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Which toiletry bags are best? We review 8 top options for travel
Tired of rummaging through your suitcase trying to find your essentials? With the right toiletry bag, it’s easy to stay organized. Shop the best here.
Living out of a suitcase is such an inconvenient experience. If this statement rings true to you, it’s likely you need to change up your approach to packing.
And the first step is to invest in a toiletry bag with a smart design.
Why? Most luggage isn’t designed to keep your cosmetics and smaller essentials organized. Without using smaller packable pouches, you’ll be left digging around in your travel bag for your hair brush — or even worse, your tweezers. (Good luck finding those!)
To save you the headache (and help you to up your travel game), our editors have rounded up the best travel toiletry bags for men and women, so you can start packing in a more manageable (and enjoyable!) fashion.
Read more: Get tips on packing your suitcase better
Check out the best toiletry bags here
Best overall
Specifications
Dimensions: 11.2 L x 4.87 W x 7.6 H in.
Weight: 6.4 ounces
Material: Not specified, but fabric is waterproof
Pros & Cons
IP45 waterproof
Hook for easy hanging
Only available in two colors
From makeup brushes to medium-sized shampoo conditioners, this spacious travel bag from YL boasts a multitude of compartments to store all your bathroom essentials. It has ventilated pockets for small items, mesh compartments for large items and transparent pockets for wet items.
For added convenience, it also has a heavy-duty hook for hanging on the bathroom door — and it’s certified IP45 waterproof, so your items can remain dry.
A great choice for men and women, this unisex bag also comes at an affordable price point, which is why it’s been deemed our favorite toiletry case to buy right now.
Top-rated toiletry bag
Specifications
Dimensions: 12.6 L x 4.3 W x 9.1 H in.
Weight: 15.2 ounces
Material: Water-resistant polyester
Pros & Cons
360-degree rotatable hook
Water-resistant
Elastic straps to hold bottles upright
Few small compartments
Difficult to close if packing many larger bottles
An Amazon’s Choice product, the BAGSMART Toiletry Bag has received a 4.8-star average rating from nearly 48,000 reviewers. Those numbers don’t lie, but let’s dive into the details anyway.
With a smart design that features a hook, this hanging toiletry bag allows you easy access to all of your essentials while showering or getting ready in the hotel bathroom. With a 360-degree rotatable hook, you’ll be able to hang this toiletry travel bag just about anywhere.
Additionally, it has four different compartments for all-size products — and it has elastic straps so you can keep your liquid bottles upright. It also comes in plenty of color options, so you can pick one that suits your personality best.
Best budget option
Specifications
Dimensions: 9.8 L x 5.5 W x 6.3 H in.
Weight: N/A
Material: Waterproof polyester
Pros & Cons
Water-resistant
Comes with one toiletry organizer
Limited compartments
Traveling can be expensive, but investing in a quality toiletry bag doesn’t have to be. For our top budget option, we recommend this dopp kit from EEEkit.
It’s equipped with mesh pockets to store small items like lip balm and a spacious main compartment to store bigger items like face wash. It also has side pockets, a durable handle and a hook for hanging, making it the perfect weekender bag.
Top choice for men
Specifications
Dimensions: 12 L x 8 W x 2 H in.
Weight: 20.8 ounces
Material: PU leather
Pros & Cons
Spill and leak-resistant
Includes dust cover
Less capacity than some competing models
This stylish leather toiletry bag makes a great travel companion and there are several reasons why. It’s made of high-grade PU leather that’s easy to spot clean. It’s also spill and leak-resistant so you never have to worry about your liquid items ruining your shaver or toothbrush.
To make organization easy, it comes with four pockets — two expandable zippered pockets and two small snap-fastened pockets to keep bottles upright. It also has a reinforced steel hook for hanging, making it a great toiletry bag for men.
Best for large capacity
Specifications
Dimensions: 10 L x 12 W x 8 H in.
Weight: 25.6 ounces
Material: Water-resistant nylon
Pros & Cons
Can withstand breaking force of 300 pounds
Includes removable mirror
Reports of bag being flimsy
If you frequently travel with family and you tend to share toiletries, you’ll definitely want this family-size toiletry bag from L.L. Bean. Its main compartment is large enough to hold a variety of bathroom essentials — and it has two upper-zipped pockets for smaller items.
It also has two external side pockets with zippers for easy access to your cosmetic items. Plus, it’s designed to be durable, so you can pack it into your luggage bag worry-free. And with the removable mirror included, It’s a must-have for those looking for a large-size toiletry bag.
