If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
consider many people's idea of the “best” toiletry bag. A rudimentary pouch or cube with a single zippered compartment—or, perhaps more primitively, a ziplock bag—with just enough space to hold travel shampoo and conditioner, a toothbrush, maybe a razor. But the items probably roll around and spill, or squish out of hastily screwed-on lids. Next thing you know, you’re rummaging through what's basically a junk drawer any time you need to find something. There is a better way. fashion style bag
As someone who lives far from family, I have been traveling every few months for the past 18 years and have tried all genres of toiletry bag—from Dopp kits and cosmetic bags to hanging models so big they take up half of a carry-on suitcase. As any seasoned traveler knows, toiletry bags are subjective. Some people like to travel as light as possible with just a razor and some shampoo. Others have elaborate skin- and hair-care routines that practically require a tackle box. There are clear bags, bags with many compartments or elastic organizers, and even bags made out of sailcloth. The only firm principle is that a “good” toiletry bag should make your life easier, not more difficult.
Update November 2024: We’ve added Dagne Dover’s Mila cosmetic case, the Cuyana Travel Beauty Case, and Dopp kits from Lululemon, Korchmar, Peak Design, and Tom Beckbe, plus added specs and updated links and prices throughout.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.
For bags our team hadn’t already been using for years, I spent four weeks rotating new toiletry bags during my morning routine. I noted any annoyances or unique details, volume, how easy it was to store and retrieve items, how much space each one took up on the vanity, how they survived being splashed with water and soap, and, if the bag could hang, how easy it was to retrieve items once hanging.
During the testing period, my family happened to go on two weekend trips that required stays in hotels. We took different groups of bags and determined how easy it was to use multiple bags at once in a small space, if their hook designs allowed for multiple places to hang, and whether the contents spilled in or otherwise dirtied the bags, and if so, how easy they were to clean. For bags I was not able to take on trips, I lent to friends and family members who were traveling and took down their notes to consider alongside my own home testing. The Gear team will continue to use the bags and update this guide with longevity and other new observations.
What Kind of Toiletry Bag Do I Need?
Dopp kits, cosmetics cases, hanging bags … the differences between categories isn’t always clear. Here are some of the more common types of toiletry bags you'll come across, and what to consider with each.
Dopp kit: Named for leather craftsman Charles Doppelt, who provided “Dopps,” or toiletry kits, for WWII soldiers. “Dopp kit” has evolved over time to indicate any kind of portable toiletry organizer, but commercially, toiletry bags labeled “Dopp kits” tend to be smaller and hold just a handful of necessities for short trips as opposed to larger fold-up hanging bags and cosmetics cases.
Cosmetics case: Designed for those who need more than just the necessities, a cosmetics case is usually a much larger boxlike container with specialized compartments for makeup, skin care, hair care, and other necessities. They often come with extras like brush holders and mirrors.
Hanging toiletry bag: A bag that, as the name indicates, comes with a hook so that it can be hung on a hook, towel rack, tree, or someplace it won’t take up space on the counter. Often, the user needs to hang them to be able to access all the storage compartments. Something to consider is that hooks can be used up quite quickly if everyone in your hotel room has a hanging bag. All the hooks in our bathroom were taken almost immediately, so my husband ended up having to hang his bag over the toilet, which he wasn’t thrilled about. A good hanging toiletry bag will also have a hook that's thin enough to slip over just about any hook, and be rubber tipped so it won't slide off.
The maker of our favorite carry-on suitcase, Away, has done it again with this sleek, well-made, unisex toiletry bag that holds an impressive amount of items—especially for its reasonable countertop footprint. I tested the large (3.6 liter) size; it also comes in a small (2.3 liter) size, and I was able to fit three full-size bottles of hair product in addition to a hand mirror, all my makeup, and various travel-size items in its sturdy, pouchlike confines. My items felt both secure and immediately accessible. The bag is also long enough to fit that ubiquitous awkward plastic toothbrush pouch so many of us get from the dentist.
There's a central zip compartment, a clear zip pocket lined with PVC, and an easy-access zippered pocket on the back. For those who like to match, many of the available colors mirror Away's hard-sided luggage. (If that's not enough customization, you can also pay an extra $20 to have the exterior of the toiletry bag embroidered with your initials.) The only thing I didn't like is that the matte nylon exterior, while water-resistant, does tend to pick up stains quickly.
