Tailfin Packing Cubes Review: Packing Made Easy

What makes Tailfin’s AeroPack system so popular is how simple the top-opening design makes packing your gear compared to stuffing gear into a seat pack or smaller opening. However, after several years of AeroPack use, we’ve also discovered it ends up being a bit of a yardsale when packing multiple loose items into the large opening. I’ve gotten around this by stashing smaller items in stuff sacks to offer some sense of organization. While this DIY method works, it could be better. That’s where the new Tailfin Packing Cubes come in. Watch my video review below and continue below for a written version, photos, and details.

Developed to fit neatly inside their AeroPack or AP20 Trunk Bag, the Packing Cubes make the most of your packing space by bringing a clean way to organize your gear. There are three sizes: 2.5L, 3.5L, and 6.5L volumes, which are sold in three packs or individually. The 6.5L and 3.5L versions are tapered to fit in the front of the AeroPack or AP20, and the 2.5L model is more of a proper cube shape. They weigh between 41 and 66 grams, depending on the size, and are made of a mono-filament ripstop fabric with a harder-wearing fabric on the bottom. The cubes are water-resistant, not waterproof, and are designed to be easily washable.

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Packing Cubes In Use

Each Tailfin Packing Cube has an oversized drawstring opening for quick access and easy packing, but each model has its own twist. The 6L version has a double-ended zipper along the top, which allows access anywhere along its interior space without having to remove it from the AeroPack. The 3.5L version has a stretch-mesh outer pocket for stashing smaller items like batteries and charging cables. The 2.5L cube has five internal pockets for keeping small, awkward things organized while on the go.

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Tailfin got the sizing of the Packing Cubes just right. The largest version fits the AeroPack like a glove and works much better than my stuff sack method. I could fit my Slingfin Portal one-person tent with fly and my Therm-a-Rest 20-degree Vesper down quilt inside the 6.5L cube. I also packed my Tyvek ground cloth and sleeping pad on top of that. Using all three Packing Cubes inside the 20L AeroPack at once resulted in an awkwardly tall load, and while it’s possible, the bag looks pretty goofy at max capacity. The better option would be to use the 2.5L and the 3.5L bags together, allowing some organization without overpacking.

The bags themselves are pretty straightforward. The large drawstring opening is easy to use, even with gloves on, and there are several loops to grab onto to help out when stuffing gear inside. They have a durable feel and pack an impressive amount of tech, considering how lightweight they are. The cubes come in three color options: Rwandan Dust, Sage Green, and Tailfin Teal. Like all of Tailfin’s products, the Packing Cubes are backed by a five-year warranty that protects them against manufacturing defects. If it fails, they’ll either fix it or replace it. They also offer a 30% discount to replace damaged bags due to a crash.

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• Capacity: 2.5L, 3.5L, 6L
• Material: Coated Ripstop Fabric
• Weight: 46.1, 41, 65.8 grams
• Price: $38 (2.5L), $35 (3.5L), $50 (6L), $109 (set)
• Manufacturer’s Details: Tailfin

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Further Reading

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