Input on Sea to Summit toiletry bag / What do you use?

We use a similar hanging bag from LL Bean in size small. We did use the LL Bean in medium and just carried the one but we like carrying a small bag each better. The LL Bean is $10 cheaper but is not as light. Between the medium and smalls we have had them for quite a few years with no complaints.

I use the Rick Steves Classic Toiletry Kit. It's small, light, easily packed and carries what I need. I've been using it for years.

Tagging onto this thread- I love the idea of a toiletry kit, but since I do carry on I have all my liquids in the 3-1-1 bag. This next trip I only have two flights and the rest in trains. So I am thinking of initially carrying my liquids in my 3-1-1 then transfer it all to the toiletry bag for the rest of my journey to be more organized, checking in on the way home so my liquids would never need to go back into a 3-1-1 bag. I really do not like having some of my stuff in the 3-1-1 and other stuff in my suitcase. I am looking at the e-bags pack it flat toiletry kit.

I use a small net packing cube from Rick Steves. And the liquids go into the quart zip lock like is required to go through airport security.

The LL Bean kits are really nice. Just get a bright color so you don't leave it behind. The weight only matters if you are backpacking long distances like trails in National Parks. The RS Kit is compact. You may be able to find a simple vinyl pouch at some place like Walmart. You just want some kind of hook or strap to hang the bag. Look for something with a flattened profile. Not something "boxy." Check out bed, bath, and beyond, Marshall's, etc.. Ebags has toiletry bags.

I use plastic ziploc bags. They are perfect - light weight, cheap, and easy to see what's in them. Its also easy to squeeze them in anywhere. I have one for stuff I use in the morning, one for stuff I use at bedtime and one for everything else. I also have one for my liquids, but once I arrive, I move them to the appropriate bag. This way if there isn't much space in the bathroom, I can just carry on what I need. I came up with the am and pm bags as a way to help me remember to take my synthroid in the morning and put my eye drops in at night. My friends make fun of my tacky toiletries bag, but I don't care. It's perfect for me. : )

Leticia, like you, I carry on but check at the end, so the 311 bag must be used intially. I'm just tired of trying to find small items in a pouch. Counter space is many times non existent. The Sea to Summit kit looked like a small, lightweight option that had enough divided spaces (albeit a little expensive). Hoping to get some first-hand reviews from other who have used it before I make a purchase.

If you live near an REI, they carry it so you can see it in person. That's where I saw it and gave it a thought but decided to stick with what I'm using.

I am also a fan of zip lock bags. They are clear so no more "digging" to find what you need and everything is visible. We use the gallons ones for toiletries and the smaller ones for medications. I also use one in my purse or backpack for makeup.

I landed up getting this bag because it is flat, unlike the ones that are like a small box that takes up so much room. Baggies are just too flimsy for me and I am trying to consolidate and have everything in one place with a pocket for meds, hair, shaving, shower stuff etc..

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/pack-it-flat-toiletry-kit/54638?productid=10150317

I have been using the pack it flat toiletry bag from ebags for several years now. Its the best toiletry bag I have ever owned. In fact, I have purchase several of these bags for gifts for my traveling friends. These bags are great little organizers. I do use zip log bags to contain the liquids for carry on - and then place them back in my toiletry bag. I am a frequent traveller to Europe, and I really like these flat toiletry bags. when you are living out of your suite case due to 1 o 2 night stops - this toiletry bag is easy to just pack right on top. Its perfect.

Of course I use a 311 bag. I simply unpack it at my destination and live out of the toiletry bag the rest of the trip. I usually check my bag on the way home because I'm always bringing back good olive oil. :) I have looked at the pack it flat bag and it looks great. But the weight and smaller size of the Sea to Summit bag is still very appealing.

mpaulyn- thanks for chiming in on the bag! Makes me feel better about my purchase. Sounds like I will be doing what many do, pack my 311 bag for security then unload that into the bag along with my other toiletries.

