Name: Hook & Albert Packing Cubes Review: Two Zippers Are Better Than One
Item: Hook & Albert Packing Cubes
Rating: 8
Author: Jamie Ditaranto

Jamie Ditaranto is a traveler in a love triangle with writing and photography. Follow the drama on Twitter @jamieditaranto and Instagram @jamieditaranto.

Ditaranto joined SmarterTravel in 2015. She loves ecotourism, cities with history, and discovering local hangouts. Though she likes all the continents equally, she holds a special place in her heart for rainy little islands.

Her work has also appeared online at USA Today, Huffington Post, Business Insider, and other publications. You can check out her photography on her website.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "My instant camera comes in handy for giving instant gifts to new friends."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Befriending penguins in Antarctica."

Travel Motto: "You have to get the hard places out of the way first."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "On short flights, the window. For long flights, the aisle."

Email Jamie at editor@smartertravel.com.

See recent posts by Jamie Ditaranto

If your eyes haven’t been opened to the magical organization powers of packing cubes, it’s time you hop on the compressed-cube bandwagon. However, there are a lot of different types of packing cubes out there that come in all colors, styles, and price points. For this review, I’m looking at the pricier end of the spectrum to see if they’re worth the extra bucks. Available in small and large sizes, Hook & Albert’s packing cubes can be purchased as a set or individually.

Price and where to buy: $60 for the set (one large cube and one small cube) on Hook & Albert’s website.

How the Hook & Albert Packing Cubes Rate:

Usefulness: 7/10. As far as packing your clothes goes, these cubes are useful and the compression zipper holds up even when the bag is stuffed to the brim. However, I wish the cubes would keep their boxy shape when still compressed instead of tapering down at the corners. This makes for some awkward empty spaces when packed in a suitcase.
Value: 6/10. The packing cubes are pretty pricey for what they are, but they’re well constructed with premium nylon and gunmetal-plated zippers.
Durability: 10/10. It’s obvious that a lot of thought went into the product when it comes to construction and materials, which put it leagues above more cheaply constructed packing cubes in terms of durability.
Cool Factor: 10/10. These gender-neutral bags are sleek and professional.

Final Verdict: Now that more people are using packing cubes, there are a lot of options to sift through, but if you want cubes that will look professional in your bag and last forever, the Hook & Albert set will do right by you.

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Jamie Ditaranto is a writer and photographer always looking for her next adventure. Follow her on Twitter @jamieditaranto.

Editor’s Note: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and “cool factor.” Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. If you have any questions or comments concerning our reviews or would like to suggest a product for review, please email us at editor@smartertravel.com.

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