TL;DR
Durability and Quality
Durability is a key consideration when choosing a toiletry bag. Eagle Creek is praised for its robust construction, with users reporting long-term satisfaction even after years of adventurous use [1:1]. Similarly, Sea to Summit's Traveling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag is noted for its excellent construction and water resistance, making it suitable for various travel conditions
[2:1]
[2:2].
Organization Features
Many users recommend bags that offer good organizational features. LLBean's toiletry bag is appreciated for its compartments and ease of packing [1:2], while the Decathlon Forclaz Toiletry Bag is favored for its rollable design and minimal space usage
[2:3]. Hanging bags, like those from Sea to Summit and Eagle Creek, are particularly popular for keeping items organized and saving counter space
[1:3].
Price and Value
While some users seek budget-friendly options, others emphasize investing in quality products that last. The Sea to Summit bag, although slightly more expensive, is considered a worthwhile investment due to its longevity [4:2]. For those on a tighter budget, alternatives like ziplock bags or canvas dopp bags can be practical for separating liquids and dry items
[4:4].
Special Features
Some toiletry bags come with unique features such as leak-proof compartments or water-resistant materials. Bellroy offers a version with waterproof zippers, which might be useful for travelers concerned about leaks [5:2]. Additionally, Tom Bihn provides options for both toiletries and knitting supplies, catering to diverse needs
[5:1].
Additional Recommendations
For those looking for something different, Peak Design Wash Pouch and Aer Travel Kit are mentioned as stylish and functional choices [2:8]
[2:10]. It's also worth exploring brands like SwissGear for affordable yet reliable options
[4:6].
When selecting a toiletry bag, consider your specific travel needs, the amount of space you have, and whether you prefer built-in organization or a simpler design.
I will be leaving home soon I believe and I am currently looking into purchasing a toiletry bag.
Are there any specific things I should be looking out for? Or specific brands that offer good quality?
I have this one by LLBean. https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/73889?page=personal-organizer-toiletry-bag-small&bc=50-507361&feat=507361-GN3&csp=a&attrValue_0=41385&pos=4
Love all the compartments. It packs down small. Hangs easily and is very durable.
This! Not a huge LLBean fan but I love the bag. Lasts a long time too.
I’d go with a hanging toiletry bag—it saves counter space and keeps everything organized. Brands like Sea to Summit and Eagle Creek have solid options that are durable and compact.
This may seem like a silly question, but this is for checked bags only, right? You wouldn't take this through security when traveling with carry-on only?
I have before, but it’s a pain if there are lots of liquids
Yes indeed. I bought an Eagle Creek hanging bag during my early single days. Met hubby 15 yrs ago and still using iit daily. It’s hung in trees when camping, in the truck when on the road, many hotel and guest bathrooms. We are adventurers.
Zippers still going strong I pulled the plastic lining out of the detachable bag as it started separating a few months ago.
Highly recommend.
Are you looking for one that can hang on a hook or just looking for a basic bag?
I like this one because it holds a decent amount (or not) and doesn't take up much room
and it's a great price.
Depends
If you are going to check your luggage then yes, any big one or cute one is fine. But if you are traveling with only carry-on and you have to go through security, usually they only allow 1 bag of 1 liter per person. And should be transparent. Your liquids (no larger than 100ml) go there. So check your baggage allowance and the rules in the airports you will be going through.
For convenience, it is easier to have it accessible so you don’t spend extra time during the security check. After security you can put it wherever you want, but I rather have it on the top of my backpack to not have to dig it out. Security check is already stressful enough.
You didn’t explain what luggage you will have, so that is why I explain this. Lately I have seen way too many people at airports that are made to take their liquids (and liquid makeup) out of their nice cute bags to be put in a 1 liter ziploc during security check, blocking the line for extra minutes.
I have never travelled at all before this. What is check luggage? Is it like my duffel bag? And carry on like my backpack?
I definitely need to bring containers much larger then 100ml. Joining the army and they recommend bringing 750ml soap, so I prob leave that in the duffel?
