What to Pack in a Toiletry Bag: A Simple Checklist
Packing toiletries is easy to overdo. Use this list as a starting point, then cut what you don't use.
The essentials
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner, or a shampoo bar
- Body wash or soap
- Face wash and moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Razor and shaving cream or gel
- Hairbrush or comb
- Lip balm
- Any medications, in their original containers
Often useful
- Contact lenses, solution and case, or glasses
- Nail clippers and tweezers
- Small first-aid items: plasters, pain relief, blister pads
- Hand sanitizer
- Hair ties
- Makeup and remover
- Earplugs
What you can often skip
Many hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a hair dryer. Check before you go. Hostels and holiday rentals often don't.
How to pack it
- Put the heavy, leaky things at the bottom, in a leakproof pocket. The HOTOR hanging toiletry bag has leakproof PVC pockets for this.
- Stand bottles upright with elastic straps if your bag has them.
- Squeeze the air out of bottles before closing them, and don't overfill.
- Keep sharp things together, like razors and tweezers, so you don't reach into them.
- Pack carry-on liquids separately in a clear quart bag if you're flying with a carry-on in the US. See our TSA liquids guide.
When you arrive
Hang the bag on the bathroom door or towel rack so everything is in reach, and let wet items like your toothbrush dry in a ventilated pocket.
Make it a kit
Keep a toiletry bag packed with travel-size duplicates. Refill it after each trip, and you'll never forget your toothbrush again.
For five toiletry bags compared, see our travel toiletry bag comparison.