How to Use Compression Packing Cubes: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
Compression packing cubes can save a surprising amount of space in your suitcase, but only if you use them correctly. Most people either overfill them, zip them in the wrong order, or pack the wrong types of clothing inside.
This guide walks you through exactly how to use compression packing cubes, what to pack in them, what to avoid, and how to get the most space savings for carry-on and checked luggage.
TL;DR - How to Use Compression Packing Cubes
- Step 1: Roll or fold clothes and place them in the main compartment.
- Step 2: Zip the main compartment shut.
- Step 3: Pull the compression zip to squeeze out bulk.
- Do not overfill - leave room for the compression to work.
- Best for: soft fabrics like t-shirts, jumpers, activewear, and underwear.
What Are Compression Packing Cubes?
Compression packing cubes look similar to regular packing cubes, with one key difference: they have two zips.
- Main zip: opens the compartment where you place your clothes.
- Compression zip: runs around the outside and squeezes the contents down, pushing out air and reducing volume.
The result is a flatter, more compact cube that takes up less room in your suitcase.
Learn how compression vs regular cubes compare
Step-by-Step: How to Pack Compression Cubes
Step 1: Choose What Goes In
Not everything belongs in a compression cube. Sort your clothing into two groups:
Pack in compression cubes:
- T-shirts and tops
- Jumpers and hoodies
- Activewear and gym clothes
- Underwear and socks
- Pyjamas
- Dresses and skirts (soft fabrics)
Keep out of compression cubes:
- Stiff denim jeans (fold and place flat in your case)
- Blazers or structured jackets
- Shoes (use a dedicated shoe bag)
- Toiletries and electronics
Step 2: Roll Your Clothes
Rolling is the most effective way to pack into compression cubes because it:
- Reduces air pockets between items
- Minimises creasing
- Creates uniform shapes that stack neatly
How to roll: lay the garment flat, fold in the sleeves or sides, then roll tightly from the bottom up.
Step 3: Fill the Main Compartment (Do Not Overfill)
Place your rolled items into the main compartment. This is where most people go wrong.
The 80% rule: fill the main compartment to roughly 80% capacity. You need space for the compression panel to press down.
- Items should sit below the top edge of the cube
- Nothing should be bulging out before you zip
- If you cannot close the main zip easily, remove an item
Step 4: Zip the Main Compartment First
This is the most important step. Always zip the main compartment fully before touching the compression zip.
If you try to compress first, the clothes shift and bunch, making it harder to close either zip.
Step 5: Pull the Compression Zip
With the main compartment sealed, pull the compression zip around all sides. You will feel the cube flatten as excess bulk is squeezed out.
Step 6: Place in Your Suitcase
Stack compressed cubes flat in your suitcase. The flat, uniform shape means no dead space between cubes.
Packing order for a suitcase:
- Heaviest items (shoes in a shoe bag) at the bottom near the wheels
- Large compression cubes in the middle
- Smaller cubes and accessories on top
- Laundry bag laid flat on top for dirty clothes during the trip
Read the full suitcase packing guide
Common Mistakes When Using Compression Cubes
- Overfilling the main compartment - if the main zip is a struggle, the compression zip will not work. Remove items.
- Compressing before zipping the main side - always main zip first, compression zip second.
- Packing rigid items - jeans, blazers, and coats do not compress well and waste space inside the cube.
- Folding instead of rolling - folding creates air pockets that reduce compression effectiveness.
- Using only one large cube - spreading items across multiple cubes by category is more effective and easier to find things.
Shop Compression Packing Cubes
Video Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use compression packing cubes?
Roll or fold your clothes, place them in the main compartment, zip it shut, then pull the compression zip to squeeze out excess air and reduce bulk. Do not overfill the main compartment or the compression zip will not close.
Do you zip the compression side first or the main side?
Always zip the main compartment first. The compression zip is designed to work second, pressing down on the contents to reduce their overall volume.
Can you overpack compression packing cubes?
Yes. Overfilling defeats the purpose because there is no room left for the compression zip to reduce bulk. Fill the main compartment to about 80% capacity for best results.
What clothes work best in compression packing cubes?
Soft, flexible fabrics compress best: t-shirts, activewear, underwear, socks, jumpers, dresses, and pyjamas. Stiff fabrics like denim or structured blazers do not compress well.
Are compression packing cubes better than regular packing cubes?
For soft, bulky clothing like jumpers and t-shirts, compression cubes save noticeably more space.
Ready to Try Compression Packing?
Compression packing cubes are one of the simplest upgrades you can make to how you travel. Once you get the technique right (roll, main zip, compression zip), you will wonder how you packed without them.
