What Dopp Kit Should You Choose? | Buyers Guide

Whether you’re camping off the beaten path, putting your feet up in a plush hotel, kicking back in a cabin, or hopping from hostel to hostel, you need somewhere to store your toiletries so you can stay fresh and groomed wherever your travels take you. A Dopp kit is your trusty travel companion wherever your next trip leads, taking its name from Charles Doppelt. The German leather craftsman and US immigrant created a leather toiletry case in the 20th century, later securing a contract with the US military to supply these cases during WWII. Fast-forward to today and there are many different styles and sizes available to suit different needs. However, a few key considerations can help you narrow down your choices for a kit that’s just right for you.

Material Choices

Dopp kits come in a wide variety of materials that will suit different needs and aesthetic preferences. Those seeking timeless, classic style might opt for leather or waxed canvas, while others may prefer lightweight materials that suit pared-back or ultralight carry setups. While a Dopp kit won’t require the same level of durability as a travel bag, you should still consider tough materials, secure closures, and long-lasting construction for a piece of kit that will likely venture near and far for many years to come.

Also bear in mind how easy your Dopp kit will be to clean in the event of accidental spills or leakages. Water-resistant zippers and a water-resistant lining that’s easy to wipe will make travel life much easier, while also helping protect the rest of the contents in your travel bag by preventing liquids from seeping out.

Sized for Your Setup

Often packing space is precious in a travel bag, so there’s no need to add unnecessary bulk with a toiletry kit that’s larger than you need. That being said, you should choose one that adequately accommodates all your grooming supplies in one easily transportable kit. Whether you roam with a lot of toiletries or make do with a minimalist setup, a diverse range of Dopp kit sizes are available to suit larger and smaller setups alike.

Organization and Access

While smaller toiletry loads require less organization, you should still consider a kit with useful pockets and easy access when dealing with multiple items. From elastic loops to mesh or zippered pockets and multiple compartments, Dopp kits can offer a wide variety of organization options to suit different setups and preferences.

Consider how easily the design allows access to your gear as well. A lay-flat or wide-opening design can make it a lot easier to access individual items.

Travel-Friendly Features

A few handy travel-friendly features can make a big difference in your Dopp kit. For instance, a design with a hanging hook can come in handy when you’re dealing with compact spaces that don’t offer much room to lay a kit out. Translucent materials can help you quickly identify the contents in a kit, while other features might include the option to easily secure the kit to a larger bag or a multifunctional design that can double as a small EDC bag or tech pouch. Decide how you want to use your Dopp kit and what features will help you get the most out of it.

Now that you have some key elements to keep in mind when choosing a Dopp kit, let’s delve into some top-notch picks that could be just right for your next trip.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Hanging Toiletry Kit (US$30)

Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Reveal Hanging Toiletry Kit offers great value for money, packing in a variety of travel-friendly features at an affordable price tag. The kit offers multiple pockets for easily organizing toiletries, a washable and water-resistant construction made with bluesign® certified 100% recycled 300D polyester, a hanging hook, top grab handle, and self-repairing zippers. So whether you’re laying it flat or hanging it in tight spaces, your grooming essentials will stay within tidy, easy reach throughout your travels.

Matador FlatPak Waterproof Toiletry Case (US$30)

Matador have built a reputation for creating clever travel accessories that blend thoughtful features and technical construction. Case in point, the FlatPak Waterproof Toiletry Case. A good option for smaller setups, the 2L case provides a combination of waterproof 30D Cordura® ripstop nylon, welded construction, and a rolltop closure so the rest of your gear stays safe and dry in the case of accidental spills or leaks. However, Dry-Through™ Technology allows water to evaporate through the fabric, allowing wet items like toothbrushes to dry when they’re inside the case. A great option for ultralight travel, the case also includes a hang loop and can pack flat when not in use.

Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof 3-1-1 Pouch (US$34.99)

The Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof 3-1-1 Pouch easily adapts to a range of environments with its IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof TPU construction featuring RF welded seams and unique TRU® Zip technology offering a smooth, toothless, and waterproof zipper. The translucent front lets you quickly identify interior contents and the gusseted base creates a self-standing design for easy access. Tough and submersible, the pouch adheres to the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule and also includes belt loops and anchor points for flexible carry options too.

Tom Bihn 3D Organizer Cube (US$36)

Available in all-fabric and clear options, Tom Bihn’s 3D Organizer Cube was created to comply with the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule. It uses a #5 YKK racquet-coil zipper and includes 2 exterior O-rings which can accommodate an optional shoulder strap if you want the pouch to double as a small EDC bag. An interior hanging hook lets you hang the pouch in cramped spaces and a choice of fabrics and colorways accommodate your personal style preferences too.

