In the world of travel, the unsung hero of every journey is undoubtedly the toiletry bag. This compact companion carries the essentials that keep you feeling fresh, organized, and ready for whatever your itinerary holds.
Seriously people,. Traveling efficiently starts with how you pack before your trip. While a travel toiletry bag might be an afterthought, true travelers know the key to packing is organization and functionality. You want to pack the essentials without packing too much.
- Quick Answer: What is the BEST Travel Toiletry Bag for You?
- Why Use a Toiletry Bag for Travel?
- What to Look for in a Travel Toiletry Bag
- The Best Toiletry Bags for Travel
- Best Travel Toiletry Bag
- 2nd Best Travel Toiletry Bag
- Most Innovative Toiletry Bag
- Best Luxury Toiletry Bag
- Best Toiletry Bag for Organization
- Best Quality Toiletry Bag
- Best Large Toiletry Bag (#1)
- Best Large Toiletry Bag (#2)
- Best Men’s Travel Toiletry Bag
- Most Lightweight Toiletry Bag
- Most Rugged Travel Toiletry Kit
- Best Toiletry Kit for the Constant Traveler
- How We Tested For The Best Toiletry Bag For Backpacking
- FAQ about the Best Travel Toiletry Bag
Quick Answer: What is the BEST Travel Toiletry Bag for You?
- Top Pick for the Best Overall Travel Toiletry Bag: Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0
- Best Travel Toiletry Bag for Organization: Peak Design Wash Bag
- Most Innovative Toiletry Bag: Tropicfeel FifLock Toiletry Bag
- Best Luxury Toiletry Bag: Kodiak Leather Toiletry Bag
- Best Quality Toiletry Bag: Gravel Explorer PLUS
- Top Men’s Travel Toiletry Bag: Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag For Men
- Most Lightweight Toiletry Bag: Sea to Summit Travel Bag
- Best Rugged Travel Toiletry Bag: Fat Felt Dopp Kit
Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0
- Feature Highlights > Water and stain resistant
- > Toothbrush pocket
REI Co-op Shower Roll – Small/ Med
- Feature Highlights > Made of light, durable ripstop nylon
- > Detachable clear pouch
- > Detachable mirror
Tropicfeel FifLock Toiletry Bag
- Feature Highlights > Perfect size
- > Ideal for using with the Shell backpack
- > Very well made
Kodiak Toiletry Bag
- Feature Highlights > Brown Leather
- > Simple Design
- > Quality Materials
Peak Design Wash Bag
- Feature Highlights > Made of light, durable, water-resistant material
- > Great for organization
- > Thoughtful design
Gravel Explorer PLUS
- Feature Highlights > High quality materials
- > Shampoo spill proof
- > Ace Organization
EBAGS Portage Toiletry Kit
- Feature Highlights > Large
- > U Shape Opening
- > Organization
Lavievert Toiletry Bag
- Feature Highlights > Large
- > Affordable
- > Expandable side pockets
Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag For Men
- Feature Highlights > Nice vintage design
- > Affordable
- > Good organization
Sea to Summit Travel Bag
- Feature Highlights > Super lightweight
- > Plenty of pockets
- > Has a hanger
Fat Felt Dopp Kit
- Feature Highlights > Excellent Craftmanship
- > Versatile
- > Durable
Why Use a Toiletry Bag for Travel?
A toiletry kit acts as a portable bathroom cabinet for your essential toiletries – shampoo, soap, deodorant, dental care, etc.
In many cases, these are just the basics, and you may also need to carry and organize your sunscreen, repellent, medication, and more.
We’ve likely all been there: the moment after you realize your travel toiletries have exploded in your suitcase… Well, a toiletry kit is your solution. A travel toiletry bag will help you organize all of your liquids and minimize exploding suitcase scenarios.
Organization is absolutely essential when you are living out of a suitcase. From compact to large toiletry bags to hanging travel bags, you’ll soon find the one that works best for you.
What to Look for in a Travel Toiletry Bag
Not all toiletry bags are considered equal. We’ve done the work for you by compiling our favorite travel toiletry bags for this list, but there are different bags for different travel styles and uses. Consider the following before you buy one.
Materials and Durability
Your travel bathroom bag should be the right balance between durable and flexible. You want it to be able to fold into your backpack or suitcase while still withstanding any travel abuse. If you’re looking for the best camping toiletry bag for example, you’ll want something super rugged.
