• Meet the Team
  • Work with Us
  • Czech Republic
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Scandinavia
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa
  • Budget Travel
  • Work & Travel
  • The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
  • Travel Resources
  • How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Gear » best travel toiletry bag

TOP Picks for Best Toiletry Bag for Travel (2024)

In the world of travel, the unsung hero of every journey is undoubtedly the toiletry bag. This compact companion carries the essentials that keep you feeling fresh, organized, and ready for whatever your itinerary holds.

Seriously people,. Traveling efficiently starts with how you pack before your trip. While a travel toiletry bag might be an afterthought, true travelers know the key to packing is organization and functionality. You want to pack the essentials without packing too much.

After years of traveling, I know two things (1) that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all toiletry bag and (2) too many toiletry bags are (forgive the pun) total and utter crap. Therefore we have put together this list of quality travel toilet bags for all styles and budgets. From an ultralight toiletry bag for minimalist packers to a rugged hiking toiletry bag, we’ve got it all here

Check out our list and reviews on the best travel toiletry bags. Which one will be right for you?

Nomatic best Toiletry bag

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Quick Answer: What is the BEST Travel Toiletry Bag for You?

Why use a toiletry bag for travel, what to look for in a travel toiletry bag, the best toiletry bags for travel, best travel toiletry bag, 2nd best travel toiletry bag, most innovative toiletry bag, best luxury toiletry bag, best toiletry bag for organization, best cheap(ish) toiletry bag, best quality toiletry bag, best large toiletry bag (#1), best men’s travel toiletry bag, most lightweight toiletry bag, most rugged travel toiletry kit, how we tested for the best toiletry bag for backpacking, faq about the best travel toiletry bag.

  • Top Pick for the Best Overall Travel Toiletry Bag: Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0
  • Best Travel Toiletry Bag for Organization: Peak Design Wash Bag
  • Most Innovative Toiletry Bag: Tropicfeel FifLock Toiletry Bag
  • Best Luxury Toiletry Bag : Kodiak Leather Toiletry Bag
  • Best Cheap(ish) Toiletry Bag: Generation Nomad Backpacker Toilet Bag
  • Most Lightweight Toiletry Bag: Sea to Summit Travel Bag
  • Best Rugged Travel Toiletry Bag: Fat Felt Dopp Kit

Nomatic Toiletry Bag Open

Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0

  • Feature Highlights > Water and stain resistant
  • > Toothbrush pocket

travel wash bag clear

REI Co-op Shower Roll – Small/ Med

  • Feature Highlights > Made of light, durable ripstop nylon
  • > Detachable clear pouch
  • > Detachable mirror

travel wash bag clear

Tropicfeel FifLock Toiletry Bag

  • Feature Highlights > Perfect size
  • > Ideal for using with the Shell backpack
  • > Very well made

travel wash bag clear

Kodiak Toiletry Bag

  • Feature Highlights > Brown Leather
  • > Simple Design
  • > Quality Materials

travel wash bag clear

Peak Design Wash Bag

  • Feature Highlights > Made of light, durable, water-resistant material
  • > Great for organization
  • > Thoughtful design

Gravel Explorer PLUS Toiletry Bag

Gravel Explorer PLUS

  • Feature Highlights > High quality materials
  • > Shampoo spill proof
  • > Ace Organization

travel wash bag clear

EBAGS Portage Toiletry Kit

  • Feature Highlights > Large
  • > U Shape Opening
  • > Organization

best large travel toiletry bag Laviert

Lavievert Toiletry Bag

  • > Affordable
  • > Expandable side pockets

best toiletry bag for men

Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag For Men

  • Feature Highlights > Nice vintage design
  • > Good organization

lightweight travel toiletry bag

Sea to Summit Travel Bag

  • Feature Highlights > Super lightweight
  • > Plenty of pockets
  • > Has a hanger
  • > $46.95 – $49.95

rugged toiletry bag

Fat Felt Dopp Kit

  • Feature Highlights > Excellent Craftmanship
  • > Versatile

A toiletry kit acts as a portable bathroom cabinet for your essential toiletries – shampoo, soap, deodorant, dental care, etc.

In many cases, these are just the basics, and you may also need to carry and organize your sunscreen, repellent, medication, and more.

We’ve likely all been there: the moment after you realize your travel toiletries have exploded in your suitcase… Well, a toiletry kit is your solution. A travel toiletry bag will help you organize all of your liquids and minimize exploding suitcase scenarios.

Organization is absolutely essential when you are living out of a suitcase. From compact to large toiletry bags to hanging travel bags, you’ll soon find the one that works best for you.

Not all toiletry bags are considered equal. We’ve done the work for you by compiling our favorite travel toiletry bags for this list, but there are different bags for different travel styles and uses. Consider the following before you buy one.

Materials and Durability

Your travel bathroom bag should be the right balance between durable and flexible. You want it to be able to fold into your backpack or suitcase while still withstanding any travel abuse. If you’re looking for the best camping toiletry bag for example, you’ll want something super rugged.

Many travel kits are made from nylon and synthetic materials, and some from leather. I suggest looking for a toiletry bag with water-resistant or waterproof materials. Also, look at the sturdiness of zippers and internal/external pockets. You should always ask yourself, how long will this bag last? The same is true for travel bags , sleeping bags , and beyond!

We checked all of these bags’ materials, the quality of the seams, and zippers too. Not all of the zippers were up to perfect standards – all reviews have noted if that is the case – but they were either more affordable or lightweight because of it.

Size and Capacity

Size is a matter of preference, but I suggest traveling as compact as possible. You should also keep your travel toiletries to a minimum; they can be heavy and take up a lot of space.

That said, you want a bag that can carry all that you need: travel-sized toiletries, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a razor, shampoo, conditioner, tissues, feminine hygiene products, condoms, cotton swabs, a hairbrush, hairpins and ties, sunscreen, etc. It definitely adds up quick! Try looking for a lightweight toiletry bag if you want to keep weight to a minimum.

Pockets and Organization

Getting a toiletry bag with organizational dividers and internal pockets will help you keep your things organized. Generally though, the more bells and whistles, the more expensive the bag. If you don’t need anything super high tech, then there is no need to fork out the extra money, but having at least a couple of pockets will make your life easier.

Ability to Hang

This is the main feature I would look for in a toiletry bag. Hanging toiletry bags are especially useful in hostels and pubic bathrooms, where you can keep your products hung neatly from your bunk bed or shower.

Easy to Clean

Since you are storing liquids, the occasional spill or leak is inevitable. You want a toiletry bag that can be easily wiped down or washed.

Below are my top picks for toiletry bags. Each one has a short review that explains its pros, cons, and best features.

travel wash bag clear

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

travel wash bag clear

Lets’ get the bad news out of the way, this bag not available in Europe so if you are reading this in Europe, scroll on.

Not all toiletry bags were created equal. This clean and durable offering from Nomatic sets the high standard, being made from a water and stain resistant fibre which gives it years of extra life and usability when compared to inferior products.

The bag is beautifully compartmentalised so there is a place for everything and you can keep your paracetamol separate for your shampoo. The external toothbrush pocket is also a great innovation which allows quick access and also keeps it separate meaning it won’t drip onto everything else when wet.

You can easily find toiletry bags on Amazon for a fraction of the price of this but believe me, if you buy cheap you buy twice (or more). We wholly recommend investing in the Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0 which will last you for and miles years of travel.

  • Water and stain resistant
  • Lovely compartments
  • The toothbrush pocket is a huge win
  • Not available in Europe
  • Not exactly cheap
  • Doesn’t roll up

Is the Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.00 For Me?

There isn’t much wrong with this bag, to be honest. The only drawbacks are that it’s perhaps not as stylish as the RER one (below) and of course, if you are reading this in Europe no the Nomatic is not for you!

Our team really loved this toiletry bag and feel it offers pretty much everything you could want from this kind of gear and more. They loved the different sized pockets on each side of the bag and how well it kept their gear organised and separated when needed. The addition of the water-resistant zippers and material also was a standout feature for keeping their wet stuff away from the rest of their gear.

REI Co-op Shower Roll

travel wash bag clear

REI has been coming out with awesome products over the last few years, often at a lower cost than many of the famous brands they carry in-store. If you are just looking for an overall great travel toiletry bag, then their Shower Roll is an EXCELLENT choice!

This toiletry kit has a large mesh pocket and small stash pocket to organize your toiletries as well as a removable pocket at the bottom with a clear window. Having a detachable clear pouch is perfect for TSA checks or any of those moments where you don’t want to take your entire toiletry kit into the bathroom.

The webbing strap that wraps around the bag doubles as a hanging strap too. I am also a fan of the detachable mirror as were the rest of the team. They loved that the bag had a simple design that could easily just be rolled out for easy access to their gear whilst being pretty compact when needed. They also loved all the different pockets and sections each designed to carry different bits of gear which kept everything easily organised.

  • Made of light, durable ripstop nylon
  • Detachable clear pouch
  • Detachable mirror
  • Comes in both small and large sizes
  • Not cheap, though not overly expensive
  • Marked as small, but not that small

Is the REI CO-OP Shower Roll for me?

Overall, this is a smartly designed and functional product that helps you organize your items. We give REI an A for material quality, sturdiness, and convenience and yet simplicity.

TropicFeel Hanging Toiletry Bag.

The Tropicfeel FidLock Toiletry bag is designed to attach to the front of their awesome, pioneering Shell Backpack saving space inside the pack.

However, if you don’t have the Shell Backpack then the FidLock still works as a standalone toiletry bag which will of course fit inside any backpack you want to chuck it into. And a perfectly worthy toiletry bag it is too, with dimensions coming in at 16cm x 21cm x5.2cm it is designed to be the optimal size for your toiletries. It offers Easy open access with a double zipper. Includes a mesh zippered top compartment and open mesh compartment. 

It’s both water and leak proof and the hanging hook feels pretty strong and sturdy to us.

  • Perfect size
  • Ideal for using with the Shell backpack
  • Very well made
  • Not big enough for sum
  • Not as durable as some

Kodiak Leather Toiletry Bag

Kodiak Toiletry Bag

In case you need a toiletry bag that is a little bit special, then go for this handsome leather toiletry bag by Kodiak. The single biggest problem you face with most toiletry bags is that after a while, the daily exposure to shower steam, water splashes and stray toothpaste splodges take their toll and wear the bag to bits. Not with this one though, its made from robust, single grade water proof leather which will last pretty much forever.

Most toiletry bags on this list are functional but this one, is seriously stylish and rather masculine. Its a very simply design, using 1 main compartment with one zip pocket on interior side wall made from heavy duty nylon liner.

Its available in both walnut brown and light brown and makes a great gift to yourself.

The team loved this for those wanting something a bit fancier and higher-end than your standard bag. They felt it was especially useful for people who might need to carry their kit in a professional setting. They also loved the feel of the material and how durable it was, especially as it ages.

  • Made of quality leather that will last forever
  • Simple design
  • A thing of beauty
  • Does not hang

best wash bag peak design

This is one of my favorite travel toiletry bags due to its organization and water-resistant material and also the fact it comes from one of my favourite tra vel brands, Peak Design .

It has a ton of pockets and thoughtfully designed dividers. The main internal compartment is divided into two, and it’s big enough to hold a 12-ounce bottle or electric razor.

There is a magnetically-closed toothbrush pocket in the middle of the bag, so your toothbrush doesn’t have to mingle with your other liquids. On the outside, there’s a razor pocket where I keep my blade, tweezers, and other small tools.

I also like this Dopp kit because it’s made out of tough, recycled 200-denier nylon. It’s light, flexible, and durable. The main drawback is that this bag does NOT hang, however.

The internal mesh pockets are coated in silicone, so they are easier to wipe clean than traditional mesh pockets. As a bonus, all pockets turn inside out for cleaning.

While not specifically a ladies toiletry bag, it is one of the most thoughtfully designed bags in terms of organization, so it works well for make-up and other items.

Our team really loved how well thought out the organisational features of this bag were and especially loved how easy it was to separate different items from each other whilst keeping them all accessible. They felt it also offered an impressive amount of storage for such a compact bag and on top of that they felt the outer material and burly zip were great for long-term use.

Check out our full review of  Peak Design’s travel backpack , which this wash bag was designed to accompany!

  • Made of light, durable, water-resistant material
  • Great for organization
  • Thoughtful design

Is the Peak Design Wash Bag for me?

Get this if you want a water-resistant toiletry case with lots of pockets and thoughtful ways to organize your things. It doesn’t hang, so buy this if you don’t usually need or want to hang your bag.

Generation Nomad Backpacker Toilet Kit Bag

tbbteam-gear-toiletry-generation-nomad

Generation Nomad may have custom-designed the ideal toiletry bag for backpack travellers! Unlike typical travel dopp bags, this new to market toiletry bag is tailored for those who don’t carry bulky bathroom appliances like electric shavers and hair dryers.

Coming in at $35 its amongst the cheapest on this list and while yes you could find at Wallmart or on Amazon for $20 I strongly advise against this and must insist that this is THE entry level bag.

In terms of criticisms, its not going to be big enough for every one, isn’t made the water and splash proof material like others and doesn’t have the same high spec feel as pricier options but thats the point innit?

  • Built for light packers
  • 3 useful sections
  • Bargain price
  • Too small for some
  • Cheaper materials than others

Gravel Explorer PLUS Toiletry Bag

The Explorer PLUS from Gravel is a toiletry bag with a difference. Made from high quality, waterproof, washable nylon and coming with a lifetime guarantee, once you invest in the Gravel Explorer PLUS you may never need to buy another toiletry bag again.

The Explorer PLUS is designed forensically well and internally has 8 different pockets so everything has its place from razors to, shampoo to condoms. Perhaps best of all, as its pocket is sealed and water proof you don’t need to worry too much about those unwelcome mid-air shaving foam explosions ruining the whole bag.

Finally, this highly organised, wipeable and washable travel toiletry bag also comes with an adjustable strap so you can hang it up wherever you go. Oh, and it even comes with a couple of re-usable, travel sized plastic bottles for putting your liquids into PLUS a bamboo toothbrush!!!

  • High quality materials
  • Shampoo spill proof
  • Ace Organization
  • Too organised for some
  • Quite heavy

travel wash bag clear

The Portage Toiletry kit is a great choice if you tend to pack a lot of bottles. It sits flat and has a large space in the center section for bottles, with mesh pockets to hold your travel toiletries in place.

The bag opens in a U shape and has a few elastic bands to store your razor and make-up brushes. Zippers and zipper pull work well. Has a removable hanger hook, which is very useful.

The Portage toiletry kit comes in 3 different sizes too. Because this is a large toiletry bag, it’s more appropriate road trips versus flying, when you have to be cognizant of travel-sized toiletries.

Our team loved that there was an option out there for those of them who needed to bring bigger items like specific shampoos or lotions. The fact that the bag also facilitates being stood upright was also a massive bonus alongside the zip that allows the bag to be fully opened up from the front.

  • U Shape Opening
  • Organization
  • Not good for air travel
  • Elastic top mesh pockets are low

Is the EBAGS Portage Toiletry Bag for me?

The interior has plenty of room and has a place for just about all of your toiletries. This is a great bag if you are traveling with a lot of cosmetics or carrying things for your family, but not for air travel.

best toiletry bag for men

This (synthetic) leather, the vintage-styled bag is perfect for storing your travel toiletries! The main compartment works well for shaving accessories and basic bathroom supplies.

The bottom section reveals two mesh compartments for your smaller things and has a waterproof bottom to keep your things protected.

Overall, it’s a nice and stylish bag that’s quite functional as well. It’s not genuine leather, so keep this in mind.

Our team loved the stylish and minimalist exterior of this bag which inside hides a surprising amount of organisational features. In particular, they found the bottom zippered section actually holds a lot more than they first imagined.

  • Nice vintage design
  • Good organization
  • Zippers are not great
  • Synthetic leather

Is the Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag for me?

The interior has plenty of room, with one large clear vinyl pocket with a zipper at the top, and a place for just about all of your travel toiletries – from make-up brushes to toothpaste. This is a great bag if you are traveling with a lot of cosmetics or carrying things for your family.

Sea To Summit Toiletry Bag

When it comes to lightweight backpacking gear, no one can beat Sea to Summit. They make the lightest sleeping pads, tents, and beyond!

This toiletry pouch is no different. If you are looking for the lightest hanging travel toiletry bag and travel organizer on the market, then this is the bag for you! It’s crafted with strong and water-resistant Ultra-Sil fabric.

It includes multiple, thoughtfully placed mesh pockets and durable zippers to open and close the bag. To keep the weight down, they’ve kept this bag simple yet functional. Oh, and it even has a mirror built in!!

I bloody love this lightweight toiletry kit that and it has become my go to. It has a number of different pockets and sections which once hung up are in super useful positions for easy access. It still feels super strong considering how lightweight the material it’s made from is.

  • Super lightweight
  • Plenty of pockets
  • Has a hanger
  • Zipper catches often
  • Doesn’t stand alone well

Is the Sea to Summit Lightweight Toiletry Bag for me?

