There were many beautiful bags that we tried whose features or designs did not add up to the top spots above. However, everyone has something different to look for in a toiletry bag, so while we’re not perfect for us, some of these options may be right for you.
State Bags Benson Toiletry Kit for $68: This is a sturdy, lightweight pouch with three compartments and a removable/removable plastic pouch that can hold a toothbrush and toothpaste or toiletries such as soap. The navy version I tested had a clean polyester exterior and interior made from recycled bottles, and I liked that it had a hanging option. However, the organization was less conventional than similar category bags we tested, and lacked the thoughtful details featured in other bags in the same price range, such as a quick-access back pocket and a larger rubberized hook. tip to prevent slipping. (The thick, small plastic hook for this bag was not wide enough to hang on the towel rack.)
The July Hanging Toiletry Bag costs $85: I own and love the July carry-on suitcase, so I was excited to try out the brand’s popular hanging toilet bag. Beautiful design with a zip pocket on the back, and a body that folds down to reveal a PVC and zip pocket compartment and a large metal hook with a reversible rubber head. It looks well-made and stylish with leather trim and gunmetal hardware, but my husband took it on a business trip and found the pockets quite small, confirming the concerns I had when testing it in my bathroom at home. It wouldn’t be a problem if the bag itself were smaller, but it took up a full quarter of the carry-on.
The Fjallraven Kanken Toiletry Bag costs $55: I love this thing, it makes me feel like a Red Cross nurse on the battlefields of World War II. It’s made from Fjallraven’s proprietary fabric blend that combines natural cotton and recycled polyester, so it feels like fabric but is waterproof and durable. It has a clamshell design with a strong internal plastic hook. My quart bag for bottles fits in the large lower zippered compartment, my toothbrush and deodorant in the upper compartment, and there are mesh pockets and MOLLE webbing for easy access to your small items. However, its size is quite large, so this may not be for you if you are a small person with a toothbrush and comb. — Adrienne So
A case of Calpak Clear Cosmetics costs $85: Constructed mostly of waterproof, wipe-clean PVC, this clear cosmetic case (I tested the medium size) zips all the way around and folds flat to reveal two zippered compartments and one small mesh pouch. It also looks like a cute little wallet with its 16 color options, two handles, and metal bottoms. However, the contents aren’t as easy to access as other cosmetic cases that simply open at the top—you have to lay the Calpak flat to open both sides, which requires a 16 x 10-inch footprint, and overall clarity. the construction is not very smart.
Sympl Dopp Kit for $75: I liked this Cordura outdoor bag’s sturdy clip and stow-away hanging clip, as well as the fact that it has a lifetime warranty. The bag opens clamshell-style to reveal four simple waterproof pockets—two thin and horizontal, one small rectangle, and one large rectangle. It’s an interesting idea, but in practice, this greatly limits the use as the user is limited to certain toilet-sized products that fit the shape of each pocket. (My deodorant didn’t fit, and neither did my toothbrush.)
Lululemon Command the Day Dopp Kit for $48: This lightweight, water-repellent canvas bag features an attractive unisex design (black only). I love that it’s made of recycled polyester and the open bottom slot can hold full size products. However, the bag doesn’t hang or zip open to lay flat, and it doesn’t sit on its own, so it’s forced to take a hefty (about 8.5 x 11-inch) footprint on the counter. I also found myself frustrated many times trying to access my personal belongings during testing, especially with the low mesh area. This compartment needs to be zipped all the way open and closed to access it, and items are often removed due to the bag’s inability to stay on the floor.
