The 22 Best Travel Toiletry Bag Options in 2022: Bagsmart, Away, Dagne Dover, Calpak, Beis, Paravel
By Sarah Madaus
A few years ago, while packing for a vacation, I unknowingly set myself up to write this article. You see, I didn't have the best travel toiletry bag, but I thought it was at least good enough to handle some turbulence-induced jostling, aggressive rifling via the hands of the TSA, and my generally careless luggage shlepping methods. I was wrong. As soon as we arrived at our hotel, I unzipped my travel bag in search of my brand new dress. I found it…covered in…**sniffs**…body wash? Or was that shampoo? Or my…you’ve got to be kidding me…$150 vitamin C serum? I’m still not sure, because my toiletry bag zipper broke at some point during my travels, leaving all of my prized 1.5-oz tinctures, creams, essences, and potions to spill.
This toiletry bag and I were acquainted since my middle school days. If I had listened to my better judgment and invested in a high-quality option, I wouldn't have run into this vicious conundrum. On the bright side, I made the mistake so that you don't have to.
First of all, let's clear something up: Dopp kits and toiletry bags are the same things. You might see "Dopp kit" used for "men's" bags and "toiletry bags" used for "women's" bags. We don't need to gender bags. You can buy whichever toiletry bag-slash-Dopp kit your heart desires.
When shopping for the best travel toiletry bag for you, you’ll want to look at construction. A few questions to ponder: Is the design intuitive and functional for your needs? Are the zippers sturdy? Is the fabric easy to clean? We’ve done the work of finding excellent options, now all you need to do is figure out what kind will suit your travel hygiene needs.
Below, see 23 of the best toiletry bags and Dopp kits that will keep your stuff organized and leak-free through all kinds of travel, from brands like Calpak, Bagsmart, Herschel, REI, Paravel, and more. We included hanging toiletry bags that save space in your carry-on, as well as bags that sit on the bathroom counter. You’ll find minimalist toiletry cases with no separate interior pockets, which is ideal if you’re traveling with a few easy-to-recognize items. We also added larger bags that have different zippered compartments and mesh pockets so that you can separate shower products from skin-care items and makeup. And we threw in a few luxe hard shell cases that will look so good on your counter that you’ll want to use them when you’re not traveling.
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This is the dopp kit I upgraded to, and I can't recommend it enough. I have the XL version, but the standard size is ideal for a weekend getaway—or for someone who doesn't travel with 15+ skin-care items. It has an exterior zip pocket and a large interior compartment with a mesh pocket to secure smaller items. What's more, the lining is super easy to clean if anything spills.
Here's a leather toiletry bag that's pretty enough to be used all the time, not just for travel. It has one main compartment with elastic loops to hold your favorite lipstick, mascara, and slender skin-care bottles, plus an internal leather strap to keep your beauty tools in place.
If you want to go the hanging toiletry bag route, this one from Bagsmart has more than 27,500 five-star reviews and is quite affordable. Unzip it and you’ll find four separate clear compartments. The top and bottom are flat for items like sheet masks and Q-tips, while the middle two have more depth to stash all of your travel-size toiletries, plus elastic loops to really keep them secured.
This higher-end toiletry kit from the travel geniuses at Away has a sleek leather exterior and a wipe-clean canvas interior. It has one big compartment, sectioned into a clear zip pocket for liquids and larger items, a smaller zip pocket for things like mascara and makeup brushes, and two mesh pockets for everything else.
Here's a best-selling toiletry bag with a hanging hook for convenience. Once you open it up, you’ll see a clear pocket, mesh pocket, and an impressively large main compartment that will fit full-size bottles of your body wash, conditioner, and more. There are little mesh pockets in there too, to keep your razor and toothbrush secure, plus external pockets for things you might need quick access to, like lip balm and bandages.
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
By Sara Coughlin
By Malia Griggs
If you want a toiletry bag with a hanger but don't need a huge one, try this top-rated option. It's lightweight, so it won't break your back if you’re taking it on a backpacking or camping trip, and it's made with water-resistant fabric.