The Sea to Summit small Travelling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag has multiple internal pockets for personalized organizing. The hanging design is extremely convenient to use too. Overall, it’s a good size with plenty of features; most of all, it’s the lightest toiletry bag you’ll find!

rugged toiletry bag

Not only is this a rugged and durable kit, but it’s also a great travel kit for men (though as a girl I’m also a fan!). This bad boy is bomber built to handle abrasions with a hardy leather handle and heavy-duty waxed canvas, making it a great camping toiletry bag.

They also use 100% natural wool for their felt (no chemicals!) While this is a travel toiletry kit, it’s hardy enough to use for tools, bike repair tools, or an artist field bag. It’s a versatile bag!

  • Excellent Craftmanship and style
  • Doesn’t’ hang
  • Heavier than other bags on this list

Is the Fat Felt Dopp Kit for me?

The quality of this Dopp Kit is amazing. A high-quality canvas, durable and snag-proof design, a hardy zipper, and more will keep your travel toiletries protected!

Our team felt this was their best toiletry bag for camping due to the rugged nature of the materials and construction of the bag. The inside does feature a small zippered pocket but the team kinda loved the simplicity of this burly bag where you just throw in your essentials and off you go!

travel wash bag clear

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out travel and outdoor gear. That said, the team here at The Broke Backpacker do have a LOT of experience so we’ve gotten pretty good when it comes to judging gear.

Whenever we test a piece of gear, at least one team member takes it out for a spin to put it through its paces. We firstly see how well it fulfils its primary purpose, so when it came to a backpacking toiletry bag, that was things like how compact and light it was, how much it held and what additional features it had. We also were sure to test out how well-made each piece of gear was as well as how packable.

Finally, we also take into account how item costs – so when it came to expensive items, if they performed averagely they lost points, whereas budget items may be given more leeway and minor failures treated more less harshly.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What does a good toiletry bag need?

Organisation and good material are essential for a quality toiletry bag. The best organisation of your things offers the Peak Design Wash Bag , with plenty of little compartments.

Which are the best toiletry bags for travel?

These are our favorites: – Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0 – REI Co-op Shower Roll – Small – Peak Design Wash Bag

What is the best hanging toiletry bag?

Almost all toiletry bags are hangable, but we especially love the Nomatic Toiletry Bag . It’s the ideal option for the constant traveller.

Are there lightweight toiletry bag options?

Yes there are. The Sea to Summit Travel Bag is the lightest on the market. It’s also not compromising in size and capacity.

travel wash bag clear

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Toiletry Bags

Whether you need a simple and stylish toiletry bag, a rugged men’s travel toiletry bag, a hanging travel organizer, or a simple Dopp kit, we’ve reviewed and used dozens of bags, narrowing down our favorites in this review. Have you picked out a backpacking toiletry kit for your needs?

Need help knowing how to pack a backpack for your trip, check out our guide for some advice.

travel wash bag clear

Ana Pereira

Best Travel Toiletry Bags Pinterest Image

Share or save this post

photo of a person holding a smartphone with Holafly logo

The Peak design Wash Pouch DOES hang.

Sits upright on the counter or hangs via a stowable hook, always giving total visibility and access to your toiletries.

https://www.peakdesign.com/products/wash-pouch/

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Newsletters
  • Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

  • Travel Products

The 10 Best Clear Travel Makeup Bags of 2024

Almost all of our picks are 3-1-1 TSA-compliant.

Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer.

travel wash bag clear

In This Article

  • Our Top Picks
  • Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why Trust T + L

Travel + Leisure

Hitting the road soon? A toiletry bag is an on-the-go essential, and if you’re flying with a carry-on only, you may be left scrambling with a quart-sized plastic one that can tear before you even reach your destination. When vetting the best clear makeup bags, we took into account features such as durability, function, style, and cost. Whether you travel a little or a lot, the best clear makeup and toiletry bags will be able to fit most, if not all, of your bathroom and makeup essentials and withstand the wear and tear that travel can impart.

The EzPacking Store’s TSA-approved 3-1-1 Travel Toiletry Bag came in as our best overall since it’s durable, spacious enough to fit ten 3.4-ounce containers, and takes the guesswork out of choosing the right-sized bag. Looking for something with reusable containers included? Maybe you’d rather have something a bit more stylish, or sturdy enough to survive weekly trips? We’ve got you covered with our top picks. Here are the best clear travel makeup bags to buy to keep your liquids, creams, and pastes in one place on the go.

Best Overall

Ezpacking store travel toiletry bag.

It’s TSA-compliant and big enough to fit up to ten travel-size containers. 

It’s just one main compartment with no organization options.

This spacious TSA-approved travel makeup bag takes the guesswork out of choosing liquids that will pass through the security screening point. We appreciate the fact that it has enough room to fit up to ten 3.4-ounce travel containers, so you don’t have to make sacrifices to bring the basics with you. It’s clear on five out of six sides, making it easy to find what you’re looking for without too much fishing. While we wonder if we might like the bag better if it had a clamshell design so we’d have two compartments to work with, the zip-around top lid does allow you to take advantage of as much available depth as possible. 

A bottom nylon panel, matching nylon trim lining, and a double-stitched carrying handle are available in 11 bright and bold colors for a pop of personality. Both the nylon and the clear plastic PVC window panels are splash-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about wiping down your shower toiletries before plopping them in the bag. For the price, durability, and color choices, this clear travel makeup bag is a great value.

The Details: PVC plastic, nylon | 6.5 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches

Best Budget

Sephora reusable bag.

It’s sturdy with soft, flexible sides and can be reused several times.

Going through security can be a gamble since the bag isn’t 100 percent clear.

If you’re inclined to just shove your toiletries into a plastic zipper-sealed quart bag to get through security, consider this Sephora travel pouch a worthwhile upgrade. Five bucks will give you a simple, soft, and sturdy pouch to securely store your basic travel-size toiletries or makeup, and you can feel good about saving landfills from single-use plastics since the pouch can be reused over and over. We like that the material is thick but not rigid and that you never have to worry if it’s closed all the way since it has a zipper closure with easy pull tabs. Plus, it’s leak-resistant and can safely hold glass cosmetic jars without concern. One drawback is that it may not get the green light from all security agents because the repeated Sephora text technically stops it from being completely clear. 

The Details: 7.5 x 8.25 inches

Best Customizable

Stoney clover lane travel pouch.

Stoney Clover Lane

It’s a fun way to make your makeup bag your own.

Being overly creative can get costly. 

Want a travel makeup bag that is definitively a little more you than the rest? Stoney Clover Lane’s Travel Pouch offers a gaggle of customization options by mixing, matching, and placing your choice of patches on the side of its standard clear, zippered makeup pouch. Choose from colorful numbers, letters, and seemingly endless patches of cartoon characters, sports teams, and shapes. (Hint: Use the search bar to save time.) Fair warning: customization can get pricey. Prices start at $38 with 14 color options for bag trim, plus a $15 blanket fee for customization and extra cost for each patch. But that’s a small price to pay for a one-of-a-kind makeup bag. Customize at your own risk — security may not appreciate your flare for design as much as the rest of us. 

The Details: Nylon, vinyl, metal | 4.5 x 7.75 x 2 inches

Best Hanging

Tanto hanging toiletry bag.

You can detach a small section to pack in your carry-on.

The main portion of the bag must be packed in checked luggage. 

If you’re the type of traveler that brings everything but the kitchen sink, this four-compartment clear makeup and toiletry bag is a godsend. The two main middle compartments are big enough to fit large items such as styling sprays, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or full-sized makeup brushes. The top and bottom are two smaller zippered sleeves that are perfect for packing less bulky items like face masks, hair ties, travel makeup brushes, travel-sized containers, or makeup palettes. Because of the size of the main compartments, you’ll need to pack this in your checked luggage when flying, but you can detach the smaller bottom compartment to use as your clear TSA-approved liquids bag. 

The Details: PVC plastic, metal hook | 10.24 x 2.36 x 12.2 inches

Mark And Graham Clear Travel Cosmetic Case

Mark And Graham

It has a sophisticated design and is made with quality materials.

There are only two trim colors to choose from. 

The Mark & Graham Clear Travel Cosmetics Case is a go-to luxury travel makeup bag for travelers who can’t (or won’t) part with their big-bottle toiletries. You’ll get a whopping six inches of depth and 10 inches of length with this bag. We love how the trim only runs across the top and bottom but not the sides, a look that differentiates this bag from so many others that have trim tracing each corner. It’s spendy, but it’s big and made with upgraded materials like thick and durable TPU plastic windows and classy vegan leather trim. You also have the option to add one to three letters of vinyl decal personalization on the side for a flat charge of $12.50. Unfortunately, it’s only available in camel and navy — and the big size falls into the must-check category. 

The Details: TPU plastic, vegan leather | 10 x 6 x 5.5 inches

Morfone Store Travel Bottles Set

It’s a 15-piece set that covers all the essentials. 

The spray bottle tips are known to clog or be faulty.

This travel bottle set is so complete, it makes us feel like we’ve been putting up with less than we deserve for too long. This 25-piece set comes with four soft silicone squeeze bottles in two sizes, two spray bottles, and four screw-top containers in two sizes that can be used for gels, creams, or pills. You’ll also get a mini funnel, two small spoons to help transfer your products into the containers, and a small cleaning brush. Plus, everything fits easily into a TSA-approved clear plastic carrying case. We love that the bottles all come in black-and-white doubles, so it’s easy to keep track of what’s in which container (or to split the set between two people and still know whose is whose instantly). Sometimes, the spray bottles can get clogged, so definitely test them out before filling them with any product. 

The Details: BPA, food-grade silicone; plastic | 6.38 x 5.71 x 2.05 inches

Best with Handles

Wedama tsa approved toiletry bags 2 pack.

It comes with a TSA-compliant bag and a larger bag that can hold regular-sized toiletries. 

The PVC plastic windows can smudge quickly and may require frequent cleaning. 

We like the Wedama TSA-approved Toiletry Bag 2-pack because the handles have extra leeway, making them easy to grip and hold onto. You can even use the handles to hang them. This set comes with two bags: a larger bag big enough to fit most standard, regular-sized toiletry bottles and makeup brushes, and a smaller bag that complies with the TSA 3-1–1 rules for liquids. You’ll have to pack the larger bag in your checked luggage, but the smaller one is fine to go with you through security (just make sure the containers inside follow TSA guidelines, too). Plastic PVC windows on the top and bottom easily allow you to find what you need, but they also smudge easily and need to be wiped down. 

The Details: PVC plastic, waterproof fabric | 7.8 x 2.4 x 5.9 inches for medium, 10.8 x 3.6 x 7.6 inches for large

Best Splurge

Calpak small clear cosmetics case.

The design details really make it stand out.

Loading it up via the U-shaped interior zippers can feel a little weird at first. 

This Calpak Mini Clear Cosmetics Case is spendy, but if you’ve got the budget or travel frequently, it’s not likely to disappoint. It’s a TSA-compliant size with two zippered compartments separated in a clamshell design. Fully clear side front and back panels make it easy to spot what you need right away, even if the bag is closed. It’s the small details that make this bag stand out, as does the variety of colors to choose from. We also like the design pop created by the lines of the interior U-shaped loading compartment and how the faux leather accents and trim paired with polished gold metal hardware work to elevate the look. At this price point, we are a little disappointed with the use of PVC plastic windows and plastic zippers. 

The Details: Faux leather, PVC plastic | 8 x 4 x 6 inches

Best Durable

Aveniee makeup bag for women.

Reinforced sides and upgraded materials make this boxy makeup bag more resilient against the wear and tear of travel. 

It’s only available in black, pink, and cream. 

This simple but strong travel makeup bag swaps out flimsier materials for more durable upgrades like PU leather trim, thick vinyl windows, and heavy-duty metal zippers. It’s a top-loading design with a zip-around closure and features a stitched carry handle on one end. We like that the dual-sided large windows make it easy to locate whatever we’re looking for and that the large size is still TSA-compliant while being deep enough to fit standard travel-size containers without feeling overstuffed. The bag’s materials are waterproof, giving us peace of mind against accidental spills or splashes. Plus, keeping it clean is as easy as wiping it down with a damp cloth. We’d love to see this bag available in additional colors or even patterned designs. 

The Details: PU leather, vinyl | 9 x 6.5 x 3 inches

Best Organization

Diyoohomy clear makeup bag double layer.

It’s a versatile two-compartment bag with strap organization that is still TSA-compliant. 

You have to put a little more thought into how you’ll utilize the specific components. 

Finding a clear TSA-compliant makeup bag that also has decent organization features can be tough — things get bulky quickly and run the risk of exceeding TSA limits. Luckily, the Diyoohohmy Double Layer Makeup Bag checks all the boxes, if at a basic level. Instead of a two-sided clamshell design, this bag features two main compartments with zip-around top lids. The main compartment is approximately three inches deep and can hold multiple travel-size bottles and jars, shaving products, or a collection of makeup. Flip it over for access to a shallow side with built-in straps for holding makeup brushes, toothbrushes, razors, or similar items. This design won’t complement everyone’s needs, but it’s a nice option to have. 

The Details: PVC plastic, metal, PU leather | 6.3 x 9 x 3.5 inches

Tips for Buying Clear Travel Makeup Bags

Prioritize durability.

In an effort to save money and lower plastic waste, choose a clear travel makeup case that can be used again and again. If you travel frequently, you’ll also want to make sure you grab a bag that won’t easily tear, rip, or bust at the seams — or your clothes could pay the price.

Pick the right size for your needs

When it comes to packing, space is a hot commodity. Before you purchase your clear travel makeup bag, take a look at what you’re aiming to put inside of it. If you can get away with a smaller bag, why not take up less space? If it looks like you’ll have too many items, think about what you can pack in your checked luggage or see if you can break up the items amongst several different carry-on bags in your party.

Consider organization

It’s harder to find clear travel makeup bags with built-in organization. Many clear makeup bags have a top lid or pouch design with only one compartment or a split clamshell design with two compartments. Take a minute to take stock of what you’re hoping to pack inside your travel makeup bag. Are you going to want to separate any items or containers? Do you mind fishing for smaller items inside of a large, single compartment? Remember to keep the TSA rules in mind as you search — make sure the bag is the right size and is truly see-through. 

A typical quart-sized bag measures 7 inches by 8 inches. 

Any makeup or toiletry items that have the potential to leak should be placed into a clear travel bag when flying. This includes (but is not limited to) lotions, shampoo, conditioner, foundation, facial serum, toner, and usually gels, creams, and pastes. Remember to keep these in containers that hold no more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.

We don’t recommend using any clear makeup bags larger than a quart when traveling. While you may get away with it at some airports, others are very strict (we’re looking at you, England). You don’t want to get held up on either side of your travels for something easily avoidable; it’s not worth the risk. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure?

For this story, T+L contributor and frequent traveler Katherine Alex Beaven completed hours of research on clear travel makeup bags, keeping key features such as size, shape, quality of materials, and overall design top of mind. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

The 8 Best Travel Toiletry Bags Professional Travelers Recommend and Use Themselves

travel wash bag clear

There are certain necessities that can make traveling a little easier: a suitcase , or if you’re packing light, a carry-on , and maybe even packing cubes if you want to maximize your luggage space. And whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend trip or vacation , you’ll also want a travel toiletry bag to keep your beauty and personal-care items all in one place while preventing the risk of a toiletry explosion when in transit.

You don’t have to look very far to find a toiletry kit: There area lot of options to choose from, but to help you narrow down your choices, I spoke to well-traveled people for tips on selecting the best travel toiletry bag for every type of jet-setter. Below are eight toiletry bags that professional travelers recommend and use themselves when they’re on the move.

  • 01 what to look for
  • 02 best travel toiletry bags
  • Abigail A. , solo travel expert and travel blogger at The Lady Who Travels
  • Kesi Irvin , travel writer and blogger behind Kesi To and Fro
  • Kim Tate , travel writer and blogger behind Stuffed Suitcase
  • Nneya Richards , travel and lifestyle journalist
  • Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon , on-air travel host, journalist, and blogger at JetSetSarah

Best travel toiletry bags, at a glance

  • Best hanging: Nomatic, Toiletry Bag 2.0 , $55
  • Best with a hook: eBags, Pack-It-Flat Toiletry Kit , $18
  • Best pouch: Dagne Dover, Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag , $45
  • Best budget: Queboom, Travel Makeup Bag , $7
  • Best for makeup: Bagsmart, Toiletry Bag , $16
  • Best for personalization: The Daily Edit, Black Clear Travel Case , $50
  • Best size options: Truffle, Clarity Jetset Case , $98
  • Best splurge: Anya Hindmarch, In-Flight Case , $395

What to look for in a travel toiletry bag

Material: When looking for a travel toiletry bag, first think about the material. “A bag that’s easy to clean will last you a long longer,” says New York-based travel journalist Nneya Richards . Richards recommends materials like nylon or neoprene, which are water-resistant. Kim Tate , the Seattle-based travel writer and blogger behind Stuffed Suitcase , prefers options made from vinyl, a material that is durable and more often than not waterproof.

{{post.sponsorText}}

Size and weight: You’ll also want a travel toiletry bag with enough room for the toiletries you’re taking with you. A small toiletry bag will save you space, but if you’re packing larger toiletries or for a longer trip, you may want to opt for a larger kit—keeping in mind that it will take up more room in your bag. Size aside, select something lightweight; many of the options on this list are less than half a pound when empty.

