Aerotrunk Packing Cubes: Do Compression Cubes Really Fit More?
Six cubes in one set sounds like overkill until you actually sort your suitcase by category – shirts here, toiletries there – and I think that’s where this set earns its price, especially with the double-zipper compression freeing up real space rather than just organizing what you already had.
Who I’d recommend this to
I’d recommend this to travelers who overpack or want their luggage organized rather than loose in a suitcase. If you only ever travel with a small carry-on, I don’t think you need all six sizes every trip – but having the full range means you can scale up or down depending on the trip length and luggage size without buying a second set later.
Key features
- 6-piece set in assorted sizes
- Double-zipper compression design for added packing space
- Nylon twill construction with a breathable mesh top panel
- Sized to fit most suitcases and backpacks
Fit & sizing
The assorted sizes in a 6-piece set are meant to nest into different luggage types rather than all being used at once on every trip – the brand’s own guidance suggests roughly 2 cubes for a backpack, 4 for a carry-on, and the full 6 for checked luggage. I’d actually test-pack before a big trip: lay out what you’re bringing, sort it into logical categories, and see which cube sizes you actually fill versus which sit mostly empty, so you’re not carrying unnecessary bulk.
Construction & care
Nylon twill is a durable, low-maintenance fabric – wipe it down with a damp cloth for spills, and it should hold up to years of regular travel abuse. The double-zipper compression mechanism is the part I’d actually be gentle with: forcing a zipper closed over an overstuffed cube repeatedly is the most common way these fail, so pack to the cube’s intended capacity rather than cramming to the absolute physical limit every time.
Where this sits in the category
Against loose packing (just folding clothes directly into a suitcase), compression cubes like these measurably free up space and keep items from shifting into a jumbled mess mid-flight – this is a real, well-documented travel upgrade, not a gimmick. Against non-compression packing cubes (the kind that just organize without the double-zipper squeeze), you lose a little bit of the ‘see everything through mesh’ convenience some simpler cube designs offer, but you gain meaningfully more usable suitcase space, which matters more on longer trips.
Is it worth the price
At $60 for six cubes, the per-cube cost is reasonable compared to buying packing cubes individually or in smaller sets from most travel brands. I think it’s a good value specifically because you get a full range of sizes in one purchase rather than guessing which single size to buy first and realizing later you need more. If you’re a very occasional traveler who packs light, a cheaper 2 or 3-piece set might be enough and you’d be paying for capacity you rarely use.
Strengths
- The mesh top panel makes it easy to spot what’s inside without unzipping every cube
- The compression zippers genuinely free up extra space versus loose packing
- The assorted sizes in one set cover everything from shoes to folded shirts
- Durable nylon twill construction should hold up over many trips with basic care
Limitations
- Six cubes is more than a light carry-on packer typically needs
- Compression zippers add some bulk and wrinkle risk if you overstuff past the intended capacity
- Nylon twill is durable, but it’s not a waterproof material
- Repeatedly forcing an overstuffed zipper closed is the most likely way these wear out early
Frequently asked questions
How many cubes should I use for a carry-on?
The brand recommends roughly 2 cubes for backpacks, 4 for carry-ons and the full 6-piece set for checked luggage, so you don’t have to use all six every trip.
Are the cube sizes labeled so I know which is which?
The set includes an assortment of sizes, so I’d lay them out and assign each to a category (shirts, underwear, toiletries) at the start of your trip rather than guessing each time you pack.
Can I check these cubes separately from my suitcase?
They’re designed to pack inside a suitcase or backpack, not as standalone checked items, so keep them inside your actual luggage rather than checking them loose.
Will compression cubes wrinkle my clothes more?
The brand claims the opposite – that compression reduces wrinkles versus loose packing – but overstuffing any cube past its intended capacity will work against that.
Are these waterproof?
No – nylon twill resists light moisture and spills but isn’t a waterproof material, so I wouldn’t rely on it to protect contents from a genuine soaking.
Can these cubes go in a washing machine if they get dirty?
Nylon twill construction should handle a gentle machine wash if needed, though I’d air dry rather than tumble dry to protect the compression zippers and mesh panels.
Will the cubes fit in an underseat bag?
The smaller cubes in the 6-piece set should fit a small underseat bag, but the larger cubes are sized more for a full carry-on or checked suitcase, so check individual cube dimensions against your specific bag.
Do the zippers tend to break with frequent use?
Zipper durability varies by how carefully you pack – avoiding overstuffing past the intended capacity is the single biggest factor in zipper longevity on any compression packing cube.
Do these cubes help with TSA or airport security screening?
Packing cubes don’t have any special security screening function, though keeping items organized by category can make it faster to find something if security asks you to open your bag.
Can these be used for non-clothing items like cables and chargers?
Yes – the smaller cubes in particular work well for electronics, cables, and toiletry bottles, not just clothing, which is part of why having an assortment of sizes in one set is useful rather than limiting.
Is there a lifetime warranty on these cubes?
The listing doesn’t mention a specific lifetime warranty, so I’d check the seller’s current return and warranty policy directly rather than assume standard luggage-accessory warranty terms apply.
Can I buy replacement cubes if one wears out?
Since this is sold as a fixed 6-piece set, I’d check if the brand sells individual replacement cubes separately, or simply plan to replace the specific size that wears out from a comparable single-cube listing.
What to look at instead
If six cubes is more than you need, the same brand and most competitors sell smaller 2 or 3-piece sets at a lower price, which may suit a light carry-on packer better. If you specifically want maximum compression over organization, some brands sell single large compression bags rather than multiple smaller cubes, trading organization for simplicity.
Final take
For travelers who want their luggage organized and want the extra space back, I think this set delivers. If you’re a minimalist carry-on-only traveler, you probably only need two or three of the six cubes per trip – which is fine, since the set is built to be used partially rather than all at once.
Amazon product listing – I have not personally worn or tested this item, and I say so plainly rather than imply otherwise.
Priya Nathan
Priya spent years in apparel buying and merchandising for a multi-brand retailer before moving into editorial work. She focuses on fit, fabric and construction quality across everyday wear, activewear and accessories, reading past marketing copy to the details that affect how a garment actually wears and holds up.
