Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Packing Cubes

Eagle Creek Pack It Reveal Garment Folder vs REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about overpackers seeking maximum space — read the strengths below before deciding.

Eagle Creek Pack It Reveal Garment Folder
Ranked #5 in Best Packing Cubes
Eagle Creek Pack It Reveal Garment Folder
$35as of Jul 6

The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder is designed to keep clothing wrinkle-free during travel, with reviewers noting its effectiveness for tours where changing locations frequently. Users report that while it works well for shirts and pants, accessing items from the middle of a stack requires lifting the items above rather than unpacking the entire bundle. Reddit users in r/travel and travel forums consistently recommend the product for its durability and space-saving benefits, though some caution that improper folding can make retrieval difficult. This product is best suited for travelers who prioritize wrinkle prevention over quick access, versus those seeking maximum convenience in daily unpacking.

Strengths
  • Effective at preventing wrinkles in clothing during travel
  • Easy to access individual items without unpacking entire stack
  • Durable construction suitable for repeated use on tours
Watch-outs
  • Can be challenging to retrieve items from middle of stacked clothing
  • Requires proper folding technique to maintain shape and accessibility
REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Packing Cubes
REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set
$49.95

The REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set offers significant storage capacity through its accordion-style compression feature, allowing users to pack twice as much as standard cubes. Wirecutter praised the cubes for their ability to hold more items while maintaining wrinkle-free clothing, though they noted the compression zippers can be difficult to operate and have broken on some units. Pack Hacker also reported issues with the compression zipper failing early in use. The cubes are made of ripstop nylon and come with REI's one-year satisfaction guarantee. Best suited for overpackers seeking maximum space efficiency, but those prioritizing durability may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • Expandable design allows storage to double from 3.5L to 6L (small), 8.5L to 13L (medium), and 14L to 21L (large)
  • Compression zippers help maximize space while keeping clothes wrinkle-free
  • Made of ripstop nylon that resists snags and tears
Watch-outs
  • Compression zipper can be finicky to operate and has broken on some units after initial use
  • Zippers may require extra force to close, especially when overpacked
  • Largest bag in set is a slightly different color than smaller bags

How they stack up

Eagle Creek Pack It Reveal Garment Folder

Unlike the Peak Design Packing Cube or Thule Compression Cube Set, the Eagle Creek Pack It Reveal Garment Folder excels at preventing wrinkles during travel but sacrifices quick access to middle items. While the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set offers more space with compression, it lacks the garment-specific folding benefits of this product. The Patagonia Black Hole Cube and Evergoods Transit Cube prioritize durability and organization respectively, but don't match the Eagle Creek model's focus on wrinkle prevention and structured clothing storage.

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

The REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set maximizes space with its accordion-style compression, something the Patagonia Black Hole Cube and Thule Compression Cube Set do not offer. While the Evergoods Transit Cube provides mechanical compression, the REI cubes are expandable and offer more volume flexibility. The Eagle Creek model focuses on garment folding, and Peak Design emphasizes quick access, making the REI set ideal for overpackers who want maximum capacity without sacrificing wrinkle protection.

Specs side-by-side

SpecEagle Creek Pack It Reveal Garment FolderREI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set
MaterialDurable polyesterRipstop Nylon, YKK Zippers
Dimensions10"L x 1.25"W x 14"H14 in x 10 in x 6.5 in (35.6 x 25.4 x 16.5 cm)
Weight0.5 lbs9.9 oz (280.7 g)
Capacity11 L (671 cu. in.)3.5 to 21 liters
FeaturesReveal window, compression3.5L to 6L (small), 8.5L to 13L (medium), 14L to 21L (large)
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