I’m Obsessed with These Reusable Travel Bottles—Now 30% Off for Thanksgiving

Welcome to Dinogo Approved: a thorough exploration of the travel essentials we can’t live without, always take with us, and endlessly recommend to friends. Starting at 12 p.m. MT on Thursday, November 24, 2022, enjoy 30 percent off sitewide at matadorup.com. From November 25–28, 2022, save 25 percent on all Matador products. No code needed.

I’ve dedicated an embarrassing amount of time to researching reusable travel toiletry bottles—think hours spent over the last three or four years. It began as a casual distraction while packing for trips, but turned into a habit: even now, whenever I’m in an REI or CVS, I find myself wandering over to the travel-size toiletries aisle. While you were catching up on the news about IHG's ban on mini bathroom amenities, I was likely scouring the internet for new travel-sized bottles that might have emerged.

Despite my extensive research, I don’t currently need an upgrade: I’m completely in love with Matador’s FlatPak toiletry bottles.

I’ll confess, I was initially doubtful. These “bottles” appear more like high-tech bags than the stylish containers I envisioned displaying on a hotel vanity. However, when Matador offered to send me a sample, I was intrigued by the advanced features and decided to test the FlatPak travel size bottles. Here’s my review of the Matador FlatPak and why they quickly won me over.

Matador FlatPak travel-sized bottles are both lightweight and compact

Like much of Matador’s adventure gear, the FlatPak bottles are crafted for minimalist and ultralight travel. (This is the same company that designed a picnic blanket that fits in your back pocket and a travel towel that compresses into a hand-sized, key-ring container.) Each 3-ounce, TSA-approved bottle weighs just 11.5 grams when empty—Matador claims that’s five times lighter than most similar silicone toiletry bottles, and I believe it. Plus, made from highly durable, waterproof nylon-based Cordura fabric, these containers can squeeze in among my deodorant, pill bottles, and assorted makeup cluttering my dopp kit.

→ Starting at 12 p.m. MT, November 24, 2022: $10 for one or $26 for three (previously $14 for one or $37 for three), matadorup.com
→ From November 25 to 28, 2022: $11 for one or $28 for three (previously $14 for one or $37 for three), matadorup.com

Filling Matador FlatPaks is a breeze

While the FlatPak bottle may not have a wide mouth like the GoToob+, the opening is ample enough for pouring from a standard shampoo bottle or pumping from a soap dispenser. Additionally, there’s a sturdy structure around the cap that keeps the fabric pocket open during filling. Occasionally, a firm shake is necessary to help move the contents down, but I can typically fill mine in under a minute.

They shrink to accommodate their contents

This is by far my favorite feature of the FlatPak bottles: the more shampoo and conditioner I use, the less space they occupy in my luggage. Plus, since the sides of the bottle are made of fabric, I can easily access every last drop.

As someone who tends to overpack, I appreciate using up the items I bring on my trips. It gives me a sense of achievement and an illusion of efficiency: if I've used everything, I clearly needed it. In contrast, an overstuffed toiletry bag filled with empty bottles is incredibly frustrating.

It has never leaked on me

Nor has it ever popped open or burst in my suitcase. The flip-top cap clicks into place securely, and the seams of the bag are welded together. Nothing escapes this tough bottle.

Of course, there are some drawbacks to this fantastic bottle. It only comes in black, which makes it challenging to differentiate between multiple FlatPaks. While there is a designated spot for a label on the snap loop, I’ve been using these regularly for a year and have never thought to fill out that label or even check it.

Some reviews I’ve encountered claim these bottles are tough to clean, but I travel frequently—every few weeks—and I use mine often enough, filling them with the same products, that I regularly cycle through their contents. I haven’t needed to deep clean one beyond a quick rinse. However, I’ve noticed that lotion tends to dry out and thicken if left sitting in a FlatPak for too long.

An alternative travel toiletry bottle

If you typically grab whatever travel toiletry bottle is on sale at your local drugstore, the hard-sided bottles that come with Sea to Summit’s TPU Clear Ziptop Pouch ($27) are a solid, more conventional choice.

The pouch itself, crafted from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), is the main focus for Sea to Summit, but many users love the semi-translucent, leakproof bottles inside. The variety pack includes three 3-ounce bottles and three 1.5-ounce bottles, all TSA-approved, making it ideal for those who use a range of products. Some customers appreciate the narrow-opening caps for precise dispensing; however, others note that while this feature works well for thinner liquids, it can be challenging to squeeze out thicker products like conditioner or sunscreen.

Why haven’t I mentioned any silicone bottles? Many people prefer silicone options, which offer some rigidity yet are still easy to pack among other toiletries. However, the market is saturated with low-quality versions, and I’ve experienced too many leaks. Additionally, I find them a bit cumbersome. That said, the recent mini-plastic-bottle bans might usher in a new wave of reusable travel-size toiletry bottles. For now, I’ll continue using my fantastic, space-saving FlatPak bottles.

This article was first published online in 2019 and was updated on November 14, 2022, to reflect the latest information.