For every journey, whether a weekend escape or an extended international adventure, a reliable travel hygiene bag is indispensable. Often underestimated, these bags are the cornerstone of keeping your essential toiletries organized and accessible, ensuring you maintain your grooming standards wherever you are.
We’ve rigorously tested a wide array of toiletry bags and men’s grooming kits to curate a list of the best options available. Our evaluation process spanned months and involved assessing capacity, design, portability, and overall value. We prioritized bags that not only scored high in lab tests but also proved their worth during real-world travel scenarios.
Considering our comprehensive testing, we’ve compiled a list of the top men’s travel hygiene bags across various categories. Whether you’re seeking a bag for minimalist travel or a more comprehensive grooming kit, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your needs.
Our Top Picks for Men’s Travel Hygiene Bags
Best Overall Men’s Hygiene Bag:
Away Large Toiletry Bag at Away Travel $75
Most Packable Men’s Hygiene Bag:
Best Waterproof Men’s Hygiene Bag:
LINE+ARC The Dopp Kit at Amazon $35
Best Organized Men’s Hygiene Bag:
Peak Design Wash Pouch at Amazon $60
Best Classic Dopp Kit for Men:
Béis The Dopp Kit at Nordstrom $48
Specifically Designed for Men:
Bagsmart Toiletry Bag for Men at Amazon $23
Best Hanging Men’s Hygiene Bag:
Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag at Amazon $50
Best Budget Men’s Hygiene Bag:
WANDF Toiletry Bag at Amazon $10
Best Luxury Men’s Hygiene Bag:
Tumi Response Travel Kit at Nordstrom $195
Best Overall Men’s Hygiene Bag
Away Large Toiletry Bag
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PHOTO: Away
Why We Recommend It: The Away Large Toiletry Bag stands out as the best overall men’s hygiene bag due to its unexpectedly spacious interior and intelligent organization.
Things to Consider: Popular limited edition colors tend to sell out quickly.
Away, renowned for its premium luggage, extends its quality and design expertise to travel accessories, and the Large Toiletry Bag is a prime example. During our rigorous testing, this bag consistently earned top marks across all categories.
Despite its sleek profile, the Away Large Toiletry Bag offers impressive roominess. It’s designed with a variety of compartments including a detachable clear cosmetic pouch, a zippered pocket, dual mesh compartments, and an external pocket. This thoughtful compartmentalization eliminates the frustration of rummaging through a single, disorganized space. The bag’s wide-opening zipper provides easy access to all your items. We packed it with a mix of large and small men’s grooming essentials, from travel-sized shampoo bottles to shaving brushes, and still found ample space for more.
The water-resistant nylon construction impressed us with its durability. It manages to be lightweight yet feels robust and premium. The interior features a wipeable lining, making cleanup of spills quick and effortless – a crucial feature for any men’s travel hygiene bag. Available in five color options, including limited edition releases, and also in smaller and hanging versions, the Away Large Toiletry Bag caters to diverse needs and preferences.
The Details: 10.2 x 3.7 x 5.9 inches | 8.8 ounces | 3.6-liter capacity | Nylon | Water-resistant
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Most Packable Men’s Hygiene Bag
Aer Travel Kit 2
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PHOTO: Aer
Why We Recommend It: The Aer Travel Kit 2 is the ideal men’s travel hygiene bag for those prioritizing packability without sacrificing functionality. Its compact design is coupled with a clever hanging feature, perfect for saving space.
Things to Consider: Its smaller size is best suited for travel-size toiletries, not full-size containers.
For men who travel with carry-on luggage only, the Aer Travel Kit 2 is a game-changer. It strikes the perfect balance between being compact enough to fit into a carry-on or personal item and still offering sufficient space for essential toiletries. During our tests, we were able to comfortably pack travel-size hairspray, dry shampoo, conditioner, lotions, deodorant, a small electric toothbrush, toothpaste, cologne, toner, and medications.
A standout feature for men on the move is the integrated hook. It rotates at different angles, making it incredibly versatile for hanging on various bathroom fixtures like doorknobs, towel racks, or shower bars, freeing up valuable counter space – often a premium in smaller hotel bathrooms. We also appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of both interior and exterior pockets, enhancing organization within such a compact men’s hygiene bag.
The Details: 9 x 6.5 x 3 inches | 8 ounces | 2.5-liter capacity | Cordura ballistic nylon | Water-resistant
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kathryn Braet
Best Waterproof Men’s Hygiene Bag
LINE+ARC The Dopp Kit
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PHOTO: Amazon
$35 at Amazon View on Linearcdesign.com
Why We Recommend It: For unparalleled protection against spills and wet surfaces, the LINE+ARC Dopp Kit is the best waterproof men’s hygiene bag. Its generous size also accommodates larger items easily.
