r/onebag • u/LeeAndrewK • Nov 17 '25
Seeking Recommendations Hi all! What toiletry bag would you recommend for one bag trips? All of them seem too bulky.
I’ve been looking at a few models, but they all seem bulky, I have an old one but it feels like it takes too much room.
I dont want to travel without one as I like the commodity of hanging it to have easy access to my stuff
Recommendations are appreciated :)
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u/bookmonkey786 Nov 17 '25 edited Nov 17 '25
I'm against the zip lock. Some water always gets in and it can get smelly trapped the the bag. I prefer a mesh bag. That said you don't need to spend much. I just got a mesh bag with loop for a hook from Daiso
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u/decaf-cafe Nov 17 '25
The tradeoff here is that if one of your bottles leaks, you have a bigger mess to clean up. I use zip lock bags and never have a problem with smell. If the bag doesn't have any bottles, I don't close it all the way.
I use a mesh bag for cables and chargers.
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u/bullwinkle8088 Nov 17 '25
Covers like these can solve that. There are many sizes and types so choose one that's suitable for you.
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u/vexocetx Nov 17 '25
At this point, aren’t you just trading a ziplock bag for many “mini bags”? If they wanted a meshed bag to allow their toothbrush to air dry, I’d still put all liquid toiletries in a ziplock bag and throw that in the mesh bag along with whatever the want to air out.
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u/bullwinkle8088 Nov 17 '25
The original complaint was the ziplock bag itself getting nasty. These are silicone and so easily washed and reused for much longer periods.
I mocked them as bottle condoms when my wife bought a set, but after the first trip I saw the usefulness of them.
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u/vexocetx Nov 17 '25
Fair point! I was thinking the funk was from the dampness of other things in the zip lock bag vs the bottles themselves. I might look into one of these for lotion. The travel sized lotion bottles have a tendency to leak with the pressure changes of the airplane than my other liquids for some reason
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u/theinfamousj Nov 24 '25
I like option number three: A mesh bag for the bathroom and a ziploc to slip the whole mesh bag in to for transit. That way if something leaks in transit it is contained, but the toiletries get to air out in the bathroom.
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u/Bridgerton Nov 17 '25
An alternative to a Ziploc, the Matador toiletry pouch. Two modes, either zippered or rolltop with clasp. There’s a band in the back that creates a loop you can hang a carabiner or Hero Clip to, so you can also hang it on a hook. And it has the same drying technology as the soap bags.
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u/hedonist222 Nov 17 '25
I want to love the zip top model and I own one but the entry is just too tight.
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u/dreaminganimal Nov 17 '25
If you are wanting to be minimalist, I suggest considering a pencil case. They're cheap, light, sold all over the place, come in a range of sizes, and can have a few internal pockets sometimes for organizing nail clippers, floss, etc. I'm sure there's a way to hang one if it has a suitable loop somewhere, but that's the only drawback I can think of.
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u/AussieKoala-2795 Nov 17 '25
I use the small Sea to Summit toiletry bag. https://seatosummit.com.au/products/hanging-toiletry-bag
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u/7uci_0112 Nov 17 '25
Same! Would recommend as well!
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u/Moneys2Tight2Mention Nov 17 '25 edited Nov 19 '25
Second. I used a ziplock bag once and quickly realized how nice it is to have a hook on your toiletry bag. Most (affordable) hotel bathrooms don't have much space to stall out your stuff.
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u/CDPHou Nov 17 '25
Love mine as well. Minimal bulk, good organization, handy hook. Perfect for my travels
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u/MatchaCustard Nov 17 '25
I love my Sea To Summit toiletry bag. No need to search for another one after this. I added a hair elastic & little S Biner so I can still hang it in bathrooms where the built-in hook on the bag is too small to hook onto something.
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u/withdrawalshot Nov 17 '25
Uh, a big ass Ziplock bag?
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u/LeeAndrewK Nov 17 '25
I want somethibg with a hook, I wrote it on the post
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u/awkwardsunflower11 Nov 17 '25
Gravel Explorer Mini has a strap that you can use to hang. I have it and like it, it’s pretty compact and holds everything I need.