Most sustainable pick
Specifications
Dimensions: 3.5 W x 6.1 H in.
Weight: 8 ounces
Material: 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottle
Pros & Cons
Made from recycled plastic
Lightweight
Built-in mirror
Smaller capacity than some competing models
No hanging function
The sustainable Trestique Le Pak Bag makes a great helper for a short weekend trip. Made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, not only is it a greener pick, but it’ll keep your makeup organized during your travels.
It can store up to 12 full-size products and its cylinder shape makes it easy to keep your makeup brushes and other items upright. In case of a beauty emergency, this toiletry bag also comes with a built-in mirror for a quick touch-up, which is why we think it’s the best toiletry bag for women.
Best for makeup
Specifications
Dimensions: 10.04 L x 9.25 W x 3.94 H in.
Weight: 35.2 ounces
Material: Waterproof synthetic leather
Pros & Cons
Includes large mirror with lights
Battery for light included
Adjustable divider
Designed solely for makeup items
Not a lot of variety for compartments
Can’t travel without your beauty kit in tow? The MOMIRA Travel Makeup Case is a great toiletry bag for women to hold all of your essentials.
What makes it so great for makeup enthusiasts? For starters, it comes equipped with a large mirror surrounded by adjustable lights for easier makeup application.
Additionally, this cosmetic case comes with six detachable partitions and a brush compartment to fit all your brushes and your makeup essentials. ‘Talk about a makeup artist’s dream.
And to help protect your fragile items, it has an anti-drop sponge pad layer and a waterproof exterior. Without a doubt, It’s one of the best travel cosmetic bags in the market.
A waterproof option
Specifications
Dimensions: 10.06 L x 12.2 W x 3.2 H in.
Weight: 35.2 ounces
Material: 600D Polyester
Pros & Cons
Three layers of waterproof protection
Plenty of compartments
360-degree rotatable hook
Some reports of issues with zippers
Some reports of seams tearing
Avid travelers will understand how important it is to have a reliable waterproof toiletry bag and we agree. It’s why we recommend the AvaJex Travel Toiletry Bag. The exterior is made of 600D waterproof polyester while its interior has an inner 4mm foam and a water-resistant lining for added peace of mind.
Not only is it waterproof, but with 19 compartments complete with dividers and elastic loops, you’ll have plenty of space to store all your toiletries, makeup brushes and medication. And with an added 360-degree rotatable hook, this is definitely a great long-term investment for the wanderlust at heart.
What to know before buying a toiletry bag
It may seem small, but getting the right toiletry bag can make the difference between your vacation starting off on the right foot or being a mess. To help you choose the right bag, our editors dig into some commonly asked questions.
What is the best material for a toiletry bag?
Toiletry bags keep your essential items like makeup and liquids safe so ideally, you will want them to be waterproof and durable. Opt for nylon, leather or waterproof polyester as they’re able to withstand the wear and tear that comes from travel and daily use.
How do I choose a toiletry bag?
To find the right option for you, consider these three things:
Size: If you’re traveling solo and you’re not fussed about the type of shampoo you use, or having makeup on, a small size to fit your toothbrush and a few creams will suffice. However, if you’re traveling with family, or you have a lot of essentials to bring, get a medium-sized travel bag or one with a large capacity.
Compartments: Depending on your essentials, you’ll need specific compartments to store your items. If you have a lot of makeup products, you’ll want something with elastic straps to store your brushes, for example. Carrying a lot of liquids? You’ll want clear plastic compartments to go through TSA.
Material: Ideally, you will want a toiletry bag that can withstand the wear and tear that comes from traveling. Opt for high-quality materials like nylon and leather as it’ll benefit you in the long run, especially if you’re a frequent traveler.
Which toiletry bags are our favorites?
We love all the options on our list but if you’re still scrolling to find which bag suits your travel needs best, here are our top two choices:
YL Toiletry Bag for Men & Women: This affordable travel kit has plenty of compartments for all your essentials. Plus, it’s waterproof and easy to hang anywhere you go. It’s no wonder that this is our top choice.
AvaJex Travel Toiletry Bag: We love that this bag has three layers of waterproofing to keep your items safe and with plenty of compartments to store all your travel essentials, it’s definitely our favorite pick.
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Prices updated on 09/19/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
A journalism graduate from Curtin University, Afina Najib specializes in writing tech, finance, automotive and wellness content. Now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Afina spends her weekends hitting the gym or watching Formula 1 races.