The Zen of the Packing Cube

You guys we need to talk about packing cubes.

We need to talk about the incredible convenience, the unmatched organization, the unparalleled ability to compress everything, from rompers to seashell bathing suits.

I’ve been traveling for almost 6 years straight now and I’ve often prided myself on my ability to pack light. But underneath it all was a $12 secret – my packing cube.

Now it might feel like I’ve been holding out on you for a while, I mean it’s been six whole years and I haven’t written this post yet. However I have dropped hints here and here about my love affair with the packing cube.

And as I cross the threshold of six years of traveling, I feel it’s finally time, and that I can without a doubt safely say, after all of the abuse, overstuffing, and repeated attempts to burst at the seams, my packing cube is still holding strong.

Why yes, this is the longest relationship I’ve ever been in and no, I’m not ashamed to say it.

I put this thing through the wringer constantly. In fact I’m all but certain I’m stuffing way more clothing into it than was ever intended, and yet, it sticks with me. Ready for the call of duty at any and all times.

Observe for a moment, if you will, the simplistic design:

It’s just a box containing a bag with zipper.

So few features, and yet so useful.

All we really need is some strong stitching and a zipper that can withstand being stretched to the limit, and we’re in business.

And yet it has done exactly that after all this time. And we are still going strong.

My packing cube allows me to put two weeks of clothing into a 12 x 6 inch space. I can easily fit this into a carry-on backpack. I almost never accidentally leave anything behind because each little thing has its place inside of the compression bag. This thing has been positively overflowing and I just force it to zip and it somehow works.

Have you discovered the zen of the packing cube?

Gone are the days of random socks strewn about your bag. No longer will you have a random shirt here and random shorts there, taking up space, haphazardly thrown into your bag, permanently wrinkled.

All you need to do with the packing cube is roll your clothing into little cylindrical shapes, and stuff side-by-side like a can of sardines.

My packing cube is dense, reliable, practically bursting at the seams, but strong.

Just like how I like my suitors. I mean, what?

After all this time, I couldn’t have seen this one coming, but my most reliable travel item is a $12 purchase I made in 2012.

There’s no end in sight for us, my packing cube and I. I look forward to many more happy years of trips together. If you don’t know about the packing cube yet, allow me to introduce you to your newest best travel buddy.

Thank me later!

Do you have a travel item that has turned out this amazing? Share with me in the comments below!