Thule Compression Packing Cube: Compact Organization for Travel
Packing cubes make it easier to organize a suitcase, but a compression cube adds another useful feature: it can reduce the amount of space your clothes take up. The Thule Compression Packing Cube combines a compact packing organizer with a second zipper designed to compress the contents after the cube is packed.
This is the small Thule Compression Packing Cube, which is particularly well suited for smaller clothing items such as underwear, socks and T-shirts. It can work in checked luggage, carry-ons, backpacks and other travel bags.
About Thule
Thule has been making products for carrying, organizing and protecting gear for more than 75 years. The company was founded in Sweden in 1942 and today offers everything from roof racks and cargo carriers to luggage, backpacks and travel organizers.
I’m a big fan of Thule products. I recently landed on the Thule Construct 28L Backpack for travel, and it has reinforced my opinion of the brand. It looks great, is well thought out and feels very well built. The organization and overall design make sense for travel rather than feeling like features were added just to fill out a spec sheet.
How the Thule Compression Packing Cube Works
The basic idea is simple. Pack the cube like a traditional packing cube, close the main zipper and then use the compression zipper to reduce the cube’s overall depth.
Unlike vacuum compression bags, there is no pump or vacuum required. The zipper mechanically compresses the contents and helps remove some of the unused space between clothing.
That makes it useful for travelers who want some of the space-saving benefits of compression bags while retaining the organization and easy access of a packing cube.
Small Size Makes It Useful for Everyday Travel
The small size is one of the more practical aspects of this cube. According to Thule, its dimensions are approximately:
- Expanded: 10.2 x 7.1 x 4.3 inches
- Compressed: 10 x 7 x 1.25 inches
- Weight: 0.18 lb
Instead of filling a large cube with several different types of clothing, a small cube can be dedicated to one category. Socks can go in one, underwear in another, or a day’s worth of clothing can be kept together.
Thule says most carry-on bags can accommodate four of its small cubes, or two small cubes along with one medium cube. Actual fit will depend on the dimensions and design of your luggage.
✅Check Current Price & Availability →
Semitransparent Fabric Helps You See What’s Inside
The Thule Compression Packing Cube uses semitransparent fabric. You can get an idea of what’s inside without completely exposing the contents.
That can be particularly handy when several packing cubes are inside the same suitcase. Instead of opening every cube to find a shirt or pair of socks, you may be able to identify the right one at a glance.
100D Ripstop Nylon and YKK Zippers
Thule uses 100D ripstop nylon for this packing cube. The material is water-repellent and bluesign approved.
It’s important to distinguish water-repellent from waterproof. This cube can provide some protection from incidental moisture, but it isn’t designed to function like a waterproof dry bag.
Thule also uses YKK zippers, an important detail on a compression cube because the compression zipper can be subjected to considerably more tension than the zipper on a basic packing organizer.
A webbing handle gives you an easy place to grab the cube when pulling it from a tightly packed suitcase and also provides a way to hang it when useful.
Compression Saves Space, Not Weight
One thing compression products cannot do is make your clothing weigh less.
Compressing several shirts into a smaller space may make it possible to fit more into a carry-on or checked suitcase, but everything you add still counts toward an airline’s baggage weight limit.
In fact, compression can make it surprisingly easy to create an overweight suitcase because bulky clothing no longer takes up as much room.
The biggest advantage is therefore better use of available luggage space, not reducing the weight of your packed bag.
A Good Middle Ground Between Packing Cubes and Compression Bags
Traditional packing cubes are excellent for organization but generally do little to reduce volume. Vacuum-style bags can provide more aggressive compression, but they are less convenient when you need frequent access to your clothing.
The Thule Compression Packing Cube sits between those two options.
You still get the organization and easy access of a zippered packing cube, while the additional compression zipper helps shrink bulky contents once everything is packed.
That combination can be especially useful for carry-on travel, longer trips, cruises and other situations where luggage space is limited.
Bottom Line
The Thule Compression Packing Cube is a compact travel organizer that adds genuine compression without requiring vacuum bags or other equipment. The small size works particularly well for socks, underwear, T-shirts and other smaller clothing, while the semitransparent ripstop nylon makes it easier to identify what you’ve packed.
The combination of a compression zipper, lightweight construction, YKK zippers and a grab handle makes this a more refined alternative to a basic packing cube.
💥Limited Time Deal!💥
🔥Get the Deal! →
8/31 8 PM Central: These are on sale for $16.95. That’s a whopping 29% savings. Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.
Thule Compression Packing Cube – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Related Cruise Packing Resources, Reviews & Articles
- What size luggage should I take on my cruise?
- ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Medium Luggage Review: A Rare In-Between Checked Bag
- Hands on Review: Cotopaxi Cado Accessory Bag
- Recommendation: Get Luggage Tags for Your Next Cruise (smoother embarkation, less chance of delayed luggage!)
- Zipper Clips for Travel: Anti-Theft Deterrent and In-Transit Bag Security
This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!
Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.