An impressive value, this no-nonsense bag is packed with enough organizational features to satisfy a wide array of travelers. I tested the medium size, which should be plenty large for most people with its six zippered pouches—two lined with easy-clean PVC and one with mesh—plus a handy detachable shower caddy and mirror. Three mesh non-zippered pouches in the main compartment are large enough to fit smaller full-size tubes of product, and the thin, rubber-tipped hook makes it easy to hang just about anywhere without slipping off. It's also got a fabric handle on the top for carrying.
It comes in a slew of colors, fabrics, and prints, although it's on the heavier side at 14 ounces and has a large footprint if you're unable to hang it. L.L. Bean says its abrasion-resistant nylon packcloth exterior keeps spills contained, and though I found this to be true in the short term after “spilling” half of a travel-size container of liquid inside, the liquid was able to leak out of the zipper and, after half a day, the fabric became damp. L.L. Bean's water-resistance claims aside, my whole family loved the versatility of this bag.
I’ve had Beis' Dopp Kit for four years now, and it’s still my go-to for any trip. The poly canvas material is durable and easy to spot-clean. Plus, I opted for the black version to mask the inevitable scuffs and smaller stains. What I love the most, though, are the compartments. The water-resistant section is a total game changer when packing liquids or fragrances. If something leaks, a quick wipe gets the job done. The waterproof bottom is also a huge bonus when I’m getting ready at a bathroom sink.
The wire-frame top section stays open while I’m packing or digging around for something. Inside, there’s a zippered pocket where I store my toothbrush and toothpaste, and a separate compartment for smaller essentials like my contact lens case. I’ll admit it’s a little bulky, so if you’re tight on space, it might not be the best fit. I usually check mine in, since it holds my full-size products, but if I’m packing light, it also works for TSA-friendly items in a carry-on. —Boutayna Chokrane
Wandrd's Toiletry Bag comes in two sizes: medium and large. Get the large, because it has more storage and organization and doesn't cost much more. The medium, which is also available on Amazon, is a little too simple for the asking price (though if you buy both, you can merge them together). It's made from Robic nylon with a thermoplastic urethane coating, and it's weather-proof (not submersible), thanks to the zippers and coating. That should help keep liquid in if your perfume bottle breaks when baggage handlers are a little too carefree with your luggage. There are webbing loops on the exterior, and this lets you connect it to other bags, like Wandrd's Prvke (my favorite camera bag), or you can buy the carry strap ($24) and wear it as a crossbody. Do you want to carry your toiletry bag as a crossbody? Well, maybe! I've stayed at hostels where I've carried all my stuff to the shared shower area, and a strap would've helped dangle it off a doorknob so I didn't have to plop it on the wet ground.
On the back of the large size, there are three little pockets for ChapStick and the like, and the middle one has a built-in carabiner. Open up the main compartment and it's spacious, with a zippered pocket on one side and a little spot to attach your toothbrush. The best feature of this bag is the toothbrush protection sleeve, which keeps it so your toothbrush bristles don't touch anything else in the bag. This main compartment could stand to have a little more organization, but I mostly used it to store my hair brush. Lastly, on the outside is another zippered pocket, and this is where you get two mesh pouches and a final zippered pocket. My main gripe is that everything is a dull black, and I wouldn't have minded some color options or at least a brighter interior for easier visibility when grabbing things out of the bag in the dark. —Julian Chokkattu
Does the average traveler need a toiletry bag made partially of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which is 15 times stronger than steel by weight? Perhaps not, but it definitely makes for an interesting bag. Part of Aer’s newly released 10th Anniversary Ultra Collection, this hardy, chunky little Dopp kit incorporates the collection's Ultra400X fabric (in black only) by Challenge Sailcloth, known for its high-performance sails for yacht racers and kite surfers. It's a visibly durable material, slightly shiny with a crinkly look that is certainly unique, if not evocative of a regular bag that accidentally went through the wash.
