CAIT AROUND THE WORLD

Until a few months ago, I didn’t really know what packing cubes were. Now, I can’t imagine travelling without them! (And I haven’t even tried them out IRL yet.)

Having read about them on the PackHacker website (can you tell I love that site?) I decided that I simply needed them. More organization? Space savers? Yes, please! I checked out reviews on the site for Osprey Ultralight Packing Cubes and Eagle Creek’s packing cubes, but ultimately really wanted to be able to see-them-touch-them-feel-them before buying. Also, there were a few features lacking in the Osprey cubes that I wanted and it was a bit difficult getting Eagle Creek cubes since the ones I saw reviewed aren’t really available anymore.

I ended up going to my local MEC store since I had my backpack to return anyway, and decided to look at their packing cubes while I was there. They are incredible! Dual zips, clamshell opening, nice and light, and great sizes! They come in small, medium, and large, sold separately and in a three-pack multi-size set that gives you a large, a medium, and a small packing cube in each set. I ended up buying two multi-size sets and took them home to try them out!

Each cube is made of 70D nylon ripstop (ultralight cubes generally would be 30 or 40D) which is still light enough that I don’t notice any substantial weight added to my pack. I was a little concerned about just how much depth each cube has to it but I’ve found that I actually have a TON of space, so much so that I’m going to be able to add extra clothes to my packing list that I hadn’t planned on bringing after my initial, no-packing-cube test of my Osprey pack.

With my current packing list and organizational style, I have used a large cube, plus two medium cubes and two small cubes. I plan to take the leftover large cube with me and use it as a laundry bag!

The little bags that the MEC cubes come in are practically packing cubes in and of themselves, too. They are perfect for small things, e.g. extra pairs of underwear, socks, etc. The sky is the limit.

Some other fun little accessories…

While I was at MEC, I was also looking for a dry bag. While I’m not overly concerned about getting caught in a torrential downpour and needing a waterproof bag (one of the reasons I wasn’t concerned about the Fairview’s lack of water resistancy), I did want a little extra assurance for my electronics, should I need it. I ended up buying a 4L Sea-to-Summit dry bag made with 40D nylon ripstop and CORDURA (a super-strong type of nylon) that is water-resistant, if not completely submersible. It fits my iPad comfortably and will also carry my cell phone and important documents, which is exactly what I needed it for. That way, I can rest a little easier should I be caught in bad weather (especially since I will hit some of Australia’s rainy season during the time that I’m there).

I have also tested out a couple different quick-drying towels and have decided on the one that I’ll be taking with me: the PackTowel. I heard mixed reviews on this (good from PackHacker, less-than-glowing from people I know) so I was fortunate enough to be able to try both the PackTowel and the Mountain Warehouse brand. For its pros, the PackTowel does seem to dry – or at least feel more dry more quickly than the one from Mountain Warehouse. It also packs down much smaller, into its own convenient carrying case. I’m also less worried about stuffing it into its case still wet, since it has bacterial protection woven into the fabric. Realistically, either towel will have enough time to dry before travelling again, but ultimately the PackTowel is best suited to my needs.

I decided on the ‘Body’ size of PackTowel, although I originally planned to buy the ‘Beach’ size. Looking at both side-by-side in the store, the Beach size was much bigger and just not compact enough even with the case. Space-saving is the name of the game, so I chose to go with the Body PackTowel.

Check out the Gear Gallery for more photos!