Additional features: Finally, consider the additional features that’ll make traveling easier. For example, a toiletry bag with a hook or handle will allow you to hang it up and maximize counter space, while one with transparent panels can offer a clear view of your essentials for easy access. Some also offer organizational options, like compartments, pockets, or even separate pouches to keep your things in order.

Whatever your preference, there’s something for every type of traveler on this list. Scroll on for the eight best toiletry bags, as recommended by well-traveled experts.

Shop the best travel toiletry bags

Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0

Material: Not specified | Size: 10.5” L x 5” W x 1.7” H (Small) and 10.5” L x 5” W x 3.1” H (Standard) | Weight: 9.5 oz. (Small) and 11.3 oz. (Regular)

Nomatic is a favorite brand of Kesi Irvin , travel writer and owner of the online travel blog Kesi To and Fro , and its toiletry bag has the one thing she typically looks for in a kit—a hanging component. “If I’m moving around from place to place, I like having the option to hang my toiletry bag up so I can see all the products I have,” she shares. The bag boasts a convenient hanging strap to help you save counter space while on your trip and several zippered pockets to neatly store your items. Plus, its narrow profile will allow you to squeeze it into your suitcase without compromising packing space. While the manufacturer doesn’t specify the material of the bag, it’s designed to be water-resistant. It comes in two sizes, and, as an added bonus, a lifetime warranty.

Available colors: 1

  • Water-resistant material
  • Internal zip pockets
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Only one color option

eBags Pack-It-Flat Toiletry Kit

Material: Nylon | Size: 14” L x 9.25” W x 2.2” H | Weight: 10 oz.

Tate has long relied on this toiletry bag on her travels. “It has a very slim profile that won’t take up much luggage space,” she explains. While unassuming in size and appearance, it has spacious internal compartments that can hold enough for shorter or longer excursions—something to which Tate can personally attest. “It has a zipper compartment on the left, where I would keep all my skincare products, a larger zipper compartment in the middle for my deodorant and larger items, and then two zipper compartments on the right to hold my toothpaste and eye-care products,” she says. To add to its functionality, it has a hook and removable pocket mirror.

Available colors: 4

  • Slim profile
  • Spacious internal compartments
  • Can’t stand upright on its own

Dagne Dover Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag

Material: Neoprene | Size: 7.5” L x 4” W x 4.5” H (Small) and 9” L x 4.75” W x 5.5” H (Large) | Weight: 5 oz. (Small) and 7 oz. (Large)

I use and love this Dagne Dover toiletry bag. While I’m by no means a travel expert, it’s withstood years of long road trips and international journeys. The bag is made from water-resistant neoprene to contain spills, and it has a sturdy structure and multiple compartments to keep my things from jostling around. Plus, it zips open—and stays open—for easy access. I own the large version, which has enough space for all my beauty and personal-care products, with compartments to keep things like my razor and toothbrush from touching. A bonus: The large version comes with two additional pouches, while the smaller version includes one pouch, and both come in several stylish colors.

If anything, the bag neither has a hook nor a handle to hang it with—and if this is important to you, you might prefer the Seoul Dopp Kit , which has the stamp of approval from Richards. This particular product is made from water-resistant nylon, and it features a swivel hook and multiple storage compartments. You can shop it in two sizes and four colors, including black, gray, green, and pink.

Available colors: 9

  • Multiple interior compartments
  • Comes with additional pouches for storage
  • No hanging component

Queboom Travel Makeup Bag

Material: Not specified | Size: 9” L x 6” W x 3.1”H (Standard) and 9.4” L x 7” W x 5.5” H (Large) | Weight: 5.3 oz.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, this travel-friendly toiletry bag offers some of the convenient features of pricier options at a lower cost. It also comes recommended by Abigail A. of the blog The Lady Who Travels . It’s made from a waterproof material, and it offers a considerable space for your beauty products and a separate compartment for makeup brushes. The kit comes in two sizes: a smaller, more travel-friendly design and a larger model with more storage space, or for a few more dollars, you can purchase it as a set of two. With 12 colors, you’re sure to find an option to match your personal style. The bag folds flat when not in use to conserve space, but it also lacks the structure and compartments of most options on this list—a tradeoff for the price.

Available colors: 12

  • Separate compartment for makeup brushes
  • Folds flat when not in use
  • Minimal organizational compartments

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag

Material: Not specified | Size: 10.2” L x 4.3” W x 6.3” H (Basic), 11.8” L x 7” W x 7” H (Standard), 11.8” L x ” 5.9 x 7” H (Large) | Weight: 5.6 oz. (Basic), 10.2 (Standard), 11.7 oz. (Large)

Another recommendation from A. is this toiletry bag from Bagsmart. It’s made from a water-resistant material, and it comes in three sizes, with the standard- and large-size options boasting a separate compartment with elastic loops to hold smaller or more slender items, such as a toothbrush, razor, or makeup brushes. Each of the three options have interior mesh pockets, along with a large exterior zippered pocket lined with a waterproof layer that is great for breakable and spill-prone products. The bag is well-structured too, with a wide base that keeps it upright and prevents it from tipping over even when full. Shop it in four solid colors, including black, navy blue, pink, and gray.

  • Waterproof exterior pocket
  • Multiple organizational compartments
  • Limited colors

The Daily Edit Black Clear Travel Case

Originally $99, now $50

Material: PVC (with leather trim) | Size: 8.4” L x 3.3” W” x 3.3” H | Weight: Not specified

Travel journalist and TV host Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon of JetSetSarah recommends and uses this pick from The Daily Edit, which meets all her requirements of a good travel toiletry bag: it is transparent to offer a clear view of packed items; it has a zipper that runs all around the three sides of the bag for easy access; and it is durable to withstand repeated usage. “As an added bonus, you can personalize it,” she says, and you can have the letters of your choosing stamped onto the bag. The bag, constructed from PVC, opens up to two roomy compartments, one of which has an elastic strap to secure smaller items in place. The bag is finished with a black leather trim and gold hardware, and though it only comes in one size, Greaves-Gabbadon says is ideal for carry-on travel.

  • Water-resistant construction
  • Offers a clear view of contents
  • Personalizable
  • Only one size and color

Truffle Clarity Jetset Case

Material: PVC (with leather or nylon trim) | Size: 2.5” L x 7.5” W x 2” H (Mini), 5.2” L x 7.5” W x 2” H (Standard), 6” L x 9” W x 2” H (Large), and 6” L x 9” W x 3.” 3.75” H (Jumbo) | Weight: Not specified

Truffle Co.’s toiletry bags come in four sizes, the most of our picks of the list—and they are recommended by Greaves-Gabbadon. Like the previous recommendation, the bag features transparent windows so you can instantly see what’s inside and a zipper that runs around three sides. Plus, the standard option is just the right size for liquids and gels that comply with the TSA 3-1-1 rules . Size aside, you can choose between a leather and nylon trim and several eye-catching colors for each of the available options. The biggest downside to this bag is the lack of compartments to keep items separate and in place, but if you typically pack light, it shouldn’t be much of an issue for you.

Available colors: 8

  • TSA-friendly design
  • Available in four sizes
  • No internal organization

Anya Hindmarch In-Flight Case

Material: Plastic | Size: 3.1” L x 8.4” W x 4.5” H | Weight: Not specified

Anya Hindmarch is known for creating stylish, albeit pricey, storage systems. If money is no object and you’re looking to organize the contents of your carry-on, consider the In-Flight Case, which started Greaves-Gabbadon’s “lust” for travel toiletry bags. The water-resistant bag, made specifically for carry-on use, is fully transparent for easy visibility and features two roomy compartments with zippers that run along the three sides of the bag. According to Greaves-Gabbadon, each section is equivalent in size to a quart-size Ziploc bag to carry 3.4-ounce liquids and gels on board an airplane without risking confiscation by TSA. If you visit the brand’s website, you can also personalize the bag with a phrase or your name—it’ll just cost you a bit extra.

Available colors: 5

  • Water-proof material with waterproof fabric lining
  • Roomy interior

Loading More Posts...

The Beach Is My Happy Place—and Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too

Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal.

4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician

These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim Shorts—According to Some Very Happy Reviewers

{{ successMessage }}

Please wait a moment...

  • Inspiration
  • Destinations
  • Places To Stay
  • Style & Culture
  • Food & Drink
  • Wellness & Spas
  • News & Advice
  • Partnerships
  • Traveller's Directory
  • Travel Tips
  • Competitions

The best travel wash bags to pack on your next trip

By Charley Ward

Image may contain Adult Person Box Baggage Accessories Bag Handbag and Baby

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

As a team that's constantly travelling around the world, our editors have strong opinions when it comes to packing. A quality suitcase is a must, packing cubes are the secret key to travelling hand luggage only, and an organised wash bag is an absolute essential. The tricky part is pretty much every accessories brand, hotel and even airline has a wash bag now. Much like the mass of branded tote bags out there, the average bag tends to be a printed canvas zip-up pouch that can look nice but isn't that practical when it comes to travelling.

In our experience, the best way to choose the right travel wash bag depends on the kind of trip you're set to take.

For short trips: I love the ease of a clear case for stashing all of your essentials. Not only is it easy to find everything, but if you're travelling with only carry on luggage , a clear case avoids the need to unpack and repack your items into one of those plastic sleeves when going through security at the airport.

For long trips: Whether you're in one place for a long time or travelling around multiple destinations, hanging wash bags offer the feel of unpacking without having to actually unpack all of your products.

For beauty fans: Regardless of the length of your trip, if you're not one for travelling light consider investing in a cosmetic case, which are larger than your average wash bag and full of compartments and pouches to keep everything organised.

Image may contain: Accessories, Bag, and Handbag

The best clear wash bags

travel wash bag clear

Why we like it: If you’re travelling for more than a couple of days, I use the  Space NK Large Travel Bags  or  Medium Travel Bags . They are brilliant for organising your wares into categories, and because they’re clear, it’s easy to find things fast. Anita Bhagwandas

Image may contain: Accessories, Bag, and Handbag

Why we like it: This svelte wash bag has all the hallmarks of an Anya Hindmarch piece. Much like the brand’s clever in-flight bag, it’s been crafted to house all your essentials just so, with smart embossed labels for each compartment. There’s a roomy monogrammed nylon section, and a clear one for easy access to most-used products. Gold finishes and smart monogramming makes this an effortlessly chic buy that’ll work comfortably for trips of up to two-weeks in length.

travel wash bag clear

Classic wash bags

Image may contain: Accessories, Bag, Handbag, and Purse

Why we like it: This is one of the roomier wash bags we rate, so it should be all you need to keep your personal care items safe throughout trips of up to two weeks. There are separate compartments for your makeup and skincare, along with additional pockets for brushes. Choose from four colours, or there’s also a clear version. At under £20, it’s a steal – and it would make a great gift for a frequent traveller.

Why we like it: Because of the pockets. This sleek, unobtrusive wash bag packs in six side pockets, a separate hidden compartment and two main sections for bulkier products, making it as easy as can be to organise all your products abroad. A handle makes it easy to tote from suitcase to bathroom, and the PVC outer can be easily refreshed with a quick wipe down if needed.

For long trips: hanging wash bags

Image may contain: Accessories, Bag, and Handbag

Why we like it: I fit a week’s worth of makeup and skincare with room to spare in this Mary Poppins-esque washbag on a recent trip – and the shape fits snugly into a corner of your case. I like that it opens out flat, banishing the need to rummage, and there are two interior pockets for hair ties and little bits and bobs. Good to know? I accidentally spilled something inside the bag and was nervous to put it through the washing machine, but it came out good-as-new – I appreciate this, given it’s on the pricier side. Charley Ward

Why we like it: After hours of research, Bagsmart Toiletry Travel Bag With Hook is the ultimate long-haul travel bag. It may look like any other wash bag, but it is the smallest details that make this a winner. The design ensures that it packs flat, even when it’s stuffed full, there are compartments for everything you’d ever need, and it has a hanger to save valuable space in the bathroom. It’s perfect. Anita Bhagwandas

travel wash bag clear

Why we like it: I recently took this on a two week trip where I stayed at three different hotels. I was travelling with my family and this made storing and organising all of our bathroom items a breeze. I particularly loved the bottom compartment which can be completely detached and has a sheer top so you can store all of your in-flight essentials and take it through security and onto the flight. Very clever. Lauren Burvill

travel wash bag clear

For beauty fans: vanity cases

Image may contain: Accessories, Bag, Handbag, Baggage, and Suitcase

Why we like it: Fans of Steamline’s vintage luggage pieces can complete their set with the brand’s sweet little vanity case. It’s on the pricier side, but what other wash bag doubles up as a handbag? Inside there’s a roomy main compartment for all your bits and pieces, along with a mesh bag to keep jewellery and hair ties easily to hand. This case can be attached to your suitcase with the passthrough band too – good for if you’re using it as an underseat cabin bag.

Why we like it: Firstly, the colour – when it comes to brightly coloured luggage Beis is the best in the business. Inside there's plenty of storage and pockets including a very clever removable makeup brush holder with hidden magnets – a genius hack to avoid getting your brushes dirty or damaged. My favourite part though is the slip pocket with a removable mirror – ideal for when the lighting in your hotel bathroom isn't the best. Lauren Burvill

travel wash bag clear

Why we like it: For a truly luxe option, this Smythson case is crafted in their signature Panama cross-grain leather and comes in three shades – black, pale blue and beige. Inside, there are two main zip-up compartments, as well as additional storage pockets, including ruched pockets and elastic straps to keep everything neatly in place. Lauren Burvill

The 9 Best Travel Toiletry Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep all your bathroom necessities together

travel wash bag clear

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Tamara Staples

After you've organized your suitcase or weekender, the next and possibly biggest challenge is to pack your toiletry bag. While this might seem an afterthought, it's a pretty important step, especially if you don't want to arrive at your destination and realize you forgot to pack your sunscreen or open your bag to spilled body wash. Whether you're more of a minimalist or carry your entire 10-step beauty routine with you, there's something for everyone. 

To help you find the right one, we tested 27 toiletry bags, rating them for capacity, design, portability, and value.

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other toiletry bags we tested.

  • What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, sea to summit hanging toiletry bag.

  • Capacity 5 /5
  • Design 5 /5
  • Portability 5 /5

Designed for organization

Tough exterior

Plenty of thoughtful additions

Nothing yet

Sea to Summit's Travelling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag impressed our testers, earning top marks across all categories. The Australian outdoor gear brand has been on a mission to build the lightest, most durable gear for more than three decades. Our testers loved how much space this lightweight toiletry bag has and its numerous pockets. "This is a great hanging bag because you can store different-size products inside without feeling like you're weighing the bag down," one tester noted.

The Travelling Light Bag, which weighs less than 5 ounces, is made from Cordura nylon. This material helps keep the weight down and offers stretch, allowing room for all the toiletries. Our testers liked the bag's convenient features, including a carrying handle and hanging hook. "There are tons of pockets, a mirror, hooks to hang the bag, and other unique features that are perfect for every trip," a tester concluded.

Size: 10 x 9 x 4 inches | Weight: 4.7 ounces | Material: Cordura nylon

TripSavvy / David Carr

Best Budget

Wandf toiletry bag.

  • Design 4 /5
  • Portability 4 /5

Generous amount of space

Very lightweight

Not very compact

The first thing to know about WANDF's Toiletry Bag is that it has a ton of capacity, so much so that our testers joked that it could double as an overnight bag. Jests aside, this was a popular bag because of how much it holds and how little it weighs (just 3.6 ounces). "This is a great buy for someone who wants to bring a lot of skincare or other products along with normal toiletries," one tester said.

The bag's water-resistant nylon is thin but durable. It has three pockets for good organization and a handle for easier transportation. Our testers did say that it might be hard to fit in a smaller bag, especially if you take advantage of the size and pack it to maximum capacity. If you're looking for a larger-capacity toiletry bag or simply a budget bag, this was our testers' top pick.

Size: 9.5 x 5.9 x 4.7 inches | Weight: 3.6 ounces | Material: Water-resistant nylon

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag

Very spacious

Zippered mesh pockets are helpful

Sturdy yet compressible

Customer reviews complain about the color

This classic-looking toiletry bag impressed our testers with its durable materials, organization potential, and smart features, including a waterproof pocket. The large-capacity toiletry bag is made from water-resistant polyurethane leather, features double zippers in the main compartment, and has mesh holders to keep items like toothbrushes in place.

"The material is classic, zippers are easy to zip, and the compartment with the waterproof coating is very handy and will be easy to clean," one tester noted. "It's structured enough to keep organized but still flexible enough to fit easily in a weekender bag." Our testers said they'd pay more for this than the minimal list price. "It's a great price for something that feels durable and will last for a long time," one tester concluded.

Size: 10.25 x 6.25 x 5 inches | Weight: 0.62 pounds | Material: Polyurethane leather

Best Hanging

Bagsmart hanging toiletry bag.

Durable design

Easy to pack

Water-resistant material

Not the easiest to clean

Once you arrive at your hotel or vacation rental, finding a place to stash your toiletry bag can be tricky, especially if counter space is limited. Luckily, this bag's hook makes the most of limited or nonexistent space. This is a great way to keep items visible but still out of your way as you get dressed. The interior mesh pockets also help with visibility. There's even a smaller, removable compartment you can hang up.