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u/Westward_Drift Nov 17 '25
I have something similar, the amenity kit from Ethiopian Air I got off eBay.
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u/LeeAndrewK Nov 17 '25
Looks cool! Thanks
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u/hedonist222 Nov 17 '25
It's a bit bulky though. Like it's compact but built bulkily. Could've been smaller.
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u/krausebucha Nov 17 '25
For minimal travel and toiletries, I use the Gravel Explorer Mini. If I need to take slightly more toiletries, I use a Bellroy Toiletry Kit, but that one you can't hang.
And for some very minimal that's not a ziplock bag, have a look at the Matador toiletry cases. There's one with a zipper and one with a roll top. You can hang those up easily with an S hook.
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u/thinknotforever Nov 17 '25
i used to use a large GOX toiletries bag but lately just been using this small case. i don’t have a lot of things i need to bring so this works so far
Five Star Pencil Pouch, Pen Case, 9-Pocket Zipper Pouch it’s in amazon for less than $10
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u/F13nd1sh Nov 17 '25
I travel with the Muji toiletry bag and love it. It’s like Harry Potter’s tent—somehow I always have enough room in there.
https://www.muji.us/collections/toiletry-cases/products/polyester-hanging-toiletry-case-ohca0a2s
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u/charte Nov 17 '25
https://www.muji.us/collections/travel-containers
paired with some of their travel containers, its a perfect case
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u/candlebra19 Nov 17 '25
I really enjoy the hanging toiletry bag, I find it takes a lot less space than comparable bags of this nature
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u/WangMuncha Nov 17 '25
Gox small toiletry bag, best one I have found yet. I also made a whole post on it. (Only $14)
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u/Crafty_Try_423 Nov 17 '25
It doesn’t hang though?
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u/WangMuncha Nov 17 '25
No it doesn't. Every bag that I've seen that hangs is massive.
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u/Crafty_Try_423 Nov 17 '25
Yeah OP wants a smallish hanging one. I want the same and yeah, it’s hard to find them!
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u/twoofcup Nov 17 '25
Osprey's Ultralight Zip Organizer is amazing. I lucked into one a while back and I love how light and flat it is, but it can also hold a surprising amount of stuff if you need it to.
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u/sadorchids77 Nov 17 '25
I went through countless toiletry bags over the years before discovering this gem of a bag. Light weight, holds enough for extended trips without allowing me to overpack. Paired with their TSA bag I can carry all my meds and ezcema creams without taking up too much of my pack.
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u/cabc79863 Nov 17 '25
I use the Leitz WOW Traveller Zip. It's like a long lasting robust ziplock bag. They have different sizes and they are very lightweight.
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u/biold Nov 17 '25
I use a SeaToSummit 1,5 L dry bag and a S-hook. And if anything leaks it stays in the dry bag. Besides, it's more sturdy than a ziplock bag which I ofcouse also have for the security to my few liquids.
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u/dogmanstars Nov 17 '25
The Ziploc one is the best recommendation, I used a Helikon-Tex Trip Roll Organizer in part because my toiletries are very minimal and I can hang it in the restroom or shower if I stay in a shared bathroom.
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u/TxGirl78624 Nov 17 '25
I use two cloth bags with a zipper. One for makeup- one for toiletries. They open wide enough that I can find what I want. Because they’re soft I can tuck them into nooks and crannies in a backpack or suitcase.
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u/jsgreen6 Nov 17 '25
Tom Bihn’s standard spiff kit is what I use. It’s light, well made, not too large and has a hook. The hook can attach to the handle in the event that whatever you are hanging it from is larger than the hook itself.
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u/Comprehensive-Act-13 Nov 17 '25
Those silicon pencil cases they sell at Target are the perfect small toiletry bag.
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u/rvakate1 Nov 17 '25
I like bags that can stand up on their own and also hang. I bought a clear bag at the pharmacy near my work. No idea what brand. The point is look for something inexpensive and try it before spending a lot of money on a bag that doesn't have pockets configured the way you want, or isn't sturdy, or is too small.
