Sea to Summit Packing Cubes Review: Are They Worth It?

As somebody who travels fairly repeatedly (about each different month), you’ll be able to wager I’ve tried all of the packing hacks on the market. Specific folding strategies, rolling, packing cubes…you title it! I attempt to travel with carry-on luggage only, so I’ve needed to develop into fairly strict on what makes the journey, and I truthfully suppose packing cubes are the way in which to go, however not for the explanations you’d suppose.

I believe many people suppose packing cubes will give us a lot further house in our baggage, however that’s not all the time the case. Sure, you will get some compression luggage the place you’ll be able to drive the air out, making a vacuum bag that can 100% prevent house, however the majority of packing cubes in the marketplace provide organizational perks reasonably than space-saving perks. When you reframe it underneath the suitable gentle, packing cubes could be a recreation changer.

I not too long ago had the chance to check out some Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cubes on a visit to Norway, and I used to be pleasantly shocked by these little guys. Depending in your journey wants, these light-weight packing cubes is likely to be simply what you’re on the lookout for.

Personally, I discovered these cubes to assist me keep organized, which is an enormous enchancment for me. I’m recognized to only throw things in my backpack and determine it out later, however having these luggage actually did encourage me to have a spot for all the things and preserve all the things as an alternative.

What is Sea to Summit?

Sea to Summit is an Australian-based firm based by Roland Tyson. From an early age, Tyson had a knack for designing out of doors gear, and in 1991, Sea to Summit was born. The firm mission has been to create the most effective and most sturdy journey gear that would stand as much as the harshest of environments.

Whether you’re utilizing the gear within the Australian outback or the Himalayas, Sea to Summit has earned itself a prime spot within the journey gear world.  Sea to Summit has a staff of nature lovers creating a few of the finest gear in the marketplace, and creating environmentally-friendly merchandise is essential. This contains bluesign® accredited materials, transitioning to C0 non-PFC water-repellent finishes, and even delivery merchandise in recyclable supplies.

When Sea to Summit is just not creating game-changing merchandise, it’s giving again to non-profits like Leave No Trace, The Conservation Alliance, and City Kids to assist guarantee future generations get to expertise the identical pure playground we do.

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What Does Sea to Summit Sell?

Short reply? Everything.

Over the years, Sea to Summit has expanded its product line to incorporate all the things from tarps and tents to cooking cutlery and physique wash. Sea to Summit’s big selection allows adventurers of all ranges to take pleasure in their merchandise, which I discover reasonably refreshing.

You in all probability received’t ever catch me placing collectively my own tent or setting up a camping hammock, however they provide loads of merchandise for the on a regular basis traveler too, like these compression cubes, that can give me religion within the model ought to I ever resolve to deal with the Appalachian Trail in my life.

Where Can I Buy Sea to Summit Gear?

The Sea to Summit website is a dependable choice, however in order for you that coveted two-day delivery, head on over to the Sea to Summit Amazon page to snag up something you need and have it delivered in a flash.

Sea to Summit gear is also available from REI. The model will be expensive, so should you’re an REI member, you’re eligible for unique coupons all year long, in addition to a ten% dividend on something full value. Not a member but? If you end up shopping for journey gear or out of doors gear, becoming an REI member pays for itself just about instantly.

See Related: Best Travel Atomizers: Portable Options for Trips

Sea to Summit Packing Cubes Review

I attempted out the Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cube set, which incorporates three cubes of various sizes, further small, small, and medium. Here are the specs for every:

• Extra small: 14.5 x 9.5 x 6 cm, 0.75-Liters
• Small: 21 x 11 x 7cm, 1.5 Liters
• Medium: 26.5 x 14 x 10 cm, 3.5 Liters

At first look, they appeared excellent for holding on to my tech gear, toiletries, and even clothes like t-shirts, socks, and underwear, and these cubes appeared sturdy sufficient to actually be put to the check. Made from TPU laminated 700 ripstop Nylon, these tiny however mighty cubes are designed to maintain your gear mud free.