I just use my 3-1-1 bag. I have one from the container store that is compliant and seems to hold a ton more than a ziplock.

I don't love the idea of unpacking all my liquids into another bag then packing them up again for the next flight. Plus an extra bag is extra weight and space. A hanging case makes sense for the days before 3-1-1 bags, or if you are checking luggage. Not practical for me with lightweight carry on only.

I do have a 3 compartment RuMe bag for non-liquid toiletries and medications. Makeup, Advil, bandaids, tweezers, that kind of thing.

You are supposed to pack your liquids separate from other toiletry items. I've seen airport security make people separate items. AT LCY last year, there was one person asking people to show her their 3-1-1 bag to see if they had any containers larger than 100ml or mixed other items in with the liquids. For those that did, they had to get out of line and fix it.

So perhaps I'm missing something but how is everyone taking all their stuff in one bag? And is it in something larger than a quart sized ziploc?

I have a small toiletry kit for my toothbrush, shaver, comb/brush, etc and my 3-1-1 bag. Nice and simple. When I get to my hotel, both come out and go into the bathroom. I don't move things from one to the other. This way I never forget to put things in their right place before a flight.

Frank, I was unaware that ONLY liquids could be in a 3-1-1. I know the liquids have to be under 3oz (or whatever - is it 3.1?) but I didn't know that anyone would care if I had a toothbrush in the bag as long as everything fits and is the right size. Interesting, this is a change I will need to make for my next trip. My 3-1-1 has liquids as well as toothbrush, contact lens case and maybe some other non-liquid items along those lines. And a stick deodorant which technically is not a liquid.

MrsEB-I was thinking it would be an extra step also, to be packing, then unloading the liquids into yet another bag. BUT when I thought out my next trip it will be very convenient for me as after my first flight I am on the ground for the next 18 days, all trains, so switching out 3-5 containers from the 311 bag into a more centralized location once sounds much more efficient for me than having my personal items stuffed all over my suitcase. If I was doing multiple flights, then switching liquids back and forth sounds like a hassle. I really do hate the big boxy looking personal bags that you just throw everything into and still have to fish around in it. The one I got lays flat and will even fit in my personal bag, I am super excited to get it and I love the color. One note about Ebags, who I purchased it from (their brand). They are having a 18th anniversary sale, so got that discount. I had expired points (only $8.50 but still..) and I was able to get them back through an online chat with a rep, no questions asked, they just put it right back on my account. So really happy with their customer service.

Exactly, Letizia. If I check on the way home, I then only have the flight from the USA that requires a 311 bag. The convenience of having all my items organized for the rest of the trip is worth the 2 minutes it takes to unload my 311 bag.

I only do carry on. I have used the small STS bag for years and years. I think it is the best bag ever. If it were to ever wear out (unlikely) I would replace it with the same bag. I even take this bag when I travel only with my 16 Liter pack.

How I use it:

First, I bring my own toiletries. I have allergies and am not willing to spend my vacation in the emergency room. My toiletries are mostly solid. My few liquids (foundation, moisturizer, cortisone cream, lens solution, hair spray) are stored in my see through 311 bag. The 311 bag has a small carabiner clip on it. I slide the clip over the hook on the sea to summit bag and let them hang together off of the hook/towel bar. No transfer of liquids needed.

Second, I use all the pockets in this bag as my "junk drawer" in addition to toiletries. It keeps all the little odds and ends. That way I don't need extra packaging and containers to add bulk and weight to my bag. Bonus - I only have to worry about the toiletry bag and 311 bag.