"This bag fit all of the toiletries and still had room to spare, but only for travel-sized products," one tester said about the bag's capacity. "The design of this hanging bag was pleasantly sturdy." Our testers also liked the spacious organizational components and how the bag folds, which gives it a slim briefcase look. They also loved how easily the slender profile fits into a weekender bag.

Size: 12.6 x 9.1 x 4.3 inches | Weight: 15.8 ounces | Material: Polyester

Best Splurge

Away large toiletry bag.

Made of recycled materials

Stores bulky items well

Lets you see everything at a glance

Limited colors

For fans of the iconic suitcase brand, the toiletry bag is another worthy addition to your Away collection. Like many of Away's bags, this thoughtfully designed bag keeps your toiletries organized and separated. The clamshell opening displays items perfectly through the mesh and clear plastic interior pockets. The nylon material is easy to clean should you ever have a spill. Bonus: The bag can even be monogrammed on the front or back.

Thanks to some unique features, our testers loved how roomy this bag was. "I packed mostly large items, such as makeup brushes, foundation, and a compact mirror, and there was still tons of room to insert more," one tester reported. "There are different types of pockets inside the bag—one for makeup brushes, one clear pocket for makeup products, and others for whatever you'd like to put in."

The bag helped with organization, and our testers liked the top handle. "The fact that it can fit so many items and still not take up so much space says a lot about the bag. It can also carry a lot of weight," a tester noted. Our testers weren't the biggest fans of the nylon material but noted that it is water-resistant. And while they said bags with similar features could be found at a lower cost, they would still recommend this one. "I'd love to purchase it if it wasn't so pricey for a toiletry bag, but if you need organization and travel often, then this bag is a must," a tester concluded.

Size: 10.2 x 3.7 x 5.9 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Material: Nylon

Best Organization

Peak design wash pouch.

Peak Design

Extra durable

Fits into other bags easily

Contains recycled materials

A bit on the pricey side

The first key to good organization is having plenty of room for all your toiletries. Peak Design's Wash Pouch offers exactly that, with our testers noting that they had plenty of room to fit all of their toiletries and then some. "I'd be able to put my skincare products in here along with several travel-sized toiletry bottles ," our tester said, noting that they loved the product's design. It also opens wide for easy packing and accessibility. "There were plenty of pockets and even a shallow zipper pocket to hold a toothbrush," our tester reported, also praising how it sits open upright on the counter on its own. Bonus: Despite the large size and roominess, it still packs down to a small size.

Size: 10.6 x 6 x 4.4 inches | Weight: 8.7 ounces | Material: Recycled, DWR-treated nylon

Best for Extended Trips

Dare to roam steward dopp kit.

Dare to Roam

Impressive capacity

Eco-friendly

Less likely to harbor microbes

Bulkier than other options

There's much to like about the Dare to Roam Steward Dopp Kit. It features responsibly sourced materials and ethically made construction. It uses antimicrobial and water-resistant materials—features we'd like to see in many more toiletry bags, considering the amount of liquid and moisture these containers are exposed to.

What our testers loved most about this particular toiletry bag was the amount of space available, making it ideal for extended trips. The main compartment has a ton of room and a two-way zipper entry. It also features side clips and adjustable webbing straps, making the bag expandable on both sides. Our testers had no problem fitting all their toiletries into the bag and then some. "This bag is designed well and is built to really hold up," a tester reported. "The handles and lightweight feel of the bag make it perfectly portable."

While this bag did take up a lot of space when packed in another bag, it's best used for extended trips on which travelers are likely to use larger luggage anyway.

Size: 4.5 x 8.7 x 4.7 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Polyester, nylon 

Best for Camping

Matador flatpak zipper toiletry case.

Back Country

  • Capacity 4 /5

Stripped-down but serviceable

Built to last

One large pocket

May be too simplistic for some

Toiletry bags aren't only handy for traveling. They're also helpful when backpacking and camping. For that usage, we love Matador's FlatPak Toiletry Case. The FlatPak checks off three key boxes when looking for a camping- or backpacking-focused toiletry bag. It's super lightweight (1.1 ounces), it's fully waterproof, and it has one main compartment for easy access to all items. Simply put: It's a no-frills yet incredibly practical bag.

Our testers were impressed with the bag's capacity—it fits all toiletries without getting overly bulky. They also loved its durability, waterproof material, and how the bottom of the bag expands. "For someone who goes on lots of camping or rugged outdoor trips, this bag is a great value," one tester concluded.

Size: 9.5 x 6.75 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 1.1 ounces | Material: 30-denier Cordura nylon

Best Eco-Friendly

Cotopaxi nido accessory bag.

  • Portability 4.5 /5
  • Value 4.5 /5

Nice internal organization

Not ideal for extended trips

Cotopaxi's marketing slogan is "Gear for Good." This dopp kit, which features 100 percent recycled materials, definitely falls into that category, but besides being a responsibly created toiletry bag, it's simply a good toiletry bag. The bag has three compartments to separate different items, fits a reasonable amount of toiletries, and has a convenient side carry handle. Another huge step toward planet friendliness is the longevity and durability of the product. We love that this toiletry bag is constructed to last many years and maybe decades.

Size: 9 x 6 x 5 inches | Weight: 6.5 ounces | Material: Recycled nylon with a TPU coating 

Hitting it out of the park and claiming a perfect score on all our tests for capacity, design, portability, and value, the Sea to Summit Travelling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag is hard to beat. Another favorite of our testers for its generous capacity and reasonable price tag, the WANDF Toiletry Bag is light and comes in a range of bright and neutral colors.

To determine the products to include in this test, we researched the top-rated products on the market from multiple retailers, considered popular and traveler-loved brands, and relied on the knowledge of our travel editors and their experience with a variety of toiletry bags. We also aimed to include a variety of sizes, price points, and intended uses.

We tested all 27 toiletry bags in our New York City lab space. Bags were rated on a five-point scale and evaluated for capacity, design, portability, and overall value. We averaged scores across individual categories to give an overall score. Testers packed each bag with the types and quantities of toiletries that would last for a long weekend trip. Once the toiletry bags were packed, our testers took notes on how full the bags were and any unique organizational or structural features. Lastly, they placed the toiletry bags in weekender bags and carried them around to get a sense of how heavy the toiletry bags felt and how easily they could be packed into other pieces of luggage.

BÉIS Cosmetic Case : This case is sturdily built with a couple of thoughtful extras like a standing mirror and a separate sleeve for makeup brushes. With its generous capacity comes a larger footprint, which may be problematic in smaller carry-ons or weekenders. Finally, we felt the price was too high for the quality of the materials.

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case : Another spacious pick, our tester could appreciate the capacity of this bag with its convenient carrying handle, though it needs to be packed full to keep the contents from jostling around wildly. The design and internal organization were OK but not as good as some others.

Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag : Overall, we liked the Hunter Bag. The soft neoprene exterior felt durable and easy to clean. The interior features a few pockets and two removable zipper pouches, which our tester said they would probably leave out to make better use of the space.

Everlane ReNew Catch-All Case : True to its name, the Catch-All is a roomy yet simple option with both internal and external pockets. It isn't particularly structured, so it would slip nicely into any other bag, but we worry the contents could easily be damaged or crushed.

State Bags Benson Dopp Kit : The Benson Dopp Kit is a hanging bag with a solid capacity and a well-designed interior. Because of its size, this isn't the ideal option for short trips, and we found similar models that just edged out this pick in terms of the quality of materials and design.

Tumi Response Travel Kit : Our testers were hard-pressed to find anything negative about this bag. It features a clamshell opening for easy packing, is roomy but remains a good choice for weekend getaways, and offers enough structure to protect your toiletries. The real downside is the luxury price, which we found hard to swallow.

What to Look For in a Toiletry Bag

Whether you want something you can quickly toss products into or a hyper-organized toiletry bag with ample pocket space is up to you, but it’s important to think about how organized you usually are. Our advice? Look at how your purse or backpack is organized (i.e., is it a massive tote you throw everything into, or is everything organized in its own little pocket or bag?) to figure out how you naturally travel.

TSA Requirements

If you're carrying your luggage on a flight with you, be sure your items meet TSA requirements —one quart-sized bag of containers holding liquids in quantities of no more than 3.4 ounces. If you are checking your luggage, some of the large-capacity bags on this list can come in handy for packing larger liquids. However, rather than putting all your products into a flimsy plastic bag, opt for a reusable zippered bag instead.

Hanging Capability

Sometimes, the hotel you're staying at won't have enough counter space for a toiletry bag, especially if you're traveling with others. If you want to ensure that things don’t get too cluttered, consider a bag that can hang from the towel hooks on the back of the bathroom door. Bonus: You can use it to free up space at home, too.

Because they are frequently in wet and humid surroundings, most toiletry bags are pretty easy to clean thanks to the functional materials used to make them. Simply wipe down the interior, usually made of nylon with a water-resistant coating. Toiletry bags that are made of faux or genuine leather or polyester can be spot-cleaned.

If you plan to fly and take your liquids onboard with you, make sure to follow the TSA requirements, which allow one quart-sized bag of containers up to 3.4 ounces each. While it's not required to have a clear toiletry bag, if your bag is pulled for further inspection, it might speed up the process if the security agent can easily see what you've packed.

To recommend the best toiletry bags out there, we tested 27 items across various brands and price points in our New York City lab space, scoring each on its capacity, durability, portability, and value.

The author of this article,  Nathan Allen , is TripSavvy's Outdoor Gear Editor. He regularly takes toiletry bags on flights, road trips, and backpacking and camping trips. His go-to toiletry bag is the  Cotopaxi Nido  for its functionality, size, durability, and planet-friendliness.

The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Travel Camera Cases and Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 7 Best Travel Toiletry Bottles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Hardside Luggage Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Luggage Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 12 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Beach Chairs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 6 Best Small Coolers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 7 Best Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 14 Best Backpack Brands of 2024

The 14 Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

The 9 Best Camping Cots of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Travel Money Belts of 2024

The 5 Best Waterproof Phone Pouches of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Beach Blankets of 2024

Protect Your Trip »

The 10 best toiletry bags of 2024, according to travel experts.

Tote everything from toothpaste to aftershave in one of these bags.

The Best Travel Toiletry Bags

An open toiletry bag with small bottles inside.

Getty Images

Of all the travel accessories you can own, a toiletry bag may be the most essential – especially if you want to avoid leaks and spills in your luggage. Toiletry bags are necessary for keeping shampoo, toothpaste and other personal care items contained and organized when traveling.

Based on our personal experiences as well as consumer reviews, we've chosen the best toiletry bags in a number of categories, from the top option for men to the best hanging toiletry bag (especially useful in tight spaces like cruise ship cabins).

Best Overall: Peak Design Small Wash Pouch

  • Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Dopp Kit: Cotopaxi Nido Accessory Bag – Cada Día

Best for men: topo designs dopp kit, best for women: lug trolley mini cosmetic case, best kids: wildkin toiletry bag, best large: l.l. bean personal organizer toiletry bag, large, best small: away the small toiletry bag, best hanging: open story small hanging toiletry bag, best clear: fawn the toiletry case large.

  • Best Leather: Mark & Graham Dual Travel Organizer – Large

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors. All toiletry bag dimensions are listed in order of length by width by height.)

Peak Design Small Wash Pouch in gray against white background.

Courtesy of Peak Design

Dimensions: 6 x 10.2 x 4.4 inches

This toiletry bag earns rave reviews for its compact design and variety of internal compartments, which include four mesh pockets, a zip pocket and a magnetic pocket designed for your toothbrush. The bag is also versatile – its structured build means it won't flop over when you set it on the bathroom counter, while an attached hook allows you to use it as a hanging toiletry bag as well. Available in black and sage (as well as a larger size ), the Peak Design Small Wash Pouch is weatherproof and easy to clean.

What our editors say:

This toiletry bag perfectly fits all of my travel-sized essentials for a trip and I love the separated compartment pockets. It's pretty small and its soft exterior makes it easy to shove into a carry-on or a personal item without taking up too much room. It also sits upright on its own, which is a nice touch. – Erin Evans , Managing Editor

Price: $49.95 or less

Cotopaxi Nido Accessory Bag – Cada Día in black against white background.

Courtesy of Cotopaxi

Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 5 inches

If you're looking for a Dopp kit (a style of toiletry bag, typically with a side handle), the Nido Accessory Bag – Cada Día is a solid choice. The toiletry bag offers three compartments as well as an interior zippered pocket. Plus, it's available in Cotopaxi's vibrant color combinations.

The Nido Accessory Bag can fit a lot – much more than I expected, in fact. I can pack my electric toothbrush (with its case!), a full-sized toothpaste, a hairbrush, makeup and more. Even with how much it can fit, I don't find that the bag takes up a lot of space in my carry-on. I especially love the Nido's three different compartments (plus a zippered pocket) to organize my toiletries and accessories. – Leilani Osmundson , Senior Digital Producer

Price: $45 or less

Topo Designs Dopp Kit in green against white background.

Courtesy of Topo Designs

Dimensions: 5.5 x 11 x 5.5 inches

Not only does the triangular shape of this toiletry bag make it unique, but it also allows the bag to stand upright on its own. The Topo Designs Dopp Kit is bigger than it looks, and its main compartment offers plenty of space for all the necessities including a razor. The bag is available in a variety of bright two-toned styles and solid colors.

The Topo Designs Dopp Kit's bright colors and unique triangular shape inspired my initial purchase, but its versatility and durability quickly made it my go-to toiletry kit for every type of travel. The spacious bag works just as well in my carry-on as on a camping trip and has stood up to countless spilled shampoos and exploded toothpaste tubes. The Dopp kit stays upright on counters, while the attached hook makes it easy to hang and dry. – Zach Watson , Senior Editor

Price: $34 or less

Lug Trolley Mini Cosmetic Case in black against white background.

Courtesy of Lug

Dimensions: 4 x 8.75 x 3.75 inches

Lug's Trolley Mini Cosmetic Case is perfect for both toiletries and makeup. Inside, the main compartment features a patterned lining and two zippered pockets: one on the back wall and another on the lid. On the outside, there are two side pockets plus a front pocket with a divider for even more organization.

I've had this toiletry bag for four years, and it is the first thing I pack for every trip! I absolutely adore its compact design, multiple zippered compartments that make it easy to reach your essentials without having to sort through an entire toiletry bag, and the wipeable interior (for when that foundation or shampoo leaks in transit). For longer trips, I have the Lug Trolley , which can even fit a curling iron. – Rachael Hood , Senior Editor

Price: $49 or less

Wildkin Toiletry Bag in holographic silver against white background.

Courtesy of Wildkin

Dimensions: 5 x 9.5 x 5 inches

Available in a wide variety of playful colors and patterns (think: trucks and mermaid scales ), the Wildkin Toiletry Bag is perfect for kids. The bag offers a spacious main compartment plus an internal zippered mesh pocket and an external zippered pocket.

I bought this bag to coordinate with my son's Wildkin Overnighter Duffel . The quality of both bags is top-notch, and I know we'll be able to use them for a long time. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist 

Price: $24.99 or less

L.L. Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag, Large in black against white background.

Courtesy of L.L. Bean

Dimensions: 12.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches

The L.L. Bean Personal Toiletry Bag is a classic, and the largest size is perfect for weeklong trips and even multiple family members. In addition to having a variety of internal and external pockets, this hanging toiletry bag can hold up to 25 pounds. Available in a variety of colors, it also features a carry strap and tote handle as well as a small mirror.

While this kit comes in a few sizes, the large is my favorite. It fits everything I need for a trip, from shower essentials to makeup to medicine. The plastic front on the upper two compartments is beginning to wear away, but I can deal with that considering I've had mine for more than 10 years (if not longer). – Marisa Méndez , Senior Editor

Price: $44.95 or less

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Away The Small Toiletry Bag in black against neutral background.

Courtesy of Away

Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.3 x 3.15 inches

If you're looking for a small toiletry bag that can be used for short trips, this is the one. But don't let the small size (and name) of this toiletry bag fool you. Two interior zippered compartments – one clear, one mesh – are big enough to hold all of your travel-size toiletries plus medications for even longer trips, and the zippered exterior pocket is perfect for makeup wipes. When you inevitably get the bag wet, its water-resistant nylon material makes it easy to wipe dry. The Small Toiletry Bag is available in black, navy, blue gray and white.

This is the toiletry bag equivalent of Mary Poppins' bag. It holds way more than it looks like it can. – Amanda Norcross

Price: $55 or less

Dimensions: 8 x 8.31 x 3.5 inches

Not only is this hanging toiletry bag well organized, but it also costs less than $15 at Target. The toiletry bag has a built-in hanger, four mesh pockets (two of which have zippers) and an additional compartment that can hold travel-size (or even full-size) toiletries and makeup. It also has an external tote handle. The Open Story Small Hanging Toiletry bag is currently available in light blue.

I've used this toiletry bag for a couple years now, and it's great for my travel needs. The hanging hook saves me a lot of space, and there's plenty of organization inside – all for an incredibly affordable price. – Catriona Kendall , Editor

Price: $12.99 or less

Fawn The Toiletry Case Large in brown against white background.