I apologize for not clarifying more I will be joining the Canadian armed forces and hoping to bring 750ml shampoo/conditioner, 300ml shaving cream, 120ml toothpaste, deodorant, 1 razor with blades (non disposable ( 5 blades ) ), 1 soap bar, nail clipper, hair brush, toothbrush, dental floss. And maybe some other items.
I need stuff that lasts me hopefully like 10 weeks at least.
Are you going to use airplane to reach your destination?
One gallon Ziplock freezer bag.
right eh? fraction of the cost of some fancy bag kol
I designed a couple toiletry bags a while back and we've had a lot of people buy them. I'm a co-founder of a company called Gravel. We designed the explorer PLUS & explorer SLIM. We want to make the best toiletry bag possible and I really respect your opinions. We don't want to be complacent & would love to improve even more.
What is your favorite toiletry bag and why?
Sea To Summit Traveling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag, small version. Pretty similar to the Muji.
Pros: super light, excellent construction, water resistant, compacts well while still maintaining just enough structure, hanging hook is well sized (had a cheap bag before whose hook was too small and often couldn't use it, very annoying), and has a lot of great zippered organization options which perfectly fit smaller items like floss and contact lenses.
Cons: Not wide enough to fit a standard toothbrush in the top zippered pocket. I had to cut an inch off the handle to make it fit. Not a big deal but would be nice if it was just that much wider.
It's not clear, but (A) I've never had my toiletries checked by TSA or in the handful of European, Middle Eastern, or Asian countries I've been to, and (B) the back zippered pocket is the perfect place to stash a small ziplock just in case. I'm very satisfied with it, no intention of replacing it.
Another vote for the Sea to Summit hanging bag (small). I’ve had mine for years and years. It’s traveled across multiple continents. And no signs of wear.
I have allergies so I bring along a lot of solids like soap, shampoo bars, conditioner.
Each pocket is designated- laundry pocket, hair care pocket (Bobby pins, hair clips, shower cap), repair pocket (sewing kit, glasses kit)
Best features: very light, squishy, breathable (allows wet soaps to dry out)
It works for me.
>Sea To Summit Traveling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag
Ahh that's fun, looks like you can carry a lot of bottles/liquids in it. I also like that it's made with cordura. Super big bummer that it doesn't fit a standard toothbrush in the top zippered pocket!
Glad you love it!
I use this one.
Forclaz Toiletry bag by Decathlon. It's a rollable one with organization pockets. It is only as big as its contents and when empty lays absolutely flat. I prefer it over regular pouches as it takes up such a minimal space in my kit. I wish more companies made similar style ones. A lot of the rollable ones are rigid or have hard edges that can't fold/bend meaning they maintain their shape which I don't find ideal for packing.
Edit: if someone could come up with something similar as this with a slightly bigger size, bigger pockets and the lower part being a completely clear see thru material just for the TSA that would probably be a perfect toiletry bag for me.
>one
I use this too! I bought two.
One for toiletries and another for electronics (cables, battery pack, chargers). I only travel with the iPad. So no need for large bricks
oh rad! that's a really cool bag. I also like your tips...Thanks for sharing!
My biggest gripe I have with lightweight bags like that is they tend to fall apart pretty quickly. My eagle creek and my arcteryx both developed holes in less than a year. I now have a TB spiff kit that basically looks new after 4+ years. Also TB will actually re-sew a panel should you get a rip or tear or hole.
I am always swapping them about. My Dakine is a good hanger with great pockets and has a removable clear security pouch but it’s a faff to get out and the bag is too rigid if it’s not fairly full. Also it’s quite heavy.
I have a small one I would love if it were half an inch longer so my toothbrush fits through the gap without shoving it at weird angles. It’s made of recycled plastic which is cool.
Sometimes I just use a ziplock because it’s reliable and light.
I think all bag users divide into two groups: those who love built in organisation, and those who like a big sack, so why not build a couple of options tailored to each?
