(Part 2) Best travel packing organizers according to redditors
We found 256 Reddit comments discussing the best travel packing organizers. We ranked the 159 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Another common tip, which I did myself, is to do a practice ride to work on a day off, so you can get familiar with the route and the whole routine without being stressed about doing all of this while still getting to work on time.
A few more tips. Personalize to your own situation. Note that I am able to wear a simple work outfit with the same shoes everyday, maybe not everyone can do this (or wants to do this).
I daily carry a GORUCK GR1. I chose this pack because of how ridiculously overbuilt it is. Prior to getting the GR1, I carried less and I generally still couldn't go more than 6 months at best without ripping or destroying my packs. I also like that it doesn't have much built in organization. I prefer to create my own organizational system rather than use the one mandated by the pack. This is the primary reason I chose this over similar high quality options such as the Tom Bihn Synapse 25.
Also, I know there is a serious lack of cool hacking tools. Unfortunately I am currently in a more defensive than offensive cybersecurity position, so I don't really carry a lot of stuff around with me like I used to when I was red team.
On the front you can see that I have a Grimloc biner in case I need to attach anything to my pack. I also have a Gonex water bottle pouch and a large water bottle. On the back of the pack I have a pouch with my EDC Zebralight on the shoulder strap for easy access while wearing the ruck.
Opening the pack up, I have my tool pouch attached to the internal MOLLE webbing at the top as well as work gloves, a waterproof pack cover, rain coat, and umbrella. Additionally, I have a packing cube full of clothes. The packing cube isn't a usual part of my EDC, but I had the bag packed for an overnight trip so I thought I'd leave it in the picture to show what a few days worth of clothes looked like packed in the bag.
Under the flap on my admin pouch and inside the admin pouch you can see my primary toolkit. It's designed to have just about anything I would need for basic repairs throughout a day. I'm not handyman or anything, but I like to be able to solve just about any basic problem with just what is in the pouch. If I'm away from home or my car where I have more in-depth toolboxes, I can still solve most issues I run into.
There are two inner pockets. The mesh pocket has several micro USB and USB-C charging cords, an HDMI cable, cigarette lighter charging plug, and a wall charging plug. The top pocket, as well as the outer slant pocket are filled with assorted items that I want quick access to.
I have luggage cubes. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014VBGKFW
Short sleeves in one. Long sleeves in another. College short sleeves in a third. College long sleeves in another. I'll throw socks or undershirts in as needed. But this time of year, when I'm doing multiple types of games in a day, I'll have them all organized in my trunk and can swap them in or out of my bag when I leave.
Keep dirty clothes separate and wash everything once or twice a month to get rid of the bag smell. I hang them up when I know I'm gonna go a few weeks without games.
If you're bothered by wrinkles I highly recommend this kind of "packing folder". I didn't even know it was a thing until recently.
15 inch Packing Folders with Folding Board - Travel Shirt Holder Packing System/Garment Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JKJIHRK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_SoMYzbPE3FWK7
Hey! So I found my scrappy little pack list I had before I left. Hope this helps at all :)
I scrape everything out into a little travel container like these GoTubbs or these [Nalgene containers] (https://www.nalgene.com/product/682012-0037/). The GoTubbs are tinier and great for at home use but the Nalgene are airtight and better for air travel.
I got it from amazon There are probably better options but this one had the best product photos because it gave me an idea of what size stuff could fit. Even my tallest lip crayon type things fit in the shortest pouches.
I hung it up behind a door with some 3M hooks.
It really depends on the types of items carried in your pack, and on the weight management systems integrated into the pack.
First, consider what you're carrying. When I was at university I had my laptop, 2-4 books, laptop cord, mouse, calculator, a couple writing implements, an ipod and headphones, a cell phone, a small memo pad, a full-sized notepad, sometimes an extra garment (rain shell, sweater, hat, whatever). I used a messenger bag with my laptop in the sleeve, books in the main pouch, most computer-related and entertainment items on the inside of the bag in pockets, my school supplies in exterior pockets, and any extra garments rolled up on top under the flap.
In a backpack, small items go in small external pockets, large uniform items like books and paper go in the large pocket, the laptop usually gets its own sleeve next to your body. Some variant of packing cubes can be used to hold like items -- all your computer accessories, for example, can go in one.
Many day packs, especially above 25 liters in size and designed for active use, will incorporate side straps like this Osprey. By cinching the sides of the pack tight no gap is made to allow the contents of the pack to shift.
Most school backpacks are designed to carry books. In this capacity, they open from the top and allow access to items of a uniform height from the top. Adding stuff sacks or bag organizers to build your back contents to that uniform height will help, or you can look into something with more built-in organization to help keep the items put.
Another option would be to change the shape of your pack. If you go from a tall narrow design (the backpack) or a broad shallow design (a messenger bag) or halfway in between (a sling bag) you can carry fewer books but have better access to small items that will not be lost as deep in your bag.