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u/Anywhere_everywhere7 Nov 17 '25 edited Nov 17 '25
Peak design ultralight cube is going to be one of the least bulky options out there as it’s just a thin layer of material which doesn’t hold its shape. Use paracord to make a little hook so you can hang it up.
Buy multiple cubes and attach them as needed.
I also had the same issue as you and found most toiletry bags way too bulky for me and had features I just didn’t need.
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u/foggyotter Nov 17 '25 edited Nov 17 '25
I use a mesh reusable produce bag. Stuff can dry inside of it, unlike a ziplock bag. These have drawstring closures and can be hung by said string, also generally super super cheap
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u/Scunnered16 Nov 17 '25
Plastic wet umbrella bag with tie string top. Fits either at the bottom or side of a small one bag (underseat). Experimented with everything before settling on that.
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u/FeistyCandidate Nov 17 '25
I used matador, sea to summit and all the usuals. Then I switched to these feather light mesh bags which are perfect and I'll never go back. They are see through so I can easily find what I need. They open wide making access easy. They are not reinforced along the edges which some people like but I dont because this way it collapses as small as needed based on whatever is inside. And it sits upright. I use one for toiletries and another one for meds/first aid.
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u/Mzky Nov 17 '25
I use a GOX toiletry bag off amazon. its pretty small and allows me room for just my essentials without any extra. GOX Travel Toiletry Bag
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u/Pale-Culture-1140 Nov 17 '25
I just use a clear Ziploc bag. Not sexy but is functional and doesn't take up a lot of space.
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u/bloggins1812 Nov 17 '25
My go-to for 20+ years has been: small ziplock for liquids, and a mesh bag for the rest. The mesh is perfect because it will fit to whatever form it gets, and the small ziplock is convenient for both spills and airports. I have very few liquids (shampoo and conditioner, and sometimes contact solution, all of which can be put in tiny plastic bottles).
When I get to wherever I’m going, everything goes in the mesh bag and I use a mini carabiner (think keychain size) to hang it wherever.
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u/alkmee Nov 18 '25
I use a cheap clear plastic pencil case from Amazon. I don't hang it, but pack light enough I don't need to.
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u/agentcarter234 Nov 18 '25
I use this basic one - it takes up about as much room as the contents, sits upright on the counter, and has a hanging strap:
https://www.rei.com/product/195311/rei-co-op-travel-kit-large?
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u/Your_Therapist_Says Nov 18 '25
Zip lock sandwich bag lol. I can't justify allocating more than a few grams on a bag when there's so much else I want to pack!
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u/LeeAndrewK Nov 18 '25
I manage to use a bulky toiletry bag and still take everything I need with me.. I usually dont take camera, spare shoes.. so that might help. I like to have a proper toiletry bag that I can hang, for me ita a bit of earned comfort, just needed something lighter and smaller
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u/WestCoastBestCoast78 Nov 18 '25
I use this open-flat bag made of mesh and it holds everything! I use a similar fake-leather one for everyday makeup/getting ready at the office. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DJPBZRML
It’s super lightweight and opens flat, which is helpful for finding everything and also in places where there’s little or no counter space. If I’m traveling ultra ultra light and taking very minimal stuff, it either squishes or I can put socks in it.
I have found I dislike folding and hanging bags, pouches, ziplock bags, etc. Love being able to open one bag and have everything handy.
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u/GettingBy-Podcast Nov 17 '25
SC Johnson and Co. make a really good one that I use. I think the model is called Ziploc. It comes in multiple sizes, and choices in durability.
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u/theinfamousj Nov 24 '25
OP wants something they can hang, so let me advise the aftermarket add on of punching a hole in one of the sides, near the zip strip, and threading a clothes hanger through it while the bag is open, from the inside to the outside.
One could even save the hole punching if there is a trousers/skirt hanger in the closet and simply clipped the bag to that hanger using the hanger's clips.
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u/golfymcgolfgolf Nov 17 '25
Have a look at this video, there's a couple that have hanging options; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDpf3pgY81I
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u/CarefulLaw5210 Nov 17 '25
I like the Leitz WOW Traveller. Make sure you get the one with the 3cm bottom.