Despite its strength, the Travel Kit is still pretty lightweight at 8 ounces, and I like that it can either sit on the counter with a modest footprint or hang by a hook that tucks neatly away (though the hook is thick plastic and too small for a towel rack). There are zipped pouches on the front and back, with multiple pouches (one lined with neon-green fabric for high visibility in a dark room or suitcase) and a dual-compartment elastic organizer on the inside. Another downside, though it is admittedly a small one, is that the rubbery “Aer” brand tags on the outside and inside seem to accumulate toothbrush and soap residue, as does the mesh zippered pouch in the top compartment, and both proved somewhat difficult to clean.
If you're packing for a big trip, or you just have a lot of stuff, the Peak Design Wash Pouch can fit a lot. It comes in two sizes—I tested the "Regular," which is more space than I need. It has a very durable and somewhat crinkly shell made from Coyote X-Pac Ocean Edition, aka 100 percent recycled fishing nets, and it's waterproof too. There's only one zippered mini pocket on the outside along with a handle and a hook. Open it up and there are several layers you can rifle through: one side has pouches to store items vertically, the middle divider has a zippered pocket with more pouches inside, and there's a big gap on the other side to fit larger items like a hairbrush. In the middle, there's also a little pocket that magnetically closes at the top of the middle divider—it's where you can store your toothbrush and keep the bristles from touching anything else.
I had no trouble fitting all the travel-sized things I usually bring on a trip, like a little bottle of cologne, a mini toothpaste tub, face lotion, travel-sized shampoo and conditioner, a hairbrush, and a razor. If you have a lot of long makeup items, they may not fit vertically in some of the pouches, so you'll have to place them horizontally at the bottom, which could make it annoying to find something specific. —Julian Chokkattu
Reviewers Nena Farrell and Boutayna Chokrane both love Béis for its thoughtful design details (see above and here, and also here), and the company's cosmetics case is no exception. It’s a seemingly simple design: a rectangle with a handle that opens from the top like a lunchbox—perfect for events like weddings and other public appearances where you need something of an auxiliary makeup station instead of just storage. However, unique features like an easy-to-clean makeup brush holder that pops in and out via a magnet and a large removable mirror make this the most pleasant-to-use cosmetic case I tested.
I also appreciate that it comes in seven neutral colors and is easy to clean, with all interior surfaces featuring what Beis calls a “wipeable top coating.” Downsides include bulkiness, being on the heavier side at just under 1 pound by itself, and the paucity of small compartments to separate breakable items or easily damaged makeup like eyeshadow.
This was one of the only toiletry bags I actually felt aggrieved by having to give up when it was time to test another one. It’s a 7.5-inch-tall, padded, easy-clean cylinder with a removable grid that Velcros in, elastic loops in the back for brushes, and a zippered pouch in the top. You can take the insert out if you want just one roomy compartment.
In testing, I found that my eyeshadow brushes sat just a little too tall and made the “lid” of the bag pretty dirty (though it and the exterior were both very easy to wipe off). The compartments in the organizer were also too slim for more than one or two full-size products. Otherwise, I loved this bag’s design; the fact that it’s made of recycled materials; and small, thoughtful touches like a mesh liner that Velcros out for washing, a carabiner in the lid for rubber bands or jewelry, and a bonus zippered pouch in the top for small items like bobby pins. I also liked how I could stuff smaller, individual boxes of eyeshadow in the grid cubbies and be reasonably certain they’d be safe from damage. (Though given that this case doesn’t have a hard shell, I still wouldn’t go out of my way to be rough with it.) There’s a small version for $20 less. Though we haven’t tested it, it looks like it features the same design, just with less depth.
Those still chasing the quiet luxury aesthetic will love this elegant zippered cosmetic case, available in black, pale pink, or ecru. It’s made of high-end-feeling Italian pebbled leather both inside and out, with gold hardware and “Cuyana” discreetly printed on the bottom. It opens clamshell-style, and the lid contains a snap-close cover concealing a brush holder with elastic loops. A removable pouch snaps onto that lid cover, and the main compartment has a pocket for securing tubes, bottles, and small tools.
Contents aren’t as immediately accessible as they are in other cosmetics cases I tested, but they are more secure. During testing I dropped the case from about 5 feet onto hard tile, and all of the makeup and toiletries inside stayed intact—even multiple eyeshadow palettes. (I wouldn't have been as lackadaisical had this happened with a roomier case like the Beis.) The snap-out pouch is somewhat thin, so while it works great for small items like eyeliner and mascara, it won’t fit larger tubes or pots. This bag is also on the heavy side even for a cosmetics case, weighing in at 1.6 pounds, but if you can swing the price, this is a well-made, timeless investment for your travel arsenal.
