9 Best Toiletry Bags, Tested and Reviewed (2024) | WIRED

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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 Ziploc 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.

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 longtime 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 haircare 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.

To help parse the overwhelming array of options on the market, I've included some of our Gear team members' favorite toiletry bags they've been using for years, plus some new selections from brands whose other bags we loved and those whose designs or features provided something unique to the category. Looking for the best in other travel gear? Check out our Tips for Travel as well as guides to Best Luggage, Best Recycled Bags, Best Messenger Bags, and Best Travel Accessories.

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How We Tested

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. 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 craftsperson 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, skincare, 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 too thrilled about. A good hanging toiletry bag will also have a hook that's thin enough to slip over just about any hook, and 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 the modest 10.2-by-3.7-inch footprint it requires on a countertop. I tested the large size (it also comes in small—2.3 L capacity to this one's 3.6 L), and I was able to fit three full-sized bottles of hair product in addition to a hand mirror, all my makeup, and various travel-sized 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-sized 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 11.5-by-9.75-inch 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-sized 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 the 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 wireframe 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 lenses 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-sized 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. If you're going to buy one, get the large because it has more storage and organization for not 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 9-by-6.5-inch 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 down side, 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.

Both reviewers Nena Farrell and Boutayna Chokrane 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 10-by-7-inch polyurethane 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 lack of more smaller compartments (though there still are a few!) to separate breakable items or easily damaged makeup like eyeshadow.

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 Cordura nylon (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.

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 could theoretically hold something messy like a toothbrush or bar of 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.

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