Courtesy of Fawn

Dimensions: 6.5 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches

For a clear toiletry bag that makes it easy to see all of your essentials – plus a faux leather trim and matte gold zippers that make it just plain pretty – frequent travelers recommend this option by Fawn. Two interior compartments are large enough to hold both toiletries and makeup, and top grab handles make it easy to pull out of your luggage and transport wherever you go.

I was initially drawn to this bag for its clear vinyl compartments, but after using it for about a year I've been pleasantly surprised by how many items it can hold. I'm able to fit all my travel-size skin care and hair care products, and it doesn't take up too much space in my carry-on. It's also very easy to clean. – Ann Henson , Assistant Managing Editor

Price: $59.99 or less

Best Leather: Mark & Graham Dual Travel Organizer – Large

Mark & Graham Dual Travel Organizer – Large in white against white background.

Courtesy of Mark & Graham

Dimensions: 6 x 9.5 x 2.25 inches

This toiletry bag is both elegant and efficient. Crafted with vegan leather, it's available in eight colors, including red, blush, camel, white and navy, all of which are accented by gold zippers. The toiletry bag has two spacious compartments and conveniently sits upright on flat surfaces.

I really like my large Dual Travel Organizer from Mark and Graham. The main compartment can hold your basic makeup essentials and a travel-sized toothbrush, and the bottom zippered section is ideal for jewelry, a contact lens case or hair ties. The vegan leather material is both soft and environmentally friendly, and you can also get the bag monogrammed for a personal touch. – Nicola Wood , Senior Editor

Price: $99 or less

Frequently Asked Questions

Per the Transportation Security Administration's liquids rule , a quart-sized bag is recommended for any toiletries packed in carry-on luggage ; however, a clear bag is not specified. What's most important is that any liquids (including creams, gels and aerosols) are placed in a small bag and do not exceed 3.4 ounces. For checked luggage , there are no limitations on toiletry bag and liquid sizes.

Anything you use for your personal hygiene at home should be packed in your toiletry bag. This can include:

  • Conditioner
  • Shaving cream
  • Moisturizer
  • Contact solution
  • Contact lenses
  • Feminine hygiene products

Depending on space, you may also want to pack the following items in your toiletry bag:

  • Medications

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross regularly reviews and writes about travel gear. She consulted her team at U.S. News as well as recent consumer reviews to determine the best toiletry bags for men, women and kids.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Best Packing Cubes
  • The Most Useful Travel Accessories
  • What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
  • What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag?

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

  • # 1 South Island, New Zealand
  • # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Top things to do in florida.

Gwen Pratesi May 31, 2024

travel wash bag clear

The Best Travel Neck Pillows

Timothy J. Forster and Amanda Norcross May 30, 2024

travel wash bag clear

Road Trip Essentials

Alissa Grisler and Amanda Norcross May 29, 2024

travel wash bag clear

The Best Whale Watching in Santa Barbara

John Rodwan and Suzanne Mason May 29, 2024

travel wash bag clear

Top Pride Parades and Celebrations

Suzanne Mason May 28, 2024

travel wash bag clear

The Best Underseat Luggage

Rachael Hood May 28, 2024

travel wash bag clear

The Best Miami Boat Tours

Gwen Pratesi May 28, 2024

travel wash bag clear

The Best Travel Purses

Rachael Hood May 24, 2024

travel wash bag clear

The Best Beach Games

Gwen Pratesi May 24, 2024

travel wash bag clear

The Best Branson Shows

Carrie A. Back May 23, 2024

travel wash bag clear

Advertisement

The Best Toiletry Bags

Kaitlyn Wells

By Kaitlyn Wells

After nine years of testing, we know that no one toiletry bag works for all travelers.

To find the best solutions for carrying what is, essentially, a bathroom in a bag, we stuffed, shook, dunked, and examined toiletry bags meant for all sorts of travel scenarios.

After researching 69 and testing 23, we chose five bags that we liked for their style, packability, and quality of construction.

We looked at a variety of zippered sacks, hanging bags, and structured, standing toiletry cases that open from above (what we’re calling “dopp kits”).

We selected picks for a variety of travelers and those using it in their bathroom: a versatile bag for most travel situations , a dopp kit with loads of organizational compartments , an open-style dopp kit with plenty of space for larger toiletries , a compact hanging bag for light packers , and a hanging bag big enough for a family to share .

The research

The most versatile toiletry bag: state bags bensen toiletry kit, best dopp kit for organization: peak design wash pouch, best dopp kit if you need more space: topo designs dopp kit, the lightest toiletry bag: sea to summit hanging toiletry bag (small), the best bag for couples and families: l.l.bean personal organizer toiletry bag (medium), how we picked and tested, what to look forward to, the competition.

Our pick for most versatile toiletry bag, the State Bags Bensen Dopp Kit, shown upright on a bathroom countertop near a sink.

State Bags Bensen Toiletry Kit

The most versatile toiletry bag.

This bag is not, by our definition, a dopp kit, since it opens flat, like a book. Yet it offers organizational options (including a detachable pouch, handy for quick trips) that should work for light and heavy packers alike.

Buying Options

Get this if: You want a bag for both long and short trips.

Why it’s great: Though it’s not the best bag for every type of trip, the State Bags Bensen Toiletry Kit is a good option for more scenarios than any other bag we tested. It’s also a great choice for travelers who need a versatile kit that can hold enough for longer excursions as well as keep smaller, travel-size items organized.

The bag (which is made of nylon, polyster, or cotton, depending on what color you pick) unzips flat like a textbook (7 by 9 by 3 inches) instead of opening at the top, like a traditional brick-shaped dopp kit. So it offers more flexibility to stash larger and wider items, like a full-size shampoo bottle, shaving cream canister, or large makeup palette. It also has a hook, so you can hang it from a towel rack. To keep your gear organized, one side of the toiletry bag has two open pockets, and the other has a mesh zip pocket. When we stuffed the main compartment full of toiletries, the seams didn’t pucker, and it was still easy to zip closed.

There’s also a removable plastic pouch that holds up to four 2.7-ounce travel bottles. When we first tested this bag, in 2019, the plastic pouch was translucent; we loved that you could easily unsnap it for airport security checks without unloading the entire bag. In later versions of the bag, the plastic was too opaque to serve that purpose. But as of 2023, only one of the dozen or so color options (the nylon black/floral) incorporates that opaque plastic. The other options all now come with a translucent pouch.

Our pick for most versatile toiletry bag, the State Bags Bensen Dopp Kit, shown opened and hanging on a bathroom wall.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This bag is the most expensive of our picks. The Bensen’s plastic hook didn’t break in our tests, but it’s still thinner (by a millimeter or two) than those on most of the hanging bags we reviewed. Under pressure, it bends more easily than most of the other hooks, so we’ll be watching how it holds up during long-term testing.

The detachable plastic pouch isn’t as waterproof as it appears. The pouch’s edges are lined in fabric, which sops up liquids like a sponge before leaking the contents everywhere.

Capacity: State Bags couldn’t tell us the capacity; we estimate it to be 3.5 liters.

Dimensions: 9 by 7 by 3 inches

Colors: about 20 frequently changing options—some solid, some mulit-colored, and some printed with patterns

A teal grey Peak Design Wash Pouch sitting on a tile bathroom counter.

Peak Design Wash Pouch

Countertop organization.

Minimalist-looking on the outside, this water-resistant dopp kit has lots of specialized pockets inside to hold—and keep safely separate—your essentials. Although it has a hook, it works best sitting on a bathroom counter.

Get this if: You want a water-resistant toiletry case with lots of pockets and you don’t usually need or want to hang your bag.

Why it’s great: The Peak Design Wash Pouch has several organizational pockets for your sundries; it was the most thoughtfully designed dopp-style bag we tested. Most dopp kits have at most one small pocket in addition to their main compartment, but this bag kept our items separated, so that our toothbrush didn’t have to mingle in the same pocket as our razor.

The toiletry bag opens like an accordion, and its wide base keeps it upright even when it’s full. There’s an open compartment on one side of the bag that’s big enough to hold a 12-ounce shampoo bottle or an electric razor. The other side has three mesh pockets great for keeping travel toiletries in their place, as well as a large zip pocket for stashing cotton swabs and facial tissues. Testers were pleasantly surprised to learn the bag is divided in half by a magnetically closed toothbrush pocket; it doesn’t seal completely, though, so moisture can evaporate. On the outside, there’s a pocket for a small beard trimmer or body razor, so you won’t cut yourself on a blade when digging through the main compartment for tweezers. “I love it. The compartments seem thoughtfully conceived,” said Wirecutter’s Winnie Yang. “It could hold enough for all three of us in my family times two.”

The teal grey peak design toiletry bag hung from a shower shelf.

This dopp kit is also tough. It’s made of recycled, 200-denier nylon and coated with durable water repellent (DWR), so it’s light and flexible, and water-resistant too. (There weren’t any leaks in our tests.) It has large zippers and reinforced pull tabs that didn’t snap off when we tugged hard. The internal mesh pockets are coated in silicone, so it’s easier to wipe them clean than dealing with traditional mesh pockets. As a bonus, all pockets turn inside out for cleaning.

The Peak Design Wash Pouch has a lifetime warranty.

A close up of three toiletry bag hooks on a shower shelf.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Peak Design’s hook has a shallower shape than the hooks on our other picks, so it’s more likely to slide off a towel bar when, say, you’re digging for a contacts case at the bottom of the bag. (Peak Design’s arc radius is roughly 200 degrees; the hook on the L.L.Bean Personal Organizer , by contrast, has an arc of 270 degrees.) We preferred to use it like a dopp kit, letting it sit on the counter; that way, it was easy to access all its different compartments without worrying about it slipping and scattering our toiletries.

Capacity: 2.5 liters

Dimensions: 10 by 6 by 4.3 inches

Colors: black, sage green

A brown blue and red Topo Designs Dopp Kit sitting on a bathroom counter.

Topo Designs Dopp Kit

An expansive dopp kit.

This contemporary-looking bag packs down flat but is still roomier when expanded than most of the dopp kits we tested. It does, however, lack pockets and a hook.

Get this if: You’re a heavy packer who doesn’t need a lot of organizational compartments.

Why it’s great: The Topo Designs Dopp Kit is fun to look at. It’s shaped like a prism and comes in solid colors or complementary color combos. It remains upright when full, yet packs completely flat for storage. Its spacious main interior holds oblong toiletries well, including a full-size hair spray canister or electric razor kit. And the structure has some give, so you can stuff the bag into sharp suitcase corners without compromising packing space.

The unzipped topo designs dopp kit showing toiletries and a brush inside.

The dopp kit is covered in an abrasion-resistant 1,000-denier nylon that’s textured like canvas and zips closed with a heavy-duty YKK zipper. The inside of the kit is lined in nylon pack cloth for easy cleaning; it doesn’t trap moisture or leak between layers. There’s also a long strap that makes it easier to grip the bag with one hand. And it has a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although the bag’s nylon lining helped trap small leaks, bigger spills may still seep through the bag’s zipper teeth. Like most dopp kits we’ve seen, this one has no hook. Unlike most dopp kits, though, this one has no pockets at all apart from the main compartment. If you prefer a toiletry bag that isn’t a gaping hole, opt for one of our other picks instead.

Capacity: 3 liters

Dimensions: 11 by 5.5 by 5.5 inches

Colors: about a dozen frequently changing solid and multi-colored options

A lime green Sea to Summit Travelling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag sitting on a bathroom counter.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small)

A space-saving hanging bag.

This lightweight, well-organized bag fits a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries into a compact package. It’s meant to be hung, which makes it good for tight spaces, but it doesn’t have much in the way of internal structure.

Get this if: You’re a light packer who wants to hang up your bag for easy access.

Why it’s great: The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small) is our previous top pick, and we still love it. It’s compact, holds enough gear for a week-long trip, and is durable.

Unassuming in size and appearance, the Sea to Summit is small enough to stash in a backpack or laptop bag, but it holds enough travel-size toiletries to keep us supplied for a week. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you can open it and hang it from a shower curtain or towel rod to easily see and grab your items. It comes with a shatterproof mirror, two micro-mesh zip pockets and an open pocket for toothbrushes, lip balm, and tweezers, and a large compartment for bulky lotions and hair care products.

The sea to summit bag hanging open from a shower shelf.

This toiletry bag is also tougher than it looks. Its ripstop nylon exterior didn’t tear in our tests. And the seams didn’t give when we stuffed it full of travel toiletry bottles, a toothbrush, toothpaste, facial tissues, and more. This bag comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Long-term test notes: Wirecutter’s Shannon Palus traveled with the Sea to Summit toiletry bag for two months, including a trip to Europe and weekend trips, and said she loved it: “I like how small it is, I can easily throw it in a backpack so I have meds and makeup et cetera on the plane too. There are so many random pockets, it’s easy to stash extra hair ties or a back-up $20 and not have them get lost. One complaint: One of the ties on a zipper broke off almost immediately.”

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Sea to Summit weighs just under 3 ounces, making it lighter than our most-versatile hanging-bag pick, the State Bags Benson Dopp Kit . Its willowy shape becomes lumpy when packed to the brim with travel toiletries, so some people may prefer a bag with more structure.

And though small spills are no match for this bag’s water-resistant exterior, bigger messes may be a problem because moisture leaks through the zipper.

Dimensions: 9 by 6 by 3 inches

Colors: high rise grey, atoll blue, spicy orange

A blue and white L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag sitting on a bathroom counter.

L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

A big bag to share.

This bag is inexpensive and sturdily constructed, and it holds enough to supply multiple users.

Get this if: You’re packing for a beach getaway for two or a family trip to a theme park.

Why it’s great: We like the L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag because it’s big enough to hold a family of four’s bathroom essentials and it’s long-lasting.

With 6 liters of capacity, the medium-size L.L.Bean toiletry bag offers more room than the Peak Design and Topo bags combined. Our testers thought the bag was intimidatingly large for solo travel and preferred its roomy size for excursions with partners or a family. There’s plenty of space for packing full-size bathroom essentials to share among the group. We fit one full-size bottle each of shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, and hair spray into this bag and still had room to add a hairbrush. And it’s loaded with storage features, so everything has its place. It has a wide handle, three external pockets, two interior waterproof zip pockets, a zip mesh pouch, and three small mesh pockets for taller toiletries, like a hairspray canister or sunscreen. There’s also a hook, removable shower caddy, and a removable mirror.

The sea to summit toiletry bag hanging open from a shower shelf.

The bag is heavy when crammed full, but when we suspended the bag (stuffed with shampoo, toothpaste, hair spray, and more ) by its metal hook for an hour, the hook didn’t break or bend. Its YKK zippers skate across the teeth, making it easy to open and close when full. And the bag’s abrasion-resistant cover didn’t scuff in our drop tests. The L.L.Bean toiletry bag has a one-year warranty.

A close up of the removable shower caddy on the l.l. bean toiletry bag.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This toiletry bag has two external side pockets for stashing smaller items, like lotions or facial tissues. But they’re too stubby for a regular toothbrush, so if that’s where you want to pack your toothbrush, you’ll need a travel-size one instead.

While moisture from a spill did bead up on the surface of this toiletry bag, it’s not completely waterproof. Major spills are still a problem, as liquids leak through the zipper teeth.

Capacity: 6 liters

Dimensions: 11.5 by 9.75 by 3.5 inches

Colors: about a dozen solid, print, and plaid options

Six different colors and styles of toiletry bags organized in a grid on a tile floor.

After nine years of reviewing toiletry bags, we have a solid foundation in what travelers value in a bag. Still, we approached this guide as first-timers and read dozens of travel blogs, message boards, and bag review guides. We also consulted a panel made up of occasional travelers and frequent fliers to find out what matters to them the most, whether traveling across town or across the continent.

From there, we compiled a list of 69 different toiletry bags and divided them into four categories: plain bags, clear TSA-approved bags, dopp kits, and hanging bags. We reviewed each contender’s design, size, weight, storage capacity, materials, notable features (like a travel shower caddy or extended warranty), availability across retailers, and third-party reviews. We narrowed it down to 23 of the best-reviewed toiletry bags with a mix of features to accommodate different kinds of uses and various tastes in style. Then we called in the bags and tested them using the following criteria:

Overall design and construction: We reviewed each bag’s materials, the quality of the seams, and smoothness of the zippers, as well as the usefulness of each compartment. We also considered the bag’s weight, the sturdiness of its hook (if it had one), and color options, wanting to accommodate a range of tastes.

Bag capacity: We filled each bag with a selection of travel-size or full-size toiletries, depending on the size of the bag. Most bags contained a combination of the following toiletries: a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, body razor, shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, facial tissues, feminine hygiene products, condoms, cotton swabs, a hairbrush, hairpins and ties, sunscreen, lotion, and a pill bottle.

Shape retention and durability: We closed each bag when stuffed full of gear and noted which bags deformed and if the seams puckered or tore under pressure. If the bag had a hook, we hung it up for at least half a day and checked both the bag and hook for structural integrity.

Contents retention: We shook each bag around and dropped it on the ground to see if the contents spilled out or became rearranged during handling.

Waterproofing: We ran each bag under a kitchen faucet for a few seconds to see how well the exterior repelled water. Then we spilled a tablespoon of water inside each bag, closed it, and shook it to see how easily it would leak a less viscous liquid (like spilled eye-makeup remover or toner).