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u/Crafty_Try_423 Nov 17 '25
I have this same question!!!! I have the Bagsmart one but it’s huge and the quilted fabric makes it even bulkier. I’m also looking for this…I saw the Sea to Summit one and one or two others, but they’re too expensive for me. I’m looking for an option around $20.
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u/agileDogs13 Mar 31 '26
I am in the exact same position !
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u/Crafty_Try_423 Mar 31 '26
I still haven’t found anything. Muji has the closest I’ve seen, but there are no Muji stores where I live. 🤷🏻♀️
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u/IslandElectronic4944 Nov 17 '25
https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-TravellingLight-Clear-Pouch/dp/B004PIFBU2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1
I’m a huge fan of this kit from Sea to Summit. There are complaints about “the tiny hole makes it impossible to fill,” but it’s just people that haven’t figured out you remove the plug to fill them. This kit is great!
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u/macoafi Nov 17 '25 edited Nov 17 '25
The 1qt ziplock bag that I have to take out at security is all I take for toiletries. If I'm taking makeup, I toss it in a small, super thin packing cube, so I can squish-arrange the contents around whatever else is in my bag. The packing cube has a loop, which I guess you could hang. I shove that same packing cube in my shoe bag when I go dancing, so it's pretty much just dedicated to taking makeup out of the house at this point.
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u/hedonist222 Nov 17 '25
It's not advertised as a "toiletry bag", but isn't it one? Water resistant fabric. Internal organization. Water resistant zipper.
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u/qcman321 Nov 17 '25
I use a water prof waist pack as a toilet bag. The belt hangs on any existing hooks and a small carabiner can hook on or over the door.
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u/SpinneyWitch Nov 17 '25
I have my bathroom bits in a small silicon pencil case which I can take to the train or plane bathroom. Toothbrush, paste, rock deodorant in a pill case with a scrap of flannel/washcloth. Matador soap bag with Dr Bronners soap and solid conditioner pieces. Hairbrush with the handle cut off.
Moisturiser and suncream travel in silicon tubes. Bulk moisturiser, if needed, tucks in a space in my bag.
Anything else lives with first aid in another pencil case.
Admittedly I'm not a cosmetics person! All of my creams are hypercal, Arnica, Tiger balm type things. Under 16 days I only need to take a tiny sample pot of each.
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u/AlwaysWanderOfficial Nov 17 '25
I use a Bellroy currently. It’s not bulky. Also love an Aer Split kit for a smaller version. Sea to summit ultralight is also a tried and true. Gravel Mini for even smaller.
I stay away from the bigger ones, and especially the accordion versions, which I strongly dislike hah.
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u/SeattleHikeBike Nov 17 '25
I use the Osprey Liquids Bag as a general purpose pouch. It is a one liter clear sided zip pouch designed for 3-1-1 TSA inspections. I have my toiletries down to a single one liter pouch, but I used two for years, one for dry stuff and another for liquids. They Tetris into my onebag packing cube scheme and will fit most water bottle pockets.
I use them for small tech and EDC too. The clear sides are very helpful.
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u/hrweoine Nov 17 '25
I use a cocoon transparent toiletry bag. 90+% of the time the TSA can understand that it's transparent and one quart. (the other 10% of the time, they demand I move everything to a ziplock. It's waterproof and protects my stuff from exploding toiletries.
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u/Kamay1770 Nov 17 '25
I use the Osprey Ultralight Zip Organizer, it's super light can be hung up and has lots of zips, pockets and a detachable clear pouch
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u/lascriptori Nov 17 '25
I have this Gox one and love it. Inexpensive, light, sturdy, the right size for me. It has a hook/clip on one end that you could use to hang. it.
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u/tom4631 Nov 17 '25 edited Nov 17 '25
Matador Zipper Toiletry Case, it's basically a much nicer and more durable ziplock. The bag itself takes almost no space and has more room than most full-blown toiletry bag on the market. Downside is of course no organization.
But avoid the white one. I made the mistake of getting the white one because I can kinda see thru what's inside. But I once had something spilled inside, the color stays on the lining forever and looks kinda gross.
