Written by a former US Marine Corps Infantry NCO with multiple overseas deployments, later a National Guard sniper qualified in Army Sniper course, USMC Urban, and USMC Aerial Sniper courses and twice mobilized for domestic crises—real-world credibility backs every gear recommendation.
How to Use Packing Cubes: Tactical Travel Made Simple
Staying organized in the field—or on the move—can make the difference between mission-ready and mission-scrambled. At OTTE Gear, we design with function and durability in mind. One of the simplest tools for gear control? Packing cubes.
If you’ve ever dug through a rucksack, range bag, suitcase, vehicle or gear locker looking for that one item buried under your gear, this guide is for you. Whether you're prepping for deployment, a range day, or a rugged backcountry trip, here's how to use packing cubes to streamline your loadout.
What Are Packing Cubes?
Packing cubes are zippered fabric pouches—usually rectangular or square—that help compartmentalize items inside your luggage, ruck, or duffel. Think of them as modular drawers for your bag. OTTE Gear’s packing cubes come in multiple sizes and feature tough nylon construction, see-through window tops, and rugged zippers built for repeated use.
When used right, packing cubes:
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Keep gear categories separate (e.g. clothing, hygiene, comms, tools)
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Make it easier to access what you need fast
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Maximize usable space inside your bag/vehicle/gear locker
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Reduce clutter and stress in the field or on the go
Why Use Packing Cubes?
Let’s cut to it. Here’s what packing cubes do that a pile of stuff in your bag doesn’t:
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Prevent gear sprawl – No more dumped-out duffels at the side of your truck.
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Speed up packing and unpacking – Especially useful when you’re bouncing between locations or moving under time constraints.
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Reduce wear and tear – By keeping sharp items separated from clothing or sensitive gear.
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Make repacking efficient – Just drop the cubes back into your bag in the same order.
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Stay mission-specific – Assign cubes by task (first aid, sustainment, hygiene, etc.)
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Organization- Keep dirty clothes and boots away from clean ones
How to Use Packing Cubes
Using packing cubes isn’t complicated—but using them effectively makes all the difference. Here’s a tactical approach:
1. Sort by Category or Mission
Create cubes based on what you’ll need and when. For example:
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Clothing cube – Socks, base layers, change of shirt
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Hygiene cube – Toothbrush, wipes, deodorant, field towel
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EDC or tech cube – Cords, battery pack, flashlight, notebook
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Footwear cube – Dirty shoes or sandals in a waterproof cube
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Medical cube – IFAK or trauma supplies
Pro Tip: Label each cube or choose different colorways to ID fast.
2. Fold or Roll Items for Max Efficiency
Both work—just be consistent. Rolling works well for soft items like shirts or base layers. Folding may be better for gear or uniforms.
Avoid overstuffing. A too-tight cube makes it harder to close and creates wrinkles. Underpacking wastes space.
3. Use Cube Sizes Intelligently
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Large cubes: Best for full clothing changes, large jackets, or soft gear
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Medium cubes: Ideal for organizing mission essentials like radios, gloves, admin gear
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Small cubes: Cords, notepads, tourniquets, batteries, tools
OTTE’s cubes are intentionally low-profile, fitting seamlessly into rucks, range bags, or carry-on setups.
4. Strategic Loadout Placement
Once your cubes are packed:
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Heavier cubes go near the base or spine of your pack
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Lighter or high-access cubes sit at the top or front
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Consider frequency of use—don’t bury your hygiene kit if it’s needed daily
Bonus: Lay your gear out once, take a picture of your cube layout. Next trip? Just replicate.
What to Pack in OTTE Gear Packing Cubes
Here’s how customers are using our cubes:
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Shoes or boots – Keep muddy soles away from your clean clothes
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Field clothing – Uniform changes, socks, underlayers, puffy jackets and pants
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Range gear – Ear pro, gloves, extra mags
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Travel needs – Button-downs, toiletries, belt, and phone charger
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Miscellaneous – Firestarter kits, water filtration, med supplies
With multiple sizes, you can build a system that works whether you’re going out for 72 hours or 30 days.
Advantages Over Standard Travel Bags
Compared to traditional compression bags, ziplocks, or stuff sacks, packing cubes offer:
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Better accessibility – No digging around
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Less bulk – Especially in modular bags with MOLLE or internal partitions
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Cleaner gear management – Great for travel, range, or field use
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Quick repacking – Snap-and-go logistics in field ops
Field-Proven Benefits
Here’s what real-world users have said:
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“Used my OTTE cubes for a 10-day backcountry trip—shoes in one, wet clothes in another. Everything stayed clean.”
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“I keep one in my truck with PT gear, another in my ruck with my med kit. Easier to grab and go.”
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“They’re better than the nylon sacks I used to travel with. These actually stay organized.”
Final Thoughts: Make Your Loadout Smarter
Whether you’re a minimalist traveler, a seasoned operator, or just tired of disorganized bags, learning how to use packing cubes the right way gives you an edge. OTTE Gear cubes are purpose-built for those who demand more from their kit—tougher materials, smarter sizing, field-tested layouts.
You can’t always control the environment—but you can control your gear.
Explore OTTE Gear’s Modular Packing Cubes
Made to integrate with our helmet bags, range bags, and duffels. Choose your setup, load it your way, and keep your gear where it belongs.
