The Wall Street Journal-20080111-WEEKEND JOURNAL- Catalog Critic- Packing It In
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WEEKEND JOURNAL; Catalog Critic: Packing It In
Heightened airport security and more airplane baggage restrictions have turned the humble packing cube from a curiosity into a popular accessory.
Eagle Creek, a luggage manufacturer in Vista, Calif., introduced its first packing cubes -- essentially, small bags designed to organize the contents of a suitcase -- in the mid '90s; now, its product lineup incorporates everything from Tube Cubes ("great for socks, underwear, T-shirts, ties, belts") to double cubes that separate wet and dry items. Denver-based online retailer eBags started offering its own packing cubes in 2003 (it sells other brands as well); to meet demand, the company is introducing three new lines in 2008. "Some people have used the term 'packing-cube evangelists,'" says eBags spokeswoman Laila Mahmud of the accessory's biggest fans.
Newcomers to the faith, we went in search of beginner's sets -- combos offering two or three cubes, designed to start you on your journey to a more organized suitcase. Unfortunately, some of the offerings didn't exactly turn us into cube converts.
The Lewis N. Clark three-piece set lacked handles on the cubes, plus its zipper didn't glide so smoothly. And its see-through design had the cheap look of bad plastic slipcovers. The biggest issue with the set from Victorinox was the number of pieces: How much organizing can you really do with a couple of not-very-big cubes?
We got closer to filling out a modest-sized bag with Eagle Creek's three-piece Organized Traveler set, but the smallest cube was so small that it seemed rather pointless (it was more of a pencil case than a cube). Still, the cubes had a more substantial feel and a sportier look than much of the competition.
For sheer price and functionality, it was hard to beat the Rick Steves three-piece set ($17.95, available through the travel guru's Web site), our pick for Best Value. The cubes were cleverly designed, with wire framing that helped them retain their shape, and amply proportioned. Best Overall went to eBags, a past winner in Catalog Critic surveys. Its three-piece set ($24.95) had generously sized cubes that had all the right features, from zippers with pulls to a meshed top panel to ensure proper ventilation. Best of all, the set came with a detailed set of tips, giving us ideas on what to put inside each one (the smallest is good for computer cables) and how to make use of them beyond the suitcase (leave clothes inside them if your hotel drawers are dusty). We can't say we'll become cube evangelists, but the set did inspire visions of our next vacation. Time to get packing.
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eBags Packing Cubes (three-piece set)
BEST OVERALL
eBags
ebags.com; 800-820-6126
$24.99; standard shipping costs $5.50
The Good: Cubes are generously sized -- the largest measures 17.5 by 12.75
inches -- and have all the necessary features: handles, zippers with pulls
and mesh venting. You can't ask much more of a starter set.
The Bad: Cubes have a little less structure than other models, which means
they may not offer the sturdiest degree of protection. Still, they pack very
flat when not in use, so they're easier to store.
The Shopping: EBags gives you options galore: They sell most of the major
brands (Eagle Creek, Victorinox) and also carry their own cubes in a variety
of configurations and sets.
Rick Steves Packing Cube Set (three pieces)
BEST VALUE
Rick Steves Travel Store
travelstore.ricksteves.com; 425-608-4200
$17.95; standard shipping costs $6
The Good: Another solid starter set, with one large cube (14 by 11 inches)
and two smaller ones of equal size. A key advantage: Cubes were very deep --
5 inches -- so they offered additional room. Wire framing helped cubes retain
their shape, too.
The Bad: This is one of the few styles of cubes we found without handles,
which are especially helpful if you want your cubes to double as tote bags.
The Shopping: The set is the only such item that Rick Steves carries, but
the store offers everything from "Travel Wash" soap to an extensive array of
guidebooks.
Eagle Creek The Organized Traveler Cube Set (three pieces)
Colorado Baggage Co.
coloradobaggage.com; 888-439-2247
$24.95; standard shipping costs $5.95
The Good: Cubes had a substantial feel, with a particularly well-made
handle. And their sporty look -- we ordered ours in a purple-striped pattern
-- made something of a fashion statement.
The Bad: The largest cube may have been an adequate size (14 by 10 inches)
but the smallest (7.5 by 4.5 inches) was ridiculously small. An Eagle Creek
spokeswoman said it could be used for underwear or electronic cords.
The Shopping: Colorado Baggage carries many items in the Eagle Creek
accessories line, from the "Tube Cube" to folders.
Lewis N. Clark Pacing Cube Set (three pieces)
BaggageForLESS.com
baggageforless.com; 877-422-4243
$23.90; standard shipping costs $6.65
The Good: If you want plastic cubes that are fully see-through -- it makes
it easier to identify contents -- this set offers just that. The largest cube
(18 by 13 inches) is plenty large.
The Bad: These cubes reminded us of those awful slipcovers from decades
ago. And the lack of decent ventilation made us wonder about the potential
for mildew. A spokesman for the manufacturer said the cube is made to reduce
the potential for wet items to leak through.
The Shopping: Retailer has a small selection of other cubes and cube sets.
It also offers price protection: Find a lower price on an item within 15 days
and it promises it will refund 115% of the difference.
Victorinox Packing Cube Set (two pieces)
The Sharper Image
sharperimage.com; 800-344-4444
$29.95; standard shipping costs $8.95
The Good: Durable cubes with solid features (zippers are offset from the
seam, which likely reduces the problems of wear and tear). And you're buying
into Victorinox's reputation for quality -- these are the Swiss Army knife
folks.
The Bad: You can't pack much with just two cubes, particularly when the
largest one of the pair measures just 12 by 10 inches.
The Shopping: Sharper Image doesn't carry much else in the way of cubes,
but in the travel-accessories category it does offer a leather flask -- good
for enjoying your whiskey on the go.