But please make it so a toothbrush fits in easily, please make it sustainable, give it good zips, make it from a waterproof material and offer a removable hook!
For sure! I really like that insight on there being two groups of people that pack in two different ways. I've seen that myself. I love organization but my brother in law just loves one big black hole pocket haha
Peak Design Wash Pouch, in green. I just love that thing.
Yeah those guys are awesome, we respect them a lot! Pretty rad toiletry bag.
>Aer Travel Kit
woaah I love that one! Solid design.
When traveling what toiletry bags do you prefer to use? I am trying to decide which type would be better but I am not sure. Any feedback would be great thank you.
I have tried a bunch of different types of bags and still have not found something I love! I am not even sure what I am looking for/expecting but they all just are too bulky, annoying to use, etc.
Right, that’s the thing I dislike about them. Some of them are just way too big, or they are way too small. Hard to find something good like you said. Thanks for your comment
What’s the cheap but good quality alternative to sea to summit hanging toiletry bag large?
Unfortunately you won’t find good quality much cheaper than that. They start around $40 USD for the ones that will last and have solid build quality. REI has a large toiletry bag that is a little bulkier than the Sea to Summit. That said, if the sea to summit does what you want for sure, $50 isn’t much for a bag that will easily last 10+ years.
I bought a small/medium toiletry bag from Osprey and it looks nearly brand new after 4 years. The Sea to Summit has excellent build quality too so wouldn’t suggest trying to cheap out unless your ok with something that simply doesn’t compare to a solid bag.
I really like this one: https://www.decathlon.com/products/backpacking-foldable-toiletry-bag-ultralight-173360
It’s not perfect, but for the price and weight surprisingly practical
I like this too. The smallest hanging one I’ve found. Worked great for motorcycle trips too when space was limited.
+1 for the ziplock. I use a $10 canvas dopp bag for dry stuff and a zip lock for liquids. If your bag goes through x-ray machines then ziplock is the only way.
I used this and love it. It's actually in Target too:
https://www.amazon.com/SwissGear-Liters-Hanging-Grey-Heather/dp/B07DQQ8B3T/ref=asc\_df\_B07DQQ8B3T/?
Nice
I use the Arcido Washbag, saved me from putting stuff on the ziplock bag on the airports
Hello!
Is there a spreadsheet as delicious as the one for carry ons? I’d like to see a comparison of bathroom/ toiletries bags, or hear suggestions!
I’m looking for a bathroom travel bag that can accommodate both me and my partners items. Sometimes things leak so I’m hoping for some sort of leak proof solution or internal liquid proof bags I could add to the main bag.
I typically carry an aldi grocery bag (the big one) about 1/2 to 3/4 full depending on how high maitinence I’m being. ———————- Secondary request: any good bags for crochet / knitting ? I also have been using an aldi bag for this sos
Thank you again!
You could look for a bellroy toiletries bag (they come in 2 sizes).
I think there is a carryology edition with a water proofed zipper
I liked the look of gox on Amazon the other day. Here's an Aus Amazon link, I assume it's on America's Amazon too https://www.amazon.com.au/GOX-Toiletry-Portable-Organizer-Function/dp/B01HRF8Q1A/
Also look for scrunchable/packable shopping/yoga bags, I prefer ones with longer handles so you can wear it on the shoulder walking home from the supermarket. Look at nanobag.com for example, though they are pretty pricey.
Tom Bihn has some knitting bags. Good toiletries bag too.
Hi BIFL,
Im 35M and travel for work a lot and would like to purchase a good quality/leak proof…possibly leather hang-up (with a hook) toiletry bag, that is reasonably compact.
I’d greatly appreciate some direction from the crew! TIA!
Edit: Thanks everyone! I grabbed the Peak Design washbag purely for the space/hangability and nooks and crannies!
Don’t get leather for toiletries, it’s unsanitary.
I’d recommend the Eagle Creek quick trip toiletry bag in silnylon, very light yet tough. It’s the right size for a man’s toiletries and discourages overpacking. Discontinued but still available as new-old stock, who knows for how long. I bought another as a spare.
