Labo Mono Eco Compression Packing Cubes Review

In this review of the Labo Mono Nomad Compression Packing Cubes, we will see what these cubes are packing.

Does this brand live up to its eco-friendly promise? Will their cubes provide organisation for your clothes? Or will they leave you feeling compressed?

Puns aside, you’ll have to read on to find out…or just read our quick summary 

Pros

• Made from recycled plastic
• Clamshell opening
• Can be hung up
• Ability to label the contents of each cube
• Machine washable
• YKK Zips

Cons

• Only two colour options
• No spare labels

Who is Labo Mono?

Labo Mono focuses on social responsibility and sustainability, having screened several factories aiming to meet their criteria. The brand explains they prioritise transparency about their different processes, and especially the manufacturing one. To ensure the factories didn't just sound good, Ali (the founder) packed a suitcase and visited them personally. Since 2018, the London-based brand has created a sling bag, packing cubes, shoes and a wide selection of coats. The brand offers an at cost repair service as well, helping maintain the longevity of your purchase. Ali Namdari — Founder & Designer, said,

“Our aim is to create pieces of clothing & equipment that aren’t just pleasant to look at, but cleverly functional for all outdoor adventures. All that while using sustainable materials, produced ethically.”

What Did I Pack in the Packing Cubes?

Personally, I bought two sets of the packing cubes, meaning I have 2 small, and 2 medium ones. Currently, I have used the packing cubes for a two-week holiday, as well as a 3 day (2 night) stay as part of a residential trip with the school I work in. Personally, the amount you can pack inside any cubes will vary based on the number of nights, climate (hot/cold) and thickness of your clothes. Jumpers and jeans will take up more space than walking pants and thin joggers.

Below is what I packed in one packing cube for the 3-day trip as well as for the two-week getaway.

Medium Packing Cube

• 1 cube was packed with: 1x pair of denim Jeans and 1x pair of shorts
• 2nd cube was packed with: 3 cotton tops, 1 cotton pyjama set

Small Packing Cube

• 1 cube held 8 x pairs of socks
• 2nd cube held 8x pairs of underwear.

As it was my first time using the cubes, I could have packed them a bit better, as I found out when I went on a 3-day trip. Inside the large packing cube I got the following items. It is worth noting with all the contents below the zip does close, however because of the loaded contents, it is worth taking your time with the zip. At one point I tried to add a jacket and could immediately tell it was not going to zip shut.

• 2 x Rab Active wear tops
• 1 x Rab walking pants
• 1 x Rab waterproof pants
• 1 x Hiking Socks
• 1 x Pyjama Top
• 1 x Pyjamas Bottoms
• 3 x Boxer Briefs
• 3 x Pairs of Socks
• 1 x Pair of Walking Socks

My Thoughts on The Labo Mono Packing Cubes

Labo Mono packing cubes come in two sizes, small and medium, and two colours, mustard and carnival. While each cube, looks more like an egg, especially in yellow, these cubes fit plenty of clothes inside them. Personally, I bought two sets of their small and medium deal. Although I have not packed mine out exactly to the specifications they quote, I can see them being achievable under ideal folding conditions.

While not exclusive to Labo Mono packing cubes, I have found cubes in general have made me considerate of how much I can take, no longer do I add something else to my bag because it can fit in it.

Despite the lack of colour options, I found the mustard hue to be a striking contrast to the dark tones of my duffel bag and backpack, depending on the excursion. Likewise, the ability to hook the cubes allows me to utilise space when it is scarce, I have also found a hero clip works well for spaces where you couldn't ordinarily hang them up.

Quality YKK zips allow you access to the cubes contents, with an added orange puller incorporated to the compression part for easier identification and ease of pulling. While YKK zips are good quality, for piece of mind I pull gently on the zips and put my finger underneath to avoid it catching the mesh. The exterior of each cube also has a small label holder, though additional cards are not included. This is useful for remembering which cube contains your underwear and socks. Finally, each cube is made from 3 recycled plastic bottles.

Labo Mono explains their cubes prevent the contents from being seen, which they do, to a point. Plain t-shirts cannot be seen, however a printed t-shirt pushed against the cube might be seen when looked at closely. It would be nice to see additional colours to be added to the line-up to allow further preferences. Finally, it's minor, each cube only came with one set of cards to use as labels. This would allow them to be interchanged better and save time cutting down paper or card as and when needed.