Best toiletry bag?

i quite like rick's toiletry bag. it's easily packable, easy to clean and it has elastic in the sides to carry shampoo/conditioner. i prefer a hook because you can never be sure if your hotel will have a place to put things and it's also a little more hygienic.

the last few times i've traveled abroad i've packed the bare minimum as far as liquids are concerned. small bottles of toothpaste and deodorant- and then i buy whatever else i need while i'm there. it's actually become a nice adjustment because i'm packing even lighter AND i'm forced to shop like a local.

Yes, the liquid requirements make a big difference in what I carry. First, not much fits into an 8 oz plastic bag, especially since it has to be closed. So, I have found non-liquid replacements for many things such as hand sanitizer, facial cleanser, etc. However, I have not been able to find powder "toothpaste". I remember it from when I was a child, but I don't think it is made any more. I also take sample size perfumes which can be found at any outlet mall and are tiny, fitting into those itsy-bitsy spaces in the 8 oz bag.

I have always chosen not to carry a large toiletry bag. They take up an enormous amount of room, so I have always used smallish ones spread thoughout my suitcase. This also helps me not overload on toiletries and keeps me organized. I have never had a problem in any bathroom without a hook on my bag.

I love my eBags "Pack it Flat" toiletry kit (see http://www.ebags.com/ebags/pack_it_flat_toiletry_kit/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=54638). It takes some getting used to packing your stuff in it because it's flat, not deep. But is super handy to lay across/on top of your clothes instead of trying to create a square shape in your luggage. And it's easy to find things because you're not digging through dark corners of a traditionally shaped kit. It comes with Nalgene containers but unfortunately they're 4 oz bottles (handy still, just not for flying trips). I pack all liquid stuff separate and put it back in the kit when I arrive at my destination. It also has a hook for hanging.

My checked toiletries are just in ziplocs.

I've tried different travel toiletry bags and always go back to a 6x6x3 bag I got at Walgreens - 2 handles, zips across the top and 1 small zip pocket where I put tweezers,nail nipper etc.

My husband love the flat packer from Magellans it has a loop to hook it.

http://www.magellans.com/store/Packing_Aids___Packing_OrganizersLB765?Args=

The carry on requirements don't affect me because the small things I did carry meet the requirements - ie: lip balm, hand sanitizer,eye drops

I should say when I do use a travel bag it's that 6x6x3 bag - short trips it's only ziplocs

I also have the eBags "Pack It Flat" Toiletry Kit & I love it!! It uses all that extra space that is usually left over around the edges of your suitcase & it's small enough to fit in a carryon.

It doesn't pack COMPLETELY flat - just depends on what u put in it, but it is definitely flatter than your average toiletry bag.

No, the liquid carryon reqs don't affect me, b/c I usually have to pack more than the quart size ziploc will hold!

I think Rick's toiletry kit is great. This year I'll pack my absolute must-haves in the quart ziploc in my carry-on just in case I never see my cargo bag again. Any extras will go in my toiletry kit in my cargo bag that way I won't have to give up the convenience of Rick's kit.

gallon size zip lock bag and baby clothes size plastic clip hanger with a hook. you know like a skirt or pants clip hanger thing. the toiletry bags are nice but they are too big if you are really trying to keep your weight down.

I used the small LL Bean toiletry bag on my last trip and it worked great for me and my boyfriend.

For many years now I've used the Eagle Creek original "Wallaby trip kit," which is rectangular, zips shot completely, and hangs up with a hook. My husband and I share it when we travel to Europe. Now, of course, we have to pack our liquids and gels separately for the flight, but for everyday usage once we're there, it holds everything; it's like having your bathroom cupboard along. Unfortunately the new Wallaby model is much larger, but Eagle Creek also makes several smaller toilet kits. I keep mine stocked, including small supplies of OTC pills (allergy, aspirin)plus a list of what gets added at the last minute, so it's really a matter of "grab and go". My husband's own regular toilet kit becomes our traveling drugstore; both of us take a lot of meds, plus we carry first-aid items.

Uh, that's "zips SHUT completely," not "shot." Fortunately, the zipper isn't "shot" yet, though thinking back, I may have had this bag for as long as twenty years, and used it every time I've gone away from home! 8-)

I, too, have replaced the majority of my toiletries with non-liquid alternatives. I have not been able to find toothpaste powder, either. I am in Canada. I have asked my Dental Professional and she suggested that I use baking soda. While it does not contain fluoride, that is ok short-term. We get fluoride in our water supply, anyway.

I like the smallest of the LL Bean toiletry bags. It has a hanging hook, a mirror, space for all my 3 oz bottles, first aid kit, sewing kit, as well as a removable mesh pouch with a hook to take in the shower with you (which is great since most showers don't have a convenient place to put shampoo, soap, etc.

I also love the LL Bean small toiletry bag. I actually use it going to the gym as well.

The bag has many great pockets and I am often amazed at how much I can actually fit in.

There are also larger sizes should you want one large bag for the whole family.

I used to take a fairly good sized toiletry bag, and put it in my carry on. It had a hook .

No more. I take my toilerty bag still in my carry on, but it is small and just fits my make up and deorderant. I also take a zip lock baggie for shampoo and cond. and skin cream. All legal sizes. I take a sample size toothpaste from dentist.

When I arrive I go and buy bigger shampoo and toothpaste. I have yet to arrive in any Europeon country that does not have same or BETTER stuff there anyways.

As I age I travel lighter and lighter, it is not just wisdom, but a weak back ,, LOL

I'll admit I'm a bit high matinence when it comes to toiletries, but the new airline regulations have made me pull back.
I generally pack two bags, one for solids and one for liquids. My liquids are in the ziploc bag, and I'm a huge clinique fan so whenever I get one of thier gifts with purchase I stash it away to use when I travel becuase they are always carry on size. I've lightend up the load by bringing powder foundation, pencil eyeliner, 2-1 bodywash/shampoo etc

I like the Rick Steves "Compact Travelin Toiletries Kit". It is for people of any gender. I like its size and shape, and it has a hook for hanging it on a peg or towell bar in a hotel bathroom or hotel room. That is more hygenic, and some hotel bath rooms in Europe do not have a counter to put anything on. The shape and design of this bag is better than that of most other toiletry bags that I have seen. It has a small mirror. This bag occupies a small space in my suitcase. If all of the personal grooming and hygene items that a person brings to Europe can not fit in the small toiletries bag, I recommend put some of the items in a small plastic bag. I think that would be easier than packing one big toiletries bag into a suitcase or travel bag. The price for the Compact Travelin Toiletries Kit is now $ 15.96 (U.S.)

the Rick steves bag is more than big enough if you dont have too much in it... or else a small $5 kit from Target works too!

I really like Rick's bag. It's small but has everything I need. The hook helps more often than you would think. The mirror is helpful and the different pockets help me stay organized.

I use an Aloksak bag - 7"x4.5". It's much sturdier than a ziploc and still looks just like one for airline security, so I don't have to worry about leaks. I just had one finally break after over a year of travel. I'm a really minimal packer and use refillable eyedropper bottles so it fits everything for two weeks; razor, deodorant, soap, sunscreen, toothbrush, and toothpaste.

Hi Liz,
In another department of this RS web site, a traveler reported using a WalMart diaper bag for camera and camera accessories. [Reasons: It's padded, waterproof -- and who would steal it?] Next time at WalMart have a look ... maybe it is what you need, anyway...

... bon voyage! P.