Not long, VF is shutting down Eagle Creek. I took love their toiletry bags. The container store sells them if they are still in stock.
Wtf. Damn. I love their luggage. VF ruined the North Face and now this...
Briggs and Riley have good toiletry cases (I use one that my dad has too called Transcend, though it's discontinued).
Peak Design Wash Pouch. Not cheap but very well thought out/designed.. excellent materials and build and legit lifetime warranty. I love all my Peak Design gear.
Boom - purchased. They look awesome.
Now I have to look through their stuff extensive (expensive) range!
Thanks
Ha you won't be disappointed. They are mainly geared toward photography but have alot of other stuff. I've got the 45L travel backpack, the 20L everyday zip backpack, the wash pouch, 2 Camera cubes, 2 packing cubes and a slew of photo accessories. All are awesome. Ive used the warranty on one of the packing cubes and they were great. No questions asked. The build quality is amazing, I only wish they were made stateside. Best of luck!
Thanks! I bought one bc of your comment and love it
Hey glad to hear it! Mine has been all over the county and is still like new! I hope you have a similar experience with them. I had a zipper on my backpack start to fail where the teeth were stitched together, they sent me a new bag and let me keep using the defective bag as it's my daily commuter and return it when I received the new one. Awesome customer service!
Mine is LL Bean and has held up well for several years now. They have multiple sizes and reasonably priced.
The North Face Base Camp, I own the backpack made from the same material and it’s incredible. My dads has lasted 25+ years! Used to carry his harness about for work.
Calpak Terra Hanging Bag
Oh thank you! The PD bag has not faulted yet, but will keep that in mind!
I’m in a hotel 200 nights a year for 15 years and I use this. It’s holding up fine for the last 10.
That canvas is so attractive. I have a more conventional material for mine but still super durable.
OP, you can probably pick up a used one and it’ll still outlast you. If you have an llbean outlet, might be partially stitched but a good deal.
Nomatic toiletry bag (packs really well and holds a lot)
Step22 tortoise toiletry bag (large or regular)
Who are these men that will outlast you and why are you buying them a toiletry bag?
Seconded. I can’t promise it’ll outlast you—I’ve only had mine for five years or so. But it’s been on a lot of trips in that span, and still looks brand new.
I’ve had mine for over 10 years now. Only complaint is that it is a little annoying to clean at least the one I have. But still in basically the same condition as when I got it. Very sturdy.
I have a few toiletry bags based on use case. I don’t think you can buy a bad one? I don’t consider them a hard use item like a backpack.
I currently use a LL Bean toiletry organizer bag, mainly for longer trips. I’ve had mine over 10 years. I like the organization vice dumping everything in a dop style toiletry bag.
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/507361?page=toiletry-bags-and-organizers&bc=50&csp=f&nav=gnro-hp
I either have a medium or small, can’t remember which, like this one.
The nylon cleans easily if you get toothpaste or something on it. Prior to this I had a traditional leather dop for like 15 years. It basically got gross with use, which was my fault.
Carry on air travel I pack less and in a clear bag.
My research says that those llbean ones are heavy for their size. I think most people traveling like to go light and their small 3l one is 11 oz in weight which most are like 3 oz.
My toiletry bag with a shitty zipper would disagree
Ive had this one for 15 years and it's just now starting to show it's age. I highly recommend this one!
“This shitter bag was my father’s shitter bag, and his father’s before him. Long after I’m gone, my sons and their sons will take this shitter bag to the shitter with them.”
Dedicated pocket for a poop knife?
Any ideas for where I could find a durable, compact toiletry kit? I'm planning for my third(!) onebag trip in a week and looking to upgrade from the old plastic sandwich bags. I already have TSA approved reusable silicone containers, so I'm just searching for a small bag to keep everything organized.
I usually pack minimal makeup/skincare, a hair brush, deodorant, hand lotion, toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, shampoo/conditioner, and one other hair product. I have a 35L backpack which is pretty spacious, but I'd ideally like to have an optimized toiletry case that is easy to live out of.