Known for its ultralight camping and backpacking gear, Sea to Summit makes some of our favorite sleeping bags and tents, so it’s no wonder we also love its light-as-air hanging toiletry bag, made out of water-resistant 30D Ultra-Sil fabric (color options include blue, orange, and gray). I tested the large version, which features two zippered mesh pouches and a small shatterproof mirror that slides in and out. Travelers can hang the bag on a tree or towel rack, or lay its 11-by-9.5-inch body on a rock or bathroom vanity, though I admit I found it floppy and cumbersome to use when not hanging.
For those not taking it outdoors, its lightweight, unstructured body is easily mashable in a suitcase, which is great for packing but not so great for breakable or fragile items like glass containers. The one main compartment is also extremely roomy, so items have a tendency to roll around. For backpackers and travelers concerned with weight, the large version is impressively light at only 4 ounces, including the mirror—the lightest of any bag we tested. Backpackers and those looking for even less weight might do well with the 2.8-ounce small size. Sea to Summit also offers a lifetime guarantee.
The erstwhile must-have accessory of both early-aughts Southern sorority girls and their grandmothers, Vera Bradley bags are back with a new spokesperson (Zooey Deschanel), new designs, and updated fabrics like smooth twill and cotton gabardine. (Die-hard fans can rest assured the staple quilted paisley options are still available.)
The new line includes multiple styles of toiletry bags that are lightweight, giftable, and can add a pop of color and personality to your travel setup. I tested several, and my favorite was the Lay-Flat Travel Organizer—its two interior clear zippered compartments and three mesh slip pockets were roomy yet snug enough to keep all contents of my morning routine secure, and a rather large spill of soap in the large pocket cleaned up quickly. However, even though the fabric is padded, which provides some protection for the interior contents, the exterior is somewhat absorbent and not machine washable (though other designs are), so be forewarned that light-colored options could attract stains.
Known for its high-end jackets, field hats, and vests for fishing and waterfowl hunting, this Birmingham, Alabama-based sports outfitter also makes a Dopp kit made of full-grain distressed leather and the brand’s proprietary Field Canvas. It’s a simple 5 x 12-inch pouch with antique brass hardware, featuring a zippered compartment on the back and one roomy compartment inside, with three small pockets in the waterproof liner. (I poured a small container of water inside to test the liner, and while the liquid initially beaded, it immediately began soaking into the corded fabric seams. Though they dried quickly, I recommend packing spillable items in a separate plastic bag.)
It matches the genteel Southern vibe of Tom Beckbe’s collection of other travel bags and related accessories like camo whiskey totes and insulated shooting gloves. If the Marlboro Man ever left the ranch, this is definitely the Dopp kit he would have used. The only downside is that the bag is relatively large—and dark inside—for what’s essentially one compartment. However, my brother helped road-test this (a former diesel mechanic, he described its quality as "a cross between a military surplus Humvee and a King Ranch-edition Ford F-350”), and it ended up being his favorite bag specifically because he was able to fit both a hair trimmer and beard trimmer in addition to his regular toiletries. So those who travel with a lot of grooming accessories may especially love this one.
Founded in 1917, this fourth-generation, family-owned leathersmith started out making automobile lamp visors and suitcase corners but is now better known for travel and business bags. Its leather Ryder Dopp kit is as simple as it gets—American cowhide sourced from the top 5 percent of available hides, with a single roomy compartment, snap-down sides, and a liner of plaid twill. It comes in black or varied shades of brown, with optional monogramming on the little front square for an extra $35.
“I can smell my grandpa’s bathroom just looking at this,” remarked my husband upon watching me test this bag, which is incredibly smooth and smells like a new luxury car. Indeed, it looks almost exactly like the Dopp kit my own father has been using for more than 40 years. If you have someone on your gift list who loves old-fashioned luxury, this would make a great gift.