Many travel kits are made from nylon and synthetic materials, and some from leather. I suggest looking for a toiletry bag with water-resistant or waterproof materials. Also, look at the sturdiness of zippers and internal/external pockets. You should always ask yourself, how long will this bag last? The same is true for travel bags, sleeping bags, and beyond!
We checked all of these bags’ materials, the quality of the seams, and zippers too. Not all of the zippers were up to perfect standards – all reviews have noted if that is the case – but they were either more affordable or lightweight because of it.
Size and Capacity
Size is a matter of preference, but I suggest traveling as compact as possible. You should also keep your travel toiletries to a minimum; they can be heavy and take up a lot of space.
That said, you want a bag that can carry all that you need: travel-sized toiletries, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a razor, shampoo, conditioner, tissues, feminine hygiene products, condoms, cotton swabs, a hairbrush, hairpins and ties, sunscreen, etc. It definitely adds up quick! Try looking for a lightweight toiletry bag if you want to keep weight to a minimum.
Pockets and Organization
Getting a toiletry bag with organizational dividers and internal pockets will help you keep your things organized. Generally though, the more bells and whistles, the more expensive the bag. If you don’t need anything super high tech, then there is no need to fork out the extra money, but having at least a couple of pockets will make your life easier.
Ability to Hang
This is the main feature I would look for in a toiletry bag. Hanging toiletry bags are especially useful in hostels and pubic bathrooms, where you can keep your products hung neatly from your bunk bed or shower.
Easy to Clean
Since you are storing liquids, the occasional spill or leak is inevitable. You want a toiletry bag that can be easily wiped down or washed.
The Best Toiletry Bags for Travel
Below are my top picks for toiletry bags. Each one has a short review that explains its pros, cons, and best features.
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Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0
Lets’ get the bad news out of the way, this bag not available in Europe so if you are reading this in Europe, scroll on.
Not all toiletry bags were created equal. This clean and durable offering from Nomatic sets the high standard, being made from a water and stain resistant fibre which gives it years of extra life and usability when compared to inferior products.
The bag is beautifully compartmentalised so there is a place for everything and you can keep your paracetamol separate for your shampoo. The external toothbrush pocket is also a great innovation which allows quick access and also keeps it separate meaning it won’t drip onto everything else when wet.
You can easily find toiletry bags on Amazon for a fraction of the price of this but believe me, if you buy cheap you buy twice (or more). We wholly recommend investing in the Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0 which will last you for and miles years of travel.
- Water and stain resistant
- Lovely compartments
- The toothbrush pocket is a huge win
- Not available in Europe
- Not exactly cheap
- Doesn’t roll up
Is the Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.00 For Me?
There isn’t much wrong with this bag, to be honest. The only drawbacks are that it’s perhaps not as stylish as the RER one (below) and of course, if you are reading this in Europe no the Nomatic is not for you!
Our team really loved this toiletry bag and feel it offers pretty much everything you could want from this kind of gear and more. They loved the different sized pockets on each side of the bag and how well it kept their gear organised and separated when needed. The addition of the water-resistant zippers and material also was a standout feature for keeping their wet stuff away from the rest of their gear.
2nd Best Travel Toiletry Bag
REI Co-op Shower Roll
REI has been coming out with awesome products over the last few years, often at a lower cost than many of the famous brands they carry in-store. If you are just looking for an overall great travel toiletry bag, then their Shower Roll is an EXCELLENT choice!
This toiletry kit has a large mesh pocket and small stash pocket to organize your toiletries as well as a removable pocket at the bottom with a clear window. Having a detachable clear pouch is perfect for TSA checks or any of those moments where you don’t want to take your entire toiletry kit into the bathroom.
The webbing strap that wraps around the bag doubles as a hanging strap too. I am also a fan of the detachable mirror as were the rest of the team. They loved that the bag had a simple design that could easily just be rolled out for easy access to their gear whilst being pretty compact when needed. They also loved all the different pockets and sections each designed to carry different bits of gear which kept everything easily organised.
- Made of light, durable ripstop nylon
- Detachable clear pouch
- Detachable mirror
- Comes in both small and large sizes
- Not cheap, though not overly expensive
- Marked as small, but not that small
Is the REI CO-OP Shower Roll for me?
Overall, this is a smartly designed and functional product that helps you organize your items. We give REI an A for material quality, sturdiness, and convenience and yet simplicity.