They’re water-proof, they usually every have a special shade for enhanced group. Plus, the translucent window panel helps you to simply view the contents inside, and every bag holds its form rather well. The PU-coated zipper and strengthened, fully welded development of the seams retains the entire parts out, which is nice for dusty or sandy off-road adventures.

With that in thoughts, let’s take a more in-depth take a look at some professionals and cons.

Pro: Lightweight & Durable

Overall, the light-weight materials and the polished design make these cubes a strong win. It’s comforting to know that the Sea to Summit packing cubes are comprised of sturdy supplies that may deal with something from a fast weekend in a brand new metropolis to an epic backpacking journey.

They’re tremendous gentle, simple to slot in your suitcase, and preserve your stuff protected. The cubes aren’t 100% see-thru, however they’re a bit on the clear facet, so you’ll be able to nonetheless see the contents inside at a look.

Pro: Easy to Pack in Your Bag or at Home

Oh, and every packing dice has just a little tab for handy dealing with, which is a pleasant little bonus. I like that it is available in three sizes, the zipper high quality is excellent, they usually’re tremendous sturdy–I don’t have to fret about them ripping or opening in my bag.

Another fantastic perk is that every of those luggage can match inside one another like a Russian nesting doll, which is handy for storing them at house!

See Related: The Ultimate Vacation Packing List (+ Printable PDF)

Pro/Con: Value for Money

As of writing, the Hydraulic Packing Cube set is $79.95. While that price ticket could appear reasonably steep, know that you’re getting a top-quality product. For my travels, these is likely to be a bit greater than I would like.

That doesn’t imply that they’re not value it, although. They actually are a well-made product, and the Sea to Summit model is a trusted title within the touring group; I simply don’t suppose I would wish one thing this sturdy for my travels. Remember, I’m on staff lodge, not staff hammock.

If you’re occurring a month-long backpacking journey and wish some light-weight gear that may stand as much as the weather, and even should you’re desirous to deal with your self to an improve and take your backcountry tenting to new ranges, then these is likely to be simply what you’re on the lookout for. They can face up to absolutely anything and are made to deal with the roughest of situations.

If you’re catching a fast flight to hang around in an enormous metropolis for a weekend, then you definitely may need to discover one thing higher aligned together with your travels that could be simpler in your pockets.

Con: Not 100% Waterproof

It’s essential to notice that these packing cubes are water-proof, not waterproof. Since these will often sit in my hotel room, that’s not essentially an issue for me, however it may simply be a deal breaker for anybody utilizing these on a extra off-road journey. The zipper can face up to some splashes, but when submerged, water will discover a technique to your contents inside.

That being mentioned, I did have just a little spill in one of many luggage when one of the caps on my toiletries got here off in transit, and whereas the contents inside all obtained a stunning coating of hair conditioning spray, it didn’t leak out into my bag.

See Related: Peak Design Travel Tripod Review: Unboxing & Testing

Final Thoughts

I’ve to say that after utilizing these cubes, I now see the sunshine. The future is packing cubes, not tossing all the things into your baggage willy-nilly. But whereas these cubes are undoubtedly for me, and I’m for them, are they for you?

The excellent news is that Sea to Summit presents a number of totally different light-weight packing dice choices, and plenty of of them are sold individually should you don’t want or need the total set. The Hydraulic Packing Cube set is offered individually, they usually additionally provide much bigger options, too, that are nice for bigger gadgets like garments, sleeping luggage, and the rest you need to preserve organized in your suitcase.

Personally, I discovered the medium measurement to be excellent for hair brushes and make-up brushes, however I may simply see it getting used for tech gear, energy banks, SD playing cards, and many others. Remember, they preserve your stuff mud free, which is right should you’re tenting or in a extra primitive setting.

As far as packing cubes go, these are actually the hardiest I’ve ever come throughout, they usually helped take away the same old complications related to packing, organizing, and unpacking. I’ll actually be utilizing them once more!

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