Favorite toiletries bag

I don’t have a favorite bag. But, I know what I like and what I don’t. I like a hanging hook. “”Bucket” style is good. If flying, I’m a minimalist with either a 1 quart zip lock freezer bag or a cheap zip-mesh vinyl pouch.

Avoid a toiletry bag that has 3-4 folds in it. When you pack each segment, then try to fold it up, the sections do not fold well against each other. The items in one section compete for volume space against the items in the adjacent section. So, stick with a “two fold” type bag.

Eagle Creek “hanging pack it” toiletry kit is an example of what I call a 2 fold bag. LLBean toiletry bags are examples of what I call “bucket” style.

I think I've tried every hanging toiletry bag known.
I finally realized that I didn't like digging through a hanging bag for the tiny bottles/jars I use. I switched to this not too big but just right for me bag. I can still hang it on a hook when necessary, but mostly put the most used things on any available surface. It weighs 3 oz.
https://eaglecreek.com/products/pack-it-reveal-quick-trip-s?variant=42545708662921

This was the last, best, hanging bag I used:
https://seatosummit.com/products/hanging-toiletry-bag?variant=42126720958637

You might check out Sea to Summit options- I have this one
https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-TravellingLight-Toiletry-Organizer/dp/B0BW167P55/ref=asc_df_B0BW167P55?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80470624768978&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=m&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=111065&hvtargid=pla-4584070164324537&psc=1
and it's about 10 years old.
I use it as a first aid kit for overseas travel and it weighs about 1 pound (that's with oximeter and way more supplies than you would likely take :)
For toiletries I have a clear plastic 3-1-1 pouch with a zipper and just keep my products in there. Toothbrush, deodorant and any other non liquid items go in the packing cube with underwear and miscellaneous small things.
This is my go-to system- it may not work for you but Sea to Summit likely has a hanging option that could. Good luck hunting!

We have the LL Bean small toiletry bag. Essential for me is the hanging hook. It also comes with a small caddy with hook which I can take into the shower if necessary.
https://www.llbean.com/llb/search/?freeText=small+toiletry+bag&init=1

I've been using the small version of the Sea to Summit bag mentioned above. It's easy to keep items organized. It's much lighter than the Rick Steve's bag

For years I used an Eagle Creek but bought this cheap one on Amazon when I was walking the camino as every ounce counted. Years later it’s all I use as it’s easy to see everything and the bottom part zips off with your liquids. I am pretty surprised by how well it’s held up.
https://a.co/d/a4l60a8
“Clear Toiletry Bag with TSA Liquids Travel Bag, Hanging Travel Transparent Makeup Cosmetic Organizer, Waterproof Carry On Airline 3-1-1 Compliant Bag Quart Sized Luggage Pouch (Black-Clear)”

I have an older version of the Eagle Creek Pack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag:
https://eaglecreek.com/products/pack-it-hanging-toiletry-bag?variant=42545706893449
It's quite light and has a little bit of padding. It's probably bigger than I need. I like that it has zippers on all three compartments.
I have been eyeing the Peak Design Wash Pouch:
https://www.peakdesign.com/products/wash-pouch
What I like about that it has a hook for hanging, but it's designed to sit open on the counter (you know, if you're traveling to a place that has flat surfaces in the bathroom).

Hi Ruth
We recently purchased small Tom Bihn Mystery Grab Bags that we used for the first time. Surprisingly we preferred them, dare I say it, to the Travel Trays of either size which we think are pretty near perfect for everything. DH especially preferred not having to dig into the bucket style travel tray to find his whatever. They do not come with a hook for hanging but you could easily add one. And you need to be comfortable with the inability not to select a colorway. We purchased 3 and received green/orange, grey/red and grey/raspberry color combinations. The green/orange was a gift and well received.

Mystery grab bag
https://www.tombihn.com/collections/all-tom-bihn-stuff/products/grab-bag?_pos=1&_fid=b875be600&_ss=c?variant=43449322864829

TB does make a Spiff Kit that opens & hangs. We don't have this preferring not to hang anything in the shower.

Spiff Kit
https://www.tombihn.com/collections/all-tom-bihn-stuff/products/spiff-kit?_pos=2&_fid=ba879a4e7&_ss=c%3Fvariant%3D45791386599613&variant=45791386599613

Tom Bihn's products are so well made and many including the above are still made in Seattle. They have become my go to place for shopping for gifts for friends who travel. And, as their products do not weigh much they do not weigh down Santa's sleigh.