I keep my sink stopper, laundry packets, clothes line, inflatable hangers, wash cloth, shout wipes, and hawser lock in the outside pocket.
I keep my sewing kit, eyeglass repair kit, light shower cap in the top pocket. The little items are in pill zip locks.
The middle pocket has bobby pins, a largeish barette, and a bra conversion clip
The lower back pocket has my toothbrush, Janie stick, magnifying mirror, flossers, 2 clips for hanging skirts, tweezers, and a zip lock with oil of Olay dry cleansing pads (cut into quarters)
The main lower compartment has a coin purse with blister pack medications (Benadryl, Imodium, Pepto Bismol), my shampoo bar (cut into 1/4), conditioner bar (cut in 1/2), body soap (cut into 1/4), travel size deodorant crystal, Venus snap razor (disassembled) and two Snap razor heads. Each of these items are in a pill sized or snack size zip lock.

I do have to keep the little pocket clip fastened as the lower pocket can gape when it is full of toiletries. Keeping the pocket clip fastened keeps things from falling out.

Edit: I forgot that I moved my medications to my Travel Comfort Kit. This is a sil-nylon cube with slipper socks, ear plugs, eye shade, pen, inflatable pillow etc.

Edit #2 - I keep my makeup in a small and light pencil case. I move the foundation into the case once I've arrived at my destination. The pencil case lives in my purse so I can refresh during the day if needed. With the exception of foundation and mascara, the makeup is mostly pencil style. I depotted part of a NARS multi-stick into an old lip balm tube (much smaller and lighter!)

Wow, what a great review! You really fit a lot in that small bag! Thanks for posting.

Cindy H. You are an amazing organizer. Granted, I don't carry many of the things you do. Someone like you could be the director of supply organization for the Library of Congress, a cruise ship, museum, or military.

@Jeanine -the principles for getting all that stuff into a bag are the same for packing light:

• Only take enough product for the trip. Cut soap bars and shampoo bars into quarters. Cut conditioner bars into halves. This saves bulk and weight
• Always remove the bulky original packaging and replace with mini zip locks like pill baggies and snack size bags. This eliminates bulk and weight
• Take mini sized items where possible (Venus Snap razor)
• Make your own repair kits (sewing kit). This is smaller than store bought ones. The zip lock is always smaller and lighter than the store bought container.

There is a sweet spot between containers for every.little.thing. and chaos in the bag. I'm a consolidator- I consolidate things by "type" into pockets OR zip locks and store them in my toiletry or comfort kit. You'll see that in my toiletry kit organization.

@Cindy H, I do pack very light (hence my interest in the STS bag). I use snack bags and pill baggies, cut my shampoo bars smaller, etc. It still seemes like you can get a lot into that bag! I like the fact that it has all mesh pockets for air drying. I have not heard of that razor before. I will check it out!

@Jeanine - the razor is easily available and will take most Venus heads. I took both the razor and heads out of their original packaging. I put the handle and head in one pill sized zip lock and put two additional heads in a 2nd zip lock.

This razor needs a modification in shaving technique. Most people hold the razor between thumb and index finger. This gives poor control. I suggest the following:
Place the razor against the index, middle, and ring fingers. Then pinch the razor handle with the thumb. Use your fingers to guide the razor, stroking the area to be shaved. This will give much more control and a better "feel" for where the mini razor is located.

Hi Jeanine,

I tried the bag and didn't love it because I prefer something with a little more organization. There are some small pockets but they don't fit much. The large pocket fits a lot but doesn't really keep it organized. I also carry on and end up decanting my makeup and toiletries into smaller bottles so most of them ended up staying jumbled in the large compartment.

I ended up buying this from Sephora.

http://www.sephora.com/the-weekender-P409008?skuId=1808146&om_mmc=ppc-GG_378477159_27759162399_pla-181479340599_1808146_97594802319_9021743_c&country_switch=us&lang=en&gclid=CPaV0PmO5tICFYqKaQodyygIZg

I love it. I love that there are several compartments but it is still fairly small.

@Sun Baked in Florida:

I'm going to strongly disagree with you that weight is irrelevant in toiletry kits except when backpacking in National Parks.

First, it matters if that weight is on my back, hiking or not. My lightest bags are all non-roller bags which means I'm carrying it on my back. Lighter is better for a happy back!

