Head-to-head · Best Packing Cubes

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set 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

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 3.7). The gap is mostly about overpackers seeking maximum space — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Packing Cubes

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

4.3

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.com 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

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.

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	REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set	Thule Compression Packing Cube Set
Material	Ripstop Nylon, YKK Zippers	Ripstop Nylon
Dimensions	14 in x 10 in x 6.5 in (35.6 x 25.4 x 16.5 cm)	10 in x 7 in x 4 in (Small) \| 14 in x 10 in x 4 in (Medium)
Weight	9.9 oz (280.7 g)	2.79 oz (Small) \| 4.3 oz (Medium)
Features	3.5L to 6L (small), 8.5L to 13L (medium), 14L to 21L (large)	—
Capacity	—	4L Small \| 11L Medium

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