Tech
All Hail the Surprisingly Versatile Packing Cube! These Are Our Favorites
Other Great Packing Cubes
Photograph: Kat Merck
Hulken Schlep Stack for $95: This set of five cubes (three all-clear PVC, two with PVC lids only) is made to fit inside Hulken’s unique rolling carry-on tote. I liked the fact they nest for storage, and I loved being able to see the contents of each cube at a glance. The zippers have a leak-proof seal, which is a nice touch, though they did leak a little during my spill test. The cubes have a very structured shape, which makes sense in the lightweight Hulken tote but takes up too much real estate in a regular suitcase. And the three clear cubes were too small to store much of what I needed.
GoRuck Packing Cube for $20 (for 1, 10L flat): I loved the 15 x 10 x 3-inch size I tested of this rugged, 200-denier nylon cube with a mesh front. It fit almost anything I needed for any occasion, with a convenient carry handle and signature GoRuck American flag patch on the front. However, they are pricey, and unless you need them to match your GoRuck gear, there’s nothing about them that stands out above comparably priced cubes.
Amazon Basics for $24 (set of 4): This four-pack of cubes with sturdy-mesh windows and ripstop-like fabric was comparable in quality to brands four times the price. However, Bagsmart’s cubes cost less and are even sturdier, so they just edged these out for the top Amazon slot.
Courtesy of Dagne Dover
Dagne Dover Roma Packing Cubes From $30: When I first saw these shallow, all-mesh packing cubes with their stiff wire edging and little label windows, I admit I wasn’t initially impressed, given that they cost upwards of $30 per cube. But then I tested them. Not only do they hold more than they initially seem like they will, but I ended up loving how they kept their shape, allowing me to fit more in my bag and for my clothes to arrive at their destination perfectly wrinkle-free. The mesh is also breathable yet sturdy, private, and slightly padded, so I felt safe adding even hard items like jewelry. To be sure, these aren’t space savers, but if you want to ensure your items don’t move around or get overly squished or wrinkled, these are a great option, and they come in four stylish colors.
Away the Insider Packing Cubes for $45 (set of 4): I like that these come in 10 trendy colors, many of which match Away’s luggage. However, after testing over 20 different brands and types at various price points, these cubes just didn’t stand out. The material was very thin and was indistinguishable from those of some of the cheaper Amazon brands, and the zippers were unbranded and small.
Shacke Pak Packing Cubes for $27 (set of 6): These were pretty good quality for an Amazon brand; there’s a sturdy handle and the material is slightly thicker than other packing cubes at this price point. I like the mix of mesh for breathability and opaque fabric for privacy. They come in nine colors, but the colors are clownishly bright and the four-paneled mesh design reminds me of a jock strap. Shacke says it uses YKK zippers on all its packing cubes, but I peeled back the covering on the zipper and could not find a YKK insignia anywhere.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Calpak Packing Cubes Set for $68 (set of 5): This is the first set of packing cubes I ever owned, and it’s what kicked off my obsession with travel organization to begin with. There’s just something generally satisfying about the size and layout of these lightweight-polyester cubes with a mostly mesh front for visibility and breathability. There’s a little window where you can put a label for the contents (which is far more useful than you might think, especially when packing cubes are around the same size), and I love that they come in 18 different colors and prints.
Gorilla Grip Packing Cubes for $17 (set of 8): These were the least expensive packing cubes I tested, and unfortunately, it showed. The material was very thin, and the zippers were janky. I do like that they come with a shoe and laundry bag, however, and when not being used they fold down quite small. They come in a range of colors, with nice mesh panels, and the fabric is not totally see-through. Hand wash only.
