10 Best Travel Toiletry Bags for Men & Women in 2020
Recall, that friends episode with Ross “Major Shampoo Explosion!!!” The feeling of finding your belongings covered in shampoo or nail polish is truly the worst. Wouldnt you say? I am sure no one would like to take a gamble with their documents, clothing or books in their suitcase.
Besides, whether you’re heading out on a short or long trip it’s always neat to have a cool toiletry bag for your cosmetics, shaving equipment & the likes.
We’ve rounded up some of the top toiletry bags for women & men which can be used on short or long trips. Staying organized can save you a surprising about of space too. Check out some of the great toiletry kits you can arm yourself with below:
10 Best Toiletry Bags in 2020
Whether you are looking for a hanging toiletry bag or a simple pouch type of toiletry bag for holding your liquids, our list has got it all. Check em out:
1. Premium Toiletry Bag By Freegrace
This sturdy little toiletry bag by Freegrace is our pick for the best toiletry bag in the market today. The balance of being quite spacious and quite compact was something we liked very much. It’s quite a lucrative option for long & short term travel.
- It’s roomy and compact at the same time
- The material is really easy to clean.
- Fits full sized bottles so you don’t have to switch to tubes.
- The material inside is splash proof not waterproof
2. eBags Pack-it-Flat Toiletry Kit
This is a really great product for those with a limited amount of space! It comes with four, roomy compartments but packs down to a very small size. It features a hanging hook, which can be used on doors and in cupboards to save surface space.
- This is made from rip-proof material
- There’s a removable mirror
- It folds flat, even when full
- It’s not big enough for long trips
3. NeatPack Hanging Toiletry bag
If you’re after something basic but effective, we’ve got you covered. This is one of the best travel toiletry bags out there and is packed with lovely little features to make your life as easy as possible.
- Elasticated pockets keep things easy to reach
- The zips and seams are very sturdy and are designed to last
- Its flat base means it can sit on any surface
- This is a water-resistant bag but is not fully waterproof
- This is a good size for short trips but not ideal for long travels
4. MelodySusie Heavy Duty Organizer Bag
Heading off on a long trip and need something roomy? This toiletry bag is large, so you can easily fit in all your essentials, as well as a few luxury items for when you need some home comforts.
- There’s a handy shoulder strap
- This bag is waterproof
- It’s very roomy!
- Potentially too large for short trips
5. Ac.y.c Organizer/ Toiletry Bag
Do you need a carry-on bag for all your in-flight essentials? This is another hanging bag with lots of compartments for different toiletries. The lining of this bag is made from antibacterial material and is easy to clean if there are any spills or leakages.
- This features an antibacterial lining
- Great as a carry-on
- Lots of small compartments
- The velcro fastenings could be stronger
6. XIANGYI TSA approved Toiletry Bag
Another great choice for the frequent fliers among you! This product is small but perfectly-formed, and ideal for weekends away or short trips. It’s designed to be airline-friendly, so will fit in carry-ons.
- The material used is environmentally-friendly and free from BPAs
- Users praise the sturdy zip
- Ideal for short trips
- There is no hanging hook, so it is not possible to hang it up
- No individual compartments are featured
7. ODESSA Toiletry Bag for Women
Odessa have produced a great product for those who like to stay organized while they travel! This is less of a bag and more of a folding storage solution.
- It all folds down neatly
- The pouches themselves are made with wipe-clean material
- This is a lightweight travel accessory
- This isn’t waterproof
- The material can stain very easily
8. Lilliput Cosmetic & Toiletry Organizer
This solid offering from Lilliput is another hanging organizer - this one features three mesh compartments which all close with a zip. The base of this bag has elasticated pouches for holding makeup brushes and other small items.
- You can fit full-sized bottles in this bag
- The bag closes with a strap and zip
- There are elasticated pouches for storing items upright
- This is not a waterproof bag
- Potentially too bulky for just one person on a short trip
9. NeatPack Toiletry Bag
This is one of the better toiletry bags for anyone taking a long-haul flight for a big trip! The bag itself is large and fits plenty it, so can be stashed away in your suitcase or backpack.
- There’s a detachable pouch to take on flights
- This bag features a handy swivel hook
- The bag itself is a great size to store toiletries, cosmetics and jewelry
- Does not sit on surfaces well - hang it up!a
10. Household Essentials Grooming Toiletry Travel Bag
Those on a short trip should definitely look into this Household Essentials travel bag. This is a very simple toiletry bag that is great for mini-breaks and shorter adventures. The bag itself zips shut and has one large compartment and a clear plastic pocket with elasticated loops across it.
- This is a small bag, ideally suited to short trips
- The nylon material is sturdy and neutral
- There is a small, side pocket for valuables
- This material is not waterproof, so take care when using it on wet surfaces
- There is no hanging hook, but you can store it using the carry-handle
How to choose the best travel toiletry bag
If you fancy braving it on your own, we’ve got some great tips on what to look out for when it comes to buying a toiletry bag. We used these tips while compiling our top ten toiletry bags! Whilst your bag doesn’t need to tick every single box, here are a few key features we’d suggest looking out for…
Compartmentalize Your Life
Never underestimate the power of an organized bag! Picture the scene – you’ve just arrived at your hostel after 18 hours on a coach and all you want in the world is to brush your teeth and take off your makeup. Toiletry bags with compartments make everyday tasks so much easier. Gone are the days of rummaging through a bag of razors, earbuds and leaky hand sanitizer in search of your humble earplugs! If you’re wondering why you’d own earplugs, it’s definitely time to buy some…
Is All as it Seams?
