The Arc'teryx Index Gear Organizer holds 10 liters across two 5-liter compartments with mesh dividers and a white interior. Made from 210D nylon, it measures 27.5cm x 32cm x 18.5cm and weighs around 200 grams. The reversible design works folded or flat inside backpacks or strapped externally via lash points.
At $50-60, the Arc'teryx Index Gear Organizer costs more than generic packing cubes but delivers Arc'teryx's build quality. I use mine exclusively as a packing cube, not for general gear organization. One compartment holds my headphones, action cam, and cord purse. The other holds clothing. On return flights, it carries dirty baselayers and socks separately from clean items. For a smaller cable-specific organizer, the Mantis 1 weighs just 165 grams.
The white interior makes finding items easy in dim lighting. The mesh dividers keep wet items isolated. Better organization than stuffing everything loose in a bag.
Why 210D Nylon Matters
210 denier nylon balances durability and weight. Tougher than 70D ripstop used in ultralight gear, but lighter than 500D Cordura found in heavy duffels. The material resists abrasion from zippers and bag contents without adding bulk.
Water-resistant enough for travel. Light rain or wet clothes won't soak through immediately. Not waterproof like a dry bag,g but sufficient for packing cube purposes. The mesh dividers breathe better than solid panels, allowing damp items to dry faster.
Holds shape when packed. Some cheap packing cubes collapse into wrinkled messes. This maintains structure thanks to the quality nylon and construction. Makes packing and unpacking more efficient.
How Two 5L Compartments Work
The Arc'teryx Index Gear Organizer evenly distributes volume. Each side zips independently. I keep electronics and cables in one compartment. Clothing in the other. The separation prevents cords from tangling with fabric.
The mesh divider between compartments provides visual access. You can see what's in each side without opening both zippers. The white interior amplifies this visibility. Dark bag interiors hide items, especially black cables and dark clothing.
Reversible design lets you flip which side faces out. Mesh side out allows wet items to breathe. Nylon side out protects contents from snagging. I typically run it mesh-out for better visibility and faster drying.
How the Arc'teryx Index Gear Organizer Fits My Backpacks
This organizer slots into the Micon 16 Backpack without wasted space. Also fits the Granville series and other Arc'teryx bags. The dimensions work with most standard backpacks and duffels, not just Arc'teryx products.
For snowboarding trips, it holds layers like the Strato Jacket or the Covert Zip Neck in a single compartment. Accessories like the Classic Beanie or Gothic Glove in the other. Keeps everything contained instead of loose in the bag.
Check the Arc'teryx backpacks guide for compatible bags.
The four lash points attach to PALS webbing or daisy chains. Strap it to the outside of your pack for quick access. The top grab handle makes pulling it out easy. The design works as a standalone carry item for short trips.
My Unique Packing System
Electronics compartment: Headphones, action cam, cord purse with charging cables. The mesh divider keeps these items visible. No more digging through clothes to find a charging cable. The 5L capacity fits full-size over-ear headphones, a small camera, and multiple wires with room to spare. For dedicated cable organization in your main backpack, the compact Mantis 1 keeps cords separate.
The cord purse organizes USB-C, Lightning, and power adapters in one place. Small items, such as SD cards or battery packs, fit in the mesh pockets. Everything stays contained, rather than scattering loose throughout the bag. This organization saves minutes at airport security when electronics need quick access.
Clothing compartment: Clean clothes on the way to destinations. Dirty baselayers and socks on return flights. The compartment isolates smelly items from clean gear in my bag. The nylon exterior contains odors better than mesh alone. After a snowboarding trip, when wearing the Strato Jacket all day, those base layers go straight into this compartment.
The mesh dividers separate items within each compartment. Keeps socks from mixing with shirts. Small items don't get lost in corners. The organization saves time at hotel check-in and departure.
Arc'teryx Index Gear Organizer Durability After Multiple Trips
Two years of regular travel shows minimal wear. The 210D nylon resists scuffs from rough handling. The zippers operate smoothly without snagging. YKK quality handles repeated opening and closing without failure.
The mesh dividers maintain tension. Some packing cubes develop saggy mesh after a few trips. These stay taut, keeping items visible and separated. The stitching shows no loose threads or weak points.
The white interior stays relatively clean. Light colors show dirt faster than black, but the material wipes clean easily. A damp cloth removes most marks. The visibility benefits outweigh the appearance maintenance.
Is the Arc'teryx Index Gear Organizer Worth $50-60?
For frequent travelers who value organization, yes. The Arc'teryx Index Gear Organizer provides better quality than $20 generic packing cubes. The durable materials, thoughtful design, and proper sizing justify the premium. Two years of use without failure proves the value.
For occasional travelers or those on tight budgets, maybe not. Generic packing cubes work fine for light use. The extra $30-40 buys durability and thoughtful design features that casual users might not fully appreciate.
Better for frequent travel: Index Gear Organizer
Better for activities: Norvan Belt
Better for budget: Generic packing cubes from outdoor retailers
Better for weather protection: Waterproof stuff sacks
The quality matches other Arc'teryx products. If you already carry Arc'teryx backpacks like the Micon 16 or Granville, this integrates seamlessly. The sizing compatibility alone makes it worthwhile for Arc'teryx bag owners.
Specs
Capacity: 10L total (two 5L compartments)
Material: 210D nylon
Dimensions: 27.5cm L x 32cm W x 18.5cm D
Weight: ~200g
Price: $50-60 USD
Features: Mesh dividers, white interior, four lash points, reversible, top grab handle
Best for: Travel organization, separating clean/dirty items, electronics storage
Not ideal for: Waterproof needs, extreme durability demands, budget shopping
Model: X00000784401
Find current availability at Arc'teryx.