Great Suitcases for Packing Cubes
Photograph: Kat Merck
Travelpro VersaPack+ Carry-On for $298: This expandable soft-sided spinner from luggage stalwart Travelpro (maker of our favorite budget carry-on) comes with two approximately 9″ x 2″ packing cubes on a divider that clips in or out. Thick straps in the main compartment can be cinched down to provide compression, and there’s also an included laundry bag and two shoe bags. I was actually quite impressed with how much I could fit into this carry-on, especially when using other compression packing cubes. Which is kind of necessary, as the included packing cubes hold little more than a few T-shirts and some underwear. Also be aware that when the bag is expanded, it’s still slightly front-heavy, even though it’s designed to be tip-resistant. A test of rolling it upright while running through the airport to catch the car rental shuttle found it does still have a tendency to tip over front-first.
Royce & Rocket Castle (With Packing Cubes) for $630: This bag is bound to be a godsend for anyone who’s ever ended a trip with half their suitcase contents on the floor from days’ worth of rummaging. It looks like a normal clamshell hard-side, but open it to reveal two fold-down shelves that are the perfect size if you use packing cubes. Royce & Rocket’s Castle comes in carry-on size, mid-size, or full-size with a matching set of packing cubes ($75 if you buy separately). Or, buy the suitcase alone and use your own packing cubes. (Though I have done this, and noted that only medium and small sizes will be able to fit.) Do note, however, that this shelf feature adds a considerable amount of weight to the bag. I tested the mid-size version, and when I went to weigh it at Alaska Airlines’ bag drop, I was shocked to find it was just a hair under the 50-pound weight limit, despite my only packing lightweight clothes and travel-sized toiletries.
Other Travel Accessories We Like
Photograph: Kat Merck
WanderFull HydroBag for $59: WIRED Reviews team members are no strangers to water bottle bags. Even though I’m a member of the Dehydrated Generation, I’ve become fully accustomed to having a water bottle nearby at all times. Unless I’m carrying a backpack, I am indeed carrying my Owala in a water bottle bag, especially when traveling. My favorite is from WanderFull, as the wide strap is comfortable enough for hikes and extra-long walks. If metallic green isn’t your jam, there are dozens of other fabrics, colors, and styles to choose from.
Calpak Luka Zippered Passport Wallet for $35: Whether you’re traveling internationally or just neglected to update your driver’s license before the US Real ID deadline (guilty), a passport wallet is a must. This stylish, puffy number from Calpak holds not only your passport, but cash, cards, and even your phone in a pocket on the front. The only down side is that it is quite large, about the size of a contemporary paperback book (7.5 x 5.5 inches), and it doesn’t have a handle or loop, so it is awkward to carry if you don’t have a purse large enough to accommodate it.
Aer Street Sling for $69: Many passport wallets, like the Luka above, are quite large. Unlike a belt bag, Aer’s unisex crossbody is tall, so it will fit any passport wallet that’s 8 x 5.5 inches or less. It’s a great option for anyone who still wants to travel light but not have to keep their passport in their backpack or pocket.
Courtesy of Dosey
Dosey Pill Compact for $26: This 7- by 3-inch pastel pill compact (it also comes in blue and pink) features a mirror and seven labeled day compartments finished in shiny gold. It’s very Valley of the Dolls, but I found its slim profile to be surprisingly practical to travel with, slipping unobtrusively into even smaller toiletry bags while staying securely closed even during rough handling.
GuruNanda Ready-to-Go Disposable Mini Travel Toothbrushes for $30: Obviously bringing your own toothbrush is the most eco-friendly choice, but this is what my family uses for camping or other trips where we don’t want to risk having to reuse a dirty toothbrush. They’re soft enough for even the most sensitive gums, and the handle side doubles as a toothpick.
Gorilla Grip Luggage Straps for $14 (set of 4): If you tend to travel with your hard-sided checked bag while it’s expanded, you might have noticed the somewhat alarming lack of structure. Both hard sides contain their own strapped-down loads, flopping around while connected only by a thin fabric zipper. I rely on these straps to hold my precariously packed suitcase together when it’s being launched off the scale onto the conveyor belt or thrown around on the tarmac. And as a bonus, the bright color (the company has nine to choose from) makes your bag easy to spot on the baggage claim carousel.