Went back in my Amazon history to find the exact ones that I got and it was these https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HHBR00I/
Was my go-to Xmas gift and everyone loved them and I agree. One of those things you don't know how you lived without once you have.
ETA: you can also find different colors if you want. Just search from that link.
Eagle Creek are supposed to be the best, but there are lots of really inexpensive options on Amazon that work well too. It might be worth at least starting with a cheaper option to see what size combinations work best for you. The combo-size packs aren't always the most useful. For instance, I found I have no use for the large sized cubes—they're just way too big. Three slim cubes are plenty for me for long trips (4+ weeks) in warm weather (similar to these) and two slims are enough for any trips shorter than that. Longer winter trips I use one medium cube + one slim (I need a bit more width for sweaters & heavier fabrics). The mediums are quite large and fit a LOT of clothing though.
There are also compression options too. I've heard great things about Eagle Creek's compression cubes, but I don't use compression cubes so I haven't tried them personally.
I packed a sleeping bag and tent, but didn't ever use them. I stayed with friends and family and hotels.
I'll try to remember exactly all I packed.
4 shirts
6 pairs of underwear
4 pairs of socks
a set a thermal pants and shirt
shoe covers
rain gear
basic tools in my swingarm bag
That's basically it
https://www.vikingbags.com/viking-motorcycle-sissy-bar-backpack
EDIT:
I used these backing cubes as well
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014VBGMX2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These seem very small. You probably want the medium size cubes for your clothes.
I use a hanging travel organizer to fit most of my makeup. It's kind of a pain and not pretty, but it keeps everything available to me and out of the way. I did have to switch out the hanger it came with and use a couple of metal curtain hooks though. It got to heavy with everything in there... I saw someone post this method of oraganizing on /r/MUA and it was just what I needed.
For those letter organizers, I get the kind that separates the lower levels into smaller compartments. While my palettes go in the bigger slot, my face brushes, eyeliners, and blushes all have their own little sections. I use an old jelly jar for my eye brushes. I'm sure that'll change when I finally get some more brushes.
I use these for packing button down shirts and put them in a pannier.
Dot&Dot Packing Folder for Travel - 15 inch Garment Sleeves 2 piece Set Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JKJIHRK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4mi8AbKCNC5EK
I have a gym across the street from work where I shower but I don’t really have access to a closet to hang several shirts so I bring in a new one each day.
I used these ones, they are pretty light and the perfect size for my backpack (I got the set of 4 small ones)
AmazonBasics Packing Cubes - Small (4-Piece Set), Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014VBGMX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_h6oMybCRW8ZGQ
I use the TravelWise Packing Cubes and 1 large + 2 medium cubes fit perfectly in my Farpoint 40. I can hold 7 days worth of clothes in it with these.
Lush has some pretty great conditioner bars and solid toothpaste tablets. You could also try a tiny bit of coconut oil in a GoTubb. I also tend to squeeze a bit of toothpaste into a small GoTubb, and use the third in the set for something like melatonin pills or a little Lucas Papaw Ointment
I like to keep my soaps in something like this locking case. A normal setup for me would be a chunk of solid shampoo, a chunk of solid conditioner, a chunk of Dr. Bronners, and a chunk of charcoal exfoliating soap like Lush's Coalface.
I use my huge Sonicare Diamondclean toothbrush for every day and travel, but if you want something more compact you could try a basic Oral-B electric toothbrush and a cover for the head like this one.
I have two sets of the ebags assorted size cubes and I love them. I also have one of the smaller Eagle Creek ones and that's equally as good. The ebags cubes seem like they'd be easier to clean if something gets on them, but I've never had to. If you get the assorted sizes, the biggest size is probably too big for a carryon. For carry-ons, I use one medium size cube and one of these if I need some shirts. Fits nicely into my backpack and I still have plenty of room for electronics/gear.
I use the standard Amazon basics cubes. I have both the smalls and mediums and they work for edc ruck packing or long term trip packing. For me (5'5" girl with size 7 shoe) the small fits my daily gym gear. You may not have that work if your shoes are any larger than mine bc it is just long enough. That cube then takes up maybe the bottom third of my ruck leaving plenty of space on top for everything else.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014VBI5MS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1506720626&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=amazon+basics+packing+cube&dpPl=1&dpID=51e20vb2FIL&ref=plSrch
These are basically what they are. I have some that I use when I travel and one of them is dedicated to my gameboy advance, games, and other related accessories.
This is mine. It was a wedding gift.
It's a little larger than I'd have chosen if I'd bought one myself but it's pretty great.
Not OP, but I have two different sets: one from TravelWise and one from eBags. I like the versatility of having the different options depending on what I'm doing, but I think the Slim ones are my favorite. I've never used the large one from TravelWise, but the medium and small have been great too!
This is the pack I've used for a few years and love it. The huge zippered compartment makes getting things in and out of your pack easy, and more importantly it is 100% carry on compatible sized.
Kelty Redwing 44
I'd also get a set of packing cubes like this. Helps keep clothes organized -- I put my underwear and socks in one and my shirts and extra shorts in the other.
