Toiletries are an indispensable item on a traveler’s packing list. But throwing those creams, liquids and pastes into your luggage haphazardly surely spells disaster – we’ve all had that one shampoo bottle leak and make a mess of things. Toiletry cases not only keep potential messes contained, but also keep your on-the-go essentials at your fingertips. U.S. News has determined the following toiletry bags are some of the best available to suit all your needs.
(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues.)
Best Toiletry Bags
Best Overall Toiletry Bag
Courtesy of Peak Design
Peak Design Small Wash Pouch: This water-repellent pouch is small but it packs a punch. It has four internal mesh pockets, a zip pocket and a dedicated pocket for your toothbrush. Thanks to its triangular design, it sits upright on a counter or you can hang it using the aluminum hook. What’s more, the interior pockets turn inside out for an easy clean. The shell fabric is made from 100% recycled materials and the pouch is Fair Trade Certified. In general, travelers are pleased with the bag’s design, saying it’s durable and it helps them easily organize and access their toiletries. The bag is available in both sage and black.
Best Men’s Toiletry Bag
Herschel Chapter Travel Kit | Carry-On: Travelers regularly praise Herschel’s Chapter Travel Kit for its durability and classic, no-fuss design. While some say it’s slightly on the small side, most agree that the kit is big enough to hold all their toiletries. The bag measures 5.2 x 8.5 x 3.2 inches. It’s equipped with one main zipper compartment with a mesh storage sleeve inside, plus a smaller zipped pocket on the side. The Chapter Travel Kit Carry-On comes in 24 colors and designs, including gray, red, black and light blue, as well as patterns ranging from floral to camouflage. It also comes in three other larger sizes: Standard, XL and Connect.
Best Toiletry Bag for Women
Courtesy of Cuyana
Cuyana Leather Travel Case Set: These simple yet stylish pure leather toiletry bags are made with high-quality leather sourced from Argentina, and they’re designed to be long-lasting pieces that will stay with you for years. Cuyana sells the bags in pairs, with one larger bag measuring 7 x 12 x 3.5 inches, and a smaller companion bag of 5 x 8 x 2.5 inches, which could function as an extra cosmetic bag. The curved, oval-shaped bags have a minimalist exterior with a wraparound zipper; there are no external pockets but a toiletry pouch inside allows you to separate products. Reviewers compliment the bag’s chic design, suggesting that they can also be used for everyday, non-travel purposes. Some also note that the bags have a particularly firm structure that holds up well under the stress of heavy-duty travel. The bags are available in nine different colors: mostly neutral tones like gray, blush, navy and black, and there are seasonal colors available on occasion.
Price: $128 or less for set of two bags
Shop now: Cuyana
Best Large Toiletry Bag
Courtesy of L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag, Large: This full-sized bag has been a traveler favorite for years. Some users say they have had their bags for more than a decade. Others appreciate the bag’s sturdy construction and numerous pockets to keep toiletries organized. This hanging travel case measures 12.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches, and has three interior zipper pockets and three exterior zipper pockets. Plus, there’s a small, removable mirror and a removable hanging mesh bag (perfect for taking bathing essentials into the shower). Bags come in 13 designs, including a mix of solid colors and printed fabrics, all of which are water-resistant. You can also make this a personalized toiletry bag by adding your monogram (for an additional $8 fee). These organizers also come in multiple sizes, perfect for weekend getaways or weeklong vacations – for an even larger option, consider the family size bag.
Best Small Toiletry Bag
ebags Classic Pack-It-Flat Toiletry Kit: This toiletry kit is just 2.25 inches deep, so it’ll help save valuable space in your bag, but at 14 inches wide and 9.25 inches high, it’s still sufficiently spacious. It has four main pockets. The leftmost zippered compartment is best suited for liquids; the large main compartment has zip mesh pockets, as well as a small built-in mirror and a hook to hang the bag; and the two right pockets are best for smaller items like toothpaste. Travelers tend to agree that the bag is sturdy – several note they’ve had theirs for years – and say that it’s a great men’s toiletry bag thanks to the variety of compartments. The bag comes in gray, black, purple and two shades of blue.