Kusshi Travel Jewelry Organizer for $49 (Medium): I don’t know how I lived so long just throwing jewelry willy-nilly into a toiletry bag; I don’t advise this unless you want to spend your first night on vacation untangling necklaces. For the ultimate in space-saving organization, you can’t top this hanging pocket bag that folds down to be perfectly flat. The medium size features three tiers of soft-lined, PVC-fronted zippered pockets for earrings rings, bracelets, watches, and whatever else you might need, plus a nifty necklace holder with loops and snaps. The large size has the same, but with twice as many sections. When closed, it folds up flat about the size of an iPad.
FAQs
How Does WIRED Test Packing Cubes?
I’ve been testing toiletry bags and adjacent accessories for the past seven months, using them daily in my bathroom and taking them on trips every few months. I choose packing cubes based on luggage brands we like or what seems to be trending or popular; some are samples from the companies themselves, but many I buy myself and expense.
I inspect each cube or set of cubes for features and materials. I test how smoothly the zippers zip open and closed, and how easy it is to use any compression feature. I pack various cubes with bulky sweatshirts and sweatpants to see how many pieces I can fit in the largest cube, and see how they fit in a carry-on bag, backpack, and full-sized suitcase. When I travel, I pack a cube from each set in three suitcases and assess how easy they are to pack or unpack, and note if anything about them bothered my family or me amid the stress and unpredictability of travel.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Why Not Just Use a Ziplock Bag?
This is the question I see most from travelers suspicious of using packing cubes. Ziplock bags are inexpensive, and you can see everything inside. Why would one spend $25 or even $100 on a set of packing cubes when a box of 2.5-gallon bags costs $5? It’s a valid question, and one I set out to investigate by packing a couple of slide-lock Hefty bags along with my packing cubes for a weeklong trip. I discovered a few things.
Packing cubes are breathable. This is especially helpful on the way back home when most or all of your laundry is dirty. If your clothes smell like anything—anything at all—you will be hit in the face with that smell after they’ve been sitting in an airtight plastic bag.
Packing cubes are durable. Unlike a plastic bag, packing cubes won’t rip, burst, or develop unexpected holes.
(Some) packing cubes are compressible. Can you fit five days’ worth of pants and shirts in a plastic bag? Probably not. But you definitely can in a compressible packing cube, like some of the options above.
What Are We Testing Next?
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While my love of smoked meats is well-documented, my own journey into actually tending the fire started just last spring when I jumped at the opportunity to review the Traeger Woodridge Pro. When Recteq came calling with a similar offer to check out the Flagship 1600, I figured it would be a good way to stay warm all winter.
While the two smokers have a lot in common, the Recteq definitely feels like an upgrade from the Traeger I’ve been using. Not only does it have nearly twice the cooking space, but the huge pellet hopper, rounded barrel, and proper smokestack help me feel like a real pitmaster.
The trade-off is losing some of the usability features that make the Woodridge Pro a great first smoker. The setup isn’t as quite as simple, and the larger footprint and less ergonomic conditions require a little more experience or patience. With both options, excellent smoked meat is just a few button presses away, but speaking as someone with both in their backyard, I’ve been firing up the Recteq more often.
Getting Settled
Photograph: Brad Bourque
Setting up the Recteq wasn’t as time-consuming as the Woodridge, but it was more difficult to manage on my own. Some of the steps, like attaching the bull horns to the lid, or flipping the barrel onto its stand, would really benefit from a patient friend or loved one. Like most smokers, you’ll need to run a burn-in cycle at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to make sure there’s nothing left over from manufacturing or shipping. Given the amount of setup time and need to cool down the smoker after, I would recommend setting this up Friday afternoon if you want to smoke on a Saturday.
The main job of Google Chrome is to give you a window to the web. With so much engaging content out there on the internet, you may not have given much thought to the browser framework that serves as the container for the sites you visit.
You’d be forgiven for still using the default toolbar configuration that was in place when you first installed Chrome. But if you take a few minutes to customize it, it can make a significant difference to your browsing. You can get quicker access to the key features you need, and you may even discover features you didn’t know about.
