Every seasoned traveler knows the importance of efficient packing, and a Travel Case For Toiletries is a cornerstone of organized luggage. More than just a simple bag, these essential travel accessories are key to keeping your personal care items neat, accessible, and secure, no matter your destination.
To simplify your search for the perfect travel case for toiletries, we rigorously tested 58 different toiletry bags and cosmetic cases over six months. Our evaluation process focused on capacity, design, portability, and overall value. We also assessed the quality and ease of use of each case during actual trips.
Based on our extensive testing, we’ve curated a list of the best travel cases for toiletries across various needs. Whether you prioritize space, packability, waterproofing, or organization, you’re sure to find the ideal travel companion for your essentials.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Away Large Toiletry Bag at Away Travel $75
Most Packable:
Best Waterproof:
LINE+ARC The Dopp Kit at Amazon $35
Best Organization:
Peak Design Wash Pouch at Amazon $60
Best Dopp Kit:
Béis The Dopp Kit at Nordstrom $48
Best for Men:
SALE
Bagsmart Toiletry Bag for Men at Amazon $23 $17
Best Hanging Bag:
Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag at Amazon $50
Best Budget:
WANDF Toiletry Bag at Amazon $10
Best Splurge:
Tumi Response Travel Kit at Nordstrom $195
Best Overall
Away Large Toiletry Bag
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PHOTO: Away
Why We Love It: This travel case for toiletries boasts an unexpectedly large capacity despite its sleek appearance.
What to Consider: Popular limited edition colors tend to sell out quickly.
Away is well-known for its stylish and durable luggage collections, and their Large Toiletry Bag continues this reputation. During our tests, this travel toiletry case consistently received top marks across all evaluation criteria.
We were particularly impressed by the spaciousness of this toiletry bag. It features a multitude of compartments, including a transparent cosmetic pouch, a zippered pocket, dual mesh linings, and an external pocket, among others. This thoughtful design prevents the common issue of rummaging through a disorganized bag to find specific items. The wide-opening zipper allows for effortless access to the bag’s interior. We successfully packed a combination of large and small items, from travel-sized bottles to makeup brushes, and still found ample space for more.
The water-resistant nylon material also stood out for its durability and lightweight feel. The interior’s wipeable coating simplifies cleaning up any accidental spills. Available in five classic colors, with limited edition shades occasionally offered, this exceptional travel case for toiletries also comes in a smaller size and a hanging version to suit diverse travel needs.
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
Aer Travel Kit 2
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PHOTO: Aer
Why We Love It: This packable travel case for toiletries is also designed to hang, saving valuable counter space.
What to Consider: Its smaller size is better suited for travel-size toiletries rather than full-size products.
For travelers who prioritize carry-on luggage, the Aer Travel Kit 2 is an ideal choice. This compact yet surprisingly spacious toiletry bag offers the perfect balance of size and functionality. In our tests, we were able to pack a range of travel essentials, including hairspray, dry shampoo, conditioner, lotions, deodorant, a small electric toothbrush, toothpaste, perfume, toner, and medications – all in travel sizes.
A standout feature is the integrated hook, which rotates for versatile hanging options on doorknobs, towel racks, or bathroom fixtures, maximizing limited counter space. The thoughtful inclusion of multiple interior and exterior pockets further enhances organization within this packable travel case for toiletries.
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
LINE+ARC The Dopp Kit
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PHOTO: Amazon
$35 at Amazon View on Linearcdesign.com
Why We Love It: This spacious waterproof travel case for toiletries easily accommodates larger items, including eyeshadow palettes.
What to Consider: It can become a bit bulky and heavy when fully packed.
While a waterproof toiletry bag might seem unnecessary at first, consider the often-wet environment of bathroom sinks. Investing in a waterproof model like the LINE+ARC Dopp Kit offers peace of mind. Although equipped with a hanging loop, its reliable waterproofing allowed us to confidently place it directly on damp surfaces during testing.
Beyond its excellent waterproof construction, we were particularly impressed with the spaciousness of this travel case for toiletries. It comfortably held an eyeshadow palette comparable in size to a small book. The wide-open design provides easy access to all contents. Its larger size does mean it can get bulky and heavy when fully packed, making it more suitable for checked luggage or larger carry-on bags rather than small personal items or weekender bags.
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 Organization
Peak Design Wash Pouch
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PHOTO: Peak Design
$60 at Amazon $60 at REI View on Peakdesign.com
Why We Love It: This travel case for toiletries features an abundance of pockets and compartments, ensuring every item stays in its place.
What to Consider: A wider range of color options would be appreciated.