Perhaps you have so many bags, and the thought of purchasing another bag feels wasteful. Allow me the pleasure of introducing you to this handy insert, which fits in most purses or totes to add organization. It's fitted with LED lights to make rifling through your things a little easier, and it might remove the need for a toiletry bag altogether.
Hardcore MUAs, this one's for you. If you typically have a bag devoted entirely to cosmetics, this handy organizer will make your next getaway a little easier. It has a handful of sections just for makeup brushes, plus seven dividers for your other makeup goodies, a clear compartment, and a zippered pocket.
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
By Sara Coughlin
By Malia Griggs
If you’re serious about your beauty products, you know that they can get wrecked if the temps are too hot or cold. OTM is a new brand of luxury temperature-regulating travel accessories and makeup bags that keep all of your essentials cool—even if you’re sunbathing at the beach. The Cannes bag is sturdy enough to be a mainstay in your bathroom but easy enough to tote for all of your travels.
Dagne Dover's neoprene bags are bestsellers for a reason, and this travel case from the brand is no different. It has a wide opening for easy access, plus two removable pouches that safely store items like razors, toothbrushes, and beauty tools.
Here's a handy, top-rated dopp kit from Swissgear with a zip-front opening and hanger for space-saving storage. Similar to the option from L.L.Bean, this one has a large bottom compartment, but as a whole, it's a bit smaller, so it’ll fit in your carry-on with plenty of space for your other items.
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
By Sara Coughlin
By Malia Griggs
Here's a no-frills Dopp kit for anyone who travels with the necessities and not much else. (This might come as a shock to chronic over-packers like me, but people like that are out there.) The main compartment includes a few mesh pockets and one zippered pocket so that you don't have to do much shuffling around to find what you need, and faux leather accents add a stylish touch.
Another small toiletry bag, this one from Everlane is made with recycled polyester and features five internal pockets for your products. Once unzipped, it's designed to roll back for easier access.
For the minimalists who might not want a whole caboodle for their travel essentials, these clear PVC bags keep your things protected without the bells and whistles. The zipper opening extends down the sides for easy access to your things, and the quart size is TSA compliant.
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
By Sara Coughlin
By Malia Griggs
If you need something more heavy-duty, this Dopp kit is made with water-repellent fabric and has a sturdy carry handle. It has one large compartment to store your things, making it a great option for quick weekends away.
Here's a stylish semi-clear pouch that will store everything from toiletries to hats (as shown). What's more, it's made from recycled materials, has a sturdy leather handle, and you can add a monogram, making it a great gift for the jet-setter in your life.
You love Baggu's reusable totes, scoop up these spacious bags that lay flat when not in use. There are no internal compartments or padding, but they’re stylish and durable for overnight stays or camping trips.
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
By Sara Coughlin
By Malia Griggs
This four-in-one bestselling set from Sonia Kashuk gives you a pretty good bang for your buck. The large clear bag is great on its own or with the other three pieces, and the three zippered bags stash all of your toiletries, paper products, jewelry, and makeup without a hitch.
This hanging bag is waterproof with three handy storage compartments ranging in size and depth. The bottom compartment is large enough to hold full-size containers, and there are plenty of elastic and mesh pockets to secure extras like razors, makeup brushes, and toothbrushes.
Calling all stylish travelers! This vegan leather cosmetics case has a built-in mirror for doing your makeup or skincare on the go (or on the plane, if you’re anything like me). It has a detachable brush holder too, and a zip pocket to keep small makeup items in check.
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
By Sara Coughlin
By Malia Griggs
You can count on REI for made-to-last gear, including this toiletry bag that rolls up small for easy carrying. The mesh pocket allows for breathability, and the bottom PVC pocket is removable. As an added bonus, it includes a mirror—a good thing to have while hiking or camping where you might not have access to a bathroom.
Cult-favorite travel and organization brand Calpak knows a thing or two about seamless travel. This handy carrying case holds a truly astonishing amount of goods in its two zippered compartments, and it flattens to fit in your duffel or suitcase without you needing to sit on it to get the zipper closed. You’re welcome.
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