Most Innovative Toiletry Bag
Tropicfeel FifLock Toiletry Bag
The Tropicfeel FidLock Toiletry bag is designed to attach to the front of their awesome, pioneering Shell Backpack saving space inside the pack.
However, if you don’t have the Shell Backpack then the FidLock still works as a standalone toiletry bag which will of course fit inside any backpack you want to chuck it into. And a perfectly worthy toiletry bag it is too, with dimensions coming in at 16cm x 21cm x5.2cm it is designed to be the optimal size for your toiletries. It offers Easy open access with a double zipper. Includes a mesh zippered top compartment and open mesh compartment.
It’s both water and leak proof and the hanging hook feels pretty strong and sturdy to us.
- Perfect size
- Ideal for using with the Shell backpack
- Very well made
- Not big enough for sum
- Not cheap
- Not as durable as some
Best Luxury Toiletry Bag
Kodiak Leather Toiletry Bag
In case you need a toiletry bag that is a little bit special, then go for this handsome leather toiletry bag by Kodiak. The single biggest problem you face with most toiletry bags is that after a while, the daily exposure to shower steam, water splashes and stray toothpaste splodges take their toll and wear the bag to bits. Not with this one though, its made from robust, single grade water proof leather which will last pretty much forever.
Most toiletry bags on this list are functional but this one, is seriously stylish and rather masculine. Its a very simply design, using 1 main compartment with one zip pocket on interior side wall made from heavy duty nylon liner.
Its available in both walnut brown and light brown and makes a great gift to yourself.
The team loved this for those wanting something a bit fancier and higher-end than your standard bag. They felt it was especially useful for people who might need to carry their kit in a professional setting. They also loved the feel of the material and how durable it was, especially as it ages.
- Made of quality leather that will last forever
- Simple design
- A thing of beauty
- Not cheap
- Does not hang
Best Toiletry Bag for Organization
Peak Design Wash Bag
This is one of my favorite travel toiletry bags due to its organization and water-resistant material and also the fact it comes from one of my favourite travel brands, Peak Design.
It has a ton of pockets and thoughtfully designed dividers. The main internal compartment is divided into two, and it’s big enough to hold a 12-ounce bottle or electric razor.
There is a magnetically-closed toothbrush pocket in the middle of the bag, so your toothbrush doesn’t have to mingle with your other liquids. On the outside, there’s a razor pocket where I keep my blade, tweezers, and other small tools.
I also like this Dopp kit because it’s made out of tough, recycled 200-denier nylon. It’s light, flexible, and durable. The main drawback is that this bag does NOT hang, however.
The internal mesh pockets are coated in silicone, so they are easier to wipe clean than traditional mesh pockets. As a bonus, all pockets turn inside out for cleaning.
While not specifically a ladies toiletry bag, it is one of the most thoughtfully designed bags in terms of organization, so it works well for make-up and other items.
Our team really loved how well thought out the organisational features of this bag were and especially loved how easy it was to separate different items from each other whilst keeping them all accessible. They felt it also offered an impressive amount of storage for such a compact bag and on top of that they felt the outer material and burly zip were great for long-term use.
Check out our full review of Peak Design’s travel backpack, which this wash bag was designed to accompany!
- Made of light, durable, water-resistant material
- Great for organization
- Thoughtful design
- Not cheap
- Does not hang
Is the Peak Design Wash Bag for me?
Get this if you want a water-resistant toiletry case with lots of pockets and thoughtful ways to organize your things. It doesn’t hang, so buy this if you don’t usually need or want to hang your bag.
Best Quality Toiletry Bag
Gravel Explorer PLUS
The Explorer PLUS from Gravel is a toiletry bag with a difference. Made from high quality, waterproof, washable nylon and coming with a lifetime guarantee, once you invest in the Gravel Explorer PLUS you may never need to buy another toiletry bag again.
The Explorer PLUS is designed forensically well and internally has 8 different pockets so everything has its place from razors to, shampoo to condoms. Perhaps best of all, as its pocket is sealed and water proof you don’t need to worry too much about those unwelcome mid-air shaving foam explosions ruining the whole bag.
Finally, this highly organised, wipeable and washable travel toiletry bag also comes with an adjustable strap so you can hang it up wherever you go. Oh, and it even comes with a couple of re-usable, travel sized plastic bottles for putting your liquids into PLUS a bamboo toothbrush!!!
