piece Expandable Compression Cubes — the set to buy if you're not sure you'll become a convert. Real compression, ripstop fabric, well under $30. Typically $18 to $27. Check price on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Is a budget set like this actually durable?
For normal travel frequency (a handful of trips a year), yes. It uses the same ripstop-style fabric as pricier sets, just without the reinforced stress points or lifetime warranty backing it.
Does it include a shoe pouch or laundry bag?
No, this set is 4 cubes only. For a set with a laundry bag included, see the Shacke Pak 5-Set on this list.
How does the XL cube compare to a large cube in other sets?
It's on the bigger end, roomy enough for a full week of tops compressed down, useful if you'd rather have one large cube than split tops across two mediums.
Is this a good first packing cube set to try?
Yes, it's a common recommendation specifically because it has real compression and decent fabric at a low enough price that trying the system isn't a real financial commitment.
See how it stacks up against the other 3 picks in our full packing cubes comparison for solo carry-on travel.
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