I resisted packing cubes ... for years. They seemed like an unnecessary gimmick that over-complicated packing. But, having become a packing bag convert, it's true: If you want to be more organized when you travel, fit more in your suitcase and potentially keep yourself safer from bed bugs in the process, you need packing cubes. But like with everything else, packing cubes are not all created equally.

Once you decide to make packing cubes part of your long-term packing strategy, you'll want one of the best options on the market. Consider Calpak packing cubes. I have used them for the past year and a half and put them through the wringer. After tens of thousands of flown miles and dozens of trips under their zippers, I can say they are head and shoulders above many other packing cube options that I've tried.

Calpak five-piece packing cube set: $68

After going through a few less-than-amazing packing cubes that didn't hold up beyond a trip or two, the best packing cubes I've tried have a few things in common. They come in a variety of sizes, have strong zippers, are washable, are made of a material that can stand up to both heat and routine use and have a waterproof pouch.

The least expensive packing cubes are often made of thin nylon that is likely to not hold up well, especially if heated in the dryer (which I recommend doing, more on that to come). While not essential, it's also great if the cubes you choose come in colors or designs that are fun and something you enjoy.

Having cubes in different colors can help with some useful strategies such as organizing your cubes by day or by person, especially when you have the whole family along for the journey. Even just putting the first 24 hours worth of stuff you will need in one packing cube can help so much with that first night and morning in the hotel.

Related: Why you should use packing cubes

Calpak makes its packing cubes out of a thick mesh and polyester material that has held up extraordinarily well across our theme park trips, ski adventures, cruises and beyond.

The handles, cute patterns (such as marble and polka dot) and see-through mesh that allows for breathability as well as a peek at what's inside, are all reasons I like Calpak. However, those are just "nice to haves" as far as I'm concerned.

What makes Calpak a brand that I've ordered with my own cash not once -- but twice -- is how well it holds up to extended real-world use. Specifically, after bringing bed bugs home in my luggage from a trip a few years ago, I've forever changed how I pack and unpack.

Now, to reduce the risk of repeating that nightmare, my luggage never comes into the house. Instead, it lives in the garage in big plastic bins, and only the clothes and the packing cubes come in and out. However, these items do not come straight into the house. They are first heated in the dryer for about 30 minutes to kill any potential bugs.

Packing outside or in the garage is pretty tough without packing cubes, but very simple if all you have to do is put some fully packed cubes in your luggage and hit the road. This all may sound extreme if you've never lived through bed bugs, but it's really not hard once you get the hang of it.

Unlike some other brands made of less durable material, my Calpak packing cubes have survived many rounds of heat in the dryer without any noticeable impacts — something that cannot be said for many other brands.

Additionally, the cubes have waterproof pockets that you can use to keep wet or especially dirty items separate from the rest of the items, meaning that the last morning's jump in the pool won't make your whole bag a bit soupy.

Related: 13 must-have travel items the TPG team can't live without

In the five-piece Calpak packing cube set (currently priced at $68) you get:

The large and medium cubes are what I get the most mileage out of, though occasionally the small ones play a role for swimsuits, underwear and other really small items. I've found those small cubes are also handy for some of my youngest kiddo's things since they are smaller in size than adult items.

The entire packing cube set weighs in at 1.8 pounds, so they add very little to the total weight of your bag, even if you use multiple packing cubes in your luggage.

In my Rimowa carry-on, I can usually fit two large and one medium Calpak cube, along with some other assorted items such as a curling iron and a pair of shoes.

Since I'm on the go so frequently — often packing for the whole family in the process — and I'm pretty stringent with how I now try to avoid bringing home bed bugs, I'm very tough on my luggage and packing cubes. I've been through at least a half-dozen different packing cubes brands in recent years, and while there are certainly cheaper options than Calpak, I haven't used any that have held up and met my needs nearly as well.

If you aren't in a rush to purchase packing cubes, stay on the alert for Calpak sales and coupon codes, especially when they occasionally clear out some limited-time prints.

The cost is higher on the front end for Calpak cubes versus more budget-friendly packing cube brands. But, given the 18 months that I've had these in my own rotation, I'm comfortable recommending these as a top packing cube pick, as they have held up fabulously for mile after mile without any damage or issues.

As an added bonus, the marble colors are cute and fun to see as you do the not-so-glamorous tasks of packing and unpacking.

Calpak five-piece packing cube set: $68

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