There’s nothing worse than breaking a zip when you’re packing in a rush or having a random hole appear in the seams of your toiletry bag. The stylish, dainty bags might be pretty to look at, but double check that the seams are actually sturdy. Look for something that has been well-stitched – back-stitching is normally a pretty good sign. This is can be tricky to identify, but you should be able to see consistent, thick stitching around any joining of fabric.
Slippery When Wet
Do yourself a favor and go for something waterproof. It doesn’t need to be Titanic-survivable, but choose something that won’t be ruined if it gets splashed during your shower. Chances are, you won’t have a private bathroom for a lot of your journey. Find a fabric that can hold its own in a public bathroom – nobody likes a soggy bottom. Oilcloth is a great material to keep an eye out for, and has a slightly waxy/ glossy texture and look to it. PVC is a good option, too.
Get Hooked
Speaking of public bathrooms, go for a toiletry bag with hooks attached to it. These will really come in handy when you need somewhere to put your bag while you shower/ brush your teeth/ literally do anything in a hostel. Ideally, the hooks will be made from something like stainless steel so that they don’t rust. The idea is that you can unzip your bag and leave it hanging down from the back of the door while you shower.
Vanity Case
This is totally optional, of course, but toiletry bags with little mirrors can be super handy. Some cases come with mirrors built into the fabric, while others have removable mirrors. These are pretty useful as you can easily do your makeup without having to take up space in a public bathroom. If you like your privacy while getting ready, opt for one of the best toiletry bags for women and turn it into a makeup station!
Keep it Light
However long your trip is, you won’t want to be weighed down by your toiletry bag. Look for one which is made from lightweight material – PVC and polyester are pretty good choices. Some bags have fixed, flat bases, which makes them quite easy to pack into a bag. This feature will keep your bag upright and tends to make the bag sturdy and a little bit bulky. These are great for long trips where your toiletry bag will be buried in a large backpack! There are also hanging organizers, which fold down and can be easily squeezed down the side of your backpack. If you’re only going away for a few days, we’d suggest getting something small with only two or three compartments so that it can easily fit in your carry-on.
FAQ’s
Q: Do Toiletry Bags Need to Be Clear?
A: Depends on whether you’re traveling by plane or not. If you’re going through airport security, the regulations state that all liquid substances must be packed in one clear, plastic, resealable bag. However, if you’re carrying other non-liquid cosmetics such as powders and lipsticks, you can pack them away in a toiletry bag of your choice without worrying about color or transparency.
Q: How Do You Clean a Toiletry Bag?
A: It really depends on the material of the toiletry bag. If the bag is made of plastic or nylon, simply submerging it in a basin filled with water and soap will do the trick. However, if your toiletry bag is made from textile or a specific kind of fabric you can always try an antibacterial spray or even wet wipes to clean it out. Ultimately, read the product description and find out whether there are instructions for cleaning; some toiletry bags might even be machine-washable!
Q: Is a Dopp Kit the Same as a Toiletry Bag?
A: Yes. A Dopp Kit or a Dopp Bag is another term for a toiletry bag, mostly used in the US. More often than not, a Dopp Kit refers to a type of men’s toiletry bag, as they were first introduced during World War I for military purposes.
Q: What Should I Put in a Toiletry Bag?
A: A toiletry bag is designed to carry all your toiletry essentials – hence the name. This includes shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, toothpaste, shaving cream, lotion etc. Depending on the amount of space available, you can also use a toiletry bag to carry wet wipes, makeup brushes, hairbrush, deodorant and other body hygiene supplies you might need during your trip.
Q: What Materials are Toiletry Bags Made of?
A: Toiletry bags can be made from a variety of different materials. Some bags are made from plastic and nylon and are lightweight and easy to clean, while others, more durable alternatives can be made from polyester, Oilcloth or different kinds of textiles. All of the above-mentioned materials have their advantages and disadvantages that can make or break your trip, so choose carefully.
Q: What’s the Difference Between a Toiletry Bag and a Makeup Bag?
A: While there’s no essential difference between the two, makeup bags or cosmetic bags as they’re commonly called might have additional special compartments to hold makeup tools, brushes, and other beauty valuables. Some toiletry bags do have space for makeup but they’re generally designed to carry other hygienic supplies.
Q: Is There a Size Limit for Toiletry Bags?
A: If you’re traveling by plane, the limit is 1 quart-sized bag per passenger. Otherwise, if going on a road trip or a backpacking adventure and aren’t planning on flying anytime soon, go crazy with the size of your toiletry bag!
Q: Are All Toiletry Bags Leak-Proof?
A: Unfortunately no. Some toiletry bags are already made from waterproof materials like nylon or plastic, while others are additionally treated with water-resistant finishes to make them waterproof. However, there are toiletry bags made from special textiles that are not waterproof and should be handled with more care when in the vicinity of water or liquid substances.
Q: How Many Toiletry Bags Can I Carry Through Airport Security?
A: The general rule is 1 quart-sized bag per passenger, so if you have any additional toiletries that you need to carry, we suggest storing them in your checked baggage or dividing the cosmetics between friends or family, if traveling in a group.