I, also, have given up on a specific toiletries kit to save weight. I use a ziplock for the liquids although that may be being phased out plus a very old Eagle Creek part mesh packing pouch for my non-wet items.

I HAVE taken hard looks at the aforementioned Sea to Summit (4 oz) and the Regular Tom Bihn Spiff kit (5 oz). I love the colors both of them are available in (blue for the S2S and the gorgeous blue purple Selkie color for the TB).

It always cracks me up that these include small mirrors which are the first things I take out but I guess if you are using them for camping they are helpful. I've also had trouble finding a place to actually hang the bag that is convenient but that is just me!

Meanwhile I have a bunch of other toiletry kits I've acquired thru the years including an eBags toiletry kit with the extra compartments on the side, a free one from Trip Advisor, and several others of "unknown origin". They are all in the 1# plus weight range and I felt they were just too heavy when I am trying to pack as light as possible.

Let us know what you decide on!

Well Ruth I'm of the opinion if the RS kit has served you for 15 years then I'd probably just sew up those couple little holes 😄. But luckily it's still being made and you could grab yourself another one (or two 😉 seeing as they're on sale now for $20 each until the end of 2025). I use the smallest RS kit and I bought 2 on one of the sale events but the first one's still perfect after about 5 years. OTOH my wife packs her stuff in an assortment of little zipper cases she got free with various cosmetics over the years.

I've been using the Tom Bihn 3D Organizer toiletry bag for years. Mine is an older version, but the current one is pretty nice looking as well. I like it because it's clear on both sides, so you can see through it but also has some color to it as well, which is fun. Tom Bihn stuff is pricier than most, but very well made, handmade here in the US, and their products are really good quality.

I also have some small pouches that I will use from time to time. These are 3 mesh pouches (small, medium and large) made by Travelon that I bought at Sierra Trading Post. I like them because I can use for meds and vitamins, another for makeup and hair products, and the third size for first aid items. That way I know exactly where to look for certain things and don't have to root around in a large bag. They are also easier to pack because I can tuck each of them into obscure little corners in my carry-on bag or personal bag.

I like the Rick Steves classic toiletries kit, light and inexpensive with two pockets and a stashing pocket at the top with a nice hanger.

Just a note that sadly Tom Bihn notified a week or two ago that they are moving some production to Vietnam. I don't remember the details, but they sent an email out about it, and there may well be a post about it on their site.

I have one of those 3D clear organizer bags, and it makes me irrationally happy - but I use it for my "during the flight" stuff.

<"Just a note that sadly Tom Bihn notified a week or two ago that they are moving some production to Vietnam."

I also received that note, but I believe the quality will still be the same excellent TB quality that we're used to. In fact I just ordered an item from TB that was made in Vietnam and it's as well made as anything I've ordered in the past.

On the topic of toiletries bags, a few items to check out.....

• Tom Bihn Spiff kits (available in both regular and deluxe sizes) - https://www.tombihn.com/products/deluxe-spiff-kit?srsltid=AfmBOoqa-j6v44H3yBqpq-MDeuL6I7ZItG6yolPTWkqvjGL4yTFWTbEo&variant=45712819126461
• Red Oxx kits - https://www.redoxx.com/pages/toiletry-bags?srsltid=AfmBOoqfVvpnhXiqb4CbgGSGxkeY1PMSPYKfRFuqQ3FWyfQyotZsISez
• Eagle Creek kits - https://www.eaglecreek.ca/collections/toiletry?srsltid=AfmBOoqb3hK7Z0Fi2J9kGb6DOBuwgKcPxKUvWtUTJtTOfq4JpQc2IdTT

After a dozen trips using Rick's hanging toiletries bag (worked fine, but definitely on its' last legs), spotting this thread reminded me that it was time for a new kit before next year's trip. Thank you, Carol, for sharing the link to LL Bean option. Went with the medium size, and like that it has an embedded pull-out sleeve to hang in European showers that often afford little footprint for soap, shampoo.

I also have the small sea to summit bag. I removed the mirror (I forgot it came with one until Pam mentioned it). I really like it and it is very light without the mirror.

Pack Hacker reviews on YouTube can be helpful. Many toiletry kits are reviewed on here.

