Real Journey TravelsTagged: packing cubes, travel bags, travel gear, travel kit
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- May 29, 2024 at 1:09 pm #199424
Real Journey Travel and ToursKeymasterThe Cotopaxi Cubo Travel Cube Bundle (Del Día) has earned a massive following among one-bag travelers, backpackers, and organization enthusiasts. Unlike monotonous monochrome packing cubes, every single Del Día cube set is completely one-of-a-kind, hand-assembled in the Philippines using 100% remnant deadstock fabric chosen by the individual factory workers. But beyond its vibrant, eco-conscious story, does this $45 three-piece packing set deliver the durability, compression, and practical sizing needed for rigorous travel?
Cotopaxi Cubo Bundle at a Glance:
- Included Sizes: 3-Piece Set: 2L (Small), 3L (Medium), and 10L (Large)
- Materials: 100% repurposed deadstock nylon and mesh fabric; each piece features unique one-of-a-kind color blocking
- Dimensions: 10L: 12″ x 12″ x 4.5″ (30 x 30 x 11 cm) | 3L: 11.5″ x 6″ x 3″ (29 x 15 x 8 cm) | 2L: 8″ x 6″ x 3″ (20 x 15 x 8 cm)
- Total Weight: 7.8 oz (221 g) for the complete 3-cube bundle
- Best For: Travel backpacks (26L–40L) and carry-on suitcases requiring modular separation of clothing, cables, and small essentials
- Key Tradeoff: No secondary compression zipper; organization is volumetric rather than vacuum-compressed
Quick Verdict: Are Cotopaxi Del Día Packing Cubes Worth It?
Yes, especially for travel backpacks and carry-on suitcases. At $45 for the 3-piece bundle (2L, 3L, and 10L), the Cubo set provides an ideal tiered packing system. The breathable mesh sidewalls let you see contents instantly without unzipping, while the ultra-lightweight ripstop nylon (just 175g for all three cubes combined) adds zero noticeable bulk to your luggage. They are designed to nest seamlessly inside travel backpacks like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L/42L, Patagonia Black Hole 40L, and Osprey Farpoint 40. The only trade-off is the “surprise” color palette: because fabrics are repurposed, you cannot pick specific colors before ordering.
What’s Included: Sizing, Capacity & Dimensions
The Cotopaxi Cubo Travel Bundle includes three distinct cubes designed to compartmentalize everything from socks and electronics to bulky sweaters and jeans:
Cube Size Capacity Dimensions (Inches & CM) Best Used For Small Cubo 2 Liters 7.5″ x 6.0″ x 2.0″ (20 x 15 x 5 cm) Underwear, socks, charging cables, passport, toiletries, jewelry Medium Cubo 3 Liters 11.5″ x 6.0″ x 3.0″ (29 x 15 x 7.5 cm) T-shirts, swimwear, workout apparel, thermal base layers, shorts Large Cubo 10 Liters 11.5″ x 10.0″ x 5.0″ (29 x 26 x 13 cm) Sweaters, jeans, jackets, hoodies, button-down shirts, dresses Key Features & What Sets Cotopaxi Apart
1. 100% Repurposed Del Día Materials
Every year, outdoor equipment manufacturing discards thousands of yards of excess high-tenacity nylon and polyester fabric. Cotopaxi intercepts this premium fabric from landfills. In their factory in the Philippines, individual artisans have complete creative control to assemble each cube using whatever color remnants they choose. The result is a vibrant, one-of-a-kind colorway that no one else in the airport terminal will own.
2. Ventilated Mesh Side Panels
Standard solid packing cubes force you to unzip each cube or memorize contents. Cotopaxi solves this with breathable mesh side panels. This serves two functions: it lets damp clothes or gym wear air out naturally, and allows you to immediately spot whether a cube holds your socks or your swimwear at a glance.
3. Wide Wrap-Around Zippers & Top Grab Handles
Each cube features a three-sided clamshell zipper that opens wide, allowing you to fold or roll clothes flat. Reinforced nylon webbing grab handles on the top let you yank the exact cube you need straight out of a top-loading duffel or tight backpack without disturbing the rest of your luggage.
Pros and Cons: Hands-On Travel Evaluation
What We Love (Pros)
- Featherlight 175g Total: Less weight than a single pair of wool socks.
- Superior Visibility: Mesh sidewalls eliminate packing guesswork.
- Modular Backpack Fit: Sized specifically to fit neatly side-by-side inside 30L–45L travel packs.
- Sustainable B-Corp: 1% of Cotopaxi revenue goes directly to global poverty alleviation grants.
- Nests Flat: When empty, all three cubes fold flat inside the 2L pouch for zero-footprint closet storage.
Room for Improvement (Cons)
- No Compression Zipper: These are organizing cubes, not secondary compression cubes (like Peak Design or Thule).
- Color Roulette: You cannot choose your preferred colorway; you receive a random surprise palette.
- Not Waterproof: The mesh panels provide excellent ventilation, but offer no protection if liquids spill inside your main luggage.
Cotopaxi Cubo vs Peak Design Packing Cubes
If your primary goal is extreme volume reduction and you are trying to compress bulky winter jackets into a tiny personal-item daypack, the double-zippered compression of Peak Design or Eagle Creek is superior. However, if your goal is weight savings, modular organization, and instant visual identification of clothing at half the price, the Cotopaxi Cubo Del Día Bundle is the far more enjoyable and cost-effective travel companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you choose the colors of the Cotopaxi Del Día bundle?
When ordering online from major retailers like REI or Cotopaxi, the Del Día colors are chosen at random, making each bundle a surprise. If you visit a physical Cotopaxi retail store, you can browse and pick out the exact color combination you prefer from the display.
Are Cotopaxi packing cubes machine washable?
Yes. They can be washed on a gentle cycle in cold water inside a mesh laundry bag. Hang them to air dry; avoid high-heat machine drying to protect the nylon coatings and mesh panels.
Do these fit inside a 20-inch carry-on roller suitcase?
Easily. The 10L Large cube takes up roughly half of a standard 20-inch carry-on clamshell compartment, leaving the other half perfectly shaped to fit the 3L Medium and 2L Small cubes alongside a pair of travel shoes.
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