- High quality materials
- Shampoo spill proof
- Ace Organization
- Not cheap
- Too organised for some
- Quite heavy
Best Large Toiletry Bag (#1)
EBAGS Portage Toiletry Kit
The Portage Toiletry kit is a great choice if you tend to pack a lot of bottles. It sits flat and has a large space in the center section for bottles, with mesh pockets to hold your travel toiletries in place.
The bag opens in a U shape and has a few elastic bands to store your razor and make-up brushes. Zippers and zipper pull work well. Has a removable hanger hook, which is very useful.
The Portage toiletry kit comes in 3 different sizes too. Because this is a large toiletry bag, it’s more appropriate road trips versus flying, when you have to be cognizant of travel-sized toiletries.
Our team loved that there was an option out there for those of them who needed to bring bigger items like specific shampoos or lotions. The fact that the bag also facilitates being stood upright was also a massive bonus alongside the zip that allows the bag to be fully opened up from the front.
- Large
- U Shape Opening
- Organization
- Not good for air travel
- Elastic top mesh pockets are low
Is the EBAGS Portage Toiletry Bag for me?
The interior has plenty of room and has a place for just about all of your toiletries. This is a great bag if you are traveling with a lot of cosmetics or carrying things for your family, but not for air travel.
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Best Large Toiletry Bag (#2)
Lavievert Toiletry Bag
If you are looking for a family-sized, large toiletry bag, then the Lavievert may be the bag for you. It’s water-resistant and durable to protect your cosmetics.
It’s huge capacity and multi-pockets will allow you to bring your entire bathroom counter on the road… It can easily hold dental care, larger shampoo and conditioner bottles, and other toiletries you may need.
It includes zippered side pockets for extra storage and a hook and handles to hang it on a towel rack, shower rod, or doorknob.
Our team were super impressed by just how much this thing could fit in it, like, it was a proper Mary Poppin’s type bag! They loved all the different compartments and organisers which meant it was ideal for use by more than one person or a family.
- Large
- Affordable
- Expandable side pockets
- Not the best quality
- The hanger is made of flexible plastic
Is the Lavievert Toiletry Bag for me?
The interior has plenty of room, with one large clear vinyl pocket with a zipper at the top, and a place for just about everything – from make-up brushes to toothpaste. This is a great bag if you are traveling with a lot of cosmetics or carrying things for your family.
Best Men’s Travel Toiletry Bag
Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag For Men
This (synthetic) leather, the vintage-styled bag is perfect for storing your travel toiletries! The main compartment works well for shaving accessories and basic bathroom supplies.
The bottom section reveals two mesh compartments for your smaller things and has a waterproof bottom to keep your things protected.
Overall, it’s a nice and stylish bag that’s quite functional as well. It’s not genuine leather, so keep this in mind.
Our team loved the stylish and minimalist exterior of this bag which inside hides a surprising amount of organisational features. In particular, they found the bottom zippered section actually holds a lot more than they first imagined.
- Nice vintage design
- Affordable
- Good organization
- Zippers are not great
- Synthetic leather
Is the Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag for me?
The interior has plenty of room, with one large clear vinyl pocket with a zipper at the top, and a place for just about all of your travel toiletries – from make-up brushes to toothpaste. This is a great bag if you are traveling with a lot of cosmetics or carrying things for your family.
Most Lightweight Toiletry Bag
Sea to Summit Travel Bag
When it comes to lightweight backpacking gear, no one can beat Sea to Summit. They make the lightest sleeping pads, tents, and beyond!
This toiletry pouch is no different. If you are looking for the lightest hanging travel toiletry bag and travel organizer on the market, then this is the bag for you! It’s crafted with strong and water-resistant Ultra-Sil fabric.
It includes multiple, thoughtfully placed mesh pockets and durable zippers to open and close the bag. To keep the weight down, they’ve kept this bag simple yet functional. Oh, and it even has a mirror built in!!
I bloody love this lightweight toiletry kit that and it has become my go to. It has a number of different pockets and sections which once hung up are in super useful positions for easy access. It still feels super strong considering how lightweight the material it’s made from is.
- Super lightweight
- Plenty of pockets
- Has a hanger
- Zipper catches often
- Doesn’t stand alone well
Is the Sea to Summit Lightweight Toiletry Bag for me?
The Sea to Summit small Travelling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag has multiple internal pockets for personalized organizing. The hanging design is extremely convenient to use too. Overall, it’s a good size with plenty of features; most of all, it’s the lightest toiletry bag you’ll find!