Price: $29.99 or less
Shop now: ebags
Best Hanging Toiletry Bag
Mossio Hanging Toiletry Bag: This midsize toiletry bag has a hook for hanging, and folds out neatly so you’ll have easy access to all your bathroom necessities. It measures 9.45 x 7.48 x 3.74 inches, and offers ample storage space across its three interior compartments (plus it has one zip-up compartment on the outside). Travelers have complimented this Mossio bag for being spacious and durable, although some point out that it’s designed for travel-sized toiletries, not full-size products. Some also say they love Mossio’s cute prints and designs on the outside of the bag. It’s available in 17 different designs: Most are patterns (for example, striped or floral print), but a few solid colors like beige and dark blue are available, too.
Price: $16.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Clear Toiletry Bag
CALPAK Clear Cosmetics Case: You’ll be able to spot whichever travel accessories you need easily with CALPAK’s range of stylish see-through toiletry totes. The bag opens up briefcase-style, with two storage compartments inside: one big and one smaller mesh pocket with its own zipper. It measures 11.5 x 9 x 5.25 inches and has two handles on top for easy carrying. Travelers appreciate that it’s spacious and can store plenty of items, with some saying it’s bigger than expected – a number of reviewers also note that it’s durable and easy to clean. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, travelers say it’s worth the expense. Although the front and back of the bag are clear, it has colored edges and lining, and you can choose between four colors – mauve, cream, brown and black, as well as a limited-edition bright pink.
Price: $95 or less
Shop now: CALPAK
Best Kids Toiletry Bag
Stephen Joseph Toiletry Bag: This affordable line of toiletry bags is both fun and functional – just what you and your little ones need while on the go. At 8 x 8 x 5 inches, the Stephen Joseph bags are big enough to carry all the personal hygiene products the kids need without being unwieldy. They’re also super easy to clean: They can be put through the washing machine, and have an easy-to-wipe polyester lining inside. Parents have described the bags as cute and affordable, although some note that it can be a little small if you need to pack a lot of stuff. The bag is available in nine different kid-friendly designs featuring everything from dinosaurs to unicorns, and you can get a personalized monogram of up to 10 letters for $10 extra; Stephen Joseph also sells matching duffel bags.
Best TSA-approved Toiletry Bag
Packism Transparent Toiletry Bag: If you want to breeze through airport security without stopping to take all of your liquids out individually, Packism’s TSA-approved clear toiletry bags should do the trick. At 7.5 x 5.9 x 2.2 inches, the bags are small. But that’s unavoidable, since TSA rules state that liquids need to go through security in a transparent quart-sized bag – smaller than most toiletry bags on the market. The PVC bags are almost totally see-through except for the zipper and edges; they have reinforced seams to help prevent against unexpected leaks. Travelers – including airline employees – praise these bags for being sturdy and firm and holding their shape well, with many noting they’ve had no trouble getting through security with it. However, some warn that foreign airport security (such as in Canada) may not approve of these bags. The bags come in packs of three, and you can get a wide range of colors (note that only the bags’ edges are colored).
Best Drawstring Toiletry Bag
Lay-n-Go Cosmo Drawstring Toiletry Bag: Hate the idea of rummaging through a bag to find exactly what you need? Consider this lay-flat bag from Lay-n-Go. Simply undo the top drawstring and your belongings will spread onto the mat. Elastic loops for makeup brushes or a toothbrush plus a zip pocket allow for some organization. Plus, there’s a short lip to prevent your personal items from rolling out of the bag when it’s flat. Overall, travelers like their bag and say that it fits everything they need. Some note, however, that the drawstring leaves a small opening when cinched shut. The bag comes in a variety of solid colors (like pink, black and purple) as well as prints (like chevron and cheetah). Get yours in 22-, 20- or 13-inch sizes.
Price: $39.95 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Leather Toiletry Bag
Portland Leather Goods Deluxe Dopp Kit: This leather kit is a hit among users. Multiple purchasers appreciate the bag’s high quality and say it made a great gift for the men in their life. Each kit is made with U.S.-sourced leather and the company assures customers the leather will only get more beautiful with time. Each bag measures 8.5 x 4 x 5 inches. Bags come in black, cognac, honey and canyon (a mottled brown). Note: There is no lining on the inside of the kit.