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How to Pack Light Using Compass Rose Packing Cubes

Updated: Mar 30, 2021

Packing light can make your life a whole lot easier, but it can be a challenge to fit all your travel needs into a carry-on bag.

If you’re like me, there’s a lot of stuff you simply can’t live without while you travel, but you’re tired of hauling around a huge suitcase. Thanks to Compass Rose packing cubes, you can fit everything you need into one small bag. I discovered the magic of packing cubes many years ago, but I’ve yet to find any that compare in quality and capability to the Compass Rose cubes.

Why Use Packing Cubes?

how to pack light

Have you ever wondered how Mary Poppins fit so much in her bag? Well, I’m convinced the answer is packing cubes. Using packing cubes allows me to fit at least 50 percent more inside my carry-on suitcase. This is ideal if you want to avoid checked baggage.


Me personally, unless my airfare includes a free checked bag, I refuse to shell out any more money. I also take a lot of trips that involved moving from one place to another every few days, so lugging around a heavy suitcase is not ideal. That said, I also like to have a lot of options when it comes to my shoes and clothes. Packing cubes provide the ideal solution.

Tropical destinations are typically warm…very warm. I like to have an outfit I can change into once I’m done the most active part of my day—you know, once I’m done sweating. After a cool shower, it feels so good to put on fresh clothes, but it means I need two outfits for every day.


Alternatively, I often travel to cooler climates where a few extra layers are needed to keep warm, especially after the sun goes down. I’m allergic to animal-based products, such as merino wool and cashmere, which makes it a challenge to find layering pieces that won’t take up a lot of room in my bag. Packing cubes make it possible to fit more stuff in less space. It’s a level of travel freedom you have to experience to appreciate.


What Are Compass Rose Packing Cubes?

how to pack light

Compass Rose is the only packing cube set on the market sized to correctly fit international carry-on suitcases, accommodating restrictive airline baggage policies. Created by travelers for travelers, Compass Rose Packing Cubes organize, compress, and maximize space for a smooth, stress-free travel experience.


The innovative organizational packing system is designed using proven techniques to help people travel carry-on only. In addition, the structured, quality fabric ensures the cubes pack flat, retaining their shape. High-quality construction and materials include premium zippers, durable mesh, double stitching, and first-rate nylon fabric, allowing for maximum clothing compression.


How Do Compass Rose Packing Cubes Work?

how to pack light

There are four packing cubes in each set—two grey and two red. The slim-sized packing cube set features a one-of-a-kind number and color-coded organization system that allow you to maximize efficiency and organize your bag using one of six unique packing strategies. 

  1. Use one packing cube number per family member

  2. Assign daily outfit per number per day

  3. Color code for mixed weather trips (grey=cold, red=hot)

  4. Use numbers to differentiate clothes for each activity type

  5. Pack for two destinations by color coding

  6. Separate tops, bottoms, dresses, and more by number

Once you’ve decided on a strategy and chosen the items you want to pack, use a combination of rolling and folding to prepare each item. Then, simply fill each packing cube with clothing until it appears you’ve used all of the space.


Looks can be deceiving, and once you’ve zipped the cubes closed, you’ll likely find you have plenty of space to spare. Once you find a small pocket of space, open one end of the cube, and push down the clothing that’s already inside so you can squeeze in more items. It’s that easy!


What Makes Compass Rose Different?

Let’s face it, there are a lot of packing cubes on the market today. Why should you choose Compass Rose packing cubes over another brand? Let’s start with the size. When you first receive your Compass Rose Packing Cubes, you may be a bit surprised by their size. They don’t look like other packing cubes, and that’s a good thing. 


The size difference is key because the Compass Rose packing cubes are the only cubes that will fit the exact width of a carry-on. Other cubes are slightly too long so Compass Rose cubes help streamline the space within your suitcase.

In addition, the materials used in the construction of the packing cubes were specifically chosen to allow you to pack a generous amount of clothing while maintaining a flat structure. Other packing cubes lose their structure when filled, which creates a poor fit inside your suitcase.


You can stack the Compass Rose packing cubes on top of each other and they lay flat when filled, allowing for maximum space and organization. In addition, the high-quality mesh doesn’t rip as easily as other brands. All these details help improve your packing so you have a more stress-free and enjoyable travel experience.


There are so many great reasons for learning how to pack light. From travel freedom to eliminating checked bag fees, Compass Rose packing cubes can help you achieve your packing goals. For those of you wondering, this is not a sponsored post. I believe strongly in this product and the positive impact it can have on your overall travel experience.

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