Most Rugged Travel Toiletry Kit
Fat Felt Dopp Kit
Not only is this a rugged and durable kit, but it’s also a great travel kit for men (though as a girl I’m also a fan!). This bad boy is bomber built to handle abrasions with a hardy leather handle and heavy-duty waxed canvas, making it a great camping toiletry bag.
They also use 100% natural wool for their felt (no chemicals!) While this is a travel toiletry kit, it’s hardy enough to use for tools, bike repair tools, or an artist field bag. It’s a versatile bag!
- Excellent Craftmanship and style
- Versatile
- Durable
- Doesn’t’ hang
- Heavier than other bags on this list
Is the Fat Felt Dopp Kit for me?
The quality of this Dopp Kit is amazing. A high-quality canvas, durable and snag-proof design, a hardy zipper, and more will keep your travel toiletries protected!
Our team felt this was their best toiletry bag for camping due to the rugged nature of the materials and construction of the bag. The inside does feature a small zippered pocket but the team kinda loved the simplicity of this burly bag where you just throw in your essentials and off you go!
Best Toiletry Kit for the Constant Traveler
Nomatic Toiletry Bag
Nomatic makes some of the most FUNCTIONAL bags ever. It’s true for all of their backpacks and luggage, and no different for their travel toiletry bag. They design items for the constant traveler, the nomad, and the people who live on the road.
Check out our full review on Nomatic’s Travel bag. It’s AWESOME!
They created two toiletry bags depending on your personal packing style. Their regular size is ideal for longer trips and the smaller one (Nomatic slim) is best for the minimalist packer.
They’re made with water-resistant materials, can hang, include transparent waterproof pockets, and an exterior toothbrush pocket. The only thing we don’t love about this bag is the price, but it may be worth the investment for you.
- Great zippers
- Waterproof and resistant
- Thoughtful design
- Expensive
- Might not be big enough for some
Is the Nomatic Toiletry Bag for me?
Get this if you want a water-resistant toiletry bag if you are always on the road. You’ll be pressed to find a higher-quality, more functional bag. That said, it might be overkill if you just need a bag to get the job done.
If you’re not a nomad or constant business traveler, consider something a bit more affordable.
Now, you could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.
So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card! REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉
Buy on REI!| Name | Weight (KG) | Main Material | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0 | 0.26 | – | 74.99 |
| REI Co-op Shower Roll | 0.36 – 0.48 | Recycled Nylon Shell | 29.95 – 39.95 |
| Tropicfeel FifLock Toiletry Bag | – | Recycled Polyester | 90 |
| Kodiak Leather Toiletry Bag | – | Top Grain Leather | 70 |
| Peak Design Wash Bag | 0.24 | 200D Nylon Canvas Shell | 59.95 |
| Gravel Explorer PLUS | 0.35 | Nylon | 82 |
| EBAGS Portage Toiletry Kit | 0.28 | TechLite Diamond Nylon | 39.99 |
| Lavievert Toiletry Bag | 0.87 | – | 17.99 |
| Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag For Men | 0.22 | Leather | – |
| Sea to Summit Travel Bag | 0.07 – 0.13 | Polyurethane-coated nylon | 44.95 – 49.95 |
| Fat Felt Dopp Kit | 0.36 | Waxed canvas | 46.95 |
How We Tested For The Best Toiletry Bag For Backpacking
There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out travel and outdoor gear. That said, the team here at The Broke Backpacker do have a LOT of experience so we’ve gotten pretty good when it comes to judging gear.
Whenever we test a piece of gear, at least one team member takes it out for a spin to put it through its paces. We firstly see how well it fulfils its primary purpose, so when it came to a backpacking toiletry bag, that was things like how compact and light it was, how much it held and what additional features it had. We also were sure to test out how well-made each piece of gear was as well as how packable.
Finally, we also take into account how item costs – so when it came to expensive items, if they performed averagely they lost points, whereas budget items may be given more leeway and minor failures treated more less harshly.
FAQ about the Best Travel Toiletry Bag
Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:
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Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Toiletry Bags
Whether you need a simple and stylish toiletry bag, a rugged men’s travel toiletry bag, a hanging travel organizer, or a simple Dopp kit, we’ve reviewed and used dozens of bags, narrowing down our favorites in this review. Have you picked out a backpacking toiletry kit for your needs?
Need help knowing how to pack a backpack for your trip, check out our guide for some advice.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
