Cadence Parcel (Medium) Review

At Pack Hacker, we’ve seen just about every variation of the TSA-friendly clear toiletry bag, so it takes something genuinely different to grab our attention. The Cadence Parcel aims to do exactly that by reframing the humble 3-1-1 bag as a modular, premium travel system rather than a disposable afterthought. After three weeks of real-world testing, we dug into whether this elevated approach actually improves the experience—or just raises the price.

Cadence positions the Parcel as part of a broader ecosystem, designed to work seamlessly with the brand’s capsules and with other Parcels in different sizes (we’re testing the medium). The idea is appealing: a clear, durable, magnetically connected set of organizers that transitions from your bathroom counter to your carry-on without friction. In practice, however, premium materials and clever design don’t always translate to effortless use, especially when TSA compliance, packing efficiency, and daily convenience are all in play.

External Components

The first thing that stands out about the Cadence Parcel is the material. It’s made from recycled TPU that feels noticeably thicker and softer than the standard clear plastic used on most TSA-approved bags. Instead of stitched seams—which are often the first points of failure on cheaper options—the Parcel uses welded construction. This gives it a clean, minimal look and inspires confidence that it won’t split or leak over time. It’s one of the most premium-feeling clear bags we’ve handled, and that tactile experience is a big part of what Cadence is selling.

The closure system is equally distinctive. Rather than a zipper, the Parcel relies on a magnetic fold-over design. Closing it is quick and intuitive, and during testing, we never felt like it was going to pop open in a bag. For travelers who want a bit more security, the flap can be fed through an additional loop before magnetizing, creating a more locked-in closure. While we typically prefer zippers for clear bags, the magnetic system here feels well executed and refreshingly simple.

On one end of the Parcel is a reinforced elastic loop made from a Jacquard-style material. It’s comfortable to grab, making the Parcel easier to carry than a standard cube-shaped pouch, and it can also accommodate a carabiner if you want to hang it. We’re somewhat mixed on that use case—accessing the contents while it’s hanging isn’t ideal—but the option is there. Branding is minimal, with a small Cadence logo and a selection of muted colorways that make the Parcel feel more like a lifestyle accessory than an airport necessity.

Inside The Toiletry Bag

The Cadence Parcel we tested is the medium size, which holds one quart and meets TSA liquid regulations. Other sizes range from half a quart up to three quarts, and all of them are designed to work together via magnetic side panels. In theory, you can snap multiple Parcels together, keep them open on a countertop like modular bins, then close them up and toss them into your bag when it’s time to leave. It’s a smart concept, especially for travelers who like structured routines and visually organized setups.

In practice, that countertop use didn’t fully deliver. While the magnetic sides do connect easily, we found that the Parcel rarely stayed open as intended. The thick, flexible TPU tends to spring back into a tent-like shape, closing itself as soon as you remove an item. Even when attached to another Parcel, it didn’t reliably remain open throughout a grooming routine. For a system heavily marketed around this feature, the inconsistency is disappointing—especially given the premium price (about $65 at the time of writing).

Packing the Parcel is also more nuanced than it initially appears. It works exceptionally well with Cadence’s own capsules, which slot neatly into the rectangular footprint and maximize usable space. If you’re already invested in that ecosystem, the fit and finish feel dialed in. However, once you start mixing in standard toiletry containers, like tubes, droppers, eye drops, or taller bottles, the experience becomes less seamless. Taller capsules often have to be placed sideways to allow the flap to close, and stacking items vertically is limited.

We also noticed that mixing container types can lead to wasted space. A single toothpaste tube fits fine, but adding several non-uniform items quickly creates awkward gaps. For travelers who decant everything into matching capsules, this won’t be an issue. For those who prefer to travel with original packaging or a mix of container styles, the Parcel feels more restrictive than a soft-sided zip pouch. Weight is another consideration: the thick TPU and rigid structure add noticeable heft, which may be a concern for ultralight packers.

Ultimately, the main compartment rewards a very specific packing style. When used exactly as intended, it looks great and feels organized. However, when you freestyle the packing process, it can feel finicky and less forgiving than simpler alternatives.