Things to Consider: It’s a bit bulkier and can become heavy when fully packed, making it less ideal for ultra-light travel.
You might question the necessity of a waterproof toiletry bag, considering it’s typically placed inside another bag during travel. However, the practicality becomes clear in bathrooms. Men’s hygiene bags often end up on damp bathroom counters. Investing in a waterproof option, like the Line+Arc Dopp Kit, offers peace of mind. Although equipped with a hanging loop, we found ourselves confidently placing it directly on wet surfaces during testing, thanks to its exceptional waterproofing.
Beyond its waterproof nature, we were particularly impressed with the spaciousness of this dopp kit. It could even accommodate larger items like full-sized shaving cream cans or larger cologne bottles. The wide-open top provides effortless access to all contents. Due to its larger size, it can become somewhat bulky and heavy when fully packed, making it more suitable for checked luggage or larger carry-on bags, rather than small personal items or compact weekender bags. For men needing a robust, waterproof solution, this dopp kit is an excellent choice.
The Details: 11 x 6.5 x 3.5 | 1.2 pounds | 3.5-liter capacity | Silicone | Waterproof
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Julia Sayers Gokhale
Best Organized Men’s Hygiene Bag
Peak Design Wash Pouch
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PHOTO: Peak Design
$60 at Amazon $60 at REI View on Peakdesign.com
Why We Recommend It: The Peak Design Wash Pouch excels in organization, offering dedicated compartments and pockets for every toiletry item, making it the best men’s hygiene bag for meticulous packers.
Things to Consider: Color options are limited, which might not appeal to all personal styles.
For men who travel with a comprehensive grooming kit, staying organized is key. The Peak Design Wash Pouch is specifically designed for this purpose. Despite its seemingly compact exterior, this bag is a marvel of organizational engineering – it truly feels like there’s a designated pocket for everything.
The main compartment is perfectly sized for smaller bottles and containers, while a variety of mesh pockets line the interior walls, ideal for items like facial moisturizers or smaller grooming tools. A separate, dedicated toothbrush pocket keeps hygiene in mind.
Additional highlights for men who appreciate functionality include the wide opening for easy access to all compartments and its ability to stand upright on its own. The high-density foam layer provides structure and protects the contents. It also includes a hanging hook for added convenience in bathrooms with limited counter space.
The Details: 10.2 x 6 x 4.4 inches | 8.7 ounces | 2.5-liter capacity | 200D nylon canvas | Weatherproof
Best Classic Dopp Kit for Men
Béis The Dopp Kit
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PHOTO: Béis
$48 at Nordstrom View on Beis View on Bloomingdales
Why We Recommend It: Béis The Dopp Kit offers exceptional spaciousness, capable of holding the contents of multiple standard toiletry bags, ideal for men who need extra room.
Things to Consider: Compartments open individually, requiring the top to be closed to access the bottom, which might be slightly inconvenient.
What exactly is a dopp kit? While the term is often used interchangeably with “toiletry bag” today, the dopp kit has historical roots, originating with German leather maker Charles Doppelt and gaining popularity among military personnel in the 20th century. It typically features a classic silhouette, characterized by a large main compartment, sometimes supplemented with side pockets, as seen in this Béis design.
Béis elevates the traditional dopp kit with an additional compartment beneath the main section, similar to their popular weekender bag. This innovative design results in impressive extra storage capacity. In our tests, we managed to fit the contents of three standard toiletry bags into this single Béis Dopp Kit. For men prone to overpacking or those on longer trips, this extra space is invaluable. While only one compartment can be opened at a time (the top must be closed to access the bottom), the sturdy construction and wide base allow the dopp kit to stand upright easily.
The Details: 6.5 x 11 x 6 inches | 14 ounces | Cotton-jute canvas or poly canvas | Water-resistant lining
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Dera Burreson
Specifically Designed for Men
Bagsmart Toiletry Bag for Men
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PHOTO: Amazon
$23 at Amazon View on Bagsmart.com
Why We Recommend It: The Bagsmart Toiletry Bag for Men is designed with men’s grooming needs in mind, offering a rugged aesthetic and practical features. The wide double zipper opening enhances accessibility.
Things to Consider: The canvas material, while durable-looking, may be less easy to clean compared to smoother fabrics.
Interestingly, dopp kits were originally conceived for men, so it’s fitting that this Bagsmart offering is specifically designed to accommodate shaving and grooming products. Constructed from water-resistant canvas, it boasts a robust and masculine look. It’s available in six colors, primarily neutral tones but also including a light pink, and in two sizes. While sturdy enough to stand on its own, it also retains enough flexibility to be easily packed into a fully loaded weekender bag.
