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Head-to-head · Best Packing Cubes

Patagonia Black Hole Cube 3L vs REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Patagonia Black Hole Cube 3L comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about eco-conscious travelers seeking durability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Patagonia Black Hole Cube 3L
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Packing Cubes
Patagonia Black Hole Cube 3L
2 sources1 derived

Patagonia's Black Hole Cubes (V2) are built from recycled materials and made to last, with sustainability as part of the pitch. Reviewers liked how sturdy they are and how the interior is laid out, especially the mesh pocket in the 3L. They aren't light, at 3.9 oz for the 3L size, and there's no compression. Travelers who want durability and ethical manufacturing are the audience; anyone optimizing for packability or saved space should look at other cubes. The 3L works best for socks, underwear, and small accessories.

Strengths
  • — Made with durable, high-quality recycled materials including 300D postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop
  • — Built-in organization with mesh pocket in 3L cube that can act as a divider
  • — Sturdy construction with No. 8 reverse coil YKK zippers and paracord pulls for easy opening
Watch-outs
  • — Heavier than lightweight alternatives at 3.9 oz (110.6 g) for the 3L size
  • — Lack compression zippers and do not offer space-saving features
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REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set
Ranked #2 in Best Packing Cubes
REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set
3 sourcesall derived

Accordion-style compression is the point of the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set, letting you fit roughly twice what a standard cube holds. Wirecutter liked that they take more clothing without wrinkling it, but found the compression zippers stiff to operate and reported broken units. Pack Hacker saw the same compression zipper fail early in use. The cubes are ripstop nylon and carry REI's one-year satisfaction guarantee. Overpackers chasing every cubic inch will like them; anyone who needs the hardware to last should look at other sets.

Strengths
  • — Expandable design allows storage to double from 3.5L to 6L (small), 8.5L to 13L (medium), and 14L to 21L (large)
  • — Compression zippers help maximize space while keeping clothes wrinkle-free
  • — Made of ripstop nylon that resists snags and tears
Watch-outs
  • — Compression zipper can be finicky to operate and has broken on some units after initial use
  • — Zippers may require extra force to close, especially when overpacked
  • — Largest bag in set is a slightly different color than smaller bags
Buy at rei.comFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Patagonia Black Hole Cube 3L

The Patagonia Black Hole Cube is built for sustainability and durability, unlike the Thule Compression Cube Set or Evergoods Transit Cube which are more focused on compression and organization. While the Eagle Creek model prioritizes wrinkle prevention and Peak Design offers quick access, Patagonia's cube emphasizes ethical manufacturing and internal mesh organization. The REI Co-op cubes offer expandability, but Patagonia's focus on recycled materials and sturdiness makes it a standout for eco-conscious travelers.

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

The REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set maximizes space with its accordion-style compression, something the Patagonia Black Hole Cube and Thule Compression Cube Set do not offer. While the Evergoods Transit Cube provides mechanical compression, the REI cubes are expandable and offer more volume flexibility. The Eagle Creek model focuses on garment folding, and Peak Design emphasizes quick access, making the REI set ideal for overpackers who want maximum capacity without sacrificing wrinkle protection.

Specs side-by-side

SpecPatagonia Black Hole Cube 3LREI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set
MaterialRecycled PolyesterRipstop Nylon, YKK Zippers
Dimensions10.5 in x 5.5 in x 3.5 in14 in x 10 in x 6.5 in (35.6 x 25.4 x 16.5 cm)
Weight3.9 oz (110.6 g)9.9 oz (280.7 g)
Capacity3L—
FeaturesExtremely Durable, Weather-Resistant, 100% Recycled Fabric3.5L to 6L (small), 8.5L to 13L (medium), 14L to 21L (large)
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