Community review: We asked a panel of staffers with varying travel needs and family sizes to look at the bags from our list and offer feedback.

We plan to call in and test new toiletry bags from Aer, Eagle Creek, and other companies. We’re also taking a look at a smaller version of one of our picks, Peak Design’s Wash Pouch.

The Matador FlatPak Toiletry Case is the thinnest and lightest bag we tested and folds flat like a sheet of paper when empty. Its roll-top design ensures there’s no wasted space, and it snaps closed with a YKK buckle. But the roll-top unfurled easily during our tests, spilling smaller items, like travel toothpaste, onto the floor.

TSA-approved clear bags

The CableintheBay TSA-Approved Clear Toiletry Bag is made of plastic that’s thinner than other clear bags we tested, so it’s easier to puncture the bag when cramming it into a suitcase. It also leaked during our spill tests.

The Tom Bihn Clear 3D Organizer Cube is made of a ballistic nylon, which is scuff-proof and tear-resistant, and it has YKK zippers, so it’ll outlast most other toiletry bags. But at just 7 by 4 by 2 inches, it’s the smallest bag we tested and barely had enough room for three travel-size toiletries. It’s also twice as expensive as other clear bags.

The Travel Smart by Conair TS78SK Transparent Sundry Bag is the largest bag in this category, at 9.75 by 6.33 by 3.66 inches. A TSA spokesperson recommended that all clear toiletry bags remain under 1 quart (typically 6 by 9 inches), and we don’t want to risk getting detained at the security checkpoint with the wrong-size bag.

The Aer Dopp Kit has narrow dual compartments that were less spacious than our dopp kit pick from Peak Design. Its compartments couldn’t hold bulky pill bottles and shaving cream canisters. And it still leaked despite its water-resistant exterior. (Since our testing, Aer has redesigned the kit—now called the Dopp Kit 2 . We’ll take a look at it soon.)

In previous years, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Quick Trip was our budget pick. It has since been replaced by the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Quick Trip ; we’ll be testing that model soon.

The Herschel Supply Chapter Travel Kit 5L holds more than any other dopp kit we tested, so it’s large enough for a couple to share on an extended getaway. But it isn’t leak-proof, and the bag tips over easily when full of gear.

The KomalC Leather Toiletry Bag is roomy, with enough space for full-size toiletries. But the zippers are clunky, and the bag’s lid is a flap-top design that doesn’t close completely.

The Container Store Toiletry Kit features dual compartments, which aren’t as roomy as other dopp kits we tested. The stitching was poor and unraveled with a quick tug.

The Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag has wide storage compartments, and it didn’t leak during our tests. But those panelists who would buy a leather bag preferred the real leather of our (now-discontinued) pick from Cuyana over Vetelli’s faux leather bag; those who wanted an easier-to-clean option would have gone with one of our nylon or plastic picks.

Hanging bags

The AmazonBasics Hanging Toiletry Kit doesn’t have as many storage pockets as other bags we tested, and the bag leaked during our moisture tests.

The Freegrace Hanging Toiletry Bag is the largest bag tested, so it holds enough toiletries for a family trip. But its size makes it cumbersome to carry when full. The storage compartments are narrow, so it’s harder to fit bulky or odd-shaped items, like wide-tooth combs or hair gel, inside. The bag also leaked during our tests.

We liked the toughness of the Tom Bihn Deluxe Spiff Kit , with its YKK zippers, ripstop fabric, and reinforced carry handles. There’s also a fold-out shelf covered in Velcro that keeps four 1-ounce jars from falling to the floor. Our testers thought the jars were too small, though, and not worth the additional cost. The bag also leaked during our tests.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

travel wash bag clear

Kaitlyn Wells

Kaitlyn Wells is a senior staff writer who advocates for greater work flexibility by showing you how to work smarter remotely without losing yourself. Previously, she covered pets and style for Wirecutter. She's never met a pet she didn’t like, although she can’t say the same thing about productivity apps. Her first picture book, A Family Looks Like Love , follows a pup who learns that love, rather than how you look, is what makes a family.

Further reading

several bag organizers

The Best Bag and Cable Organizers

by Kaitlyn Wells

Always losing cables, SD cards, and tubes of lip balm in the depths of your backpack? A bag organizer will help you corral what you carry every day.

Our pick for The Best Underseat Personal Items to Pair With Your Carry-On Bag, the Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag.

The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags

by Kit Dillon

There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs.

A blue Junes Carry-All mesh bag that is filled with oranges and resting on top of a table.

12 Surprising Ways to Use One of Our Favorite Reusable Produce Bags

by Elissa Sanci

We recommend the Junes Carry-All sacks in our guide to reusable produce bags—but these mesh bags are impressively versatile.

A person wearing the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel backpack.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

14 Toiletry Bags That Will Look Cute on Any Hotel Vanity

Travel packing made easy.

a group of green suitcases on a counter

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

If you ask us, a good toiletry bag should have room for everything, including your favorite skincare sets , staple hair shampoos and conditioners , and must-have makeup products . A major plus is a pouch equipped with several compartments, especially one large enough to house more oversized items like your makeup brushes and tools, different sections to help you organize your goods, and enough room to fit a seven-step skin routine. Yes, it’s quite a big ask, but they do exist. Once you find the right bag, it’ll be one less thing to worry about on your next vacation.

Top picks for the best toiletry bags in 2023

Medium Clear Cosmetics Case

Best Overall

Calpak medium clear cosmetics case.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

Best for Backpacking

Sea to summit hanging toiletry bag.

Small Clear Makeup Case

Best for Makeup Brushes

Beautypie small clear makeup case.

As vacation pros and beauty product hoarders, we tested the best toiletry bags based on the market, considering factors like size, fabric, organization, and perused online consumer reviews to find the best ones. Ahead are some of our personal favorite toiletry bags, plus the ones we scoured online (so you don’t have to).

Calpak’s new cosmetics case is genius because it features multiple compartments separated by zippers to store tons of goodies neatly. The transparent exterior makes it easy to grab whatever product you need quickly, and one wipe will take any marks or spills away. If the medium size isn’t your jam, opt for the small or large so you can take as few or as many products as you want.

Calpak star rating : 5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t grab this cosmetics bag because of its bright pink interior. Then, I started unzipping the compartments and immediately started mentally adding travel-sized beauty goods to my cart. There are so many varying sizes housed in this cute pink case, including two large side pockets and a mini pouch in the middle for tiny knickknacks.” — Nerisha Penrose , ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Sizes : Small, medium, and large

Colors : Dragonfruit, emerald green, lavender, navy, white, black, caramel, and mauve

If you’ve accidentally knocked a foundation off your bathroom counter or splashed too much water on your toiletry bag resting on the sink, a hanging bag is exactly what you need. This Sea to Summit bag features a sizeable flap with a few tiny compartments to house small trinkets, and one large bottom pouch to keep your products standing tall and firm without any spills or mishaps. The bag even comes with a compact mirror for quick touch-ups.

Sea to Summit rating : 4.9/5 stars

A Sea to Summit reviewer said : “Excellent product design, lightweight with strong materials. I have taken this bathroom bag on numerous adventures, overseas, and motorcycle camping excursions and have had no problems. I like the strong zipper, internal mirror, and overall function of the design. I would purchase and replace it again if I lost it. Thanks, Sea to Summit, for another good product.”

Sizes : Small, large

Colors : Grey, atoll blue, spicy orange, black, orange, blue

Just as you carefully wash your brushes to extend their use, they deserve to be stowed away properly as well. This small case can keep your brushes tucked away from the spills and dirt they would normally accumulate from larger cosmetics bags.

BeautyPie star rating : 4.9/5 stars

A BeautyPie reviewer said : “Fab makeup bag for everyday travel. Easy to find in bag and easy to see what I’m looking for. Lovely bright, happy color.”

Size : One size

Colors : Purple, orange, green

Beis The Cosmetic Organizer

The Cosmetic Organizer

Like the brand’s bestselling weekender, this cosmetics bag is designed with a separate compartment that keeps your makeup brushes and other tools neatly tucked away from messy liquids and powders.

Beis star rating : 4.9/5 stars

A Beis reviewer said : “Omg, I didn’t know this material felt like this! It’s so smooth and easy to wipe clean! I love how it has a bottom compartment just like the weekender and the size is perfect for quick travel for my toiletries! Thanks BEIS for bringing this back in stock!”

Colors : Beige, black

Leatherology XL Train Case

XL Train Case

This fancy leather pouch is the multipurpose piece your travel luggage has been missing. Complete with two interior zippered pockets, a removable divider system, a large elastic band to secure bottles, and a smaller elastic band to hold hair ties, it can be used for makeup and to store skincare products, accessories, and other trinkets you may travel with. You can even purchase the strap separately to wear outside.

Leatherology star rating : 5/5 stars

A Leatherology reviewer said : “The craftsmanship of this product is amazing. I am so happy with my purchase. It is a quality leather that will stand the rest of time.”

Sizes : S, M, XL

Colors : 11, including Black Onyx, nickel hardware, bordeaux, navy blue, light gold hardware, camel, and light gold hardware

Glossier The Beauty Bag

The Beauty Bag

You already have all the Glossier products displayed on your vanity. Take your devotion to the brand up a notch by investing in its amply-sized makeup bag. In addition to being tall enough for bottles to stand upright, it includes a removable interior pouch and four small side pockets, so you never have to dig for your lip gloss or any other grab-and-go items.

Glossier star rating : 4.4/5 stars

A Glossier reviewer said : “This is literally the cutest makeup bag I have ever owned! It has so much storage and it makes you look sophisticated, haha!”

Colors : Pink and red

Everlane The ReNew Catch-All Case

The ReNew Catch-All Case

Everlane’s case has five pockets to help you organize everything from skincare to jewelry without mixing anything up. Uniquely, it snaps down and rolls back so you can easily sift through your products once you arrive at your destination.

Everlane star rating : 4.7/5 stars

An Everlane reviewer said : “I bought this to use as an organizer inside a handbag. It worked perfectly and I liked it so much that I ordered another as a makeup bag . The little pockets make it easy to organize your things, and I love the roll-down top for easy access.”

Size: One size

Colors : Black, warm quartz, nutria/beech, and ocean cavern

Bosidu Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag

Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag

This fold-up toiletry organizer is made for the trendy traveler who is also practical at heart. It’s totally waterproof and leakproof, machine washable, XL-sized, and has many built-in pockets and zippers to keep things organized.

Amazon star rating : 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said : “I loved this bag. I bought it for a two-week trip recently, and it was exactly what I needed! It was a perfect fit for all my toiletries and makeup.”

Colors : 13 hues and prints, including M-Navy Blue, M-black, palm leaf, plaid, and zebra print

Away The Large Toiletry Bag

The Large Toiletry Bag

Away’s travel kit is deceivingly compact-looking. Thanks to its three interior compartments and one exterior zippered pocket, there’s ample space to separate your makeup from your brushes for a no-fuss, clutter-free trip.

Away star rating : 4.7/5 stars

An Away reviewer said : “I’m really happy with this bag. It’s roomy but not oversized, the compartments and pockets are really handy for keeping things organized, and the material seems durable and easy to care for.”

Colors : Black, navy, coast, olive, and garnet

Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag

Hanging Toiletry Bag

You can’t decide which beauty products to bring with you, so you bring them ALL. If that sounds familiar, you must get this top-rated Amazon pick . Featuring a large interior compartment, two mesh zippered pockets, and two side compartments for separating dry and wet items, it hangs and expands to accommodate all your neurotic “just-in-case” tendencies.

Amazon star rating : 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said : “I could fit all skincare and body care products in this bag. The full regular size bottles and containers could stand up nicely, and I had no spilling.”

Sizes : M, L

Colors : Baby pink, black, and grey

Make Up For Ever Professional Bag

Professional Bag

For the professional MUA or beauty enthusiast with an extensive lineup of products, upgrade your kit with Make Up For Ever’s functional organizer, which has enough compartments to fit brushes, bottles, and everything in between. Bonus: You can use the included strap to carry it as a crossbody, too.

Sephora star rating : 4.5/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said : “I’ve had countless makeup bags in my life, and this one is by far my favorite. It holds all my makeup and the different-sized pouches enable me to organize to my heart’s content. It’s also really, REALLY easy to clean. I recently emptied out the pouches, tossed them in the wash, and wiped down the bag itself with a makeup wipe, and it was as good as new! Be forewarned, it’s massive, but if you have a lot of makeup, it’ll meet your needs perfectly!”

Colors : Black

Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Pouch

Cosmetic Pouch

Nothing says luxury like packaging your makeup essentials in a Louis Vuitton pouch. This one has chic gold brass detailing and a washable interior, so you can travel in high style without sacrificing function.

A review from Wantastic Beauty said the pouch’s tapered design is great because of “how wide the opening of the mouth is and that the zipper extends right down the sides because you can access your stuff much easier and clearly see where everything is.”

Colors/Finishes : Damier Azure Canvas, Monogram Canvas, and Damier Ebene

H&M Large Toiletry Bag

Large Toiletry Bag

Cut your prep time with a clear toiletry bag that allows you to see how deep down your brown lip liner fell. It’s double-tiered to give you plenty of space for lipsticks, eyeshadows, and larger f oundation bottles and compacts.

H&M star rating : 4.7/5 stars

An H&M reviewer said : “This is the BEST toiletry bag ever! I’ve ordered many different ones in many different sizes, and this one tops all. I put all of my makeup in the top compartment and all of my toiletries in the bottom.”

Colors : Transparent and transparent/powder pink

Sonia Kashuk Makeup Organizer Bag Set

Makeup Organizer Bag Set

Smaller bags within one larger carryall is always a smart way to keep things organized. This four-piece set from Sonia Kashuk comes with everything you could possibly need, whether you’re headed away for a weekend or two weeks. Toss your makeup brushes into the pencil case, your larger products into the square-zip pouch, your smallest items into the round-top bag, and all three bags into the transparent tote for easy access.

Target star rating : 4.7/5 stars

A Target reviewer said : “This set has lasted me over two years of travel with regular cleanings. It’s very durable and overall a classic look.”

Colors : Black/Stripe

How do I choose the best toiletry bag?

kjb

First and foremost, consider how big your collection is and the types of products you’ll be storing. For instance, if you tend to pack light or your routine is somewhat minimal, a small zippered pouch should suffice. On the other hand, if you’re a professional makeup artist or a beauty enthusiast with a sizable collection, you’ll want a larger case with plenty of compartments to hold all your bottles, palettes, brushes, tubes, tools, and more. Look for options with special compartments that hold bottles upright, and consider styles that can hang, as they’re easily accessible and won’t overcrowd a small bathroom counter.

Remember that the larger the toiletry bag, the more room it will occupy inside your luggage. To find a happy medium, look for styles that can store your skincare and makeup essentials while occupying a reasonable space in your suitcase or duffel.

What fabric is best for a toiletry bag?

elle line break

No matter which style you choose, it’s always a good idea to look for options made with durable, easy-to-clean materials like PVC or polyester, so makeup mishaps are a cinch to fix. Also, consider waterproof fabrics to avoid spills leaking through to the rest of the contents in your suitcase (aka, a traveler’s worst nightmare).

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

elle line break

Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless skincare professionals and has personally tested the latest and greatest products across makeup, skincare, and hair care.

Sam Peters is a seasoned commerce writer and editor with over five years of experience covering beauty, fashion, and lifestyle topics. For this roundup, both editors tested toiletry bags and pored over dozens of customer reviews to find the best toiletry bags.

preview for Elle Beauty

Perfumes & Fragrances

floral perfumes

The 20 Best Perfumes to Wear This Summer

a pink light bulb on a white surface

ELLE Loves: Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar

bella hadid for orebella

Bella Hadid’s New Line ‘Ôrebella, Explained

pheromone perfumes

The 8 Best Pheromone Perfumes to Attract Anyone

best body mists

The 10 Best Body Mists For Expert Layering

guerlain néroli plein sud

ELLE Loves: Néroli Plein Sud

best rose perfumes

The 17 Best Rose Perfumes of 2024

a group of different colored bottles

Everyone Wants to Smell Rare and Different

a woman holding a camera

30 Long-Lasting Fragrances to Keep Forever

best spring perfumes

15 Best Fragrances to Wear This Spring

perfume for women

Our 23 Favorite Fragrances of All Time

Best toiletry bags 2023: practical and stylish wash bags for travel

Going away? Keep your toiletries in a selection of these fantastic washbags

One of the best toiletry bags on a table, surrounded by a toothbrush, glasses, cactus and watering can

Every traveller needs a good toiletry bag. You may be the type that can get by on just a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste, but the accessories you need for more than a few days away quickly mount up. Shampoo and body wash is increasingly provided by hotels these days, but you still need to travel with your own deodorant, razor, shaving cream, moisturiser, creams, gels, medication, tablets… for some travellers, the list goes on and on.

So while you may aspire to travel with just a toothbrush and a credit card, the reality is very different. Cue the travel wash bag, a long-time travel staple.

However, they come in many different shapes and sizes. There are luxury-looking wash bags fashioned from leather, canvas bags designed for camping, and all kinds of styles in-between. There are clutches, products with integrated hanging hooks, and ultralight designs that are all about saving weight. 

