Osprey Daylite Packing Cube Set Review

The Osprey Daylite Packing Cube Set is an eco-friendly set of packing cubes made from recycled materials that are both lightweight and durable. They offer a flexible option for those looking to add organization to their packing without compromising quality. They come in a set of three distinct sizes for organizing a wide variety of items, from small tech accessories to clothing to even shoes.

The variety in size (2 liters, 4 liters, and 9 liters) is nice since it allows an excellent degree of adaptability depending on your needs. While the cubes lack compression, the material is relatively rigid and still fits a decent amount of clothing when packed efficiently. The structure of the cubes helps maintain organization inside luggage, making it easier to locate items quickly while keeping everything neat and organized. Perfect for travelers looking for a durable and eco-conscious set of packing cubes, the Osprey Daylite Packing Cube Set offers a balance of functionality and sustainability thanks to its recycled materials.

The Rundown

The Osprey Daylite Packing Cube Set is made from 100% bluesign® certified recycled materials. The main fabric is a 150D polyester mesh, while the lining features 200D polyester with DWR treatment. For added durability, the bottom is constructed from 600D polyester, which also has a DWR treatment. This combination of materials ensures the packing cubes can withstand whatever you throw at them during your travels. While the materials are pretty durable, it is worth noting that they are also quite rigid and inflexible. They are not stretchy at all. This helps them maintain their shape and protect the contents inside but also may limit their capacity to accommodate clothing or gear inside.

Displayed on each packing cube is the Osprey logo. Each packing cube also features a convenient minimal grab handle on top for easy handling and maneuvering. It is a simple nylon strip that lacks any kind of padding but provides a decent grab handle. Each packing cube uses a reliable YKK zipper with a simple nylon cord pull tab. The zipper uses a J-zip-style opening around the sides for easy access and a comprehensive overview of everything inside. The cubes feature a see-through mesh fabric on top for visibility and breathability. This mesh material is not the softest or most comfortable, but it still works well.

The Osprey Daylite Packing Cubes can fit a decent amount despite their lack of flexibility and rigid materials. The cubes’ durable fabric works nicely in its favor as it does not require delicate handling. After zipping the cubes shut, empty spaces or gaps can be easily redistributed by gently massaging the contents or clothing inside to fill the space. This process can turn the bulky, uneven form into something that resembles a more traditional cube-like shape. The result is an organized, compact package that maximizes the available space while protecting the contents inside.

In our testing, rolled clothing tends to fit best and most efficiently primarily due to the dimensions of the packing cubes, which are not very deep. In the large packing cube, we can comfortably fit two pairs of rolled-up jeans and two pairs of rolled-up shorts. The medium cube fits three rolled-up T-shirts and a tank top, while the small cube is perfect for storing four pairs of ankle and dress socks.

Packability

The Osprey Daylite Packing Cube Set is incredibly easy to pack into a duffle or suitcase. The largest packing cube has a relatively short design but little depth. What it lacks in depth, it makes up for in width while still accommodating a decent amount of clothing. It may heavily depend on the individual’s packing style, but generally, the packing cubes allow for a good amount of items inside. The mesh construction provides breathability but may not offer much visibility for darker clothing. The mesh holes are fairly small, so it’s harder to distinguish between darker clothing compared to lighter clothing. Despite their structured design, these cubes are fairly malleable, allowing for easy packing and adjustability inside luggage.

Quick Comparison

When comparing the Osprey Daylite Packing Cube Set with similar NOMATIC Compression Packing Cubes, you’ll find that both are durable, lightweight and feature see-through mesh for visibility and breathability. One significant difference is that the Osprey packing cubes are bluesign® certified with their 100% recycled materials, which could be a deciding factor for the environmentally conscious. NOMATIC packing cubes offer dual zippers with the ability for added compression, and it could help save room when it matters most. Another key difference is that Osprey offers their packing cubes in a set of three (small, medium, and large), while NOMATIC sells their packing cubes individually, allowing for slightly more customization in your setup.

Peak Design’s Packing Cubes come in a similar set, albeit with more flexibility since you can purchase them individually or as a set of up to eight. While Osprey’s uses a see-through mesh for visibility, breathability, and a grab handle, Peak Design’s packing cubes lack these features. However, Peak Design offers slightly more functionality with its dual zip and compression. They also provide a dual-compartment feature that allows you to separate clean and dirty clothing within the same cube. This added versatility can be particularly useful for longer trips.

The Osprey Daylite Packing Cube Set offers a solid approach for those looking for a durable and eco-friendly solution to packing organization. The three sizes provide versatility for various needs, from small gear to bulkier items. Their recycled materials and bluesign® certification make them a fantastic option for the environmentally conscious without sacrificing quality or longevity.