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Stay organized on the go with these helpful travel pouches. Plastic Food Bags
It can be difficult to stay organized while traveling, but one of the best travel hacks for keeping belongings safe and tidy is with a handy travel pouch. From singular bags to sets that include two or three different sizes, there are tons of options out there to fit your needs whether commuting by train, car, or plane.
To test various travel pouches, we tried 26 options from luggage brands we know and trust like Steamline, Cotopaxi, and Leatherology. We tested dopp kits, tech organizers, single pouches, sets of multiple bags, and we also tried one pouch with insulation built into it — something we’ve never seen before in luggage accessories. Keep reading to see which travel pouches are must-haves for travel and a few that fell short of our expectations.
This set of three pouches is made from recycled water bottles and comes in vibrant prints.
The largest pouch could be a little bit bigger.
From palm trees to polka dots, the unique patterns are just one reason we love this set of three travel pouches from Steamline Luggage. The small, medium, and large pouches are made with fabric derived from recycled water bottles — an eco-friendly element we appreciate seeing in travel accessories. Between the three pouches, you can fit a variety of travel essentials like phone chargers, makeup, an eReader, and more.
We liked having the ability to use the various-sized pouches for different occasions like commuting to the office when we wanted to travel light with only one or two pouches versus traveling on an airplane with all three bags for organization. When you’re not using the pouches, you can store them inside one another and lay them flat so the set won’t take up room at home.
The Details: Set of 3 | Made from recycled water bottles
Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker
Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker
Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker
Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker
The contents of the bags stayed perfectly dry when we splashed them with water.
It would be nice to have one more smaller bag included in the set.
If you’re planning to spend some time near the water on your next trip, it would be wise to invest in a water-resistant set of pouches like these ones from Mark & Graham. The plastic pouches can keep water off your valuables — which is especially useful for technology like phones or chargers — when you’re at the beach, the pool, or if you keep a water bottle in your bag. The set of two pouches comes with a medium and a large pouch, and we were able to fit a 13-inch laptop in the larger pouch for size reference. The medium pouch is best for eReaders, phone chargers, wallets, earbuds, or any other smaller item. While we wish the set came with an even smaller pouch for bringing the bare essentials to the beach or pool, the two different sizes are still helpful for a variety of travel items. Plus, you can personalize these pouches with initials as a special touch if the set is a gift to treat yourself or loved ones.
The Details: Set of 2 | BPA-free plastic | Water-resistant
The leather pouch has a flat bottom so it can sit on a table without falling over.
The size we tested is pretty compact, but there are larger sizes available, too.
Small but mighty, this buttery leather pouch from Leatherology is the perfect carry-all for everyday essentials. When we commuted to the office, we found the bag was the ideal size for keeping items like credit cards, a driver’s license, and some makeup essentials together in one place. It was easy to fish the small pouch out of a larger bag and the smooth zipper helped with getting to the essentials quickly and seamlessly. We appreciated that the bag has a flat bottom so it can stand upright on a table — a convenient feature for hotel bathroom or an airplane tray table to make the most out of small spaces. The water-resistant lining makes cleaning the interior a hassle-free experience, and the soft leather material didn’t scuff or scratch during testing even when sitting in a purse next to keys. If the small size is too compact for your needs, it also comes in convenient medium and large sizes, too.
The Details: 1 pouch | 7.5 x 6.65 inches | Full grain leather | Water-resistant
The high-quality materials and functionality of the set rival our top-performing pouches that had a higher price point.
The largest pouch isn’t quite big enough for a laptop.
Preparing for a trip can get pricey with the need for luggage and accessories, so we love that this set of three travel pouches from Calpak comes at an affordable price without sacrificing quality. Made with durable ripstop nylon and polyester fabric, the small, medium, and large zippered pouches are designed to protect and organize travel essentials. The water-resistant material is thin enough to lay the bags completely flat when empty, but they don’t feel the slightest bit flimsy. Depending on the type of trip, we loved that the various sizes of pouches are useful for a range of items from tech and toiletries to makeup and undergarments. The bold colors and patterned pouches make it easy to spot in a larger bag or you can opt for a muted shade like the black or mauve. For three high-quality pouches under $30, you might even want to put two sets in your cart.
