This is a product that will simplify your daily routine dramatically while traveling. It’s something you’re in/out of on a daily basis and possibly several times a day so durable and ease of access are important. Although you can get by with an assortment of Ziploc bags (and many people do) this is a solid investment that will serve you well for years to come while preserving your sanity (and that of any traveling companion) early in the morning. If traveling as a couple or a family getting cases for each person in a different color, whether the same make/style or not, can help eliminate confusion. Of the products available on the market some can be deceptively heavy if they use heavy fabric, line the interior, add a layer of padding, use heavy/excessive zippers, add an excessive number of compartments inside/outside or just make the case excessively BIG. If you have more than will fit in one of the smaller/lighter cases consider getting two of the smallest/lightest cases and dividing your items based on Frequent and Less Frequent use (different colors would be handy). Although two cases is not the general idea here it can still result a light option that’s more functional for use and may make packing easier. Two cases at (2 x 1.6oz = 3.2oz = 91g) is still better than one monstrous case at 16oz (454g) especially when it’s the contents that will make up the majority of the overall weight. That single monstrous case will be a block of concrete if you fully load it up … two smaller bricks might be better. There is also the option for a slightly heavier case if you can use it to store other items and possibly eliminate the need for other organizers. Weigh your options.
Hanging vs. Non-Hanging: I personally don’t like cases designed specifically to be hung because they seem to function best only when hanging and that isn’t something I generally do. However, many people do like them and depending on the bathroom configuration at your accommodations they can be useful. Shared bathrooms, small sinks with no counter space and/or no available shelves can present challenges to personal grooming. With a little ingenuity and a clip/hook/string you can hang almost any case. So, make your decision based on personal preference and where you might be staying while traveling.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Original Quick Trip
This was my tried and true favorite for probably a decade. Still have it, use it and it’s still in great shape. I like the classic simple Dopp Kit design that sits flat and opens completely across the top with a zipper but still doesn’t allow things to fall out easily. You can even open the main zipper about halfway and hang it on a hook or door handle in a pinch (but be careful). It’s pure function and it’s one of the lighter cases out there. It and the design it’s based on hasn’t changed in decades and for good reason. It doesn’t hold a lot and some would argue that the curved top wastes some potential space (it does make for a smooth zipper) but what it does hold it holds well. The two flat outside zippered pockets (one mesh) allow for basic organization and it squeezes in just about anywhere in my Primary Bag. The fabric is heavy enough that it holds its shape pretty well. Big enough for what you need and small enough to keep you honest.
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♥Simple Design
♥Quality Nylon Fabric and Zippers
♥Full Zipper Top Opening
♥Two Flat Exterior Zippered Pockets
♥Very Lightweight
Dimensions:
Capacity:
MSRP:
10 x 3 x 5.5in
3L
$19.95
25 x 8 x 14cm
200ci
ULT Choice
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Quick Trip
You simply can’t go wrong with the Original but … a couple of years ago when these came out I purchased one on a whim. Why? Because it was exactly the same as the one I had but LIGHTER!!! [insert insane grin here]. It’s my current case of choice. It’s made of a lighter but very durable material called SilNylon (silicone-impregnated ripstop nylon) which is extremely light, strong and water-repellent. Empty it compresses down almost completely flat but otherwise the fabric is so light it doesn’t really hold any shape (other than that of the contents) … characteristic of anything made from SilNylon … not really a bad thing. It may be less durable in the long run (I tend to take good care of things though) so if you’re someone who’s hard on things you may want to consider the Original above or the Tech model below. I’ve had no issues with durability or function over the last couple of years. The outside pockets are both fabric compared to the Original which had one fabric and one mesh and I actually prefer this change. It’s just like my Original model but lighter. I like it. I like it so much that I even have another one that I now carry in my Day Bag as an internal organizer. If you have a lot of Electronics Accessories it would work well for that, too. It’s very versatile and provides more organizational options than your average Packing Cube with very little overhead. So, even if it isn’t what you want in a Toiletry Case it may work extremely well for you in other situations. For something with modest capacity and three zip closure compartments that doesn’t weigh much more than a basic stuff sack or a few Ziplocs it’s an incredible organizational product (for any use).
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♥Same as Original
♥Not much shape when empty
♥Extremely Lightweight
Dimensions:
Capacity:
MSRP:
10 x 3 x 5.5in
3L
$24.95
25 x 8 x 14cm
200ci
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Quick Trip
This is the latest variant based on the Original model. It’s lighter than the Original but heavier than the basic Specter model and possibly more durable than either. It has a couple of additional internal organizational features but essentially it has stayed true to the Original just with different materials that are meant to be stronger, lighter and more durable. It also has a different aesthetic to it which is nice and hold it’s shape a bit. If I manage to wear out either my Original or Specter models I would consider trying this one. Please check back in 10 – 15 years for an update.
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♥Same as Original
♥Additional Features
♥Stronger Fabric
♥Very Lightweight
Dimensions:
Capacity:
MSRP:
10 x 3 x 5.5in
3L
$24.95
25 x 8 x 14cm
200ci
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter On Board Toiletry Kit
If you want something that you can hang or you just need a little more space this is a great option. It’s made of the same lightweight material as Eagle Creek’s other Specter products which is even more advantageous as you get into a larger case. It also has some lightweight perforated foam incorporated which gives it some structure/shape and protection for the contents without much compromise as to weight.
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♥Versatile Hanging Options
♥Full Zippered Closure
♥Two Internal Zippered Pockets
♥Internal Organizers
♥Extra Space
♥Lightweight
Dimensions:
Capacity:
MSRP:
10 x 7.5 x 4.5in
5.5L
$44.95
25 x 19 x 11cm
350ci
AmazonBasics Hanging Toiletry Kit
If you need more space or organization this style works great. Even though it’s going to be heavier and bulkier it has one distinct advantage. The two exterior zippered compartments. If you can manage to only fill the main compartment with your basic toiletries these two compartments can be used for any combination of other items. Store Liquids in one and FirstAid Kit in the other; Electronics Accessories in one and Camera Accessories in the other; or any combination that works for you. This can eliminate the need for additional Organizers (Cases, Packing Cubes, Stuff Sacks, Ziplocs) and just fewer items to pack, unpack, repack and keep track of. At your accommodation you can just pull out your Toiletry Case and have everything you might need all in one place. This might mean you have to be a little more careful taking it into wet bathrooms so decide if it’s practical for you. The trade off of weight/bulk might make it worthwhile if you can eliminate a few other Organizers. If you just stuff it full of toiletries it simply negates any advantages though.
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♥ Versatile Hanging Options
♥ Full Zippered Closures
♥ Nylon Fabric and Zippers
♥ Two Exterior Zipper Compartments
♥ Extra Space
⊗Heavier
Dimensions:
Capacity:
MSRP:
9.6 x 8.2 x 3.3in
???L
$18.99
24 x 21 x 8cm
???ci