Stacks Container Sets Reviewed: Small, Medium, and Large Compared

Introduction

Stacks containers are lightweight, waterproof, and built around a simple idea: a set of cylindrical containers that lock together into one compact column you can toss into a bag. The small set has already proven itself for travel toiletries, but the same design comes in medium and large versions, and the differences between them matter more than you might expect.

The features are nearly identical across all three sets. The main difference is size, and size determines which set makes sense for your use case.

Shared Design Across All Three Sets

Every Stacks set uses the same interchangeable locking system, letting you mix and match containers in any order and lock them together into one larger unit. A small handle pops off and can be repositioned so any container sits on top.

The medium and large sets add one extra trick: the top handle can fully disconnect, letting you attach the stack to something like a mini carabiner. Once the handle is attached to the lid, it locks in place and will not pop off during use.

Waterproofing and Everyday Durability

Waterproofing has held up well in testing. After roughly four months of keeping liquids in two of the containers, there have been no leaks. These are also made from sturdy food-grade plastic, so they hold up well to regular handling.

One minor annoyance: the lid can occasionally pop off while you are disconnecting containers. It happens more on the small set than the large one, so hold the lid when taking them apart.

Small Set: Best for Carry-On Liquids

The small set includes four containers, and all of them sit comfortably below the standard carry-on liquid limit of 100 ml (3.4 oz). The largest holds 40 ml (about 1.3 oz), with the others smaller still. That makes the full set carry-on compliant for liquids.

In practice, the small set works well for shampoo, castile soap, pills, and toothpaste tabs. The trade-off is capacity: the biggest container is only 1.3 oz, well below the airline maximum. If you travel light on liquids like this, the small set is the easy choice.

Medium Set: The Flexible Middle Ground

The medium set is the only one that straddles the liquid limit. Two containers hold 60 ml (about 2 oz) each, one holds 100 ml (3.4 oz) right at the limit, and the largest holds 140 ml (about 4.7 oz), which exceeds it. So the three smaller containers work for carry-on liquids and the largest does not.

If you carry more liquids than the small set can handle, the medium set is the better option, or you can combine the two. Note that Stacks are only sold in sets of four, so you cannot buy individual containers if you wanted multiples of one size.

Large Set: Better for Snacks Than Travel

The large set falls entirely outside carry-on liquid rules. The two smaller containers hold 120 ml each, the medium one holds 200 ml, and the largest holds 270 ml (about 9 oz). All are above the limit, and the full stack is a little bulky if all you have is a carry-on backpack.

Where the large set genuinely shines is food. The containers are made from food-grade plastic, will not leak, and have proven great for hiking: fruits, nuts, apples, peanut butter. They would also suit camping or anywhere you want to carry a variety of foods, and the fact that everything stacks into one container makes transport easy.

Pricing and Value

The sets cost roughly $13 for the small, $17 for the medium, and $22 for the large. That is not cheap for plastic containers, but the build quality is solid and each set carries a full lifetime warranty, so heavy users should get years out of them.

For liquid storage, the price feels justified. If your only use is dry snacks, weigh the convenience first, because cheaper options like zip-top bags exist.

Buying Advice

Choose based on what you actually pack:

• Small set: carry-on compliant across all four containers. Ideal if you travel with modest amounts of liquids.
• Medium set: three of four containers fit carry-on liquid rules. Better if you need more capacity, or combine it with the small set.
• Large set: too big for carry-on liquids, but excellent for hiking snacks and camping food.

Conclusion

Stacks containers deliver on their core promise: they are lightweight, waterproof, versatile, and backed by a lifetime warranty. The small and medium sets are the travel picks, while the large set earns its place on the trail. The lid-popping quirk and the per-set-only availability are the main caveats, but for frequent travelers and hikers these are a worthwhile investment.