The Details: Set of 3 | Ripstop fabric | Water-resistant
There are tons of pockets and compartments to store tech accessories.
It can’t fit large technology.
For travelers that like to stay extra organized on the go, this Peak Design Tech Pouch has a spot for every accessory you could possibly need on a trip. There are more than ten slip pockets, zippered pockets, and compartments to keep items of various sizes — from phone chargers to outlet adapters — safely tucked away en route to your destination. In addition to tech accessories, we placed toiletries, including glass bottles, into the pouch and found that the compartments protect fragile skincare items just as much as computer and phone gadgets. While the pockets secure items, the 200D recycled nylon canvas exterior is fully weatherproof and ensures the contents are protected from Mother Nature and rough baggage handlers alike. One thing to note is that you likely wouldn’t be able to fit any tech like a laptop or tablet in this case, but you might be able to squeeze an eReader in depending on the size.
The Details: 1 pouch | 9.5 x 6 inches | Nylon, polyester
The pouch comes with a detachable crossbody strap to use it as a purse.
It can’t fit much more than a phone, hand sanitizer, and small wallet.
Versatility is key when it comes to traveling so we love that this Fjallraven pouch doubles as a crossbody purse. It comes with a removable strap that seamlessly clips onto the pouch to bring your essentials with you wherever you go. The pouch itself is relatively small, so it’s best for storing a phone, credit cards, passport, and lip balm in the main compartment or front zippered pocket. Made with durable recycled polyamide, the materials are extremely lightweight and can be wiped clean. Plus, there are 12 color options, including yellow, orange, blue, and green shades.
The Details: 1 pouch | 11 x 6.7 inches | Recycled polyamide | Water-resistant
The nylon bags work perfectly as packing cubes.
The bags are thin and unstructured, so we wouldn’t pack toiletries in the pouches.
During testing, we found that this set of three pouches from Baggu make it easy to organize accessories in a bag or clothing in a suitcase. The small and medium pouches are perfect for undergarments or T-shirts, while the largest bag can fit shoes, jeans, or a lightweight jacket. We also found that the two smaller pouches can hold technology and accessories if you’re using a backpack or a tote bag. The recycled nylon material is sturdy and well-constructed, but it’s unstructured like the brand’s reusable shopping bags, so fragile items like skincare or jewelry might not be as well protected. When you’re not using the pouches, you can lay them completely flat or fold them for hassle-free storage.
The Details: Set of 3 | Recycled ripstop nylon
Our bottle of hair conditioner spilled in the bag, and no liquid escaped through the zipper or material.
There aren’t any other pockets on the interior or exterior.
This do-it-all pouch from Aloha is made with the brand’s splash-proof fabric, designed to be ultra-lightweight, packable, and water-resistant. During testing, we used it as a toiletry bag for a weekend getaway and noticed a conditioner bottle spilled everywhere inside the bag. Luckily, the fabric and zippers contained the mess, and it didn’t leak into the rest of our luggage, so we think this pouch could double as an excellent swimsuit bag to transport a wet suit if needed. The durable fabric is extremely lightweight and foldable without feeling flimsy or cheap, and we expect this pouch to last for plenty of trips down the road. The mid-size pouch comes in tons of fun patterns like monstera and palm tree prints, or you can opt for a solid black pouch.
The Details: 1 pouch | 11.5 x 8.5 inches | Water-resistant
There are various pockets and separators for organizing toiletries to technology.
It would take up a lot of space in a smaller bag like a tote or backpack.
