The Top 9 Toiletry Bags of 2024, Evaluated and Reviewed

Top Choice

You might know Away primarily for its range of hardside luggage and weekend bags, but the brand also offers travel accessories, including this spacious toiletry bag that received excellent reviews during our evaluations.

We found the bag to be surprisingly spacious, featuring numerous individual compartments including a clear cosmetic pouch, a zippered pocket, two mesh sections, and an exterior pocket, among others. No more digging through a bottomless pit to find your items! We also appreciate that the bag zips wide open for easy access. We filled it with both large and small items, from travel-sized liquid containers to makeup brushes, and still had room to spare.

We also noticed the resilience of the water-resistant nylon, which is lightweight yet durable. The bag’s interior is lined with an easy-to-clean material, allowing for quick cleanup of any spills. It is available in five color choices (with limited edition colors released occasionally), as well as a smaller size option and a hanging variant of the bag.

Specifications: 10.2 x 3.7 x 5.9 inches | 8.8 ounces | 3.6-liter capacity | Nylon | Water-resistant

Most Portable

Attention, carry-on enthusiasts! This toiletry bag from Aer perfectly balances compactness with capacity: it fits easily in your carry-on or personal item while still providing enough space for all your essentials. In our testing, we managed to pack hairspray, dry shampoo, conditioner, lotions, deodorant, a small electric toothbrush, toothpaste, perfume, toner, and medications into this bag. However, keep in mind that all these items were travel-sized, not full-size.

We also appreciated that this toiletry kit features a hook that can swivel at various angles, making it convenient to hang on doorknobs, towel racks, or bathroom bars to save counter space. Additionally, it includes multiple interior and exterior pockets for enhanced organization.

Specifications: 9 x 6.5 x 3 inches | 8 ounces | 2.5-liter capacity | Cordura ballistic nylon | Water-resistant

Top Waterproof Choice

You may wonder why a waterproof toiletry bag is necessary, especially since it usually goes inside a larger bag. The reason is straightforward: bathroom sinks. Toiletry bags frequently sit on damp surfaces, so investing in a waterproof option like this one from Line+Arc is wise. Even though the bag has a hanging loop, we felt secure placing it on the sink because of its effective waterproofing.

In addition to its waterproof fabric, we were impressed by the spaciousness of this toiletry bag—it easily accommodates an eyeshadow palette the size of a small book. Its wide-open design lets us access everything effortlessly. However, because it's so large, it can become somewhat bulky and heavy when fully packed, making it more suitable for checked bags or carry-ons rather than smaller personal items or weekend bags.

Specifications: 11 x 6.5 x inches | 1.2 pounds | -liter capacity | Silicone | Waterproof

Top Organization

When traveling with a plethora of toiletries, the ideal solution is to pick a toiletry bag that ensures everything stays organized. This is that bag! It may look small from the outside, but it’s cleverly designed with organizational features — we discovered a pocket for nearly every item. The main section is spacious enough for small bottles, and there are various mesh pockets lining the sides, perfect for your favorite tinted moisturizer. Plus, it includes a separate pocket for your travel toothbrush, keeping it clean and tidy.

Additional features include a wide opening for easy access to all pockets and the ability to stand upright due to the high-density foam that protects the contents inside. It also comes with a convenient hanging hook, perfect for keeping your counter clutter-free.

Specifications: 10.2 x 6 x 4.4 inches | 8.7 ounces | 2.5-liter capacity | 200D nylon canvas | Weather-resistant

Top Dopp Kit

What exactly is a dopp kit? While it’s often used synonymously with toiletry bag today, the term originates from German leather craftsman Charles Doppelt and became popular among military personnel in the 20th century. It usually features the design seen in this Béis model: a generous main compartment, often accompanied by side pockets.

Béis' dopp kit features an additional compartment beneath the main one (similar to the popular Béis weekender bag). The added space is a huge bonus—we managed to fit the equivalent of three standard toiletry bags into this single bag. If you tend to overpack, this is your ideal choice. Just keep in mind that only one compartment can be accessed at a time; you must close the top one before opening the bottom one to prevent your items from spilling out. A major advantage of this design is its sturdiness, allowing the dopp kit to stand upright easily, thanks to its broad base.

Specifications: 6.5 x 11 x 6 inches | 14 ounces | Available in cotton-jute canvas or poly canvas | Water-resistant lining

Ideal for Men

Interesting tidbit: dopp kits were initially created for men, making this design perfect for storing shaving and grooming essentials. Crafted from durable canvas for a rugged appeal, it comes in six colors (mostly neutrals, plus light pink) and two sizes. Although we found it sturdy enough to stand upright, it also has the flexibility to fit into a packed weekender.

Regarding storage, the main compartment features a double zipper, allowing it to open wide for easy access to your belongings. This compartment accommodates bulkier items, while smaller essentials can fit into the side pockets. Additionally, there are two side pockets, one specifically designed for wet items.

Specifications: 10.2 x 5.9 x 6.3 inches | 6.4 ounces | Made of Canvas | Water-resistant

Top Choice for Hanging Bags

This hanging bag is perfectly designed for balance. Crafted from ultrathin, water-resistant nylon, it resembles a saddlebag, making it ideal for hanging. We found that even when packed with items, the bag felt light and all products were easily accessible, thanks to its numerous pockets.

Additionally, this bag includes a detachable mirror, making it perfect for outdoor adventures where a vanity isn't available, and it features handles for easy carrying. It's an ideal choice for those with limited space and weight, whether on a multi-day trek or an extended trip with restricted storage. The toiletry bag comes in two sizes (we tested the smaller variant) and three color options.