In terms of storage, the main compartment features a double zipper, allowing the kit to open wide for complete access to your items. This main area is spacious enough for bulkier items, while smaller pockets along the sides are perfect for organizing smaller grooming essentials. Additionally, two separate side pockets are included, one specifically designed to hold wet items – a thoughtful feature for men’s hygiene on the go.
The Details: 10.2 x 5.9 x 6.3 inches | 6.4 ounces | Canvas | Water-resistant
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Best Hanging Men’s Hygiene Bag
Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Recommend It: The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag is the best choice for men needing a lightweight and portable hanging solution. Its saddlebag design and efficient use of space are ideal for travelers on the move.
Things to Consider: It is designed to hang and will not stand upright on its own, which might be a drawback in certain situations.
When it comes to hanging toiletry bags, the Sea to Summit model achieves an excellent balance of features. Constructed from an ultralight, water-resistant nylon, it adopts a saddlebag shape that is perfectly suited for hanging. During testing, we found that even when packed with numerous items, the bag remained lightweight and well-balanced. The internal organization ensures products are easily accessible thanks to a variety of pockets.
A particularly useful feature for men, especially in outdoor or minimalist travel scenarios, is the included detachable mirror. This is invaluable when access to a traditional vanity is limited. Handles are also included for easy carrying. Overall, this bag is ideal for travelers where space and weight are critical considerations, whether on multi-day treks carrying all their gear or during extended travel with limited luggage space. It is available in two sizes (we tested the smaller size) and three color options.
The Details: 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
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Best Budget Men’s Hygiene Bag
WANDF Toiletry Bag
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PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Recommend It: The WANDF Toiletry Bag offers incredible value as the most affordable option on our list, without compromising essential features. It’s also available in a wide range of colors.
Things to Consider: The main compartment has only a single zipper, which can make accessing items in a packed bag slightly less convenient.
As you’ve likely noticed, toiletry bags can range considerably in price, but a high-quality men’s travel hygiene bag doesn’t have to break the bank. The WANDF Toiletry Bag proves this point, offering a budget-friendly option that still delivers on necessary functionality. It includes multiple compartments and is constructed from water-resistant material, ensuring it can withstand splashes on bathroom counters.
The compartments are both a strength and a minor drawback. We were impressed by the generous space within the main compartment and the inclusion of two side compartments with mesh pockets. However, the main compartment, due to its size, could benefit from an internal divider for better organization. Similarly, a double zipper for the main compartment would improve accessibility compared to the current single zipper design. Despite these minor points, for men seeking an affordable and functional travel hygiene bag, the WANDF is an excellent choice.
The Details: 10.24 x 4.72 x 5.91 inches | 3.53 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Best Luxury Men’s Hygiene Bag
Tumi Response Travel Kit
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PHOTO: Nordstrom
$195 at Nordstrom View on Tumi.com $195 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Why We Recommend It: The Tumi Response Travel Kit is the epitome of luxury in men’s hygiene bags. Its clamshell opening provides exceptional access, and the Tumi brand guarantees premium quality and durability.
Things to Consider: The outer material is ballistic nylon, known for durability, but it is not water-resistant, which is something to consider for a hygiene bag.
Tumi, a brand synonymous with luxury travel goods, extends its high-end offerings to toiletry bags. The Response Travel Kit, crafted from ballistic nylon, is among the most durable options available. Its robust construction suggests it will withstand years of regular travel use, making it a worthwhile investment for discerning men.
A standout feature is its clamshell opening, revealing two distinct compartments in each half. This design ensures easy access to all items, whether the bag is laid flat on a counter or hung using the integrated hook. It includes four pockets, including one water-resistant pocket for damp items, and two elastic loops for securing items like toothbrushes or razors. While reasonably spacious, it is best suited for travel-size products, making it ideal for shorter trips rather than extended journeys. For men seeking a luxury travel hygiene bag that combines durability and sophisticated design, the Tumi Response Travel Kit is unmatched.
The Details: 6.3 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches | 14.4 ounces | Ballistic nylon
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Other Toiletry Bags We Liked
The following toiletry bags didn’t quite make our main list but still offer some handy features that some travelers might find useful for their men’s travel hygiene bag needs.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Executive Essentials Kit: This generously sized toiletry bag offers ample space, comfortably accommodating travel-size hair and skincare products for week-long trips. However, the lack of internal organization can lead to items shifting around. It is potentially better suited for fewer, larger items rather than many smaller ones.