Designed to store small accessories that get lost in larger bags easily, this Cotopaxi dopp kit has plenty of compartments to keep you naturally organized. With three separate sections, we loved how easy it was to designate each pocket for toiletries like skincare and a toothbrush or tech accessories like phone chargers and earbuds. We packed toiletries in the bag for multiple trips and, while nothing leaked, we appreciated that the lining is waterproof and can be wiped clean for easier upkeep. The pockets are also expandable so you can adjust the capacity as needed for short or long trips alike. Just remember: the more you pack, the bigger the pouch will be, causing it to take up more space in a carry-on or backpack.
The Details: 1 pouch | 9 x 6 x 5 inches | 840D recycled nylon
This waterproof bag keeps things dry and is easy to pack away, thanks to its flat, slim profile.
Likely designed to maintain its waterproof seal, the zipper is difficult to open and close.
We tested this bag not once, but twice and were impressed both times with its durability, flat design, and, of course, waterproof seal and material. We stuffed this bag full before completely submerging it in a tank of water and are happy to report that everything inside stayed perfectly dry. We can definitely see ourselves bringing this with us on a beach vacation or tucked away inside our pool bag for some extra peace of mind. And while it’s not a terribly large pouch, you can definitely fit the essentials: phone, wallet, chapstick, and even a phone charger.
The zipper was a bit difficult to use and it didn’t glide smoothly, but we felt reassured this small downside was likely to maintain a waterproof seal. The plastic felt very durable, and we liked that we could see everything in the pouch through the clear front. There are also little loops on either side that you can hook on to a bag, raft, or paddleboard.
The Details: 1 pouch | 0.79 x 7.99 x 7.01 inches | TPU | Waterproof
There is a layer of insulation built-into the pouch for regulating the temperature of the contents.
The zipper doesn’t run the entire length of the pouch, so it can be difficult to get items in and out.
If you’ve ever left lipstick in your purse on a hot day and found that it’s completely melted and lost its shape, then you need this insulated pouch to protect expensive makeup from the elements. It’s made with a layer of Pristinium insulation designed to regulate the temperature of the interior of the pouch to keep the contents at room temperature. I personally tested this cylinder pouch by placing my most expensive makeup in it and using a hair dryer to heat the exterior. Luckily, I found that the contents inside remained perfectly cool and didn’t heat up even though the exterior was hot to the touch. I also took the pouch with me in my checked bag for a ski trip, and it did an amazing job at protecting my toiletries. The only slight downside I ran into is that the zipper is a little short, which makes it harder to pack and take items out.
The Details: 1 pouch | 6.5 x 3 inches | Vegan leather, Pristinium insulation
You can toss these pouches in the washing machine to extend the lifespan.
Due to their envelope shape, the pouches don’t stand upright.
It’s no secret that traveling can take a toll on bags so we recommend these durable and machine-washable pouches from Kusshi. The duo is made with thick and protective neoprene material that wards off water and stains while providing a layer of cushioning between the packed contents and the rest of your luggage. This is particularly helpful for traveling with fragile items like sunglasses, jewelry, or skincare bottles. We used the smaller pouch for travel essentials like hand sanitizer and a passport, and the larger pouch protected our toiletries like lotion, face wash, tinted moisturizer, and other makeup products. If anything spills on the inside or outside of the pouch, all you have to do is toss them in the wash and they’ll come out looking brand new and ready for the next adventure.
The Details: Set of 2 | Neoprene
The pouch is large enough to fit tablets, eReaders, and various other travel necessities.
It only comes in black.
For a one-and-done travel pouch, this spacious one from MZ Wallace can fit everything you need for commuting near and far. It’s plenty big enough to fit technology like phones, tablets, and eReaders (or paper notebooks for non-techies), and there are three zippered pockets on the inside for smaller items that can get lost easily like lip balm, credit cards, or keys. Made with a quilted recycled Oxford material and leather zipper pulls, this pouch is as stylish as it is functional and durable. The only thing that could make this pouch any better is if it had a waterproof lining on the inside for accidental spills and more color options, but otherwise, we think it’s the perfect carry-all bag.