I wish I could custom tweak the LLBean toiletry bag. It’s almost a bull’s eye for me.

I have the larger Tom Bihn spiff kit that has the four containers into which I put my vitamins for the trip. I used to use a toiletry bag that had just one large space with some small pockets, but I found myself constantly having to dig for most things inside the large space, and often just dumped everything out. The Tom Bihn bag forces me the really think about what I need, and I don’t have to dig for it.

Travelon, COR, and Osprey have some nice hanging bags on Amazon.com.
There are 2 styles of travelon. Even though I would avoid a 3 fold kit, the travelon version looks like it will still fold up well. Good video demonstration.

Like Carol, I once owned an LL bean bag w a little removable thing that could hang in the shower. I sold the big bag on a garage sale because it just wasn't rt for me, but kept the little shower piece ( which in this incarnation in the late 90s, came w four 3oz bottles) what i bought instead, at Walgreens, for maybe $15 does Not fold open or hang. It's maybe 3 inches wide, 6 inches tall and 8 inches side to side. It has 2 zippers on the top. The big compartment is 2.5 inches wide and is my designated "wet" compartment, the four bottle thing from LL bean also fits in there. The .5 inch side holds qtips, Bandaid, pills in blister packs, etc.

What I like is it just sits there on the bathroom counter (assuming there is counter) unzipped, not dramatic. I can look in a see everything. It Doesn't require a hanging hook or a big refolding or rolling up plan. It does have a very modest loop handle. It's more than 20 years old, desperately needs to be swished in the bathtub to clean it up, but it is a work horse and was not expensive

doric8
That sounds very similar to the EagleCreek version I posted above, and I like it for the same reasons you mentioned.

Yes, Liz, tho that one is more "landscape " and mine stands up in a more "portrait " orientation. I think the cubic inches are similar, yours is probably more lightweight

Hi Ruth,

I have used a variety of bags for my toiletry kit. Here’s my pluses & minuses:

• LL Bean medium size toiletry kit’s best features are that everything is well-organized. The mesh front was my OTC meds, deodorant in a pocket, my 2 small days-of-week in another pocket, etc. and the two side zippers were great for keeping q-tips clean, and bandaids, nail clipper, etc. in the other one. I liked that it hangs, but sometimes there was no place to hang it. Even after many years of use, it looked brand new. Minus points that it’s the heaviest option I owned. I used this one for several years until an over-perfumed Oil of Olay cleanser forced me to throw it away. Have considered getting a replacement…

• Clinique free give away bags. I have two of these kept for several years. Right now this is what I use. It’s waterproof, so sitting on the counter isn’t a problem. The size dimensions of it fit very well in my Cotopaxi. Minus points for no organization- just a top zipper opening.

• I used my husband’s old Eagle Creek toiletry kit earlier this year on my Spain trip. It’s the lightest weight option I have found; it’s rip-stop nylon. And it has two small side slot zipper pockets. But the minus is keeping me from using it again, The nylon isn’t waterproof. Even though I was traveling solo, I had to be very careful where it was sitting on sink counters to not get wet.

I’ve looked at the RS bag and also really wanted to like the Tom Bihn one while I was at their store in Bellevue last year. But, neither one was quite what I wanted.

Thanks for the timing of this post, Ruth! Santa is going to bring me an LLBean toiletry kit! ; ). As someone who moves very often while I’m traveling, this one is so organized & helpful! Even with my obsession to keep my weight limit to 14 pounds packed, this one is worth bringing.

Kim, if you’re checking in on this thread still, huge applause for a piece of Tom Bihn making you ‘irrationally happy’. That is just how I feel since I started paying way more than necessary to replace ziplock bags I used to carry. I love the 3D bags and little Cubelet bags I’ve gotten that go in my personal item and carryon. I have to carry a set of ‘what if’ heart pills and just putting them in something cute has made a difference. Irrational but true!

Okay Ruth, I did not need a new toiletry bag, but I have gone down the rabbit hole and am clicking on each recommendation.
Now I believe I need a new one. The Eagle Creek one is looking good, as is Tom Bihn. Could I get myself both?

Hahahaha Lyndash -- and one reason it makes me irrationally happy is because I bought it in the main color of my university's sports teams, so that gives me a double smile. I usually buy blue or green but I got the Halcyon fabric that is a nice gorgeous crimson so I feel like it's a wink to part of me.

