RS Classic Toiletry kit

It doesn't look like it does (fwiw, most toiletry bags do not have carry handles) but if you needed one, you could always leave the hook on the outside and zip up both sides to meet there.

I have one, and, no, it doesn't have (or need) and exterior carry handle. But hang in there, I hear they may come out with a spinner version next year.

But hang in there, I hear they may come out with a spinner version next year.

Hahahaha!!!!

The small classic toiletry bag has joined me on three trips. The top hook comes in handy when the hotel bathroom lacks counter space. It's small but holds the basics and easily fits in a suitcase. Everything else either lives on the counter or in their respective bags. There is no carrying handle but I can't visualize why you would need one. I also use the RS travel-shower-caddy in the shower to hold what I need.

Horsewoofie, I have had the shower caddy for years. I LOVE it.

Hey, horsewoofie, your link doesn't work. For some reason, there are italics around the words travel-shower-caddy. Here's the correct one - https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/travel-shower-caddy :)

Sometimes the rod in the bathroom has a diameter that’s too large for a hook. An elastic hair tie can solve it. Squeeze the hair tie into a line, and wrap the line around the rod. Hook both ends of the hair tie onto the hook.

Are you referring to the red, polyester one? If so, I have it. There is no structure to it, so it is floppy. There is no external grab handle of any kind. The inside has two large mesh zip pockets that “face” upward and a third pocket which houses the hook/strap and closes with Velcro. While I like some RS products - this one is a no-go for me. I think it would better serve hikers going out on a trail to contain things like first-aid supplies and granola bars. The floppiness and length just annoy me. Polyester is not thick.

Nowadays, I use freezer ziplock bags for 3-1-1. Also, Tom Bihn 3-D clear organizer for 311. If not flying, I like my old travelon bag which is a “bucket” style similar to LL Bean toiletry kits. Can sit on counter or hang from a towel bar.

My husband uses the RS red kit to hold electronic cables in his work briefcase. He uses it like a packing cube and doesn’t even bother to coil the cables and place in zip mesh pockets. He just tosses the cables in and zips shut.

Jean, good idea about the hair ties. I use them to wrap electronics cords so I can color coordinate them. Easy to find which goes with what.

Mardee, thanks for correcting the link.

I am on my second RS travel toiletry kit. The hook for hanging it is a great feature as most European hotel bathrooms do not offer much space to put anything. I hang the toiletry kit wherever I can and keep all toiletries inside it.

We both carry this version https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/hanging-toiletry-bag and have for years. I have tried others and always come back to this one. So useful when counter space is lacking.

It looks like RS has two versions of toiletry bags. The one I have - but do not like - is the rectangular, classic, cheaper one. Toiletry bags can become large and bulky. With flying nowadays - you almost need two. One as a 3-1-1 bag and another for solids like disposable razors, toothbrush, solid stick type deodorant, etc.. Consider buying shampoo at destination.

You can buy solid shampoo to save a bit of space in your 311 bag. I bought a travel size shampoo bar from a Saturday market vendor who’s soap quality I trust.

Posted by Sun-Baked in Florida

Are you referring to the red, polyester one?

I think it would better
serve hikers going out on a trail to contain things like first-aid
supplies and granola bars. The floppiness and length just annoy me.
Polyester is not thick.

Yes the red rectangular "classic".

And a combo first aid / comfort kit bag that would live in my day bag is what I had i mind. I like the clamshell design with each side contained. Tom Bihn's first aid bags look good. They looked better when the different clip-in pouchlets were available. But the RS bag is more reasonably priced. And thin, floppy fabric doesn't bother me. Easier to squish.

I haven't had much luck in stores with make-up/toiletry/pencil/gadget bags yet.

The Tom Bihn Spiff kit looks good too. And it has a grab handle on the outside.

I really need to assemble what I would keep in this bag then decide on what would be the best container for it all besides a plastic freezer bag.

Thanks everyone.

The RS classical toiletry kit cannot be used inside a carry-on if you have liquids in it. 😔

Take a look at the RS go-go gadget pouch. I have one of these. The downside is that the interior pockets lack zippers. On Amazon - there are simple (and cheap) zip mesh pouches. I have one of these. A few of these in different sizes would work well for pack organization. One could be the 3-1-1 kit. Another - a first aid kit. Another for comforts like tissues, snacks, wet wipes, etc.. Different color zippers, as well.

Posted by Continental

The RS classical toiletry kit cannot be used inside a carry-on if you
have liquids in it.

Yes. That's the annoyance of the 3-1-1 rule isn't it. You have a nicely packed kit, but you have to put any liquids it contains in the 3-1-1 bag and keep it in easy access for TSA when you fly.

For TSA Pre-check you don't have to do the 3-1-1 bag do you? Or still do, but not have to remove it from your carry-on?

You don't have to remove the bag, but you still have to have the smaller containers.

I was thinking about your post. A few years ago - I tried to find an organizational pouch that I liked for trail hiking and/or traveling. After trying (and buying) several different type pouch organizers - I found that the simple zip top mesh pouches in varying sizes work well. Transparent, can choose appropriate size for items, durable, lie flat, not bulky or overly flimsy, water resistant. Easy to throw in daypack or purse or carry-on bag and go.

Amazon.com - Jarlink 18 pack, about $16.
The VVCO... ones are even cheaper - same quality.

The RS toiletry bag is very basic and mine ripped on one of the seams not long after I got it. My wife and I now both have the Sea to Summit hanging bag and are quite happy with them.

https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-TravellingLight-Toiletry-Organizer/dp/B0BW13H18C?th=1