I'm turning 30 this year, and one of my goals for the next decade is to travel more (I know, so original). I just went on my first big international trip last year, though I wish I'd known about Cadence Capsules before I went.
My Instagram algorithm was a little late on the draw for me to invest in these expensive little pods so close to my trip, but I kept getting ads from polished jet-setter types about how amazing they are. So, I decided to test them out between now and my next adventure and see for myself about the hype. Spoiler alert: they leak.
What are Cadence Capsules?
Cadence Capsules are reusable toiletry containers designed to organize pills, lotions, potions, or any other tiny items that can easily get lost in a suitcase mid-travel. They're mostly for storing medications and beauty products, but you can get creative with how you fill them.
A system is made up of matte hexagonal Capsules varying in size, which stack together magnetically (the same way Fenty beauty products do) with a satisfying, ASMR-level click. You can keep easily keep track of what's inside thanks to the several interchangeable magnetic tile labels, which to me look a lot cleaner and more efficient than my smudgy handwriting.
The honeycomb design saves space in my carry-on
Before I went home for the holidays, I packed my petal pink Capsule system in its matching petal pink Cadence Parcel. It's a clear, quart-sized bag that meets TSA requirements (and looks good doing it). It's not my favorite travel makeup bag I've ever used, but I like how it functions like a tray when I'm getting ready with limited counter space.
I take magnesium each night before bed so I brought a week's worth, which fit in one Small Capsule. I take a few other medications as needed, so I brought two extra small Capsules as back up.
Instead I ended up using them for my jewelry, and — if we can be real — they work well for storing cannabis buds, too. I'm also thinking ahead on how to use them in summer, and I think they'd be great for storing herbs and spices when camping. They're not technically food-safe (but only because companies can either be certified for ocean-bound plastic or food-safe, not both).
Why are they so expensive?
A big reason Cadense Capsules are so expensive is because they're made with recycled plastics. It's a costly, laborious process to source recycled plastic and give it a whole new shape, color, and purpose. Cadence claims it uses 20% ocean-bound plastics to form its TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), the same of which Nike uses. The AAPI, woman-led company also keeps it fulfillment and design teams local, so you're paying for an ethically-made product.
Unfortunately, they leak. Going forward, I will not use these for packing fluids.
My dream for the next big innovation in travel accessories is a method that doesn't waste all my expensive hair products. Cadence offers Adapters (which notably, are also quite expensive) to help pour in fluids without spilling, but I hate the fact that I'm wasting even a minuscule amount of my curl defining cream.
Alas, the Capsules leaked in my toiletry bag anyway. I will happily use these for storing little solid objects, but I don't trust them for packing fluids.
The bottom line
If you're a frequent flier who packs a lot of medications, then I say a Cadence Capsule system is worth the splurge. I rarely feel this put-together when I'm traveling, but the sleek, customizable design has put me in control of all my odds and ends.
That said, thet leaked when I put body gel and even more viscous creams inside. I didn't find them particularly helpful as someone who struggles the most with packing fluids, even if they are satisfying to use and look at. Unless you intend to use them for solids, these are a skip.
Shop all Cadence travel systems here.
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