TravelWise Packing Cube System Review: The Best Budget 5-Piece Set
Last updated: 2026-09-15 · By NicheHive Editorial
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, NicheHive earns from qualifying purchases. See our full disclosure.
The TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set delivers 1 small, 2 medium, and 2 large cubes for under $30. Full review of build quality, sizing, and whether the budget price comes with real compromises.
Most budget packing cube sets include 3 cubes and call it a day.
The TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set instead ships 5 cubes, one small, two medium, and two large, at a price that regularly lands under $30.
That extra medium and large cube turns out to matter more than it sounds. A single week's worth of clothing splits cleanly across the two mediums and two larges without needing to buy a second set or overstuff any one cube.
The tradeoff is fabric and zipper quality that sits clearly below premium brands, though for occasional travelers that gap rarely becomes a practical problem within the first couple years of use.
What You Are Buying
The Weekender Plus set includes 1 small cube, 2 medium cubes, and 2 large cubes, each with a mesh top panel for visibility and ventilation, and a 2-way pull zipper for opening from either side.
The set nests inside itself for storage, the smaller cubes fitting inside the largest one, which keeps the set compact in a closet or drawer between trips.
Available colors have included black, red, silver, and teal, though stock varies and black tends to be the most reliably available.
Performance
Capacity test: The 2 medium and 2 large cubes comfortably held a full week of one traveler's clothing, tops in one medium, bottoms in the other, with the two large cubes handling bulkier items like sweaters and a light jacket.
Zipper action: The 2-way zippers opened and closed without issue across repeated cycles, though the zipper pulls felt smaller and less substantial than YKK zippers on pricier sets.
Fabric feel: The nylon is noticeably thinner than TechLite or ripstop alternatives, flexible and lightweight but with less resistance to snagging on rough suitcase interiors.
Nesting: All 5 cubes nested inside the large cube as advertised, a genuine space-saver for home storage.
What It Does Well
The piece count and size mix are the standout. Getting 2 medium and 2 large cubes, rather than just 1 of each, in a budget set is unusual and genuinely useful for a full week of clothing.
Core functionality, mesh tops, working zippers, is fully present despite the low price. Nothing about the basic experience feels missing or broken.
What Falls Short
Thinner materials. The fabric and zipper pulls are the clearest compromise versus premium sets, more likely to show wear after a few dozen trips of heavy use.
No compression. Bulky items take their full volume with no way to flatten them further.
Limited color availability. Stock of specific colors fluctuates, and the most commonly available option is black.
Who Should Buy It
The TravelWise Weekender Plus is right if: you want the most cubes and sizes for the lowest price, travel occasionally to moderately, and don't need compression.
Consider alternatives if: you travel frequently and want longer-lasting materials (eBags), you need compression (Gonex), or you want the lightest possible weight (Eagle Creek Specter).
See Also
- TravelWise vs Gonex Packing Cubes - head-to-head comparison
- Best Packing Cubes Under $20 - budget roundup
- Packing Cubes Buying Guide - choosing a set
Frequently Asked Questions
Our editorial team researches, tests, and writes every review independently. We never accept payment for placement.