For travelers who carry a comprehensive collection of toiletries, the Peak Design Wash Pouch is the ultimate organizational solution. Despite its seemingly compact exterior, this travel toiletry case is ingeniously designed with dedicated storage for virtually every item. The main compartment is perfectly sized for smaller bottles, while various mesh pockets lining the interior walls are ideal for securing items like tinted moisturizer. A separate, dedicated pocket ensures your travel toothbrush remains hygienically stored.
Additional highlights include a wide opening for easy access to all compartments and a stable, freestanding design thanks to a layer of high-density foam that also provides added protection for delicate items. A convenient hanging hook offers an alternative storage option to free up counter space.
The Details: 10.2 x 6 x 4.4 inches | 8.7 ounces | 2.5-liter capacity | 200D nylon canvas | Weatherproof
Best Dopp Kit
Béis The Dopp Kit
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PHOTO: Béis
$48 at Nordstrom View on Beis View on Bloomingdales
Why We Love It: This exceptionally spacious dopp kit can hold the contents of three standard toiletry bags.
What to Consider: Only one compartment can be opened at a time.
While the terms “dopp kit” and “toiletry bag” are often used interchangeably today, the dopp kit historically refers to a specific style of travel case for toiletries. Originally created by German leather maker Charles Doppelt, dopp kits gained popularity with military personnel in the 20th century. They typically feature a classic silhouette with a large main compartment and sometimes side pockets, as exemplified by this Béis bag.
However, Béis’s Dopp Kit distinguishes itself with an additional compartment beneath the main one, similar to their popular weekender bag. This extra space is a major advantage, offering significantly increased capacity. In our tests, it accommodated the volume of three standard toiletry bags, making it ideal for overpackers. Note that the design requires closing the top compartment to access the bottom one, preventing items from spilling. A significant benefit is the dopp kit’s sturdy construction and wide base, allowing it 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
Best for Men
Bagsmart Toiletry Bag for Men
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PHOTO: Amazon
$23 $17 at Amazon View on Bagsmart.com
Why We Love It: Features a wide opening with a double zipper for easy access to contents.
What to Consider: Canvas material may be more challenging to clean compared to other fabrics.
Dopp kits were originally designed with men in mind, and this Bagsmart Toiletry Bag for Men is thoughtfully designed to accommodate shaving and grooming essentials. Constructed from water-resistant canvas for a rugged aesthetic, it’s available in six colors, primarily neutral tones along with a light pink option, and two sizes. While sturdy enough to stand independently, it also retains flexibility for easy packing into a fully loaded weekender bag.
In terms of storage, the main compartment is accessed via a double zipper, creating a wide opening for convenient item retrieval. Bulkier items fit well in the main compartment, while smaller items can be organized within the side pockets. It also includes two separate side pockets, one specifically designed for damp items.
The Details: 10.2 x 5.9 x 6.3 inches | 6.4 ounces | Canvas | Water-resistant
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Best Hanging Bag
Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: Exceptionally small and lightweight, maximizing portability.
What to Consider: Designed exclusively for hanging; it will not stand upright on its own.
The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag strikes the perfect balance for hanging functionality. Constructed from ultrathin, water-resistant nylon and shaped like a saddlebag, it’s optimally designed for hanging. We found that even when fully packed, the bag remained lightweight and well-balanced. The interior organization ensures all items are easily accessible thanks to numerous pockets.
This travel case for toiletries also includes a detachable mirror, making it particularly useful for outdoor adventures or situations without access to a vanity mirror. Handles facilitate easy carrying. It’s an excellent choice for travelers concerned about space and weight, whether embarking on multi-day treks or extended trips with limited storage. Available in two sizes (we tested the smaller size) and three colors.
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
WANDF Toiletry Bag
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PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: The most budget-friendly option on our list, available in over 20 colors.
What to Consider: The single zipper on the main compartment can make accessing items slightly inconvenient.
High-quality travel cases for toiletries can often come with a significant price tag, but the WANDF Toiletry Bag proves that affordability doesn’t have to compromise functionality. This budget-friendly option effectively fulfills all essential toiletry bag needs. It offers multiple compartments and water-resistant construction, capable of withstanding splashes on bathroom counters.
The compartments are both a strength and a minor drawback. We were particularly impressed by the generous space within the main compartment and the inclusion of two side compartments with mesh pockets. However, the main compartment’s spaciousness could benefit from an internal divider for better organization. Given its size, a double zipper opening would also enhance accessibility compared to the current single zipper design.
The Details: 10.24 x 4.72 x 5.91 inches | 3.53 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Best Splurge
Tumi Response Travel Kit
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PHOTO: Nordstrom
$195 at Nordstrom View on Tumi.com $195 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Why We Love It: Clamshell opening provides effortless access to all compartments.