The Details: 1 pouch | 13.19 x 9.65 inches | Recycled oxford
There were a few travel pouches that we deemed worthy of an honorable mention but didn’t make our short list.
Stoney Clover Lane Travel Pouch: This clear pouch makes it easy to see what’s inside of it, but we noticed that the fabric lining got dirty easily in testing.
Lululemon Command the Day Dopp Kit 5L: It’s relatively small for a dopp kit, but it has a good number of pockets for organizing toiletries and tech accessories.
L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Zip Pouch: The cotton canvas material feels high-quality and well-made, but the capacity isn’t quite big enough to store the essentials in our opinion.
We hand-selected 26 travel pouches to test from trusted travel brands like Cotopaxi, Béis, and Calpak to see which ones held up during our trips. After testing single pouches and sets of two or three, over a dozen earned glowing reviews for quality and functionality.
We took notes of any special features that make the pouches unique and packed each pouch with small essentials to observe the capacity, design, and organization. Our favorite dopp kits and tech organizers were filled to the brim with pockets, compartments, and separated sections for seamlessly organizing accessories and toiletries. The best sets we tested came with a variety of pouch sizes for packing various items like clothing, wet swimsuits, makeup, eReaders, passports, and more. We also made sure to test a variety of singular pouches for one-and-done shoppers, trying several options with special features like waterproof linings, insulation, and plenty of interior pockets.
The above list contains our favorite pouches, which we will continue to long-term test over the course of six months to make sure they hold up. We will update this article as we continue to test even more travel pouches that deserve a recommendation.
You can use travel pouches for all types of essentials from passports to clothing items, depending on the size and design of the bag. If you’re planning to use a travel pouch as a toiletry bag, consider purchasing a dopp kit, which is specifically designed for toiletries and skincare products. For those that travel with a lot of technology, opt for a tech organizer pouch since they generally have more pockets and compartments. A set that comes with multiple pouches is the most versatile option for those looking for multiple sizes. If you plan to use your travel pouches at the beach or pool, you should look for a waterproof option.
The size of a travel pouch can vary greatly from something you can carry in a small crossbody bag to something much larger that can hold a laptop. In general, dopp kits and tech organizers will be wider than a typical envelope-style pouch that has a more versatile design. Travel pouches also come in various shapes like envelope, square, and cylindrical, so you’ll also want to think about how much room the pouch might take up once it’s packed in a carry-on or backpack. Take a look at the dimensions of the pouches if you’re purchasing online so that you know exactly how big (or small) it will be.
Just like size and shape, all travel pouches feature different designs. Some pouches boast special features like waterproof linings, insulation, zippered pockets, ripstop fabric, and water-resistant exteriors. Depending on what your needs are, checking the product description is the best way to see if the pouch fits what you’re looking for.
Travel pouches are like mini packing cubes for your backpack, tote, or purse. You can organize your belongings with pouches to keep everything in designated spots, which can make traveling much more smooth. If you keep all of your travel documents, tech accessories, and toiletries in designated pouches, you’ll know exactly where to find everything without having to dig around your bag for loose items.
The beauty of a travel pouch is that you can use it for a lot of different things. A travel pouch can act as a toiletry bag, a tech organizer, a wallet, or a packing cube. While it depends on the size and design, the sky's the limit with intended use, so it’s the perfect addition to your luggage collection to help stay organized on the go. If you find a pouch you love, you can even use it to store items at home.
It depends on the type of material the pouch is made out of, but it should come with cleaning instructions (or at least list them in the online product description). It’s common for fabric and plastic bags to be wipe- or spot-cleaned with soap and water, but you may see that certain pouches are machine washable.
Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure, where she writes most of the team’s tested content. Anna is a chaotic traveler, who was often found holding up TSA security lines digging through her bag looking for her driver’s license before she invested in a travel pouch (or five). After participating in this test, Anna used her newfound knowledge of organized travel and thorough testing insights from other T+L editors to compile the best travel pouches.
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