Written by, Jalluri
Updated March, 14, 2023
How you should go about choosing the best Dopp kit for your personal needs?
The term “Dopp kit” actually comes from the name of a leather goods designer called Charles Doppelt, whose company was the first to put leather toiletry bags into production in the early 1900’s. So there you have it, a Dopp kit is simply a synonym for a men’s toiletry kit – a small sack usually made of leather and used to store and organize your various items of hygiene. This is particularly useful when traveling. Without a proper Dopp kit, practically the only alternative you have is to store your toiletries in plastic bags, or just throw them into your suitcase independently. This can end rather badly if the guy that handles your luggage at the airport is a bit too rough with the bags, and that is exactly why a Dopp kit should be part of your traveling arsenal.
Not all Dopp kits are created equal. They come in all shapes and sizes, and in order to find the perfect one for your particular situation, there are a few things that you’re going to have to keep in mind.
Size. There are all kinds of toiletry bags out there. Some are just large enough to accommodate a single toothbrush, toothpaste, your shampoo, and deodorant. Some are significantly larger and can hold all kinds of things. The ideal size of your Dopp kit generally depends on what you’ll be using it for. If you travel a lot and plan to take it with you, a smaller one might be more convenient. If you wish to use it to hang your toiletries in the bathroom, opt out for a bigger one that can store all your items comfortably.
Material. Dopp kits also come in various materials, most notably leather, cloth, and vinyl. The durability of the bag will depend on the material, so make your choice wisely. Keep in mind that your toiletries are generally things that are full of water, and luggage is sometimes under a lot of pressure. What does pressure do? That’s right, it causes things to burst, and you do not want your shampoo exploding inside your luggage – trust me on that. Leather tends to be the most durable in this respect, but it’s also expensive and hard to clean in the event of an accident (you can’t really throw it in the wash like you could a cloth one).
Available compartments. This is the real game changer. The more compartments a Dopp kit has, the easier it is to organize your things. However, this really depends on your needs, and if you don’t carry around more than four or five items, getting a kit with excess compartments doesn’t make much sense.
Price. All of these aforementioned factors will affect the price of the kit, so basically what you’ve got to do is sort out your priorities. Small kits will be less expensive than large ones, and cloth and vinyl are cheaper than leather. More expensive doesn’t always equal better, though, as there are many more things that come into play when the price is involved, like the brand name for example. If you’re interested in a bargain Dopp kit, Amazon has many of them on sale. Finally, you can check Walmart discounts since this renowned retail store has a lot of Dopp kits to choose from.
A Dopp kit is an indispensable tool for the tireless traveler, but even if you aren’t currently planning a vacation, a good toiletry bag can make your life easier in so many ways. Choosing the right one can be a bit tricky because there are so many choices, so hopefully, this article has made things a bit easier. Remember that there is no best Dopp kit out there, it really depends on what you need in terms of size, functionality, convenience as well as quality. As long as you look out for those four factors, you’re sure to make a good choice. Good luck!
A fairly large toiletry bag with a fair number of compartments for storing various toiletries. The large one is large enough to hold up to two shampoo bottles, and the smaller ones can be used for your toothbrush, toothpaste, and stick deodorant. The lid features two separate zipper compartments that make sure that whatever’s in them doesn’t fly out when you open the kit. It’s also hangable, which is a huge plus for accessibility.
An elegant-looking, nylon lining toiletry bag made of polyester, making it waterproof. The zipper used to close the kit is waterproof as well, so you can literally keep the bag in the shower while you’re showering, without any cause for worry. The bag itself is about ten inches wide, which is sufficient for a large number of different toiletries.
This is a very simple but classy looking bag that is large enough to accommodate all your items of hygiene. The magnetic side closures are a really cool feature that makes sure your kit and all its contents stay hermetically sealed until you desire otherwise. There’s an interior zip pocket which is always a welcome addition, and the kit itself is actually made from organically grown cotton
The Michael Kors Kent is a dead-simple, elegant toiletry bag for those that want a zero-hassle experience. There are no extra compartments, just a single zipper, and a small zip pocket. The material is a combination of polyamide and acrylic, and the kit itself is about ten inches wide.
A very handy, polyester Dopp kit covered in waterproof laminate and a durable water repellent finish. This makes sure that the kit is protected from any potential outside moisture. It also makes sure that the other contents of your suitcase are kept safe from your toiletries in case of a shampoo burst. The kit itself is very light, weighing in at 9 ounces, and the inside of the bag is equally divided into different zippered mesh pockets. The kit’s carrying capacity is rated at 10 liters, which is way more than you’ll ever need to carry on a trip.
If nothing else, this bag is a solid choice simply because of the impeccable design. Simplicity, elegance, and a truly vintage feel are the first things that come to mind when taking a glance at the LL Bean Dopp kit. The inside is lined with cotton twill which is an excellent absorbent, and the zipper is high-quality brass that is sure to last you a lifetime. At 9 inches wide, it’s large enough to accommodate all your toiletries and small enough to toss into any suitcase, making it a great choice for travel.
It may not happen often, but toiletry bags do need to be washed every now and then, which is why you’ll be happy to hear that the Alchemy Goods Elliott is machine washable. The nylon fabric this kit is made from makes this possible, so you don’t have to wash your Dopp kit by hand (which is, by the way, very tedious especially when there are a lot of compartments). This is definitely a compact kit, only 5 inches wide and 8 inches long, but still large enough to take virtually all your Dopp kit essentials with you.
While they’re usually designed and built very elegantly, most Dopp kits generally look kind of plain and don’t really have a personality to them. This is definitely not one of those. It features a simplistic, quirky design that is bound to inspire at least some laughs and is practical enough to still function as a perfectly fine toiletry bag. It’s made from a high-quality cotton canvas, and large enough to store your toiletries, as well as your charger and passport if need be.
Like many others on this list, the Aer is lined with a water-resistant mesh that keeps both your suitcase and your toiletries safe. It also features an easy-to-access front-pocket, compartments with elastic organizers and a dedicated toothbrush stand. The capacity is rated at 2.9 liters, which is more than enough for your shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, and whatever else you need.
Made from ballistic nylon with a leather top, the Tumi Dopp kit is compact and very stylish in an original way. It’s small enough to accommodate the ever-increasing carry-on limitations on flights, so you can take your kit to the plane with you if you happen to need it – a necessity for long airplane rides. Like most quality kits, the Tumi Alpha 2 closes off with a zipper, and the lining actually has anti-bacterial properties designed to keep your hygiene at a top-notch level. Inside the kit itself are three separate compartments for your toiletries.
This product is actually under a limited lifetime warranty, which definitely says something about its durability. The Dakine Groomer features multiple compartments which makes organizing your toiletries a breeze, while the inside of the kit is lined with nylon making it easy to clean. The material itself is water-resistant 600D polyester that protects your kit from mildew. It’s about 5 inches wide so not really large, but users have reported that the storage space was sufficient for two-week-long trips.