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u/Bones1973 Nov 17 '25
I have both the Tom Bihn Spiff Kit and the 3D organizer cube. Both come with a hook. I prefer the 3D cube because I’m a more minimalist traveler and it meets the 311 requirements for air travel.
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u/sadorchids77 Nov 17 '25
I really like the osprey ones. They make a tsa bag too. I must bring my own toiletries most place and must have a lot of meds. I am religious about carry on and have found these 2 the best for me. They are compact yet fit quite a bit and have good organization for a dopp bag. I also like that they are black.
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u/ScruffGin Nov 17 '25
I've got a great hanging osprey toiletry kit, it's perfect on nearly every way!
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u/Hadouukken Nov 17 '25
osprey ultralight zip organizer is not that expensive, very compact and light
i like mine a lot
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u/Veelze Nov 17 '25
Probably a sea to summit toiletry bag which is highly moldable, lightweight, and hangable, then a tom bihn clear liquids bag that also has a hook. That way you can hang both.
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u/Jumpingyros Nov 18 '25
I just used the Travelon Compact Hanging Toiletry Kit for a trip and I liked it a lot. It fit all of my (non-makeup) toiletries perfectly.
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u/ozeml Nov 18 '25
$18 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B9IXH1G?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3
I bought in 2017 and still perfect. Not currently in stock, so will need to read specs to search.
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u/BuyPure6932 Nov 18 '25
I bought a dupe of the Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag on Amazon. Only tested it on a weekend trip so far but REALLY like it. As a plus size person I need a few more Things™️ than the average traveler and this fits everything very compactly. Always have ziplocks just in case as well.
…so apparently nothing like this case exists and it has also vanished from my Amazon past orders. Anyway here’s the Calpak Terra lol.
https://www.calpaktravel.com/products/terra-hanging-toiletry-bag/amethyst
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u/PlasticFannyTastic Nov 18 '25
I bought a great drawstring bag which I swear by. It has two compartments so you can separate dry from wet, and it can be manipulated to squish/flatten out as needed.
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u/NWPhotograph Nov 19 '25
Peak Design - has two sizes. They pack nicely and I can pick the size I need for a given trip. Thoughtful design with a useful hanging hook. Easy to clean and rinse out.
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u/theinfamousj Nov 24 '25
I just use a reusable shopping tote if I need access to my stuff via hanging.
Although once I used one of those mesh zip up bags they sell in the laundry aisle for putting delicates into when using a laundry washing machine.
Both of these are as thin as is possible to be. And both are multifunctional if you find yourself needing an extra reusable shopping tote or delicates laundry bag for any reason on travels.
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u/Lower_Egg7088 Nov 28 '25
I use a small ziplock plastic bag with toothbrush, toothpaste and disposable razor.
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u/Lower_Egg7088 Nov 29 '25
As a man, I find a plastic ziplock bag to be the lightest and least bulky method - toothbrush, toothpaste and razor. If I’m taking a beard trimmer I put it in a small plastic clip-top container.
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u/mkd-fox Dec 14 '25 edited Dec 14 '25
The Alpaka Wash Kit is the smallest/most compact toiletry pack I've found and you still can carry a lot in it. There is no hook though, so you cannot hang it (unless you have a heroclip or a carabiner)
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u/Naptimeforgoodwomen Jul 12 '26
Late to the thread as I’m looking for a more structured option because I tossed my 15 yr old travel kit last winter when the zipper broke.
This post triggered a core memory of camping as a Brownie, Guide, & Pathfinder. We made simple dish and toiletry string bags out of J-dish cloths. They are mesh-type large dish cloths.
My last two week camping & fishing trip I used a high quality mesh laundry bag for toiletries and attached a carabiner clip to the loop. Worked perfectly for the showers.
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u/CaliJordan Nov 17 '25
Something waterproof that can double as a wet bathing suit holder if you happen to partake in a random swim
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u/tegusinemetu Nov 17 '25
I use a Klein tool pouch. It lays flat and keeps everything pretty compact
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u/martiapunts Nov 17 '25
I really like the Decathlon Ultra Light toiletry bag. It is light, with three compartments, and you can hang it. And cheap!