Any and all suggestions are helpful!
Travel for a living, I’ve got the Slim and the Plus for various travel plans. I’m not a shill, but I have been using the slim (the original gravel dopp) since 2108, and the plus since 2020. I I hope they might fit your needs, they’ve been good for me, and the one issue I had with a zipper was corrected by sending me a completely new bag.
I second gravel. I also have both slim and plus. I have had the slim since 2016 and the plus since 2020. Last year my slim zipper kept getting snagged. Customer service is great replaced the bag without question. They stand by there products.
I use a single one liter Osprey Liquids Bag. I probably have more evolution in this category than any other with small changes nearly every trip.
One liter toiletries kit
Top row left to right:
Next row:
I've used this one - it holds quite a bit for it's size :).
I used to use two with one for liquids and another for the dry stuff.
I was weighing some travel items and put my liquids bag on the scale and it was a pound. All my ultralight hiker cells screamed. I went at it with a vengeance and got it all down a single one liter bag with fewer liquids and smaller quantities.
I don’t have skin/hair issues so hotel supplied stuff works for me. I do want enough stuff to cover a few days if they aren’t available at my lodgings and I don’t need to go shopping in jet lag mode. What I have in the kit shown will cover for a week or more. Most of my trips are sub 2 weeks.
I can always revert to my 2 bag approach. I use the liquids bag as a general purpose pouch. I have one with small tech and miscellaneous EDC stuff too. The clear sides are great.
https://i.imgur.com/3ZD4n3i.jpeg
The orange bag is a pencil case I use for an electric toothbrush.
Are you using the original Dr Bronner's bottle, and if so any leaks?
I don’t like the original bottle. The flip cap is weak.
I use polyethylene bottles with flip spouts and have never had a leak. Amazingly it seems no one makes a 3.4oz/100ml bottle with a flip spout. 2oz and 4oz bottles are easy to find. Amazon has many.
I recently found some 3oz oval bottles from US Plastics that are close enough. I should have them this week: https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx I
I’m curious to see how the oval fits into my toiletries pouch. I may want to use a couple and let them interleave.
I tried a GoToob silicone bottle for Dr Bronners and they was a fail. It’s near impossible to get a few drops at a time. If you squeeze the bottle it gushes out. Creamy liquids are no problem.
The other Dr Bronners option is to buy the bar form and use the Matador soap case.
I use the REI travel kit small. They have a large one also but it's built nice enough, works and with no padding it packs down fine. One small pocket inside and seems to fit everything I need.
I bought The Matador zipper one but haven't used it yet. Mostly because I just keep using the REI kit, because it just seems to work.
Personally, I use a Bellroy pencil case for my 0.5-liter toiletry kit. Inside I have:
In addition, in an outside pocket of my bag, I carry a second 0.5-liter accessories kit with a few other items that I often want to access while in transit:
Some smallish 1-liter pouch ideas:
One of those will surely meet your needs while remaining compact in your carry.
I have the sea to summit small and I love it!
That is Crystal brand and actually potassium alum. I hate aluminum based stuff. It is anti bacterial vs anti perspirant. That’s the 1.5oz travel size and it’s so long lasting that I would happily buy one half that size. You can buy plain “rocks” with no packaging too. Also marketed as a shaving cut treatment.
All you do is to wet it and rub it on. I was really skeptical and after testing it at home, that’s all I use 365. There is a liquid roll on version of you want a little scent.
I use the Osprey Ultralight Padded Organizer for my toiletries, and mix in my "tech" when I'm traveling as minimally as I can. It has 2 small elastic topped slots on one side for things like mini first aid/contact case/spare contacts/condoms/cords/etc and 1 full length zippered pocket that perfectly fits my bamboo toothbrush. I like the padded, semi-expandable design so I can pack my glasses in just a microfiber bag and the padding gives me some comfort that they will be fine (years later, so far so good).
I want a Matador zipper bag just because lightweight AF but I'm in no rush to purchase. That would be for something ultralight like a Camino I hope to do one day.