Cotopaxi’s trim little bag is meant not just for hygiene items, but any collection of odds and ends. It’s made from light recycled deadstock nylon (so, probably not for you if you are carrying glass bottles or anything that needs padding) and weighs in at a modest 6.5 ounces. Your colorway will probably be unique!
I like the surprisingly capacious 4-liter capacity spread over three different compartments, with a big middle compartment for your quart bag of liquids and two other compartments with separate, smaller pockets for travel toiletries like floss, lip balm, or a toothbrush. It also has a loop to hang it in the bathroom, so technically it's a hanging toiletry bag. I do have to admit though, that I like hooks better, and hanging is more convenient with a clamshell toiletry bag design. —Adrienne So
There were multiple great bags we tried whose features or designs just didn't add up to a place in the top spots above. However, everyone has something different they're looking for in a toiletry bag, so while not perfect for us, some of these options may still be perfect for you.
State Bags Benson Toiletry Kit for $68: This is a solid, simple bag with three mesh pouches and a snap-in/snap-out plastic envelope that can hold a toothbrush and toothpaste or shower items like soap. The navy version I tested had a coated polyester wipe-clean exterior and interior made from recycled bottles, and I liked that it had the option to hang. However, the organization was more rudimentary than similar-category bags we tested, and it was missing some of the thoughtful details featured on other bags in the same price range, like a quick-access pouch on the back and a larger hook with a rubber tip to prevent slipping. (This bag's thick, small plastic hook wasn't even wide enough to hang on a towel rack.)
July Hanging Toiletry Bag for $85: I own and love July's carry-on suitcase, so I was excited to try the brand's popular hanging toiletry bag. It's a great design with a zippered pouch on the back, plus a body that zips flat to reveal PVC and pouch zip compartments and a large, rubber-tipped metal hook that tucks away. It looks well-made and stylish with leather trim and gunmetal hardware, but my husband took it on a business trip and found that its pockets are actually quite small, confirming a worry I had when I tested it in my bathroom at home. It wouldn't be an issue if the bag itself were small, but it took up a full quarter of the carry-on.
Fjallraven Kanken Toiletry Bag for $55: I love this thing, which makes me feel like a Red Cross nurse on the battlefields of World War II. It’s made from a proprietary Fjallraven fabric blend that combines organic cotton with recycled polyester, so it feels like fabric but is more waterproof and durable. It has a clamshell design with a sturdy interior plastic hook. My quart bag of bottles goes into the enormous lower zip compartment, my toothbrush and deodorant in the top compartment, and there’s mesh pockets and MOLLE webbing so that your tiny things are easily visible. However, its dimensions are very large, so this might not be for you if you’re a minimalist with just a toothbrush and a comb. —Adrienne So
Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case for $85: Constructed largely of water-resistant, wipe-clean PVC, this clear cosmetic case (I tested the medium size) zips all the way around and folds flat to reveal two zippered compartments and one smaller zippered mesh bag. It also looks like a cute little purse with its 16 trendy color options, dual handles, and metal bottom studs. However, contents aren't as easy to access as other cosmetic cases that just open from the top—you have to lay the Calpak flat to open both sides, which requires a 16-by-10-inch footprint, and the all-clear construction isn't very discreet.
Sympl Dopp Kit for $75: I liked this bag’s durable Cordura exterior and stow-away clip for hanging, as well as the fact it has a lifetime warranty. The bag opens clamshell-style to reveal four simple waterproof zip pockets—two thin and horizontal, one small rectangle, and one larger rectangle. It's an interesting idea, but in practice, this severely limits utility since a user is restricted to specific toiletry-sized products that fit the shape of each of the pockets. (My deodorant did not fit, nor did a toothbrush in a case.)
designer crossbody shoulder bag Lululemon Command the Day Dopp Kit for $48: This simple, water-repellent canvas bag has an appealing unisex design (in black only). I like that it’s made out of recycled polyester and that the spacious bottom mesh compartment can hold full-sized products. However, the bag doesn’t hang or zip open all the way to lay flat, nor does it sit up on its own, so it is forced to take up a sizable (roughly 8.5 x 11-inch) footprint on the counter. I also found myself frustrated on multiple occasions trying to access my toiletries during the testing period, especially with the lower mesh compartment. This compartment needs to be zipped all the way open and closed for access, and items frequently rolled out due to the bag's inability to lay flat.