As for the little mesh insert in the LL Bean toiletry kit - I am another person who long ago stopped using the kit, but that little mesh sleeve and a foldable Muji suction cup hook go with me on every single trip (unless I am just going home to my parents'). As someone above noted, it is rare that anywhere you stay (well at least where I stay) has a flat surface area to put down my mini bottles in the shower.

And I am with Jean - a waterproof / wipe le toiletry kit is key. I can't stand those things getting wet.

Oh I do love a good packing thread !!

For most travel, I use the smaller Rick Steves classic toiletry bag and it’s great. I like the fact that it’s roughly the same size and shape as my packing cubes. Everything fits. However, I also have a smaller (and lighter) Sea-to-Summit toiletries bag for minimalist packing which is great for that purpose.

I love this toiletry bag. It is not a high end bag, but it does everything I want. It has a hanging hook, It has a waterproof section and a breathable net section. And it is much smaller than most bags.
https://www.amazon.com/dopobo-Toiletry-Waterproof-Organizer-Traveling/dp/B01K1V5TVW?th=1[this toiletry bag]1.

"Hahahaha Lyndash -- and one reason it makes me irrationally happy is because I bought it in the main color of my university's sports teams, so that gives me a double smile."

Oh nO U didn't!, hahahaha!!

Ugh...now going back to the TB site to see what they have left in the Selkie color which I love. And no it's not orange or blue from my University of Florida colors although my TB travel tray is UF blue, hahaha.

And yes, I love a good packing thread too!!

And no it's not orange or blue from my University of Florida colors although my TB travel tray is UF blue, hahaha.

I have the following items in Orange and Blue:

--TB Snake Charmers;

--Bago Packing Cubes;

--Ebags Ultralight Packing Cubes;

--Flight 001 Seat Pak Organizers;

--Gox Pouches;

--Trader Joe's insulated bags;

--Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (orange only)

--Eagle Creek Specter Quick Trip (Orange only);

Go Gators!!

Oh my enabler buddies!
Because of this post, I found a travelon toiletry bag on Amazon that I really like for $19. I really don’t need it.

Mardee - the official RS forum enabler - came in a little late on this thread. But, she is still upholding her role.

Hahaha FrankII!! I was thinking about my fellow forum Gator when I was typing that out!

The TB Spiff kit in Selkie is sitting in a shopping cart on the website. I'll let it moulder overnight and see how it feel in the AM!!

Pam,
I looked at that TB bag. Now, I’m interested. Leave it to you with your love of Scotland to pick the Selkie color. Great color. I also like the kelpie color (green teal). I like the standard version. Still watching a travelon toiletry kit.

Kim--I too use a few bags that are one of the colors of my university:) My GOX packing cubes and their toiletry bag. I use the toiletry bag though for my charging cables etc. With it being bright orange, I won't forget it in the seat pocket, but also it is very easy to find in either my purse or my small day pack.

As for my actual toiletry bag, I just use one of the thick plastic quart bags with a zipper. It doesn't go in the shower with me, but it does hold all my liquids. Then for my powder makeup I use a small TUMI case that my husband was given on one of his first class tickets years ago. This one is a hard shell with a zipper and it is just the right size (about 4x6), but best of all, it protects the brushes from getting mangled.

I have something similar to the $38 Tom Bihn 3D Organizer Cube. I got it at TJ Maxx for $5.99 or maybe $6.99. It has lasted dozens (and dozens) of trips.

CwSocial,
Cost and function versus expense. Cheap stuff can and does work. This is more about fun, desire, and splurge. Ziplock, quart-sized freezer bags work for pennies. (Ooops! No more pennies. Nickels, now.)
Choices. The American Way!

Oh I do love a good packing thread !!

Me too. And as usual, this one led to a new bag. I went for the Eagle Creek.

"Leave it to you with your love of Scotland to pick the Selkie color. Great color."

@SunBaked - Very much the color of thistle, isn't it? And when I first saw the names of the new color ways I wondered if someone on the naming team had just gotten back from Scotland or had been immersed in books on Scottish mythology!!

"Cheap stuff can and does work. This is more about fun, desire, and splurge."

And yes, this. I so agree. I have used ziplocks for years. I love color and if it makes me happy...yep, I can afford to go for it!

This is more about fun, desire, and splurge.