I'm looking for a small toiletries bag to replace my Herschel toiletries kit. The 3L one is a great size for me as I don't carry too many toiletries with me, but I'm starting to get annoyed at the lack of organization (especially when I just need to quickly grab a single item). I also wouldn't mind a hook attachment, I've been in a few places recently where that would have been really helpful with limited counter space or sharing a bathroom with multiple people.
My top choice is the Peak Designs small wash pouch that was recently released, it seems to check every box for me but I was wondering if this sub had any other suggestions? I've looked at Aer (too bulky) and Bellroy (not enough organization) as well. I'd also prefer one that is a pouch rather than the ones that open up flat (like the Aer Travel Kit).
On a side note, despite carrying fairly minimal toiletries I do always pack my electric toothbrush and charger (dental hygiene is really important to me), so there needs to be enough space for that to fit (disassembling it and placing it in different places is fine though).
Eagle Creek Specter quick trip toiletry bag. Wife and I have both been using it for years.
Small, light weight, durable, comes in different colors.
I got mine in red like I try to for a lot of my stuff to help avoid leaving it behind.
> Eagle Creek Specter quick trip toiletry bag
Second that, it's incredibly lightweight, discourages overpacking, but packs enough for a 3 week trip (for a man, at least).
It had been discontinued for a while when Eagle Creek was going to be shuttered, but fortunately the brand was bought out and is in the process of being revived.
I’ve been very happy with this one from Sea to Summit. It’s made of Cordura, so it’s very lightweight and minimalist, but lots of room and multiple pockets for organization:
Sea to summit hanging toiletry bag
Eagle Creek Pack It Isolate Quick Trip S is a good option (45g on my scales)
Though I'm currently using the hanging Sea to Summit mentioned in other comments (which unfortunately does not stand on a benchtop as far as I have seen, even though it looks like it should)
I really enjoy mine from Muji which is simple, light, has a hook, and pretty good organization.
The ones I find are huge and take up sooo much space! I am wanting to travel with a carry on bag and backpack but need a small toiletry bag! Suggestions?
Eagle Creek toiletry bag
If I’m traveling super light I use ziploc bags. I can see what’s inside and have room for a few spares in case of leaks.
I got an off brand sea to summit type bag from Amazon in the small size. I like that I can hang it up. It's made by Mountaintop.
😭 I use ziplocks. I’m gonna have to try what everyone else is suggesting.
If it's a quick trip (up to a week) I'm often Team Ziploc
Anything longer than that I have a clear, just under quart-size vinyl bag with a loop on the back so I can hang it upright. It holds everything I need (wet and dry at this point) and I can hang it on the back of the door/carabiner it to the tap.
best toiletry bags
Key Considerations for Choosing the Best Toiletry Bags:
Size and Capacity: Consider how much you need to carry. A larger bag is great for longer trips, while a compact one is ideal for short getaways or carry-ons.
Organization: Look for bags with multiple compartments, pockets, and elastic loops to keep items organized and easily accessible. This helps prevent spills and makes it easier to find what you need.
Material: Choose a durable, water-resistant material that can withstand spills and is easy to clean. Nylon and polyester are common choices.
Portability: Consider bags with features like a handle, detachable shoulder strap, or hanging hook for easy transport and storage.
Design: A stylish design can be a bonus, especially if you prefer something that looks good in addition to being functional.
Recommendations:
Hanging Toiletry Bag: The eBags Pack-it-Flat Toiletry Kit is highly rated for its organization and flat design, making it easy to pack and unpack.
Compact Option: The BAGSMART Toiletry Bag is a great choice for those who want a compact, yet spacious bag with multiple compartments and a water-resistant exterior.
Luxury Choice: If you're looking for something upscale, the TUMI Alpha 3 Travel Kit offers premium materials and a sleek design, though it comes at a higher price point.
Takeaway: Choose a toiletry bag that fits your travel style and needs, balancing size, organization, and durability for the best experience.
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