Specifications: 9 x 6 x 3 inches (small); 10 x 9 x 4 inches (large) | 2.8 ounces (small); 4 ounces (large) | 3-liter capacity (small); 6-liter capacity (large) | Nylon | Water-resistant

Best Value

As you may have noticed, toiletry bags can be quite pricey — but they don't necessarily have to be. This model is notably budget-friendly while covering almost all the essentials you expect from a toiletry bag. It features multiple compartments and is crafted from water-resistant material, making it suitable for any splashes that may occur on the bathroom counter.

The compartments are both a highlight and a drawback of this toiletry bag. We were thoroughly impressed with the ample space in the main compartment, as well as the two side pockets equipped with mesh. However, we felt the main compartment might be a bit too spacious and could benefit from an additional divider. A double zipper would also enhance accessibility, allowing you to reach more items than the current single zipper permits.

The Specifications: 10.24 x 4.72 x 5.91 inches | 3 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant

Top Pick for Splurge

Tumi, a luxury brand, offers more than just premium suitcases and travel bags — it also produces upscale toiletry bags. Constructed from ballistic nylon, this bag is among the most robust available, and it’s likely to last for years, even with regular use.

One of its standout features is the clamshell design, which reveals two separate compartments. This design allows easy access to all your items, whether you lay it flat on a counter or hang it using the built-in hook. It includes four pockets—one of which is water-resistant—and two elastic loops for items like toothbrushes or razors. While it offers decent space, it's best suited for travel-size products, making it ideal for short trips rather than extended travels.

Specifications: 6.3 x 9.5 x inches | 14.4 ounces | Made from ballistic nylon

Additional Toiletry Bags We Recommend

The three toiletry bags listed below didn't quite make our primary selection but still feature some practical elements that certain travelers may find beneficial.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Executive Essentials Kit: This spacious toiletry bag has ample room, easily accommodating travel-size hair and skin care products for a week-long journey. However, the absence of interior organization makes it challenging to keep items secure, making it more suitable for a few larger products rather than many smaller ones.

Thule Subterra 2 Toiletry Bag: The key highlight of this bag is its detachable plastic inner pouch, perfect for keeping liquids separate — an advantage for navigating airport security and avoiding spills! It also features multiple pockets to help you stay organized.

Bagsmart Large Hanging Toiletry Bag: This hanging toiletry bag features four distinct compartments to help you organize your items — and it offers ample capacity to hold a considerable number of belongings. However, its softside material lacks durability and protection, which may be an issue when transporting certain products.

Our Testing Process

We evaluated 58 toiletry bags and cosmetic cases in our lab and through real-world testing to identify the best travel products. Our analysis began by inspecting each empty bag, focusing on the materials, construction quality, and overall design.

Each bag was filled with toiletries, makeup, and essentials while we noted its capacity and organizational features like compartments, pockets, hanging straps, and hooks. For waterproof bags, we tested them under running water to check for leaks and how quickly they dried. We also packed the bags into various types of luggage, such as weekenders, carry-ons, and checked bags, to assess their portability.

Following our lab evaluations, we sent the toiletry bags home with editors for an additional six months of real-world travel testing to gather more insights on their durability.

Advice for Choosing a Toiletry Bag

Examine the bag's design

Some toiletry bags are simply open spaces, offering a single large area for your items. Others feature compartments, pockets, and pouches that help keep everything organized. Depending on your needs, you may prefer a bag with more organizational features rather than just an open design. Some bags even come with added perks like built-in mirrors or detachable pouches. Additionally, consider the material: durable, water-resistant fabrics are preferable, as they'll withstand frequent use while traveling.

Assess capacity and your packed items

What items do you intend to carry in your toiletry bag? If you're a minimalist with only a few essentials — like face wash and toothpaste — a small bag may suffice. However, if you have a detailed skincare regimen that includes sunscreen and after-sun lotion, along with your makeup, you'll need a larger bag to accommodate everything.

Consider portability

If you plan to carry your toiletry bag on board, make it as compact and lightweight as possible to maximize space for other essentials. Also, ensure that any liquids, gels, or aerosols comply with the TSA's 3-1-1 rule. If you're checking your bag, however, you may have more leeway with size and weight.

Common Questions

• Which fabric is ideal for a toiletry bag?

  Since toiletry bags often encounter liquids from leaks or bathroom counters, materials that are water-resistant or waterproof are the best choice. Additionally, consider durability; since these bags endure significant use while traveling, look for tear-resistant fabrics that will last over time.

• What constitutes a TSA-approved toiletry bag?

  A TSA-approved toiletry bag meets the TSA's specifications for the 3-1-1 rule concerning liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in carry-ons. These must be 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less and must fit into a 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.

• What items can I put in a toiletry bag?

  You can pack a wide range of items in a toiletry bag, from heatless hair curlers to body washes and makeup. Depending on your needs, you might want to choose bags with specialized pockets; many feature designated spaces for makeup brushes or palettes to keep them secure.

Why Trust Dinogo

Stefanie Waldek is a seasoned freelance writer with ten years of experience in travel coverage — she travels over 200,000 miles annually and spends numerous nights in hotels and aboard cruises. For this article, she combined tester insights with her personal experiences with toiletry bags. While she often prefers to reuse airline amenity kits for toiletries, she also alternates among Bagsmart, Container Store, and Monos toiletry bags (she particularly favors the Mono Metro Kit, which easily attaches to the Monos Metro line of bags, optimizing space).

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