Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube vs Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10
Both made our Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) if you want small and medium sizes match a young child's clothing volume well. Choose the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set if you'd rather have the compression zipper genuinely helps flatten a packable jacket or towel for a small bag. Overall we rank the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) higher: #1 versus #2 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 Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking | #2 of 4 in Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Eagle Creek | Gonex |
| Key features | Set of 2 cubes: small and medium; 70D recycled ripstop nylon; Translucent mesh top | 10-piece set, use only what you need; Double zipper compression; Honeycomb ripstop fabric |
| Biggest strength | Small and medium sizes match a young child's clothing volume well | The compression zipper genuinely helps flatten a packable jacket or towel for a small bag |
| Main trade-off | Only 2 cubes per set, a family needs several sets to cover everyone | Buying a 10-piece set to use 1 or 2 pieces is wasteful for a strict minimalist |
| Best for | family trips | minimalist packers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) if…
- Small and medium sizes match a young child's clothing volume well
- Translucent top helps kids find their own items without adult help
- Ripstop fabric survives rough handling by kids better than standard nylon
Best for: family trips
Prefer the alternative? See the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set section.
#2 pick
Choose the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set if…
- The compression zipper genuinely helps flatten a packable jacket or towel for a small bag
- The small underwear and sock bag alone fits a minimalist week of basics
- Cheapest way to try a single compression cube without committing to a premium brand
Best for: minimalist packers
Prefer the alternative? See the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) section.
Pros and cons of each
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M)
Pros
- Small and medium sizes match a young child's clothing volume well
- Translucent top helps kids find their own items without adult help
- Ripstop fabric survives rough handling by kids better than standard nylon
Cons
- Only 2 cubes per set, a family needs several sets to cover everyone
- Highest per-piece price in this list
- No compression, doesn't help with bulky kids' items like winter coats
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set
Pros
- The compression zipper genuinely helps flatten a packable jacket or towel for a small bag
- The small underwear and sock bag alone fits a minimalist week of basics
- Cheapest way to try a single compression cube without committing to a premium brand
Cons
- Buying a 10-piece set to use 1 or 2 pieces is wasteful for a strict minimalist
- Fabric is thinner and less durable than Eagle Creek's ripstop
- Unused pieces from the set add clutter at home
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) vs Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set: common questions
Which is better, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) or the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set?
Choose the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) if you want small and medium sizes match a young child's clothing volume well. Choose the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set if you'd rather have the compression zipper genuinely helps flatten a packable jacket or towel for a small bag. Overall we rank the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) higher: #1 versus #2 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 Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set?
The Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) stands out because small and medium sizes match a young child's clothing volume well, while the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set stands out because the compression zipper genuinely helps flatten a packable jacket or towel for a small bag. The trade-offs differ too: the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M)'s main caveat is that only 2 cubes per set, a family needs several sets to cover everyone, and the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set's is that buying a 10-piece set to use 1 or 2 pieces is wasteful for a strict minimalist.
Is the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) worth it over the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set instead if only 2 cubes per set, a family needs several sets to cover everyone is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set instead of the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M)?
The Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 10 Set suits minimalist packers, while the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) is best for family trips.