Staying organized might be one of the hardest things to do on a trip, whether you’re on the road for one week, one month, or one year. Planning and researching our long awaited adventure is always fun and exciting, but most of us fall short when it comes to packing. Traveling is one of the most fulfilling things we can do and the last thing we want is to spend our precious time searching through our belongings to find that one item we need.

Grouping similar items together and using compression sacks work well for some items such as sleeping bags or tents. But what about clothing, first aid supplies, tire patch kits, toiletries or kitchen items? You can purchase drawstring bags in various colors that can help, but I find them very bulky and disorderly. Clothing and other items that were once neatly folded, quickly become a jumbled mess. I also find that the drawstring bags don't retain their shape and are not very conducive to stacking, therefore creating “dead space” in my panniers, lost inches that are precious when space is so limited. 

Overland Adventurer Designs has created the Kit Kube system that has a addressed most of my packing issues. Their "Kubes" come in three different sizes:

Small - 6.5” X 6.5” X 3.25” = 2.25 Liters ($9.95)
Medium - 13” X 6.5” X 3.25’ = 4.5 Liters ($14.95)
Large - 13” X 13” X 3.25” = 9 Liters ($19.95)

The cubes are constructed of heavy duty, water resistant materials for durability and oversized zippers for ease of use. The coolest part of the cube is its clear top. No more guessing what’s inside. Awesomesauce!

The idea of the three sizes and the measurements used, are genius in the fact that the Kubes always stack in the same size. One large cube has the same footprint as two medium, or four small cubes. However you arrange them in your panniers, the footprint is always the same, therefore eliminating wasted space. Every inch is utilized! Another reason why I love the three sizes is because our “stuff” is all different sizes. For instance, I utilize two large Kubes for my clothing. I like to keep my everyday garments in one Kube and my “warm” or winter gear in the other one. No need to unpack all of my clothing, when all I need is a pair of socks. I pack my toiletries and towel in a medium cube. When it’s shower time I simply grab my medium Kube and my large Kube and off I go; I know I have everything I need in those two pouches. Simple! As for the smaller bags, I store my utensils, spices and miscellaneous kitchen items in one and the other acts as my first aid kit. However you’d like to pack your “crap”, this packing system will help you stay organized and efficient.

I am on an around the world trip, since July of 2017 and was given the opportunity to test this product and it has held up very well. I thought that for sure something would have broken by now but even after all of my abuse and 23,000 miles later, they look almost new. I must admit, that I would have liked to see them come in more colors due only to the fact that I have Mosko Backcountry 40L Duffle, and I cannot see the clear top until I pull the cube out of my luggage. No biggie. I would recommend this packing system to anyone who travels, whether it be on a motorcycle, camper or by car. Staying organized isn't just about being neat, it’s very much about being efficient. On your next adventure don’t be “That Guy”. MSRP: Starter Set (2 S, 2 M, 1 L) $69.75 Overland-Adventurer.com

Where to Buy:

Aida Valenti is part of a traveling duo, Life Unloaded, who is currently circumnavigating the globe by motorcycle. The team departed from Long Island, NY in July of 2017 and will make their way through the US, British Columbia, down to the Baja Peninsula, Central and South America, Australia, East Asia, Eastern Europe, Northern Africa and finally Aida's homeland of Portugal. You can follow their wildly humourous and unforgettable journey at LifeUnloadedRTW.com.