WANDRD Toiletry Bag (US$44)

WANDRD’s Toiletry Bag comes in two sizes to accommodate different setups, both offering a range of organization options to protect and organize items on the go, including an antimicrobial toothbrush head sleeve. If you get both sizes, you can also secure them together to create an extra-large toiletry kit option, while each size also serves as an EDC bag by securing an optional carry strap. The weather-resistant materials and YKK zippers make it easy to wipe the bag clean and protect the rest of your gear from accidental spills. Both sizes also feature multiple carry/grab handles for easy carry and retrieval from a pack or luggage and the larger Toiletry Bag also includes a jewelry snap, hanging hook, and exterior storage for items such as a wet toothbrush.

Aer Dopp Kit 3 (US$49)

Aer’s Dopp Kit 3 offers a nifty standing design and multiple pockets for convenient access to toiletry items, along with a durable bluesign® approved 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior and water-resistant antimicrobial interior liner. Available in a choice of colorways, the 1.8L kit suits smaller setups well and also offers a back carry handle that can be used to grab or hang the kit up.  

Fjällräven Kånken Toiletry Bag (US$55)

Built for a lifetime of travel adventures, the Fjällräven Kånken Toiletry Bag is made with tough waxed G-1000 HeavyDuty S fabric. The kit provides dual compartments both featuring interior organization for your toiletries. Additionally, foam padding provides structure for the bag and helps protect the contents too.

Bellroy Toiletry Kit (US$55) and Kit Plus (US$65)

Available in two sizes to suit smaller or larger toiletry loads, the Bellroy Toiletry Kit and Kit Plus combine clean exteriors with practical interior organization including a magnetic toothbrush sleeve and interior pockets. The kit opens wide for convenient access and has a water-resistant, wipeable lining. Grab loops on either end also help with carrying the kit and retrieving it from a larger bag.

Side By Side Travel Packer LT (US$59.95)

The Side By Side Travel Packer LT offers a lightweight, slim design that fits easily into a range of bags or luggage, as well as modular organization to adapt to changing needs. Detachable interior Dopp Cubes allow you to pack less or more as required, while multiple setup options allow you to hang the kit, lay it flat, or prop it up to suit different travel settings.

Peak Design Wash Pouch (US$59.95)

The weatherproof Peak Design Wash Pouch features a wide-opening main compartment with a #8 weatherproof UltraZip. Inside you’ll find numerous pockets for keeping items tidy such as a magnetically sealed toothbrush pocket. As a useful added bonus, the pockets can be turned inside out for convenient cleaning if required. The kit has a self-standing design and also includes a stowable hanging hook and an exterior grab handle.

DSPTCH Dopp Kit (US$62)

Take a look beneath the understated aesthetics of the DSPTCH Dopp Kit and you’ll find a variety of useful features including dual compartments, interior organization, as well as a removable padded valet tray, making it easy to corral smaller items during your travels. The kit comes in a variety of colorways and fabric options and includes dual grab handles for convenient portability and retrieval from a bag.

Tanner Goods Drifter Dopp Kit (US$75)

If you’re after more of a heritage feel in your toiletry travel setup, check out the Tanner Goods Drifter Dopp Kit. It’s made with 10 oz waxed canvas in a range of colorways and full-grain leather details. The handle can be used to carry or hang the kit up, while two interior pockets provide internal organization.

Gravel Explorer PLUS Toiletry Bag (US$79)

The Gravel Explorer PLUS Toiletry Bag packs a bunch of features into a sleek, wipeable, and durable design. The bag has a lay-flat main compartment with a choice of pockets to keep gear accessible and easily visible. Additionally, the bag can be hung up and also comes with a removable clear TSA-compliant pouch for liquids. Plus, if the size isn’t quite right for you, Gravel also offers additional Explorer Toiletry Bag designs to suit smaller or larger setups. 

Heimplanet Carry Essentials Dopp Kit (around $85)

If you love dedicated pockets for all your items, the Heimplanet Carry Essentials Dopp Kit is well worth checking out. Multiple compartments and a host of pockets provide plenty of options for organizing your toiletry items, while the lay-flat and hangable design keeps items accessible in numerous different travel environments. Made with environmentally-friendly DYECOSHELL fabric and water-repellent YKK zippers, it also includes a small mirror and can double as a tech pouch too.

Émigré Wash Bag (US$140)

Designed with business travel in mind, the Émigré Wash Bag provides a higher-end, smart kit featuring bluesign®-certified high-tenacity Robic® nylon from 100% recycled materials and YKK zippers. Dual compartments and a selection of pockets make it easy to organize gear, while the easily cleanable, water-resistant interior helps protect the rest of your gear in your luggage. The bag has a self-standing design and also includes a hidden hanging hook for added functionality.

KILLSPENCER Dopp/Folio 2.0 (US$210)

Looking for luxury and multifunctional design in one? The KILLSPENCER Dopp/Folio 2.0 offers elegant design, premium materials, and dual functionality as both a Dopp kit and lay-flat folio. The full-grain leather exterior is complemented by a waterproof white tarpaulin interior. Large enough to fit an iPad or MacBook Air 11″ in folio mode, the kit provides carry handles on either end in Dopp mode and is handcrafted in California.

A heads up: Bellroy and Carryology share the same founders. You can read about our origin story here.

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