Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube vs TravelWise Packing Cube System 5
Both made our Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking shortlist, at #1 and #3. 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 TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set if you'd rather have available in enough colors to assign a distinct color per family member. 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.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking | #3 of 4 in Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Eagle Creek | TravelWise |
| Key features | Set of 2 cubes: small and medium; 70D recycled ripstop nylon; Translucent mesh top | 5 cubes: 1 small, 2 medium, 2 large; Available in multiple colors; Mesh top panel on each cube |
| Biggest strength | Small and medium sizes match a young child's clothing volume well | Available in enough colors to assign a distinct color per family member |
| Main trade-off | Only 2 cubes per set, a family needs several sets to cover everyone | No compression zipper, bulkier items take up their full volume |
| Best for | family trips | family trips |
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 TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set section.
#3 pick
Choose the TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set if…
- Available in enough colors to assign a distinct color per family member
- 2 medium plus 2 large cubes covers a full week of one traveler's clothing
Best for: family trips
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
TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set
Pros
- Available in enough colors to assign a distinct color per family member
- 2 medium plus 2 large cubes covers a full week of one traveler's clothing
Cons
- No compression zipper, bulkier items take up their full volume
- Thinner fabric than premium sets, needs gentler handling
- Small cube is the only size below medium, less flexibility for tiny kids' items
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) vs TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set: 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 small and medium sizes match a young child's clothing volume well. Choose the TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set if you'd rather have available in enough colors to assign a distinct color per family member. 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 small and medium sizes match a young child's clothing volume well, while the TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set stands out because available in enough colors to assign a distinct color per family member. 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 TravelWise Packing Cube System 5 Piece Weekender Plus Set's is that no compression zipper, bulkier items take up their full volume.
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 only 2 cubes per set, a family needs several sets to cover everyone 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 family trips, while the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set (S/M) is best for family trips.