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

As someone who travels fairly regularly (about every other month), you can bet I’ve tried all the packing hacks out there. Specific folding techniques, rolls, packing cubes… you name it! I try to travel with hand luggage only, so I’ve had to get pretty strict about what makes the trip, and I honestly think packing is the way to go, but not for the reasons you might think.

I think many of us think that packing cubes will give us so much extra space in our luggage, but that’s not always the case. Sure, you can get some compression bags that you can squeeze the air out of, creating a vacuum bag that saves you 100% space, but most packing blocks on the market offer organizational benefits rather than space-saving benefits. If you reframe it under the right light, packing cubes can be a game changer.

I recently had the opportunity to try out some Sea to Summit hydraulic packing cubes during a trip to Norway, and I was pleasantly surprised by these little guys. Depending on your travel needs, these lightweight packing cubes may be just what you’re looking for.

Personally, I found these cubes to help me stay organized, which is a huge improvement for me. I’m known for just throwing things in my backpack and figuring it out later, but having these bags really encouraged me to have a place for everything and keep everything in its place.

What is Sea to Summit?

Sea to Summit is an Australian based company founded by Roland Tyson. From an early age, Tyson had a knack for designing outdoor gear and in 1991 Sea to Summit was born. The company’s mission has been to create the best and most durable travel gear that can withstand the toughest conditions.

Whether you use the gear in the Australian outback or the Himalayas, Sea to Summit has established itself as a leader in the world of travel gear. Sea to Summit has a team of nature enthusiasts who make some of the best gear on the market, and creating eco-friendly products is very important. This includes bluesign® approved fabrics, moving to C0 non-PFC water repellent finishes and even shipping products in recyclable materials.

When Sea to Summit isn’t making groundbreaking products, it gives back to nonprofits like Leave No Trace, The Conservation Alliance, and City Kids to ensure future generations can experience the same natural playground we do.

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What does Sea to Summit sell?

Short answer? Everything.

Over the years, Sea to Summit has expanded its product line to include everything from sails and tents to cookware and body wash. Sea to Summit’s wide range allows adventurers of all skill levels to enjoy their products, which I find quite refreshing.

You’ll probably never catch me pitching my own tent or setting up a camping hammock, but they also offer plenty of products for the everyday traveler, like these compression pads, that will give me confidence in the brand if I ever should decide to tackle the Appalachian Trail in my life.

Where can I buy Sea to Summit equipment?

The Sea to Summit website is a reliable option, but if you want that much-coveted two-day shipping, head over to the Sea to Summit Amazon page to find anything you want and have it delivered in an instant.

Sea to Summit gear is also available from REI. The brand can be pricey, so if you’re a REI member, you’re eligible for exclusive coupons year-round, as well as a 10% dividend on any full price. Not yet a member? If you find yourself buying travel gear or outdoor gear, being a REI member will pay for itself almost immediately.

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Review of Sea to Summit Packing Cubes

I tried out the Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cube set, which contains three cubes of different sizes, extra small, small and medium. Here are the specs for each:

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

On the surface, they seemed perfect for holding my tech gear, toiletries, and even clothes like t-shirts, socks, and underwear, and these cubes seemed durable enough to be really put to the test. Made from TPU laminated 700 ripstop nylon, these small but mighty cubes are designed to keep your gear dust free.

They are water resistant and each has a different color for better organization. Plus, the translucent window panel lets you easily see the contents inside, and each bag holds its shape really well. The PU coated zip and reinforced, fully welded construction of the seams keep out all the elements, which is great for dusty or sandy off-road adventures.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons.

Pro: lightweight and durable

Overall, the lightweight material and polished design make these cubes a solid win. It’s comforting to know that the Sea to Summit packing cubes are made from durable materials that can handle anything from a quick weekend in a new city to an epic backpacking adventure.

They are super light, fit easily in your suitcase and protect your belongings. The cubes are not 100% transparent, but a bit on the transparent side, so you can still see the contents at a glance.

Pro: Easy to pack in your bag or at home

Oh, and each packing cube has a little tab for convenient use, which is a nice little bonus. I like that it comes in three sizes, the zipper quality is very good and they are super durable – I don’t have to worry about them ripping or opening in my bag.

Another great benefit is that each of these bags fits together like a Russian nesting doll, which is handy for storing them at home!

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

Pro/Con: value for money

At the time of writing, the Hydraulic Packing Cube set costs $79.95. While that price tag may seem rather steep, know that you’re getting a top quality product. For my travels, these may be a little more than I need.

However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth it. They really are a well-made product and the Sea to Summit brand is a trusted name in the travel community; I just don’t think I would need anything this durable for my travels. Remember I’m in team hotel, not team hammock.

If you’re heading out on a month-long backpacking adventure and need lightweight gear that can withstand the elements, or even if you want to treat yourself to an upgrade and take your backcountry camping to the next level, these might be just what you’re looking for . They can withstand just about anything and are built to withstand the harshest conditions.

If you’re taking a quick flight to hang out in a big city for the weekend, then you might want to find something that’s better suited to your travels and might be less taxing on your wallet.

Con: Not 100% waterproof

It is important to note that these packing cubes are water resistant, not waterproof. Since these are usually in my hotel room, that’s not necessarily a problem for me, but could easily be a deal breaker for anyone using these on a more off-road adventure. The zipper will withstand some splashes, but when submerged, the water will find a way into your contents.

That said, I did spill a bit in one of the bags when one of the caps on my toiletries came loose in transit, and while the contents all got a nice coat of hair care spray, it didn’t leak into my bag.

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Final thoughts

I must say that after using these cubes I now see the light. The future is packing cubes, not throw everything in your luggage willy-nilly. But while these cubes are certainly for me, and I am for them, are they for you?

The good news is that Sea to Summit offers several different lightweight packing cube options, many of which are sold individually if you don’t need or want the full set. The Hydraulic Packing Cube Kit is sold separately, and they also offer much larger options, which are great for bulkier items like clothes, sleeping bags, and anything else you want to keep organized in your suitcase.

Personally, I found the medium size to be perfect for hairbrushes and makeup brushes, but I could easily see it being used for tech equipment, power banks, SD cards, etc. Don’t forget they keep your stuff free of dust, which is ideal if you’re on camping or in a more primitive environment.

As for the packing cubes, these are certainly the strongest I’ve ever come across, and they helped remove the usual headache associated with packing, organizing, and unpacking. I will definitely use them again!

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