Head-to-head · Best Packing Cubes

Patagonia Black Hole Cube 3L vs Thule Compression 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 clear margin (4.5 vs 3.7). The gap is mostly about eco-conscious travelers seeking durability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Packing Cubes

Patagonia Black Hole Cube 3L

4.5

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

Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Packing Cubes

Thule Compression Packing Cube Set

3.7

1 source$23.95as of Jul 31

The Thule Compression Cube Set keeps things simple: ripstop nylon, YKK zippers, and compression that works. Pack Hacker's reviewers found them light and effective at squeezing more into a bag, but noted that bulky garments resist compression and that there's no internal organization to speak of. Small and medium sizes are offered with clear capacity differences, and the fabric carries bluesign certification. Travelers who mainly want compression will be satisfied; those who need compartments inside each cube won't.

Strengths

— Zippers are designed to hold clothes securely and operate easily
— Can fit a surprising amount of gear inside both sizes
— Pack material is strong and lightweight to make your pack lighter

Watch-outs

— Larger garments can be hard to place in compartment without unfolding
— No internal organization to speak of

$23.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full 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.

Thule Compression Packing Cube Set

The Thule Compression Cube Set excels in compression and space-saving, a feature not found in the Patagonia Black Hole Cube or Evergoods Transit Cube. While the Peak Design Packing Cube offers quick access and the REI Co-op cubes provide expandability, Thule's focus on eliminating excess air makes it ideal for maximizing packing efficiency. The Eagle Creek model prioritizes wrinkle prevention, and the Evergoods cube offers organizational features, but Thule's compression technology makes it the top choice for those who want to pack more in less space.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Patagonia Black Hole Cube 3L	Thule Compression Packing Cube Set
Material	Recycled Polyester	Ripstop Nylon
Dimensions	10.5 in x 5.5 in x 3.5 in	10 in x 7 in x 4 in (Small) \| 14 in x 10 in x 4 in (Medium)
Weight	3.9 oz (110.6 g)	2.79 oz (Small) \| 4.3 oz (Medium)
Capacity	3L	4L Small \| 11L Medium
Features	Extremely Durable, Weather-Resistant, 100% Recycled Fabric	—

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