Second, many airlines have weight limits. The STS bag is 2.5 oz. The small LL Bean bag is 11 oz. That means the weight difference between the two is 8.5 oz or one half pound!
That is equivalent to an extra shirt or sweater. It would also make a huge difference if you were up against a strict 7 kg weight limit.

One of the reasons I chose the super light toiletry kit is so I would have something I could use on any type of trip (light or not). I keep everything pre-packed (except clothes) so a single solution works best for me.

cindy h, when you are using a shampoo bar, etc, how do you dry it before storing it in a plastic bag? im concerned about ending up w a bag full of mush, which ive done a time or 2 with hotel soap

I do multiple things:
I puncture the zip lock multiple times with scissors. I also snip off the bottom corners to prevent water from collecting in the baggie.
I usually shower in the evening after a hot or active day. This gives me overnight to dry the bar out.
I will also open up the zip lock bag (almost inverting it) and make sure the soap is on top of everything else in the bag.
Sometimes I cheat and use the blow dryer on it to help it dry (low setting).

thanks, cindy!

I use zip locs, too. If I need to hang it, I'll clip on a black binder clip and suspend the clip with or on something.

I love binder clips! But somehow I've never thought to use them for my toiletries. Thanks!

Jeanine, I just recently purchased this exact toiletry bag. I love it. I travel to Europe carry-on only so even ounces matter to me as it all goes into my Osprey Porter 46 backpack. I have a RS toiletries kit that has served me for a decade, but I use it only when I travel with my suitcase and weight is not a factor. The Sea to Summit is very lightweight but well organized. It fits my go-toobs perfectly, and I have plenty of room for makeup, and other small items. You can get a lot in this little bag, and I love to be able to hang it from a towel bar or shower if I need to. This frees up counter space in those often tiny European bathrooms. That being said, because I do carry on and can only carry so much weight comfortably I limit the items I carry to a few. I don't take all the 'essentials' with me. My routine is pared down and it all fits easily. As for the security 3-1-1 check, I do carry a couple of quart ziploc bags to toss the liquids in when I head to the airport. The bag seems very durable and could be easily washed when it needs it, and it fits in a pocket at the top of my backpack, so it makes me happy. REI sells them, you should take a look if you are near one. I found mine online for a lower price though. I hope you find the right one for your needs!

Thanks for drawing my attention to this. I've been having trouble with zip-locks splitting in daily use on a 4-5 week trip.

More uses for binder clips:
Recently, I was able to figure out a way, using a binder clip and an elastic, to hang multiple hangers to a window valance, so my clothes could dry over the register which was under the window. They were those nasty hotel hangers that detach from the sliding part that is permanently attached to the closet rod.... with the little nub on the top of the "neck" of the hanger, instead of a hook.

Of course, I was respectful of the hotel and decor first, making sure that the valance could bear the weight, and that no dripping would occur, etc.

Cheers,
Vivian

$35 for the small STS bag (Amazon)? There are much better options at a more reasonable price. I purchased a similar item for $11.95 and free Prime shipping. Brand name is Mountaineer.

$35 ... That's a lifetime supply of Ziploc bags !!!
But I might buy one if it shows up at the thrift store for $3.50.

$35 is very reasonable for a sil-nylon bag (which this is). Sil-nylon is silicone impregnated nylon, which bears up under abrasion and multiple uses.
I think you are making the mistake of judging a bag on a single criteria - price. We know that lots of factors go into our "favorite" travel bags.
The S2S bag is incredibly durable and has multiple pockets. That's something no zip lock has. The S2S is also semi permeable, which allows wet things to dry out.
Yes, the S2S appears expensive in relation to other bags. The reason is the materials used. The S2S uses materials that are significantly lighter than cheaper bags. The S2S comes in at 2.8 oz compared to the mountaineer, which weighs 4.6 oz. You may say "that's only 1.8 extra ounces!" The truth is that all these little ounces add up into pounds. That's why some people can travel with a 15 lb bag and others have a 20 lb bag.