How to Pack a Carry-On Bag with Packing Cubes

Packing cubes aren't just for neat freaks—they're a practical tool that can transform how you use the space in your carry-on bag. Whether you're a weekend traveler or a frequent business flyer, knowing how to pack a carry-on with packing cubes saves time, reduces wrinkles, and keeps your essentials accessible.

In this guide, you'll learn the best strategies for choosing and arranging packing cubes, plus how to pair them with a versatile carry-on like the Landon Carryall in Dune, Medium. No fluff, just actionable advice.

Choose the Right Packing Cubes for Your Carry-On

Not all packing cubes are created equal. For a carry-on, you want lightweight, compressible cubes that fit snugly inside your bag without wasting space. Look for sets with multiple sizes: small cubes for underwear and socks, medium for tops, and large for pants or jackets. Mesh panels help you see contents at a glance, and compression zippers can further reduce bulk.

If you're using a structured bag like the Landon Carryall in Storm, Medium, measure the interior dimensions before buying cubes. A set of three cubes (small, medium, large) is usually enough for a 3-5 day trip. Avoid overstuffing cubes—leave a little room for the fabric to flex so the bag closes easily.

• Use small cubes for socks, underwear, and accessories.
• Medium cubes work best for shirts, blouses, and lightweight sweaters.
• Large cubes hold jeans, trousers, or jackets—place them at the bottom of the bag.

The Rolling vs. Folding Debate: Which Works Better with Cubes?

Both methods have their place. Rolling clothes saves space and reduces wrinkles, making it ideal for casual items like t-shirts and shorts. Folding works better for dress shirts and blazers that need a crisp look. The key is to be consistent: roll or fold each item the same way so cubes pack evenly.

For a business trip, try folding dress shirts in a medium cube and rolling casual tees in a small cube. Place the folded-shirt cube on top of the rolled-clothes cube to keep shirts from getting crushed. If you're carrying a structured bag like the Enzo Messenger Bag in Onyx, the flat bottom helps cubes stay stacked without shifting.

• Roll casual clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles.
• Fold dress shirts and blazers for a polished look.
• Stack cubes vertically in the bag so you can access any layer without unpacking everything.

Organize by Category or Outfit: What's Better?

Organizing by category (all tops in one cube, all bottoms in another) makes it easy to find items quickly. Organizing by outfit (each day's clothes in its own cube) saves time when you're on the go. The best approach depends on your trip length and personal preference.

For a 3-day trip, outfit-based cubes work well—just grab one cube per day. For longer trips, category-based cubes are more efficient because you can mix and match. Either way, label your cubes with a small tag or use different colors to avoid confusion. A lightweight bag like the Micah Crossbody in Onyx can serve as a personal item for your daily essentials, while your main carry-on holds the cubes.

• Outfit-based cubes: perfect for short trips and quick changes.
• Category-based cubes: better for longer trips and flexible wardrobes.
• Use color-coded cubes or labels to identify contents at a glance.

Maximize Space with Compression Cubes and Strategic Placement

Compression cubes have a second zipper that squeezes out air, reducing the volume of soft items like sweaters and fleece. Use them for bulky items, but avoid compressing delicate fabrics like silk or linen. Place heavier cubes (jeans, shoes) at the bottom of the bag near the wheels, and lighter cubes (tops, underwear) on top.

If you're using a duffel-style carry-on like the Landon Carryall in Camel, Extra Large, you can also tuck small items like a Hunter Keychain in Onyx or a Lyon Luggage Lock in Onyx into the gaps between cubes. This keeps everything secure and prevents shifting during transit.

• Compression cubes reduce bulk for sweaters, hoodies, and jackets.
• Heavy cubes go at the bottom; light cubes go on top.
• Fill gaps with small accessories like a keychain or luggage lock.

Packing Cubes for Toiletries and Accessories

Don't limit packing cubes to clothes. Use a small cube for toiletries to keep liquids contained and prevent leaks from spreading. A dedicated toiletry bag like the Hunter Toiletry Bag in Cherry, Large is ideal for liquids and gels, but a small packing cube can work for solids like soap bars and toothbrush.

For accessories like chargers, cables, and a Rae Roll-Top Dry Bag in Cherry, use a slim cube or a dedicated tech organizer. This keeps electronics separate from clothes and makes security checks faster. Just remember to keep liquids in a clear, TSA-approved pouch if you're flying.

• Use a small cube for toiletries to contain leaks.
• Keep electronics and cables in a separate slim cube.
• Place liquids in a clear pouch for easy access at security.

Packing cubes are a simple, affordable upgrade that makes carry-on travel more efficient and less stressful. By choosing the right sizes, organizing by category or outfit, and using compression strategically, you can fit more into your bag without the bulk. Pair your cubes with a reliable carry-on like the Landon Carryall or Enzo Messenger Bag, and you'll be ready to roll—literally.