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Forgetting to pack a jacket or favorite shirt on vacation is annoying, but forgetting to pack contact lenses or that dentist-prescribed mouthwash is an undeniably worse fate. However, with a sturdy toiletry bag in tow, you can make sure those essentials are safely contained. Toiletry bags and dopp kits should store what you'll need on a trip and ideally keep it organized so that when you land, you don't have a bag full of busted shampoo or lipstick tubes that are now painting a Pollock all over your wardrobe.
The Best Toiletry Bags
What to Consider
Size
Buying a toiletry bag is similar to buying a tiny suitcase—you need one that's big or small enough to suit your packing style. If you want to take every product you use in your entire nightly skincare routine and still need to pack a toothbrush and razor, then the classic single-compartment toiletry bag style likely isn't a good fit. If you're a light packer, however, a no-frills, large-pocket design that will hold only the bare minimum may be the right choice.
Materials
The materials your toiletry bag is made of will dictate both its durability and style. You'll want one made of quality materials, like durable nylon, leather, or faux leather, that can hold up to the wear and tear of both sporadic travel and daily use. If you typically take your entire bag into the shower on trips, you'll want to opt for a toiletry bag made of waterproof, or at least water-resistant, materials.
Special Features
Many toiletry bags have features that can bolster their functionality and durability: A waterproof coating on a toiletry bag means you can take it straight into the shower with you and an attached hook can make hanging it on the towel bar or soap dish easier. Many of the bags we included also have organizing features so you can separate your stuff into different compartments to keep your belongings neat and easily accessible.
How we selected
To determine the best toiletry bags and dopp kits on the market, we first had to consider the essential needs of travelers and what they're likely to be bringing on trips. We gathered toiletry bags with a wide array of special features, in styles for men and women, made from a variety of materials, and priced from budget-friendly to high-end. All of the toiletry bags we chose have an average customer rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars, so you're sure to find something that'll work for you.
For more great travel gear check out our picks for best packing cubes, travel pillows, and rolling suitcases.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Easy organization
- Large capacity
- Durable
Cons
This bag, which is full of well-considered storage features, is big enough for your bottles to stand upright, thus reducing the chance of leaks—and that's why it earned our best overall pick.
Multiple interior pockets keep things organized and the double-sided opening gives you easy access and visibility, thanks to the see-through panels. It's easily storable and can be used for weekend getaways and extended vacations.
Duke Armitage—an airline pilot, frequent traveler, and founder of Aviamonde—says this is a favorite of his because, “It’s large with a double-sided, fully open design and see-through compartment.” Customers agree the see-through panels add functionality and also note the construction and fabric are highly durable.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 11.5 x 7 x 5 inches |
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Color(s) | Blue, black, gray |
Materials | Synthetic leather |
Special Features | Water-resistant, see-through interior pockets, double-sided top opening |
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Compact
- Easily hangs in shower or bathroom
Cons
- Small capacity
This nylon dopp kit is perfect for quick trips and overnight stays and still gives you some organization options with interior mesh pockets. Its main compartment has a double zip opening, and the flap has a button closure so you can whip it around a towel bar and snap it in place; an exterior zipper pocket gives you quick access to smaller items like a toothbrush or razor and they're held in place by elastic loops.
Customers like the techy aesthetic of this Thule and say the spill-proof pockets work great. A lot of customers who wanted a smaller option said the size is perfect, but if you tend to pack a lot of toiletries or are going on a longer trip, you may need something bigger.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9.5 x 4 x 6 inches |
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Color(s) | Black |
Materials | Nylon |
Special features | Water-resistant, wide-mouth opening, interior mesh pockets, snap-hang design |
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Pros
- Easy organization
- Multiple compartments for different uses
- Water-resistant
Cons
If you're big on organization, then you'll love this highly functional dopp kit, which boasts ample pockets and space to keep your bathroom essentials tidy. The main compartment has a double-zip opening with six pockets and the front pocket opens flat, exposing a mesh zip pocket and multiple elastic bands to hold makeup brushes, toothbrushes, or razors.
Customers say it works well both as a daily cosmetics bag and a spacious toiletry bag; it's big, sturdy, and can be thrown into carry-on or checked luggage.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9.4 x 4.6 x 6.3 inches |
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Materials | Polyurethane leather |
Color(s) | Pink, black, gray, navy |
Special Features | Double-zipper opening, multiple compartments, interior organization |
Pros
- Easy organziation
- Large capacity
Cons
- Not water-resistant
The name pretty much says it all with this cosmetics bag from Sephora that easily can double as a large toiletry bag for trips: the large main compartment has removable mesh baskets and the opening flap has elastic loops to hold makeup brushes or toothbrushes in place. Included is a removable clear plastic bag to stuff in smaller items and keep things organized.
Reviewers say this bag is a lot bigger than they expected but the extra space is welcome. They insist it holds up well, with one pleased reviewer saying that “the organization concept is well worth the money.”
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9.5 x 5 x 7.5 inches |
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Materials | Vegan synthetic leather |
Color(s) | Black |
Special Features | Large main compartment, removable mesh baskets, removable pouch, interior organization |
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Pros
- High-grade materials
- Easy organization
- Antibacterial lining
- Durable
Cons
- Pricey
The Alpha 3 is highly durable and comes with a variety of organizational features. It's made from ballistic nylon—military-grade material known for its durability—with leather trim for a sleek look.
The U-shaped main zipper compartment has multiple zippered compartments within it and the flap has a hook for convenient hanging. The zipper pockets at the side give easy access to smaller items and the compact design makes it easy to throw into carry-on or checked luggage.
Customers say the quality of this dopp kit makes it well worth the price and were impressed with the materials and durability with many saying it's one of the best toiletry bags they've owned.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 11.5 x 4.5 x 8 inches |
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Materials | Ballistic nylon, leather |
Color(s) | Black |
Special Features | Military-grade materials, antibacterial lining, interior organization |
Pros
- Simple design
- Waterproof
- Compact
Cons
- Small capacity
- No organization features
If you want a minimalist dopp kit that will store just the bare essentials for your travels, this toiletry bag is waterproofed and easily packed for your next destination.
The coated polyurethane fabric is durable and easy to wipe clean, and the adjustable side buckles can compress the bag down for easier packing. The large main zipper compartment will hold a good amount of toiletries and cosmetics but if you tend to pack more than you should, this may not be your best option. Still, the size and style will work for anyone who needs a nice-looking, well-made dopp kit.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 10.2 x 4.7 x 5.5 inches |
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Materials | Coated polyurethane |
Color(s) | Silver pine, black, wood |
Special Features | Waterproof, single large compartment, adjustable straps to compress |
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- High-grade materials
- Leakproof
Cons
- No organization features
- Small capacity
Made to be lightweight, durable, and compact, this dopp kit is great for on-the-go adventurers who don’t want to be weighed down by any extra bulk; the single large compartment has a roll-top closure and buckle to ensure nothing leaks out or gets in, and the hook makes for convenient hanging in the bathroom or shower. It has a flat-base design to stand up on a sink counter or table, making it easy to access your toiletries at a glance.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9.5 x 3.75 x 5.5 inches |
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Materials | Cordura nylon |
Color(s) | Black |
Special Features | Rolltop closure, hanging loop, waterproof |
Danny Perez
Commerce Editor
Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.