Some travel bags are smaller, with a simple interior, and others are larger with more pockets. What you decide to invest in comes down to how long you’ll be traveling for and whether or not you like to travel light or heavy. Regardless of your preferences, just know that there are plenty of options out there for you. In fact, Women’s Health editors tested and rounded up seven of their favorite picks to help you decide on the best one for you. Before you shop though, here are a few things to keep in mind.
What to consider
Size
The goal is to find something that will fit all your personal care items without taking up a ton of space, being mindful that TSA rules will also limit the sizes of these products. “TSA’s 3-1-1 rule states that all liquids must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less and fit inside one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag,” says travel expert and blogger at The Smart Travel Guide Peggy Carlaw. “The trick to packing a toiletry bag is decanting your own products into small containers or purchasing travel-sized containers.” This hack will save you space while lowering your bag weight. Once you do this, choose a bag that’s big enough to hold the amount of containers and makeup you’re traveling with.
Material
Finding a bag that fits within your budget is the priority. That said, certain materials are more travel-friendly than others. Carlaw recommends a bag made from either nylon or polyester. “These are long-lasting, lightweight, water-resistant, and easy to clean,” she says. “Cotton and some other fabrics are not waterproof, hard to keep clean, and not sturdy enough to protect their contents,” she adds.
Water-resistance
While this feature is optional, having a water-resistant bag will ensure that everything else in your suitcase will stay dry if any of your toiletries spill out or leak during travel. At the same time, if your luggage gets wet or clothes get damp, all the items in your toiletry bag (like powders, medications, and electronics) will stay dry. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling somewhere where the humidity is high, Carlaw says.
How ‘Women’s Health’ selected
For the past year, Women’s Health editors, including associate health and wellness editor Tianna Soto and lifestyle commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated travel toiletry bags. Our team consulted one travel expert and evaluated bags based on size, fabric material, ease of use, and more to narrow down the seven best travel toiletry bags for a wide range of needs and preferences.
Below, check out the seven best travel toiletry bags, tested by Women’s Health editors.
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Pros
- It comes with eight pockets
- It’s high-quality at budget-friendly price
Cons
- Overpacking it can cause issues with the stitching and zipper over time
After testing several travel toiletry bags over the past few weeks, our best overall pick is this hanging toiletry bag from Pavilia. For starters, it hits all the callouts that our expert recommends—clear plastic pockets, a water-resistant shell, and polyester material.
The hook at the top makes it easy to see and access your items without having to take them all out, or having to dig through each pocket. Editors also like that this bag has a budget-friendly price of $24, which is a total steal compared to some of the more pricier options on this list.
Women’s Health health editor Tianna Soto appreciates that this bag comes with eight pockets that fit all of her self-care products. For her, it makes organizing a breeze, and it folds up without taking up too much space in her luggage. However, she notes that if you over-pack it too often, there’s a chance that the zipper can get stuck. Additionally, it might not be the best choice if you value your privacy while traveling with company. “If you’re sharing a hotel room with someone and don’t want everyone to see what you have in there, you may not love the clear pockets,” she says.
Read more: Best Travel Coffee Mugs
| Size | 11.8 x 3.5 x 8.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester |
| Water-resistant | Yes |
Pros
- It snaps closed and can stand upright if needed
- Easy to wipe clean
Cons
- It only has three pockets
If you swear by all things Lululemon, you’ll be thrilled to know they have a toiletry bag that’s perfect for your next trip. It comes with three main pockets that can be easily folded up. Unlike some other options on this list, this bag is closed using a security buckle, ensuring that your belongings won’t fall out during travel.
WH lifestyle and commerce editor Jasmine Gomez is a big fan of this bag because of its waterproof-material and mesh pocket, which she says makes room for some items that need more breathability (think: makeup sponges and toothbrushes).
She also likes that it provides easy access to her products. “I love that it rolls out vertically with a hook at the top, making it easy to access what I need without having to dig through an entire bag,” she says. One thing to keep in mind is that there isn’t an added layer of protection for whatever is inside, aside from the pockets. So keeping this in your backpack or in a hardshell suitcase might be best.
| Size | 10.2 x 19.1 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Recycled polyester, thermoplastic polyurethane, recycled polyester |
| Water-resistant | Yes |
Pros
- The pockets are spacious
- The dark color makes it easy to hide stains
Cons
- The cleaning process is time-consuming
When it comes to durability, this toiletry bag from Fjallraven is our top pick, especially if you’re a frequent flyer. We like that the fabric feels sturdy, and it’s on the thicker side, so it can easily stand up against frequent use or bumpy trips. The dark color makes any dirt or marks less noticeable, too. It comes with two spacious compartments that can fit anything from makeup to skincare or haircare. Because the pockets inside aren’t clear like some of the other bags on this list, you might have to dig around in different sections to find what you’re looking for, though.
