Overall value: The sets we tested ranged from three cubes to as many as five per set, and were priced between $5 and $80.We looked for cubes with zippers that moved smoothly and cleanly around the bags’ corners. Zippers are also a key component: YKK has been the global standard of zipper quality for generations, but there are other reliable zips too. The bags we tested are all made of some kind of nylon or polyester, which is rugged enough not to tear without adding unneeded ounces. It should feel substantial, with a pleasant weave under your fingertips. Construction quality: The easiest way to test for fabric quality is to hold the bag in your hand.

Most traditional-style bags similar to those of the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal set have a mesh panel of some sort, but many ultralight bags forego this feature entirely. Not all models we tested had a mesh panel. The best designs expose just enough of the interior for ventilation and visibility without sacrificing the strength of overall construction. But mesh is also easy to snag and damage if its weave is too large or if the mesh material is cheaply produced. Visibility and ventilation: Some cubes, usually the models made with polyester or nylon, include a mesh window on the top panel.The ability of a cube’s sides to stand up on their own-generally because the fabric is thick enough to support itself-adds some convenience while packing. Handles are convenient for carrying and hanging, and are included on all the designs we tested. Zippers should not be prone to catching on neither the cube’s interior nor its corners as you close it.

Ergonomic features: Packing cubes need to be easy to open and close.

We tested both “standard”-weight cubes (about 4 ounces for a 12-liter cube) and pricier, “ultralight” cubes made of 30-denier siliconized nylon (which weigh about 2 ounces for a 12-liter cube). Most sets included at least one 12-liter cube (considered “medium”)-which fit about a week’s worth of T-shirts-and two or three additional cubes of varying sizes, though we also tested some cubes that were sold individually. We looked for sets or single bags that could handle enough clothes, towels, gadget cables, toiletries, and medical supplies for a long weekend. If you’re going to shell out $25 to $40 for fabric, mesh, and a zipper, it better be lightweight yet still able to store a reasonable amount of clothing and gear.

Weight, size, and capacity: There’s no need for overkill.

Monogrammed laundry bags