CARRY LOUNGE STAFF
Thu, Dec 05 - 7 Minute Read

Whether at home or on the road, dopp kits offer the best way to organize your grooming and hygiene items.

Back in 1919, leatherworker Charles Doppelt had a brilliant idea — why not put a better brand name on toiletry bags, and then sell them to the U.S. military? Now, 105 years and one massive government contract later, we still think of these high-quality toiletry bags as “dopp kits”.

Speaking more practically, a dopp kit is an excellent addition to any man’s travel setup. It lets you separate and organize your shaving and hygiene products from the rest of your bag, keeping both dry, clean, and hygienic. 

We took five different dopp kits for a test drive, ranging from the most affordable to the fanciest possible, to bring you this guide to the five best dopp kits around. Below, you’ll find our notes on each bag, as well as manufacturer details for each.

Harber London Toiletry Bag

Handcrafted in Spain and made from premium full grain leather, Harber London’s Toiletry Bag is one of the classiest — and most expensive — dopp kits featured in this review.

A long handstrap on the exterior of the bag makes it easy to carry, and also allows for hanging it for easy access while you’re at the bathroom sink. And while the bag is on the small side, it seems to do a great job of accommodating a range of basic toiletry products (razor, deodorant, shave cream, etc.).

Both the interior and exterior of this bag are highly water-resistant and easily cleaned, with plenty of access room for each of the bag’s pockets. So while the price of this bag is quite high, the quality is really there to back it up, especially if you’re looking for a dopp kit to accompany a professional wardrobe.

  • Dimensions/Capacity: 9.44” x 5.51” x 1.57”
  • Materials: Full grain leather and cotton twill
  • Notable features: Easy clean liner, carry strap
  • Best for: High quality, high dollar buyers
  • Country of origin: Designed in U.K., manufactured in Spain
  • Price: $305

Oak & Rove Dopp Kit

Oak & Rove, a Los Angeles based designs studio best known for their briefcases, makes one heck of a dopp kit. Combining a full grain leather base with a 1680D nylon body and waterproof nylon interior, it’s a tough but handsome option that will appeal to office workers and seasoned travelers alike.

As the largest dopp kit in this review, this bag has plenty of space for a wide array of toiletries. Possibly too much space, honestly, but it is nice to have the option of stowing away a few extra travel items for longer trips. Five interior pockets and one central compartment will help keep everything organized.

Overall, this dopp kit is great. It’s everything you want out of a dopp kit, all at a fair price.

  • Dimensions/Capacity: 5.5” x 5.5” x 10”
  • Materials: Full grain leather and 1680D nylon
  • Notable features: Large carrying capacity, well-rounded design
  • Best for: All-around dopp kit use at a reasonable price
  • Country of origin: Undisclosed
  • Price: $99

 

NutSac DoppSac

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<p class=Where the previous two dopp kits have focused on presentation and organization, the DoppSac takes a turn towards rugged and durable minimalism.

Made with NutSac’s signature waxed canvas and brass hardware, the DoppSac is accented with antique brass hardware to complete the Americana look and feel. A single inner compartment is all you need here to carry your toothbrush, medicine, deodorant, etc. — and the DoppSac’s slim size makes it easy to pack away in any bag you might be taking with you, from messenger to duffel.

The craftsmanship and materials here are second to none, hand-sewn in the USA, and backed by NutSac’s lifetime guarantee. So if you want one simple, straightforward, and handsome dopp kit to last a lifetime, this is it.

  • Dimensions/Capacity: 10.25" x 3.5" x 5”
  • Materials: Waxed canvas, full grain leather, brass hardware
  • Notable features: Leather base, antique brass hardware
  • Best for: Buy-it-for-life dopp kit
  • Country of origin: United States
  • Price: $109

 

Galen Leather Classic Dopp Kit

If you’re a price-conscious shopper who loves the look of leather, then Galen Leather’s Classic Dopp Kit is the bag for you.

Made from a single piece of vegetable tanned leather and outfitted with a smooth-action YKK zipper, this dopp kit is simplicity itself. Its carrying capacity is right in the middle of our selection of dopp kits today, and its single-pouch design without interior pockets means everything goes in one big interior.

For the price, this bag is pretty hard to beat. The only place where it misses the mark just a bit is that the interior is unlined, raw leather — meaning that if it gets moist from your toothbrush or razor, you’ll have to dry it thoroughly to prevent any long-term damage. Not a dealbreaker, but it will require more maintenance and upkeep than most other bags on this list.

  • Dimensions/Capacity: 9.8" x 3.9" x 3.9"
  • Materials: Vegetable tanned leather, polyamide thread, YKK zippers
  • Notable features: Very affordable for a leather dopp kit
  • Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want leather
  • Country of origin: Undisclosed
  • Price: $49

Vorspack Travel Toiletry Bag

For the last bag of the day, an Amazon shopping favorite: The Vorspack Travel Toiletry Bag.

So here’s the deal: This is an extremely inexpensive and well-reviewed dopp kit, with plenty of storage and organization options, a convenient handle, and multiple color options. 

However, the Vorspack is not made from the highest quality materials, nor is the craftsmanship uniformly great. 

But if you’re looking for a temporary solution, or a tester to see if you like using this style of bag, it’s the best option you’ll find.

  • Dimensions/Capacity: 10” x 5” x 5.5”
  • Materials: Polyester
  • Notable features: Exceptionally affordable
  • Best for: Quick, cheap, and easy storage
  • Country of origin: China
  • Price: $9.99

How to Choose the Best Dopp Kit for You

So which sort of dopp kit is going to match your EDC and travel style best? That comes down to a few categories for consideration:

  • Capacity: How much space do you need in your dopp kit? This question will be answered by how you intend to use the bag — if it’s mainly for quick trips to the gym or refreshing at work, you won’t need as large a kit as if you plan on using it for week-long travel sessions.
  • Style: Which materials and shapes do you find most appealing? This is down to personal preference, but we always enjoy having a bag that somewhat matches the rest of our gear.
  • Budget: How much are you looking to spend on a dopp kit? Prices vary widely based on materials and craftsmanship, so establishing a budget before you really shop around is a good idea.

In short, a dopp kit can be a quick and inexpensive purchase, or a serious investment for lifelong use. If you’ve never tried one out before, we’d recommend shooting for something middle of the road price-wise, where you can get a good blend of functionality and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

To wrap things up, we’ll also take a look at some of the most common questions people have about dopp kits.

What does ‘dopp’ stand for in dopp kit?

The dopp kit is named after its creator, Charles Doppelt.

What is the best material for a toiletry bag?

Durable exteriors such as leather, waxed canvas, or heavy gauge nylon are great for toiletry bags. Waterproof linings are also something worth looking for.

Can I bring a dopp kit in a carry on bag?

According to the TSA, “You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint.” So you may want to individually bag your liquids, gels, creams, and pastes inside of your dopp kit for easy access and checking at security.

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