As posed by the OP, I responded to this question. "Please tell me about your favorite toiletries bag." I get a kick out of finding travel gear at good prices at TJ Maxx. I got my latest set of luggage and backpack there. Couldn't believe my luck to get the entire matching set. Splurges can be fun. So can nice brands at bargain prices.

Because I'm about to travel with my son and share a hotel, I am in the market for a hanging toiletry kit - thankfully, TJM/Marshalls are well stocked with the Travelon kit, $10!

I also have the 3-1-1 bag that Lipault sells - I like it because it's really flexible plastic, not too rigid, and the Bagsmart toiletry bag from Amazon is like that as well.

@CWSocial and Skunklet1771,
Thanks for your posts. Bargain hunting is fun. Skunklet1771 - which travelon toiletry kit is at Marshall’s?
The roll-up/fold-up type or the “bucket/hook” type. Amazon has the bucket style one in blackberry for $19. I am interested in the bucket style one called travelon essentials.

Reporting back with today's arrival of LL Bean kit purchased last week.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/73882?itemId=245361&attrValue_0=Black&sku=0FGR510000

Very pleased with item's quality and compartment layout. Optimal storage for such a small (10x11x3) bag. Aside from mesh pockets for travel-size bottles, etc, there are two sealed (clear plastic) enclosures which run the width of interior once opened. Ideal for liquids or toothpaste so an unintentional spill doesn't bleed into the entire bag. Two vertical side-zippered compartments on the outside for larger holdings, each has a mesh pocket and an elastic band for keeping (up to four such) contents in place. A large horizontal zippered pocket across the front (when closed) looks perfect for keeping Band-Aids or a ThermaCare heating pad handy. It's got a small mirror attached (velcro) when opened, which doesn't take up any room but removed it from bag anyway... I know what I look like. :) Guess it's a 'nice-to-have' for lady travelers.

Took an extra day to ship/arrive due to having optional monogram applied (add'l $8), went with navy w/white lettering. Looks great and hope it sees as many places as its' RSE predecessor.

Thanks to this enabler thread, today I bought a Travelon World Travel Essentials hanging toiletries kit (like this one: https://a.co/d/i39ZvGb) at TJ Maxx for $9.99. It is very lightweight, a nice shade of green, and it has a carrying handle. Not sure it's exactly what I wanted but I'm going to give it a shot. I currently use an eBags flat pack kit that doesn't tick all the boxes either so worst case is I have two choices I don't love 😂

On the thrift scale it is hard to beat using two 1 quart ziploc bags half full, but I have done so: a free hand-me-down United amenities bag with a Saks Fifth Avenue label. Winning!

Hi everyone—thanks for all the details, your suggestions, and so many good options! I’ve reviewed the bags recommended here and put 3 on my Xmas list—I’ll let Santa make the ultimate decision but it sounds like I won’t go wrong with any of the choices.
In the meantime, I’m delighted my little question has managed to cause such a spike in the travel accessories economy!

CL,
That’s the same one I’m interested in, except blackberry color. I may drive over to Marshall’s and see if it’s there for $10. (We don’t have a TJ Maxx. I believe Marshall’s is a relative company.). Better price than Amazon.

Matthew, glad to hear that it still includes the shower caddy that lifts out that at least three of us kept when we off loaded the bag.

Since you went for the monogram, you'll have a harder time selling it on ebay. HAH

Ruth thanks for letting us hijack your thread. As you can see, we love a good travel accessories discussion!

*CL, That’s the same one I’m interested in, except blackberry color. I may drive over to Marshall’s and see if it’s there for $10. (We don’t
have a TJ Maxx. I believe Marshall’s is a relative company.). Better
price than Amazon.

@Sunbaked, you're correct they're similar companies and you never know they might have the color you want. TJ Maxx only had black, grey, and the medium green color (which is probably discontinued as I don't see it listed anywhere else). They also had several other styles and brands. You might also try Sierra Trading Post (either in person or online) as I saw them there when searching (but only available in black or grey)

Ruth, you know we'll want you to circle back after Santa's sleigh off-loads at your house!

Greetings to All My Infuencers!
I did it. I drove to Marshall’s and bought the toiletry bag for $10. (Nice blue color was the only option.)
Travelon Essentials.

Now, I need to clean and donate my old, lightly-used travelon toiletry bag. My old one was given to me as a gift. I always liked the more heavy-duty quality of it, but not the design.