If you’re reading this in Chrome on the desktop, you can experiment with a few customizations right now—all it takes is a few clicks. Here’s how the toolbar in Chrome is put together, and all the different changes you can make.
The Default Layout
Take a look up at the top right corner of your Chrome browser tab and you’ll see two key buttons: One reveals your browser extensions (the jigsaw piece), and the other opens up your bookmarks (the double-star icon). There should also be a button showing a downward arrow, which gives you access to recently downloaded files.
Right away, you can start customizing. If you click the jigsaw piece icon to show your browser extensions, you can also click the pin button next to any one of these extensions to make it permanently visible on the toolbar. While you don’t want your toolbar to become too cluttered, it means you can put your most-used add-ons within easy reach.
For the extension icons you choose to have on the toolbar, you can choose the way they’re arranged, too: Click and drag on any of the icons to change its position (though the extensions panel itself has to stay in the same place). To remove an extension icon (without uninstalling the extension), right-click on it and choose Unpin.
Making Changes
Click the three dots up in the top right corner of any browser window and then Settings > Appearance > Customize your toolbar to get to the main toolbar customization panel, which has recently been revamped. Straight away you’ll see toggle switches that let you show or hide certain buttons on the toolbar.
“The trade-off isn’t only ethical or economic,” Andreaux adds. “It’s also about reliability, privacy and personal security.”
Abed Kataya, digital content manager at SMEX, a Beirut-based digital rights organization focused on internet policy in the Middle East and North Africa, says piracy in the region is shaped less by culture than by structural barriers.
“I see that piracy in MENA is not a cultural choice; rather, it has multiple layers,” Kataya tells WIRED Middle East.
“First, when the internet spread across the region, as in many other regions, people thought everything on it was free,” Kataya says. “This perception was based on the nature of Web 1.0 and 2.0, and how the internet was presented to people.”
Today, he says, structural barriers still lead many users towards illegal platforms. “Users began to watch online on unofficial streaming platforms for many reasons: lack of local platforms, inability to pay, bypassing censorship and, of course, to watch for free or at lower prices.”
Payment access also remains a major factor. “Not to mention that many are unbanked, do not have bank accounts, lack access to online payments, or do not trust paying with their cards and have a general distrust of online payments,” Kataya adds.
Algerian students also share external hard drives loaded with television series, while in Lebanon streaming passwords are frequently shared across households. In Egypt, large Telegram channels distribute content across different genres, including Korean dramas, classic Arab films and underground music.
“We grew up solving problems online,” says Mira. “When something is blocked, you find a way around it. It’s … a fundamental human instinct.”
Streaming Platforms Adapting
Andreaux says StarzPlay has tried to address some of the payment barriers that limit streaming adoption in the region. “StarzPlay recognized early that payment friction was a regional barrier to adoption,” he says. “That’s why we invested in flexible subscription models and alternative payment methods, including telecom-led billing options that make access easier across different markets.”
At the same time, international media companies are working together to combat piracy through the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a coalition of film studios, television networks and streaming platforms that targets illegal distribution of films, television and sports content. Its members include global companies such as Netflix as well as regional players like OSN Group, which operates the streaming service OSN+ across the Middle East and North Africa.
Kataya notes that legitimate streaming platforms are still expanding across the region. “The user base of official streaming platforms has been growing in the region,” he says. “For example, Shahid, the Saudi platform, is expanding and Netflix has dedicated packages for the region.”
“Other players, like StarzPlay and local platforms in Egypt, are also finding their place,” Kataya adds. “Social media also plays a huge role, especially when a film is widely discussed or controversial.”
Piracy carries legal and security risks, Andreaux says. “Rather than just ‘free streaming’, piracy exposes consumers to malware and insecure payment channels,” he says. “It also weakens investment in local content by depriving creators of revenue and reducing jobs.”
But the structural barriers described by users across the region remain. For many viewers in North Africa and the Levant, the challenge is not choosing between piracy and legality—it is whether legitimate access exists at all.
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