Travel + Leisure
Thule Subterra 2 Toiletry Bag: A standout feature of the Thule Subterra 2 is its removable plastic interior pouch. This is exceptionally useful for separating liquids (ideal for airport security and preventing leaks). It also includes multiple pockets for organization.
Travel + Leisure
Bagsmart Large Hanging Toiletry Bag: This hanging toiletry bag from Bagsmart features four distinct compartments for organization and boasts a substantial capacity. However, its soft-sided material may not offer the best protection or durability for all types of toiletries, particularly more fragile items.
Travel + Leisure
Our Testing Process
We put 58 toiletry bags and cosmetic cases through rigorous testing in our lab and during real-world travel scenarios to identify the best travel companions. Our evaluation began with an in-depth analysis of each bag when empty. We meticulously examined materials, construction quality, and overall design.
Next, we packed each bag to full capacity with toiletries, makeup, and essential grooming items. We carefully noted the capacity and organizational features, including compartments, pockets, hanging straps, and hooks. For bags advertised as waterproof, we tested their water resistance by running them under water to assess internal wetness and drying time. We also assessed portability by packing the toiletry bags into various types of luggage, including weekender bags, carry-ons, and checked luggage.
Following initial lab tests, we distributed the toiletry bags to editors for six months of real-world testing during their travels. This extended testing period provided further insights into long-term durability and usability.
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Tips for Buying a Men’s Travel Hygiene Bag
Evaluate the Bag’s Design
Men’s travel hygiene bags vary significantly in design. Some offer a single, large compartment, while others are intricately divided with pockets and pouches for organized storage. Consider your grooming routine and the types of items you typically carry. If you prefer meticulous organization, opt for bags with multiple compartments. Also, consider additional features like built-in mirrors or removable pouches. Material choice is crucial; durable, water-resistant materials are ideal for hygiene bags that will endure frequent travel.
Consider Capacity and Your Grooming Essentials
What items will you typically pack in your men’s travel hygiene bag? For minimalists who carry only basic toiletries like face wash and toothpaste, a smaller bag will suffice. However, if you have a more extensive grooming regimen, including skincare products, shaving supplies, and hair styling products, you’ll need a larger capacity bag to accommodate everything.
Think About Portability
If you plan to carry your hygiene bag in your carry-on luggage, prioritize compact and lightweight designs to maximize space for other essentials. If carrying liquids, gels, or aerosols, ensure they comply with TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. For checked baggage, size and weight restrictions are less of a concern, offering greater flexibility in choosing a larger bag.
Frequently Asked Questions about Men’s Travel Hygiene Bags
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What fabric is best for a men’s travel hygiene bag?
Given that hygiene bags frequently encounter liquids—from spills or bathroom surfaces—water-resistant or waterproof materials are optimal. Durability is another key factor. Look for tear-resistant fabrics that will withstand the rigors of travel over time.
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What is a TSA-approved toiletry bag for men?
A TSA-approved toiletry bag adheres to TSA guidelines for carry-on liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. These items must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and must fit within “1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.” While the bag itself doesn’t need specific TSA approval, ensuring your liquids are in compliance is essential.
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What can I pack in a men’s travel hygiene bag?
You can pack a wide array of items in a men’s travel hygiene bag, from shaving cream and razors to hair styling products, skincare, and shower gels. Depending on your grooming routine, consider bags with specialized pockets for items like shaving brushes, combs, or smaller grooming tools to keep everything secure and organized.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Stefanie Waldek is a seasoned travel writer with a decade of experience. Flying over 200,000 miles annually and spending countless nights in hotels and on cruises, she brings extensive firsthand knowledge to her reviews. For this article, she incorporated tester feedback and drew upon her personal experience with toiletry bags. While often utilizing airline amenity kits, she also uses Bagsmart, Container Store, and Monos toiletry bags, favoring the Monos Metro Kit for its attachable design to the Monos Metro bag line, saving internal packing space.
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Edited by Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco, a testing editor at Travel + Leisure, spearheads product testing and creates travel-related product reviews based on thorough testing. Her background includes work as a travel agent and a journalism degree, with over eight years of experience covering products and gift guides. She has appeared on TV over 100 times discussing consumer products and shopping trends.
Updated by Anne Taylor :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign-2024-05-03T054054.989-4e594b20ba2244d8b3918cc70c66074a.jpg)
Anne Taylor
Anne Taylor is an updates writer at Travel + Leisure, ensuring articles are current and accurate. An avid traveler to 23 countries, she constantly tests new products to enhance her travel experiences. She holds a bachelor’s degree in news media and has over seven years of writing and editing experience.
