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Best travel toiletry kit-Expert recommendations to choose

I researched the best travel toiletry bags/kit as I am going on a 3-week backpacking trip through Europe next month. i have been experiencing issues with my old one leaking all over my clothes and it's just too bulky for carry-on only travel. i went through reviews from trusted sources like Pack Hacker Carryology and Reddits r/onebag and after comparing many options these two kept coming up as the top choices:
Osprey Daylite Toiletry Kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BKQGKNZ9?th=1&tag=reviewhub0ff-20

Peak Design Wash Pouch

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9HNDGC9/?th=1&tag=reviewhub0ff-20

Cotopaxi Nido toiletry kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMRRTFDQ/?th=1&psc=1&tag=reviewhub0ff-20

However i am having trouble deciding which one would be better for me and i would love to get your expert advice and hoping maybe some frequent travelers or one-bag veterans on this forum can also share their experience.

i usually overpack toiletries and need something that stands up on its own but isn't massive. any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Posted by
25227 posts

I use a quart size ziplock freezer bag (they are thicker); pack it, roll it tight and put a rubber band around it. Doubles for meeting the TSA requirement as well, no moving things back and forth. But then I dont carry that much.

Posted by
1601 posts

A hanging bag is generally a better choice, as you never know if there will be counter space for your toiletries bag. One that can do either is the ideal choice. Also, reducing your toiletries to the bare minimum helps. Use solids vs liquids (e.g., shampoo bar). Of the three you've linked, only the Peak Design seems to offer a hanging option. I would never pay that kind of money for a toiletries bag (even the same one at $50 is outrageous).
I think this is the one my friend has that can stand up but is quite lightweight:
https://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Travel-Essentials-Hanging-Toiletry/dp/B0CP4DPZ8S/ref=sr_1_11_mod_primary_new?crid=3E9QYL7BM0O51&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xWuh3W9QtAkOv6bTh__1Fli05SwwNPvX2k1YpqDZ2IpKiIH-xRNyo7TUdlQpJJs91l5AO0jROuwN-OC9zeZKVZwKf1z86q4SK-dGGbYI69qe22246TbZ0xZAms8k111fizsQiyVqIIPBEWeiSzw1rKL5o-_x3Z-v2y3fTiVy1HGWHtcQgQWuvKV6Iw-Uxemvy_QavSQMrLSh-fCCbWQ1DnJ5WtHFUWd-aC8h-nLm2U_PA3i1yng0ECq2eQbi24jlfr6Az3zma_rZjoFtxBjeFn_eL0ZY9umlWbg1d4F9wUM.8ycfuOisKXq-8FDOjS6yfniFp3h-b2KNyyVrlTxtsg8&dib_tag=se&keywords=travelon%2Bultralight%2Btoiletry%2Bkit&qid=1769527521&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-11&th=1&psc=1
If you will be staying in hostels, a setup I recommend is the Matador soap pouch:
https://www.rei.com/product/204290/matador-flatpak-soap-bar-case
I put my soap and/or shampoo bar in a mesh bag and tuck a suction cup hook into the pouch. This way, I can hang my soap and/or shampoo in the shower, where there might not be a shelf to set a bottle on.

Posted by
280 posts

My wife and I have used the small size LL Bean toilet kit for over 20 years for all our travels no matter where to or for how long. I do not carry shampoo or soap, using whatever the hotel has, but my wife fits shampoo in with no problem. We use travel size items and do not carry the included shower caddy or mirror. We have easily carried enough in them for a few 3 week trips in Europe without buying any additional items other than what we have brought in them from home.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/73889?itemId=245358&attrValue_0=Black&sku=0FGR210000

Posted by
107 posts

I bought the Tom Bihn clear 3D organizer several years ago and have used it religiously. I love that thing. Tom Bihn is REALLY pricey and I'm normally cheap, but this one is clear and works as a 3-1-1 bag. You can put a strap on it or a hook, if you want, but we never did. My husband ordered one after he saw mine. 5 stars. :-)

Oh, I forgot. It HAS a hook on the inside that you can pull out to hang the bag. I never use the hook so I forgot.