It was tough because on my first attempt at packing I couldn't nearly fit everything in my bag so I basically halved it and brought only the/my essentials. It took some time, but eventually it worked! So from top-ish to bottom-ish here is how I packed!
Sorry for delving into some hardcore detail! Hope that actually answers your question!
Edit: formatting stuff, still new to this not lurking thing
I am ~ 5'2" and traveled to Europe for 2 weeks with the last generation of this guy:
https://topodesigns.com/collections/bags/products/y-pack?variant=50642813831
I paired it with these guys:
https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Pack-Specter-Compression/dp/B00F9T852C
The size of the Y-pack was perfect for my torso. It doesn't have padded straps or a hip belt or a chest strap, but I am busty and the straps sat a just the right angle to avoid my chest and somehow rest on my hips. It was on clearance and has black magic in it somehow. It looks like this generation added more padding to the straps (mine are literally straight up seat belt material) and side pockets (which would have been nice).
Mine is seen in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rubZCZprTHM&vl=en
As you can see the interior is very basic, which I liked. The laptop compartment fits my 15" nicely
My razor.
My pre-shave oil
My soap
My bowl I don't use the rest of that stuff anymore.
My face wash and moisturizer
My current aftershave. Got this from my wife who found it at a thrift store.
My brush is vintage, it's a badger hair brush.
My Process
My Travel Kit (so pimp...I travel a lot for work).
I definitely use packing cubes every time I travel, and even started buying them for other people to spread the gospel of packing cubes. I currently use the Eagle Creek garment folder for blouses, shirts, and dresses or anything else that's easily wrinkled, one of the two-sided cubed for all other clothing, and one of the two-sided half cubes for undergarments. All of this fits inside a standard carry on suitcase with room to spare for 2-3 pairs of shoes, and can get me through more than a week's worth of travel.
I'm actually able to pack far more with packing cubes, since once you squish clothing into the cube and zip it up, it'll stay exactly that size. Nothing even wrinkles with the garment bag, so I can bring nicer clothes on trips.
I especially like bringing the two sided cube for shorter trips, since I can juse pack one side with rollable clothes like sweaters, t-shirts pants, and underwear and still be able to pack the other side with a flat, folded shirt and/or dress.
Basically, packing cubes have changed my life and you should get them.
I currently have this bag. I have gone through Swiss bags and trying to find one that handles 40lbs of computer, cables, charger, backup hard drives, etc. mainly carry for work and PLC programming. So always have 100 and one cables with me.
https://us.targus.com/products/mobile-vip-checkpoint-friendly-15-6-inch-laptop-backpack-psb862
I have different sizes of these for organizing my cables in my bag:
AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set - Slim, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014VBHJ16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gt4UDbYFKDW7Q
I will swear by these small compression bags. I never really travel with clothing that wrinkles so that makes a difference in your choice.
I use these small packing cubes for toiletries and electronic accessories storage, head lamp, etc
I found this nifty electronics organizer that I'm thinking about instead of a cube.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Set - 2pc Set. This packs down to barely nothing when not in used and the bigger one of the set can double as a makeshift pillow as well when packed.
http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Pack-Specter-Compression/dp/B00F9T852C
Something like this?
Could you fit more than 1 large?
You could try something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014VBGP7A/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&th=1
I have these packing cubes, and I'll pack my clothes into one of the smaller ones so it's nice and fluffy and use that! Helps me stay organized, and I get a pillow
More packing cubes
I really like the bag inserts, but for this two week trip I had limited space so I used packing cubes and then padded lens pouches which I stuffed in between the cubes. For extra protection and to save space you can fit the lens hoods over the pouch on the mount end of your lens
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HHBR026/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_BphGzb8XX7N0Y
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MJ3RC8E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hnhGzbRRDJ4PV
It seems expensive, but having unwrinkled clothes and not digging around all the time made life easy. I have this set https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Specter-White-Strobe/dp/B007NZVY32/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1491579748&sr=8-3&keywords=eagle+creek+specter and the Folder size Medium. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M2IO0H2/ref=twister_B011RYXY96?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I've tried a bunch of different types but realized that I hardly need or appreciate organization and just end up hating the bulk. I now use this and make sure I don't bring more than fits in it. I'm sure you can get similar quality even cheaper, but I do think it's a step up from dollar store stuff.
I also did like this one though, bought it on clearance and still use it from time to time.
I like the Osprey Zip Organizer:
I use the Chrome Bravo and it has been the best bike bag I’ve ever had! Very high quality, waterproof and not too heavy either. Separate compartment for laptop/tablet as well as extendable main compartment that fits work clothes and a pair of shoes as well as my lunch. I usually strap my u-lock to the outside.
I’ve combined this bag with the Eagle Creek Pack-It Garment Folder and it keeps my clothes neatly folded and protected from any lunchbox spills. It’s been a great system for me over the last 4 years!
Oh yay! Then in that case:
Can't think of a 5th thing right now though