Still, this option is well worth your dime, according to WH associate news editor Charlotte Walsh. “I typically have to pack two separate bags—one for my makeup and the other for shower products—but with this, I can fit it all in one!” she says. She also appreciates the waxed fabric liner inside, which serves as a barrier in case anything spills.
| Size | 6.3x 9.2x 4 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Recycled polyester, cotton, polyamide 70D |
| Water-resistant | Yes |
Pros
- The hook makes it easy to hang up
- The clear pockets make it easier to find your products
Cons
- Not water-resistant
A personal favorite of WH beauty editors, this toiletry bag from Victoria’s Secret has deep pockets that are perfect for those who prefer the perks of a roll-up bag with the structure of something more durable. It comes with two main compartments and one smaller one that sits closest to the hanging hook. While this bag isn’t water-resistant, we appreciate that the clear pockets make it easy to find your belongings.
“It’s easy to see everything that’s in the bag without having to spread everything out on the sink and make a mess,” says WH senior beauty editor Danielle Jackson. She adds that this bag eliminates the need to bring two toiletry bags with her since the pockets are extra spacious.
| Size | 7.2 x 10.5 x 3.3 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyurethane |
| Water-resistant | No |
Pros
- The handle makes it easy to access
- It’s great for small suitcases
Cons
- The material is not super flexible
Feel like a splurge? You will adore this customizable toiletry bag from Mark & Graham. While this is the most expensive option on our round up, the variety of prints to choose from, in addition to its durability and deep double pockets, make it worth every penny.
Its rectangular shape allows for a smooth packing process, as it can easily fit into the corner of a small suitcase or duffel. It also has a handle on top that provides “easy access when you’re digging around in your bag after a late-night or early-morning arrival,” says WH features editor Currie Engel. “[The bag] makes me feel like an incredibly put-together person even on my most hectic and chaotic trips.” If you’re not shopping for yourself, this bag also makes for a great gift for your jet-setting bestie or family member.
| Size | 10 x 6.5 x 4 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Cotton canvas, plastic coating |
| Water-resistant | No |
Pros
- It’s durable and long-lasting
- It’s sustainably made
Cons
- It’s not water-resistant
The most stylish option on this list, this toiletry bag from Herschel is great for quick weekend getaways. It’s on the smaller side and made from vegan leather. The bag comes with an expandable internal and rear storage sleeve, and it’s available in six colors and two sizes. It’s worth noting that while this bag is fashion-forward, it doesn’t have clear pockets and isn’t big enough to guarantee that all your travel must-haves can be stored away.
Ultimately, it will securely store whatever you do travel with, though. WH executive digital director Amanda Woerner, who has been using hers for years, is a fan of this bag for its overall quality. “Herschel toiletry bags hold a ton of makeup and skincare products, and despite the fact that various tinted moisturizers, face washes, and who knows what else, have spilled inside there for years, it’s still in great shape,” she says.
| Size | 6.3 x 8.5 x 4 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Pebbled vegan leather |
| Water-resistant | Not listed |
Pros
- You get two bags for the price of one
- It has a sleek design
Cons
- Neither bag has many pockets
Some people prefer to have one bag, while others don’t mind two. Whether it be for organizational purposes or for having two bags to use individually, you can’t go wrong with this matching set from Beis. These are not water-resistant nor do they have clear pockets, but editors like that they’re compact enough to fit in small suitcases, and that you’re essentially getting two bags for the price of one. Plus, they’re a sleek and stylish option for travel.
“I love the matching neutral color, and the bigger size means that I can still squeeze in some of my full-size products,” says Walsh. She notes that one downside to the rounded shape of the bags is that you lose some of the extra space that you may get from a square pouch.
| Size | (Large pouch) 11x 6 x 2 in.
(Small pouch) 6.8 x 4.8 x 2 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyurethane, nylon coil zippers |
| Water-resistant | No |
Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.
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