re: Packing cubes, y/n

Absolutely yes! I used them recently on a 3+ week trip to Africa, and they were essential for keeping stuff organized. Instead of digging through my duffel like a squirrel, I could pull out the appropriate packing cube. I used one for pants, another for shirts, one for underwear/socks, one for meds/toiletries, one for "junk drawer" items, cables, etc.
I did not use compression cubes because I had a strict luggage weight limit and didn’t want to overpack by space saving and trying to bring too much.
What a genius idea they were! (One of those "I wish o had invented that" things)Mine are lightweight with smooth zippers, did not add appreciable weight, but were extremely useful.