As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.
Quick verdict
Choose the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) if you want lightest set, well under half the weight of nylon-canvas competitors at a comparable size. Choose the TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set if you'd rather have cheapest way to try packing cubes before committing to a premium ultralight set. Overall we rank the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking list.
Winner overall: Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M)
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) vs TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
Keep researching
- Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking
- Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) review
- TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set review
- All packing cubes
Bottom line
Choose the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) if you want lightest set, well under half the weight of nylon-canvas competitors at a comparable size. Choose the TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set if you'd rather have cheapest way to try packing cubes before committing to a premium ultralight set. Overall we rank the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking list.
Best overallEagle Creek
Ripstop fabric resists tearing under a backpack's external compression straps better than standard nylon
- Set of 2 cubes: small and medium
- 70D recycled ripstop nylon shell
- Combined weight under 9 ounces
- Translucent mesh top
✓ Pros
- Cheapest way to try packing cubes before committing to a premium ultralight set
- The small cube alone is close in size to what a minimalist packer actually needs
- Nests flat, so unused cubes take up almost no home storage space
✕ Cons
- 5 cubes is more than a minimalist trip typically requires
- Fabric and zippers are noticeably less premium than Eagle Creek or eBags
- No compression zipper
TravelWise
2 medium plus 2 large sizes match a typical multi-week backpack's clothing volume
- 5 cubes: 1 small, 2 medium, 2 large
- Mesh top panel
- 2-way pull zippers
- Under $30 for 5 pieces
✓ Pros
- 2 medium plus 2 large sizes match a typical multi-week backpack's clothing volume
- Nests flat for the rare hostel with limited room storage
✕ Cons
- No compression zipper for a fixed-volume pack
- Fabric and zippers show wear faster under daily backpack compression than ripstop options
- Fewer color choices in stock, less useful for quickly identifying gear by color
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) or the TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set?
Choose the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) if you want lightest set, well under half the weight of nylon-canvas competitors at a comparable size. Choose the TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set if you'd rather have cheapest way to try packing cubes before committing to a premium ultralight set. Overall we rank the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking list.
What is the difference between the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) and the TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set?
The Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) stands out because lightest set, well under half the weight of nylon-canvas competitors at a comparable size, while the TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set stands out because cheapest way to try packing cubes before committing to a premium ultralight set. The trade-offs differ too: the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M)'s ma in caveat is that no compression zipper, so it organizes but does not reduce packed volume, and the TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set's is that 5 cubes is more than a minimalist trip typically requires.
Is the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) worth it over the TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set instead if no compression zipper, so it organizes but does not reduce packed volume is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set instead of the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M)?
The TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set suits minimalist packers, while the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) is best for carry on travel.
Keep researching
Related guides & comparisons
TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set