What to Consider: Outer material is not water-resistant.
Tumi, renowned for its luxury luggage and travel bags, extends its high-end offerings to travel cases for toiletries with the Response Travel Kit. Crafted from ballistic nylon, this is among the most durable toiletry bags available, designed for years of frequent use.
A standout feature is its clamshell opening, revealing two distinct compartments on each side. This design ensures easy access whether laid flat on a counter or hung using the integrated hook. It includes four pockets, one of which is water-resistant, 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 travel.
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
These three travel cases for toiletries didn’t quite make our top list but still offer useful features for some travelers.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Executive Essentials Kit: This generously sized toiletry bag accommodates a substantial amount of items, easily holding a week’s worth of travel-size hair and skincare products. However, the lack of internal organization can make it challenging to keep smaller items in place. It may be better suited for fewer, larger products.
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Thule Subterra 2 Toiletry Bag: A standout feature of this toiletry bag is its removable plastic interior pouch, ideal for separating liquids (beneficial for airport security and leak prevention!). It also includes multiple pockets for organization.
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Bagsmart Large Hanging Toiletry Bag: This hanging travel case for toiletries features four separate compartments for organized storage and a high-capacity design capable of holding a large number of items. However, its soft-sided material is less protective and durable, potentially problematic for transporting more delicate products.
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Our Testing Process
To identify the best travel cases for toiletries, we conducted rigorous testing on 58 toiletry bags and cosmetic cases both in our lab and through real-world travel scenarios. Our initial lab testing involved a detailed examination of each empty bag, assessing materials, construction, and overall design.
Next, we packed each bag to capacity with toiletries, makeup, and other essentials, carefully noting capacity and organizational features such as compartments, pockets, hanging straps, and hooks. For bags advertised as waterproof, we tested their water resistance by running them under water, observing whether any moisture penetrated the interior and evaluating 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 evaluations, we distributed the toiletry bags to editors for six months of real-world testing during their travels. This extended testing period allowed us to gather long-term insights into durability and practical performance.
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Tips for Buying a Travel Case for Toiletries
Evaluate the Design
Travel cases for toiletries vary significantly in design. Some offer a single, open compartment, while others feature multiple compartments with pockets and pouches for organized storage. Consider your packing style and the types of items you typically bring. Do you prefer dedicated organization or flexible open space? Additional features like built-in mirrors or removable pouches can also be beneficial. Material is another important factor; durable, water-resistant materials are ideal for withstanding travel wear and tear.
Consider Capacity and Your Toiletries
Assess the volume and types of toiletries you usually pack. Minimalists carrying only basic essentials may only need a small case. However, those with extensive skincare routines or makeup collections will require a larger, more spacious travel case for toiletries.
Think About Portability
If you plan to carry your toiletry bag in your carry-on luggage, prioritize compact and lightweight designs to conserve space. For carry-on liquids, remember to adhere to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquid sizes. If checking your bag, you have greater flexibility in size and weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What fabric is best for a toiletry bag?
Water-resistant or waterproof materials are highly recommended for travel cases for toiletries, given their frequent exposure to liquids from spills or bathroom surfaces. Durability is also crucial; opt for tear-proof fabrics that will withstand regular travel use.
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What is a TSA-approved toiletry bag?
A TSA-approved toiletry bag adheres to TSA guidelines for carry-on liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes, as per the 3-1-1 rule. This means individual containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and fit within a “1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag.”
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What can I pack in a toiletry bag?
Travel cases for toiletries are versatile and can accommodate a wide range of items from heatless hair curlers to body wash and makeup. Consider your specific needs when choosing a bag; many feature specialized pockets for items like makeup brushes or palettes.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Stefanie Waldek, a seasoned travel writer with a decade of experience, contributed to this article. Stefanie travels over 200,000 miles annually, spending numerous nights in hotels and on cruises, providing her with extensive first-hand experience with travel products like toiletry bags. For this article, she incorporated tester feedback and her personal insights. While she often reuses airline amenity kits as basic toiletry bags, she also uses Bagsmart, Container Store, and Monos toiletry bags, favoring the Monos Metro Kit for its convenient attachment to Monos Metro bags, saving internal luggage space.
Edited by Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco is a testing editor at Travel + Leisure, overseeing product testing and creating travel product reviews based on in-depth evaluations. With a journalism degree and over eight years of product and gift guide experience, she has appeared on TV over 100 times discussing consumer products and shopping trends.
Updated by Anne Taylor
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Anne Taylor, updates writer at Travel + Leisure, ensures articles are current and accurate. As an avid traveler to 23 countries, she continually tests travel products to enhance her journeys. She holds a news media bachelor’s degree and has worked as a writer and editor for over seven years.
