Toiletry bag: tips for packing

Large bottles of shampoo and other care products make your toiletry bag heavy and bulky. Plus, everything is packed in plastic bags in case something leaks. And for the next few days and weeks, you’ll be rummaging around in it until you find what you need. Does that sound familiar to you? Then our tips will help you pack your toiletry bag as well as possible.

Choosing the right toiletry bag

It starts with finding the right travel toiletry bag for you. One that is too big takes up unnecessary space in your luggage, one that is too small quickly runs out of space. Choose a size that suits your needs.

Models with compartments keep things tidy and waterproof toiletry bags prevent any shampoo leaking into your luggage. A travel toiletry bag that you can hang up is also handy. In hotels, on campsites or in nature, storage space is often limited. With a hook or a loop, which you attach a carabiner to, you can simply hang it up.

Depending on what kind of travelling you’ll be doing, it might be easier to use two small toiletry bags instead of one big one. A big toiletry bag can take up too much space in your backpack; it might be easier to find space for two smaller ones instead. When camping, for example, it’s easier you can just grab everything you need for a shower easily rather than having to sort through everything.

Packing your toiletry bag – these products can help

Packing bottles in a plastic bag, placing clingfilm under the lid – these are all good tips, but they’re not really practical. It’s better not to take any liquids with you in the first place. This makes flying with just hand luggage easier. Buying toiletries in small travel sizes may seem practical, but they are often comparatively expensive and cause a lot of packaging waste.

The following products will help you pack your toiletry bag in the smartest and most space-saving way possible.

Solid shampoo and shower gel

Good old soap is a faithful companion when travelling. Use an all-in-one soap to wash yourself, your clothes and even your camping utensils. These soaps are mild on the skin and are also suitable for clothing made of merino wool. They are biodegradable, and one bar will last for several weeks.

Save weight with soap leaves. One pack has 50 leaves, they are available as shampoo with conditioner and as shower gel.

Soap bag and box

Ideally, you should transport the soap in a bag or box. This means that your stuff will stay dry, even if the soap is still a little damp. The bag is particularly practical because it takes up very little space. It is also waterproof, but allows moisture to evaporate through the fabric. This prevents the soap from becoming mushy, so it’ll last for longer.

Solid deodorant

Most commercially available roll-on deodorants contain a maximum of 100 millilitres of liquid and are allowed in hand luggage. They usually don’t leak, except for big changes in altitude. Because of the pressure, the ball sometimes comes out as soon as you unscrew the lid. In the case of spray deodorants, it’s usually only the travel sizes are smaller than 100 millilitres.

Solid deodorant is a good choice for hand luggage, as this doesn’t count as a liquid during the security check.

Reusable bottles

If soap isn’t your thing and you want to take liquid shampoo, conditioner and shower gel with you, then it’s best to buy it when you get to your destination if you are going to be away for a while. This saves weight during the outward journey and in the best-case scenario, you’ll have used it all up by the time you go home. Otherwise, you can decant your products into small containers at home. These bags are particularly practical because they take up very little space and the very last drop of product can be squeezed out.

Reusable toothpaste tubes

If your favourite toothpaste available isn’t in a suitable tube, or the small version isn’t big enough, these tubes can be filled, rinsed and reused as required. A folding toothbrush can also help save space.

Dental care set

Toothbrush, toothpaste and small brushes for interdental spaces: all practically and conveniently stored in a box.

Let your toiletry bag to dry

A wet toothbrush, a humid bathroom or simply the humidity levels at your destination: moisture accumulating in your toiletry bag can quickly lead to unpleasant odours or even mould. Leave it open or hang it in an airy place so it can dry completely.