Travel compression bags

Travel compression bags: packing cubes and compression bags, from £14.90 to £89.90

A compression bag reduces the volume of clothes in the suitcase or backpack and sorts items by type. This page brings together compressible cubes sold in sets and waterproof compression bags, in nylon, Oxford, polyester or polyester and TPU depending on the listing.

Compression packing cubes

The cubes sit side by side: one for tops, one for bottoms, one for nightwear.

• The waterproof nylon compression cube set is sold singly (£14.90), in threes or fives, in six colours.
• The set of 4 waterproof polyester cubes (£29.90) claims up to 40% space saving according to its listing; its printed version, in leopard, berries or feathers, is washable.
• The set of 6 cubes with built-in shoe bag keeps shoes separate, with a stated space saving of up to 60%.
• The waterproof set comes in two to nine pieces, in black or white, and the set of 5 beige polyester cubes completes the range.

Waterproof compression bags

The waterproof polyester and TPU compression bags come in 40, 45 or 55 cm, singly (£39.90) or in pairs, and also work outdoors to keep clothes dry. The foldable waterproof Oxford compressible bag (£29.90) is sold in threes.

How does the compression system work?

You fill the cube or bag, pull the zip closed, then push out the air by pressing the clothes down: the interior volume shrinks and the bag closes more easily. A vacuum bag, by contrast, has its air removed with a pump or a vacuum cleaner. No listing on this page mentions vacuum sealing or a pump: compression is done by hand, which lets you repack your bag anywhere. Roll your clothes before slipping them in; they take up less room and crease less.

Choosing your compression bag well

• For a cabin-bag trip: two or three cubes are enough in a backpack or a small suitcase. Compression helps fit everything within the permitted size, without changing the weight.
• For several days: a set of four to six cubes keeps everything organised, and the shoe compartment stops the rest getting dirty. For the bathroom, see Travel wash bag, version men’s travel wash bag or women's travel wash bag.
• For camping or hiking: a waterproof bag keeps clothes safe from damp inside the backpack.

Compression bag FAQs

What is a compression bag?

A bag or cube that reduces the volume of its contents once closed and pressed down. It makes space, but it doesn't make your luggage lighter: the weight stays the same.

Which compression backpack for the cabin?

A standard backpack, filled with packing cubes one at a time or in threes. Always check the hand luggage dimensions required by your airline before you travel.

Does a backpack count as hand luggage?

Usually yes, if it meets the airline's size limits. Compression cubes help you fit more in without distorting it.

To complete your luggage

See our travel accessories and Travel pillow. For the bag itself: our men's bags, their variant men's foldable travel bag, the models for women and those in leather.