These toiletry bags must be paired with the best suitcase , best carry-on luggage , or best backpack .

How to choose the toiletry bag for you

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

You may not spend as much time choosing a wash bag as a wristwatch , but what you choose will say a lot about you. 

You can pay for materials and style, of course, with leather (both faux and real Italian hide) in our lineup. Those materials are easy to clean and exude style, but they come at a high price. 

The soft leather James Purdey & Sons Leather Wash Bag is a high roller at aroud £295, but it's very basic in design. Even the faux leather Ted Baker Cobbler Wash Bag is more intriguing, though not as impressive as the ultra-organised Aspinal of London Men's Hanging Washbag .

In the mid-rage sits the attractive Filson Canvas Wash Bag at around £120, with the rest of our roundup concentrating on more affordable and outdoorsy, unisex designs using man-made fabrics, such as the feature-packed Snugpak Luxury Wash Bag , and the compact Lifeventure Travel Wash Bag ,

For those who prefer to travel ultralight, check-out the Osprey Ultralight Washbag Zip , which also acts as a hanging wash bag, but includes a tear-off, see-through pouch for storing liquids in hand luggage, as does the unisex OneNine5 , which is fashioned from recycled plastic.

From business trips and plush hotels to camping and backpacking, there’s a travel wash bag here for you.

The 8 best toiletry bags you can buy

OneNine5 travel wash bag

1. OneNine5 travel wash bag

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you’re the kind of traveller that takes a lot of creams, lotions and potions, this generously-sized wash bag is for you. Designed by a London based start-up, OneNine5 has the Millennial crowd in its sights; it’s got a 100% recycled plastic lining, but also a magnetised clear liquids bag for getting through airport security when you’re travelling carry-on only. 

Coming in three colours, the OneNine5 travel wash bag has seven separate compartments to maximise space, including a zipped area for must-not-lose items as well as a hanging hook and a separate toothbrush holder. It’s available in three unisex colours; blue, pink and grey. 

Snugpak Luxury Wash Bag

2. Snugpak Luxury Wash Bag

Sometimes you don’t have to spend big to get your money’s worth. If you can live with the polyester outdoorsy look, Snugpak’s offering has all you need and more; as well as two main individually divided and zipped compartments, the Luxury Wash Bag has a useful wet storage compartment, a detachable mirror, and a stainless steel hanging hook to store it up and out of the way in bathrooms. That’s three features you don’t usually get from a washbag. It’s also got four elasticated sections for sundries. 

James Purdey & Sons Leather Wash Bag

3. James Purdey & Sons Leather Wash Bag

If you want to travel in luxury, look no further than this beautiful leather wash bag. The clutch design may be reminiscent of a handbag, but elsewhere it's masculinity defined; where else would you find a 'signature oak bark tanning technique' applied to hide? 

At 8x18x26cm it's roomy enough for most toiletries, while the nicely lined main area contains a small pouch for contact lenses. Elsewhere it's all about style, with excellent quality zips and an embossed designer emblem. It's beautiful, if a little basic, but does anyone need to pay this much for a washbag?

Filson Canvas Wash Bag

4. Filson Canvas Wash Bag

If you're after a more vegetarian retro look, consider canvas. It's light, durable and much more versatile than leather. Oh, and it's cheaper, too. Cut from canvas and lined with nylon for extra waterproofing, this simple toiletry bag from Filson is a one-compartment affair, though inside is an open side-pocket for easy division of kit. 

A grab handle on one end is a nice touch, as is a high quality zip. Measuring 14x19x30cm, it's big enough to take some serious gear, but it folds down to nothing when not in use, which is handy when you're back at your bathroom base.

Osprey Ultralight Washbag Zip

5. Osprey Ultralight Washbag Zip

Take two wash bags into the bathroom? If you're quite the jet-setter who's just as likely to pop over to Europe for a business meeting – with hand luggage only – as you are to go long duration, long haul, you don't want to have to buy a different wash bag for every kind of trip. 

This well-designed and incredibly lightweight 14x23x7cm option from outdoor specialist Osprey has three separate sections that can be unfurled when you get to your destination. Weighing just 12g, it's got a small coat hanger and plenty of pockets, a built-in mirror, and a transparent compartment that doubles as a rip-off toiletries pouch.

Ted Baker Cobbler Wash Bag

6. Ted Baker Cobbler Wash Bag

At first glimpse this looks like a solid leather trunk bag, but a clever compartment saves the day. Made from faux leather, with brass-look zips and with some attractive detailing, this 12.5x13x26cm toiletry bag has one big compartment ideal for storing the usual suspects like deodorant, shaving cream and a tube of toothpaste. 

However, another compartment on its undercarriage contains a few mesh pockets and a host of elasticated straps ideal for securing shaving accessories (or even cables). It adds some much-needed functionality because despite the attractive look, the build quality here is actually pretty basic.

Aspinal of London Men's Hanging Washbag

7. Aspinal of London Men's Hanging Washbag

  • Aspinal of London Men's Hanging Washbag - £225

Are you the organised type? If you're the kind of man who likes to travel with everything you need at your fingertips, there are few better options than a hanging wash bag. When closed it looks like a regular wash bag, with a magnet keeping everything snug. There’s even a carry handle on rear. 

However, unfurl it and you find three separate compartments, two of them zipped. There's even a mirror. Handmade in smooth calf leather, each pocket is lined with water resistant fabric. It's a joy to use, but the bizarre choice to have a loop rather than a hook makes it harder to find it a home.

Lifeventure Travel Wash Bag

8. Lifeventure Travel Wash Bag

If you have no need for leather and looks, you'll love this small unisex toiletry bag that looks like a packing cube. Available in blue, red and grey, the 22x18x8cm Lifeventure is all about practical design rather than style. It's made from ripstop nylon, and has two compartments one a mesh pocket and the other a more secure zip top security pocket.

 Thankfully, the loop design also comes with a hook, and there's a zipped pocket to make tablets easily accessible without opening the whole bag. It's also got a mirror, though in practical terms it's mere novelty.

Liked this?

  • These are  the best backpacks
  • Best travel bags
  • Best travel adapters

Upgrade to smarter living

Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.

Jamie is a freelance journalist, copywriter and author with 20 years' experience. He's written journalism for over 50 publications and websites and, when he's not writing, spending most of his time travelling – putting the latest travel tech through its paces.

The Umbrella Academy Season 4

The Umbrella Academy ends in August

By Max Freeman-Mills Published 1 June 24

Porsche 911 GTS hybrid

Porsche’s new 911 uses its hybrid tech for more power, not efficiency

By Alistair Charlton Published 1 June 24

Best travel backpack

The best travel backpacks for everything from weekends away and business trips to backpacking and hiking

By Jamie Carter Last updated 20 December 23

A man plugging his phone into one of the best power banks, the BioLite Charge PD 80

Whether you’re travelling, commuting or in the office, the best power banks keep your smartphone, laptop and everything recharged and ready to use

By Jamie Carter Last updated 15 March 24

A man swimming underwater in diving gear, taking a picture of a turtle with one of the best underwater cameras

T3’s roundup of the best underwater cameras available to buy right now

By Amy Davies Last updated 2 January 24

Man walking along sand dunes, looking out to sea, with one of the best travel tripods on his shoulder

These are the best travel tripods – compact and lightweight enough to squeeze into a backpack, suitcase or even a pocket

By Jamie Carter Last updated 2 January 24

best electric scooter: Person riding a Pure Advance Flex electric scooter on street

The best electric scooter can make getting around more fun

By Matt Kollat Last updated 29 May 24

A little blonde girl on a beach taking a picture with one of the best camera for kids

Easy to use and difficult to break – choose the best camera for kids with our handy guide

By Gavin Stoker Last updated 29 February 24

A woman sitting on a wall in a city, wearing a pair of the best headphones for travel – Beats

It's time to grab a pair of the best headphones for travel, for long flights, train journeys, and car rides

By Spencer Hart Last updated 2 January 24

Two toddlers playing in a blue travel cot – one of the best travel cots you can buy

Attempting travel with a baby? The best travel cot will make sure you’re suitably armed, and they’re suitably snuggly

By Spencer Hart Last updated 4 January 23

Useful links

  • When is the next Prime Day?
  • Best 5G phones
  • Best VPN services
  • Best laptops
  • Best smartphones
  • Best mattresses
  • Best phone deals
  • Best mattress deals
  • Best TV deals
  • Discount codes

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

15 stylish travel toiletry bags to pack for your next trip

Need the perfect pouch to organise your holiday essentials? Browse our favourite toiletry bags

travel toiletry bags

Perhaps you're heading off for a romantic weekend break or flying to the Med for a family getaway - well, toiletry bags are ideal for keeping your beauty, hair and skincare essentials in one place.

We've rounded up the most stylish ones available to buy right now, including hanging toiletry bags for convenience, clear ones so you can see all your products and luxury wash bags made of the finest leather.

These travel toiletry bags for men and women range from large wash bags to fit your full-sized shampoo and conditions to toiletry bags with compartments - ideal for the super-organised traveller. Some make excellent travel gifts , too. And if you've purchased a stylish weekender or one of the best suitcases , the perfect travel toiletry bag should fit nicely inside your luggage.

Whatever you have in mind for a travel toiletry bag this summer, you'll want to scroll through our chic selection...

Antler Brompton leather wash bag in black

Antler Brompton leather wash bag in black

A quality travel toiletry bag made from full-grain leather and a compact size to fit in your essentials, Antler's wash bag has a zipped pocket on the outside and provides internal pockets to keep your toiletries in place. The side handle makes it easy to carry, wherever you're staying, and it's a breeze to wipe clean.

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag for Travel

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag for Travel

A stylish travel toiletry bag with a chic striped design, this hanging wash bag from Bagsmart has a host of handy features. The large swivelling hanger helps you hang it up with ease, while the waterproof interiors means you don't have to fear spills. It's generously sized, with four separate compartments, and elastic inner straps that keep bottles upright. It's an excellent all-rounder.

Narwey Travel Hanging Toiletry Wash Bag

Narwey Travel Hanging Toiletry Wash Bag

"This toiletry bag holds many toiletries, some are full-size bottles," says one frequent flyer, who uses this bag. Whether it's toothbrushes, SPF or your favourite night cream, you'll find the space for it in Narwey's pretty purple wash bag. There's a metal hook to hang it, separate sections for brushes and side pockets to pack more in.

H&M Wash Bag

H&M Wash Bag

Perfect for keeping all your beauty essentials in one place, this transparent travel toiletry bag has two large compartments with double zips for easy access. The clear case allows you to see everything in the wash bag and you can divide them by product type, such as your hair must-haves in one and skin favourites in the other. The travel toiletry bag is available in pretty pink or chic black.

OneNine5 Eco-Friendly Travel Wash Bag

OneNine5 Eco-Friendly Travel Wash Bag

You can care for the environment in style with OneNine5's Eco-Friendly Travel Wash Bag that's made with a 100% recycled plastic lining. The chic travel toiletry bag features a reusable and detachable clear bag which is handy for popping in your liquids at the airport. We love the various compartments and pockets for storing everything, from hairbands and ear plugs to mini bottles of shampoo and toothpaste. Plus, its thoughtful waterproof design with water-resistant zippers makes it a breeze to clean.

Aspinal of London Large Essential Cosmetic Case

Aspinal of London Large Essential Cosmetic Case

Want something that allows you to add your initials for a more personal touch. Aspinal of London's stunning travel toiletry bag is a beautiful one you'll love forever. It's made from Italian full-grain leather and has one compartment for storing all your toiletries in one place.

H&M Transparent Wash Bag

H&M Transparent Wash Bag

Spacious, transparent and looking more expensive than its price tag, one of our favourite travel toiletry bags can be found at H&M. It's practical, with a clear case that contains two smaller canvas wash bags, and we love that you can use them as one or three separate bags.

Oliver Bonas Carrie Blue Fold Out Make Up Bag Large

Oliver Bonas Carrie Blue Fold Out Make Up Bag Large

This large wash bag in a fun and fresh shade has a gorgeous quilted stitch for a premium design. There are green zips and interior candy stripes for a travel toiletry bag that looks pretty inside and out. It comes with a hanging hook so you can display all your essentials and the zipped pockets keeps them organised. Make it a collection by matching it with the more compact pink bag - it's perfectly sized for popping in your handbag, when you're out and about exploring.

Lavievert Toiletry Bag

Lavievert Toiletry Bag

If you're looking for a travel toiletry bag that has multiple pockets, this one from Lavievert's got you covered. There is one main compartment, smaller interior mesh pockets, two-way zipped pockets for easy access and more. You can fit in all your essentials for a trip away, from toothbrushes to hairspray and make-up to full-size moisturisers. You can also use the hook to hang it up in the bathroom.

Bellroy Dopp Kit

Bellroy Dopp Kit

This travel toiletry bag has an excellent feature we love: a magnetic sleeve that holds your razor or toothbrush separately from everything else. It also has interior mesh pockets for organisation and the water-resistant lining makes it ideal for wiping away any spills. A compact wash bag for just a few essentials, this design from Bellroy is just the thing for no-fuss packing.

Away The Large Toiletry Bag

Away The Large Toiletry Bag

For a travel toiletry bag with a simple design that's practical and stylish, look no further than this blue option from Away. It's designed to fit in all your essentials, from your toothbrush to deodorant. There's an exterior zip pocket for cotton buds, disinfectant wipes or makeup remover pads, while the interior has multiple interior compartments to help you keep everything organised.

Horizn Kōenji Wash Bag

Horizn Kōenji Wash Bag

Engineered by industry specialists and made from the same material as bulletproof vests, this travel toiletry bag is ideal for frequent travellers. Horizn's Koenji wash bag is water-resistant, durable and designed to withstand wear and tear.

marks M&S 3 Piece Printed Toiletry Bags

M&S 3 Piece Printed Toiletry Bags

Need more than one travel toiletry bag? We love this set of three from M&S, which gives you a large, medium and small wash bag that you can carry as a set or separately if you're travelling light. They're made from recycled material and feature fun plain and abstract designs in gorgeous colours for a stylish holiday option.

M&S Recycled Polyester Pro-Tect™ Washbag

M&S Recycled Polyester Pro-Tect™ Washbag

Made from recycled material that's scuff-resistant and made to last, this men's travel toiletry bag is just the thing to keep all his bathroom essentials in one place. Fans say it's "solid" and offers "plenty of room," and we like the practical water-resistant lining, plus the two compartments for separating items.

preview for Pizza oven recipes

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Travel

christmas hotels and getaways

The best hotels in Malta for 2024

a large building with a dome and a pool of water in front with taj mahal in the background

The best long-haul holidays to take this year

woman wearing japanese traditional kimono walking at historic higashiyama district in spring, kyoto in japan

The 2025 holidays to book now

dog friendly hotels uk

The best dog-friendly hotels in the UK for 2024

city breaks uk

Best city breaks in the UK for 2024

unusual and quirky hotels uk

Quirky hotels for an unusual holiday in the UK

best packing cubes

9 best packing cubes to organise your suitcase

airbnb europe

The best Airbnbs in Europe

airbnb snowdonia

The best Airbnbs in Snowdonia

airbnb croatia

15 best Airbnbs in Croatia for 2024

a body of water with buildings and trees around it in iru fushi sun siyam maldives

Think you can’t afford the Maldives? Think again!

Is Clear Worth the Cost? The Downgrading of First-Class Airport Amenities

Services like Clear were meant to make travel easier—for a price. So, why are so many jetsetters experiencing turbulence?

a man sitting on a couch with a woman holding a microphone

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

“There was a line over 100 feet long, all the way back to the escalators, for Clear,” Alban recalls about a March 27 Dulles-to-Denver jaunt. “If you just skipped the Clear line—even if you were a Clear member—and walked into the regular line, it was much shorter.”

He adds, “Obviously that's a problem.”

twiggy's toast

Frequent fliers have long jockeyed for status , whether by booking first-class tickets or signing up for airline-branded credit cards. But the most elusive perk for any traveler has been dodging headache-inducing lines at airport security checkpoints. When programs to alleviate this pain point first emerged, they seemed poised to deliver customers to their gate in mere minutes. Now, for Alban and others, the once-promising world of pay-to-skip at airports has slowly withered like a scrunched-up napkin in a plastic cup on a tray table. Instead, long queues have come to define the premium airport experience, making the value of benefits like Clear—which launched in 2010 and services 57 airports across the United States—in some customers’ eyes, less clear.

“Something needs to be done,” Alban says. “I don't know if it's on the TSA side, if it's on the staffing side for Clear, if it's a combination of both. But certainly, service has deteriorated considerably in the past six months to a year.”

But travelers seem willing to continue shelling out dough even if the service doesn’t regularly meet their expectations. For Alban, Clear has transformed into a back-pocket, when-it-works-it-works perk.

T&C's Travel Essentials

Heritage Leather Duffel

Ralph Lauren Heritage Leather Duffel

Apple AirTag 4 Pack

Apple Apple AirTag 4 Pack

ID Cardholder in Horsehair and Leather

ID Cardholder in Horsehair and Leather

Leather Toiletry Bag

Brunello Cucinelli Leather Toiletry Bag

Men's Saffiano Leather Passport Holder - Black

Prada Men's Saffiano Leather Passport Holder - Black

“If you show up at the airport and it's really crowded, sometimes Clear can get you through more quickly. But it's a lot less reliable than it was,” he says.

Others, like Alissa Blate Jessup—who pays for the Lennon and McCartney of airport expediency, TSA PreCheck , which allows pre-approved travelers to access streamlined security, and Clear—believe passengers signing up at kiosks for Clear’s latest technology, NextGen Identity+, which allows passengers to use facial recognition to waltz past TSA agents, might be slowing everyone down. Right now, all Clear passengers can wait in the same line, even if they plan on using the kiosks to upgrade to the new service. “I'm being penalized because I've already updated my credentials,” she says.

Jessup believes Clear should create a distinct line for those who have already upgraded to ensure the speedy experience Clear promises to jet-setters.

clear airport review

Clear, which also lets passengers use their eyes or fingerprint scans to cut security lines, said in a statement provided to Town & Country in part that it is “obsessed with the customer experience.” The publicly traded company said reliability will improve as its customers upgrade to NextGen Identity+.

“This free upgrade unlocks the Clear Lane of the Future–a series of technologies and automations that will enhance speed and security. Rolling out over 2024, the Clear Lane of the Future is designed to be seamless, where a member can verify with their face—delivering a more predictable travel journey,” a Clear spokesperson says.

TSA PreCheck, which gives passengers the privilege of leaving one’s shoes on whilst receiving a TSA pat-down, among other advantages, doesn’t fare much better in Jessup’s eyes.

.css-4rnr1w:before{margin:0 auto 1.875rem;width:60%;height:0.125rem;content:'';display:block;background-color:#9a0500;color:#fff;} .css-gcw71x{color:#030929;font-family:NewParis,NewParis-fallback,NewParis-roboto,NewParis-local,Georgia,Times,serif;font-size:1.625rem;line-height:1.2;margin:0rem;}@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-gcw71x{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-gcw71x{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-gcw71x{font-size:2.8125rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-gcw71x b,.css-gcw71x strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-gcw71x em,.css-gcw71x i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} If you skipped the Clear line and walked into the regular line, it was much shorter."

“It's always long. Everyone uses TSA [PreCheck] now,” she says. Other government programs in airports, such as Global Entry, which allows passengers to use expedited lanes and avoid filling out paperwork upon returning from outside the U.S., remain exceedingly popular amongst travers.

TSA spokesperson R. Carter Langston pushed back on complaints about far-too-long lines, arguing that the agency moves passengers through both standard and PreCheck lines efficiently.

“TSA closely monitors wait times against a benchmark for standard screening lanes that is within a 30-minute tolerance. For TSA PreCheck passengers, that benchmark is 10 minutes,” he writes. “[W]e focus significant attention on wait times and achieve our benchmarks for 99% of passengers.”

people entering airplane at gate of modern airport

But it’s not just congestion on the way to a TSA agent barking at passengers to take their laptop out of their bag (only for a different TSA agent to tell you to keep it in the bag). For many, airport lounges, once considered The Joy of Painting of airport spaces, have devolved into Lord of the Flies zoos. Gene Marks, a certified public accountant who gives lectures across the country, now eschews the American Airlines’ lounges in favor of finding empty gates with fewer people. “It's like Disney World,” he says of the lounges, which are typically open to elite status passengers and top-tier credit card members. Once past the welcome desk, some of the nicest lounges offer complimentary restaurant-level food and cocktails, as well as showers and mini spas.

Marks, who has traveled regularly for 20 years, describes recent experiences as standing “shoulder-to-shoulder” with passengers “yelling and screaming” on their phones. After initially using the American lounges to boost his productivity at airports, Marks says that they have become more packed in recent years, making it harder to get work done. In response to similar customer complaints, many airlines have now restricted access to its lounges by creating access cutoffs like flight distance or credit card levels.

jet arriving at los angeles international airport

“I've seen it get worse, particularly post-Covid, because the airlines are trying so hard to bring travelers back,” he says. “They're doing everything they can to attract more people into those lounges. But sometimes, I feel like it has the opposite effect for those of us that signed up for this access for a different reason.”

If moneyed passengers are willing to spend even more, these headaches could disappear for a price. At $4,500 a year, commercial passengers can arrive via private terminals at Los Angeles International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport thanks to terminal company PS. But at these prices, some may opt to book a single seat on a private-jet-esque carrier, like XOJet or JSX. For most travelers, Clear and TSA PreCheck are luxuries. And even if those luxurious experiences happen less and less, customers aren’t willing to consistently suffer through long lines. “Half the time," Alban says of Clear, "it is still worth it.”

Headshot of Andrew Zucker

Andrew Zucker works at a production company in New York City. His writing has appeared in the New York Times , the Financial Times , and Air Mail, among other publications.

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} Where to Go Next @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

a room with a table and chairs

Best Room At... The Wall Street Hotel

white elephant large bedroom with a large bed

The Best Hotels on Nantucket

villefranche sur mer on the french riviera

A Snob's Guide to the French Riviera

infinity pool surrounded by trees on a hill

How to Plan a Wellness Babymoon

hotel chelsea nyc review

Best Room At... Hotel Chelsea

principe di savoia living room with a rug and a couch

Best Room at Principe di Savoia

premiere irish golf resort in adare, county limerick, ireland

The Best Golf Course in Ireland Is at Adare Manor

hotel la compania panama city

Best Room At... Hotel La Compañia

trooping the colour 2023

How to Tour a Special Room at Buckingham Palace

luna luna

The Hottest Date Spot for Celeb Couples in L.A.

cafe carmellini nyc

Is This NYC's Best Restaurant Table?

Recommended

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to copy URL

James Corden defends fellow passengers after nightmare British Airways flight

  • View Author Archive
  • Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

James Corden stood up for his fellow passengers on a flight from Portugal to London over the weekend after a “chaotic” travel day with British Airways.

A woman named Vanessa told Metro the former “Late Late Show” host, 45, was the voice of reason for everyone else on board as he confronted the staff over the unacceptable experience.

Vanessa told the outlet that the plane circled below altitude for about 45 minutes after takeoff before an automated announcement declared an emergency landing.

“It was something along the lines of, ‘Gather your possessions as best you can, take off your shoes, and when you’re told to by the airplane staff, please adopt the brake position and when we land if you’re able, please find your nearest emergency exit and vacate the plane,'” Vanessa recalled.

James Corden

However, soon after, “the staff on the plane assured the passengers that they would no longer have to assume the brake position.”

“Basically, what had happened was the flaps on the airplane wing which are supposed to go down when you are in the air won’t go down, which meant that they wouldn’t be able to raise them on landing,” she explained.

The plane, which took off from Faro, eventually landed in Lisbon.

Once they touched down, the passengers were all held on the tarmac for three hours before the aircraft was deemed unsafe for flight.

James Corden

Despite the upsetting travel day, Vanessa said Corden tried to lift everyone’s spirits by laughing and cracking jokes.

“He walked up and down the aisles talking to people, and let everybody take a selfie with him,” she said.

“He was just really nice, he would have been well within his rights to sit and sulk in his seat like the rest of us would be doing but he didn’t,” Vanessa added.

After the passengers were finally let off the aircraft, the British star acted as the group’s spokesperson as he respectfully confronted the airline crew about how the situation was handled.

James Corden

“We’re in the terminal and there was not a member of [British Airways] staff to be found,” she recalled. “And they put us in immigration queues. And there was just no one there telling us what was going on.”

According to Vanessa, the comedian was the one who told the flight staff that they were in the wrong place — and they immediately directed everyone to the right area.

Photos from the incident show the “Cats” actor speaking with the airline employees as his fellow passengers flanked him on each side.

However, the group was then told that only club flyers or gold flyers would get free hotel rooms for the night. Corden, who qualified for the comped room, once again rushed to the defense of his fellow passengers.

James Corden

Want more celebrity and pop culture news?

Start your day with Page Six Daily.

Thanks for signing up!

Please provide a valid email address.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Want celebrity news as it breaks? Hooked on Housewives?

“James was a club flyer and he stood there, and was like, ‘What about all these people who’ve got all these kids with them?’ like saying that’s not acceptable. It’s not right,” Vanessa recalled.

While it’s unclear if his pleas worked, the passengers arrived at the airport the following day and were greeted by an equally charming version of Corden.

“We were told to turn up at 9:30 for a flight which actually was again delayed by over two hours and James Corden stood in the same queue as everybody else, doing the same things as everybody else did,” she said.

“I saw him let women and children in front of him,” Vanessa continued. “He was a really nice guy both times.”

While Vanessa had nothing but great things to say about the comedian, he has been blasted several times in the past for allegedly rude behavior.

James Corden and Julia Corden

In April 2023, one of Corden’s former TV directors called him one of the “most difficult” and “obnoxious” people he has worked with.

Less than six months earlier, Mel B also labeled the former late-night host as the “biggest d–khead” in Hollywood when asked to list the worst celebrities she had ever met.

“I think you always have to be nice to the people that you work with, whether it be production, camera guys, sound, lighting,” the former Spice Girl said of the comedian.

“We all work for the same thing, so you should always be nice and he hasn’t been very nice.”

Share this article:

James Corden

Advertisement

IMAGES

  1. Clear Travel Toiletry Bag

    travel wash bag clear

  2. Rough Enough Transparent Large Capacity Toiletry Bag Big Volume

    travel wash bag clear

  3. 3 Piece Waterproof Travel Bag Set Transparent Makeup Toiletry Clear

    travel wash bag clear

  4. Clear TSA Travel Toiletry Bag Set

    travel wash bag clear

  5. OneNine5 Havelock Blue Travel Wash Bag, Toiletry Bag, with Airport

    travel wash bag clear

  6. Cosmetic Makeup Toiletry Clear PVC Organizer Travel Wash Bag Portable

    travel wash bag clear

VIDEO

  1. PU Pillow Cosmetic Bag Large Review

  2. WHAT'S IN MY TRAVEL WASH BAG?

  3. Reusable Fabric Bags

COMMENTS

  1. The 13 Best Toiletry Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

    We researched, tested, and evaluated 52 toiletry bags and cosmetic cases to determine the best ones for travel.

  2. Amazon.com: Clear Travel Toiletry Bag

    ANRUI TSA Approved Toiletry Bag With Handle Strap, Clear Travel Liquids Toiletries & Cosmetics Organizer Carry-On Luggage for Women and Men Black 3 Pack (Same Size) 2,148. 400+ bought in past month. $1799 ($6.00/Count) Save 5% on 2 select item (s) FREE delivery Mon, Mar 11 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon.

  3. Amazon.com: Clear Plastic Travel Bags For Toiletries

    2Pcs Clear Zipper Pouches - Travel Toiletry Bag Makeup Organizer Cosmetic Bags for Women Clear Toiletry Bag Small Makeup Pouch Plastic Zipper Bags Zipper Pouch - Girls Travel Toiletry Bag Pencil Pouch. 399. 600+ bought in past month. $699 ($3.50/Count) 7% off promotion available. FREE delivery Tue, Apr 2 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon.

  4. 9 Best Travel Toiletry Bags (for Your Next Trip in 2024)

    Best Travel Toiletry Bag for Organization: Peak Design Wash Bag. Most Innovative Toiletry Bag: Tropicfeel FifLock Toiletry Bag. Best Luxury Toiletry Bag: Kodiak Leather Toiletry Bag. Best Cheap (ish) Toiletry Bag: Generation Nomad Backpacker Toilet Bag. Most Lightweight Toiletry Bag: Sea to Summit Travel Bag.

  5. The 10 Best Clear Travel Makeup Bags of 2024

    These clear travel makeup bags are the best for packing — and quickly retrieving — your makeup and toiletry essentials.

  6. Hanging Toiletry Bag, Clear Travel Toiletry Bag with Detachable TSA

    DETACHABLE TSA APPROVED SMALL CLEAR BAG: The Hanging Toiletry Bag with a Detachable Small Clear Bag at the bottom. You can use this small bag as a separate cosmetic bag, or you can use it to hold some daily items, such as headphones, keys, etc.The small clear bag is a TSA approved toiletry bag, quart size, compliant with TSA 3-1-1 rules and regulations of all airlines, Easy and quick to pass ...

  7. 8 Best Travel Toiletry Bags, According to Pro Travelers in 2024

    Professional travelers offer tips on selecting the best travel toiletry bag for you. Shop eight travel-friendly kits they recommend and use.

  8. The best travel wash bags to pack on your next trip

    In our experience, the best way to choose the right travel wash bag depends on the kind of trip you're set to take.

  9. The 9 Best Travel Toiletry Bags of 2024

    The best travel toiletry bags keep your health and beauty products secure. Our experts tested and reviewed some of the top brands for you.

  10. 10 Best Toiletry Bags of 2024, According to Travel Experts

    Of all the travel accessories you can own, a toiletry bag may be the most essential - especially if you want to avoid leaks and spills in your luggage. Toiletry bags are necessary for keeping ...

  11. The 5 Best Toiletry Bags of 2024

    After stuffing, shaking, and dunking 23 toiletry bags, we chose six that can serve as your bathroom-in-a-bag in many travel scenarios. Here's what we recommend.

  12. 14 Best Travel Toiletry Bags for Women, Tested & Reviewed for 2024

    The best travel toiletry bags to store makeup, skincare, and all of your beauty products at every price point.

  13. Best toiletry bags 2023: practical and stylish wash bags for travel

    However, they come in many different shapes and sizes. There are luxury-looking wash bags fashioned from leather, canvas bags designed for camping, and all kinds of styles in-between.

  14. Clear Travel Bags for Toiletries, Lightweight Clear Toiletry Bag, 2

    Sturdy Clear Travel Bags for Toiletries: The clear toiletry bags are made of premium vinyl material that is sturdy and durable. The clear tsa bag is perfect for traveling because you can pass the security quickly, clearly see-through.

  15. Clear Travel Bag Toiletries (1000+)

    From $8.35. Waterproof Cosmetics Bag for Women Men,Toiletry Bag Clear Travel Bag for Toiletries Translucent Makeup Bag,Black,L. 1. $ 1916. Clear Toiletries Bag, 3 in 1 Waterproof Toiletry Travel Bag Clear PVC Travel Bag Wash Bag Makeup Bag Travel Business Bathroom for Men, Women and Kids. $ 699.

  16. Amazon.co.uk: Clear Wash Bag Travel

    Clear Wash Bag for Toiletries , Funnasting 3 in 1 Waterproof Clear PVC Travel Makeup Bag Business Bathroom for Men, Women and Kids

  17. 15 stylish travel toiletry bags to pack for your next trip

    These travel toiletry bags for men and women range from large wash bags to fit your full-sized shampoo and conditions to toiletry bags with compartments - ideal for the super-organised traveller.

  18. Amazon.com.au: Clear Travel Bag

    Clear Travel Toiletry Bag with Zippers, 2 PCS TSA Approved Transparent Travel Makeup Bag,Portable Airport Security Liquids Bags,Airport Toiletry Bags,Clear Wash Bag for Men and Women (Black)

  19. Amazon.co.uk: Clear Travel Bags

    4-Pack Clear Wash & Makeup Bags TSA Approved Makeup Bags, PVC Waterproof Travel Wash Bags for Family, Men, Women (Largea, Medium, Small, Minimum) 872. 1K+ bought in past month. £699. Save 5% on any 4 qualifying items. FREE delivery Mon, 25 Mar on your first eligible order to UK or Ireland. Or fastest delivery Sun, 24 Mar.

  20. Amazon.com: Travel Wash Toiletry Bag for Women Men, Translucent

    Travel Wash Toiletry Bag for Women Men, Translucent Waterproof Makeup Cosmetic Bag Travel Organizer for Accessories, Toiletries,Set of 3,Pink

  21. Boots Clear Filled Bag

    The clear PVC material makes it ideal for travel, gives visibility of items inside, and is easy to clean. This bag is compliant with most airport security. Always check with your local airline policies before flying. Bag dimensions: 175mm x 55mm x 130mm. Includes: clear bag with zip, 2 x 100ml clear travel bottles, 1 x disposable shower cap, 1 ...

  22. Is Clear Worth the Cost? The Downgrading of First-Class Airport Amenities

    Services like Clear were meant to make travel easier—for a price. So, why are so many jetsetters experiencing turbulence?

  23. Summer Travel Guide

    From the best travel accessories to accessing airport lounges, the CNN Underscored team shares the best tips for traveling this summer.

  24. Clear Travel Wash Bags For Toiletries,Clear See Though Toiletry Bag For

    LARGE CAPACITY: The size of the clear toiletry bags is 11.8"x 7.8" x 5.5" with 2 compartments has spacious space. An ideal cosmetic bag in travel, toiletry bag to the gym, bathroom organization, everyday carry bag and carry on luggage. waterproof clear cosmetic bag must be a good helper for your daily travel.

  25. James Corden defends fellow passengers after nightmare British Airways

    James Corden stood up for his fellow passengers on a flight from Portugal to London over the weekend after a "chaotic" travel day with British Airways.

  26. Amazon.com: Wash Bag Travel

    Scrubba Wash Bag Portable Washing Machine - Lightweight Manual Washing Machine for Travel, Camping, Laundry, Baby Clothes - Travel Essentials, Gift - use with Laundry Detergent/Sheets - 5.3 oz.