What Is A Dopp Kit? What Travelers Need to Know

What is a Dopp kit? Put simply, the term is used to describe a bag used to stash toiletries for travel. The term is usually reserved for men’s toiletry kits. The female counterpart is more likely to be called a cosmetic or makeup bag.

Both male and female travelers seem to recognize the importance of having some way to segregate their toiletries (personal care and/or beauty items such as medications, deodorant, shavers, toothbrush/toothpaste, other grooming accessories, etc.) from their clothing because of the risk of these items spilling, oozing, or soiling—or of these or other small items getting scattered or buried in a suitcase. With increasingly stringent TSA requirements, travelers are often required to pack their toiletries in checked bags.

But what is a Dopp kit?

The term Dopp kit is an eponym. Just like “Kleenex” is often substituted for tissues and “Jacuzzi” for spas or hot tubs, people started using the eponym (or short-hand term) “Dopp kit” to describe male toiletry kits These bags were popularized and the term trademarked by Charles Doppelt, a German leather maker who produced the first “Dopp-Kit toilet case” in Chicago in 1926. It had a flap fastener that opened wide at the top and retailed for $3.25. You can see an old advertisement for one of the original leather kits here.

During World War II, Dopp kits were issued to U.S. soldiers and they soon gained popularity as coming-of-age or special occasion gifts to civilians, too. The trademark was purchased by Samsonite and then acquired by Buxton before the registration was canceled in 2003. (“Ditty bag” is another oft-used term for the kits, especially by fishermen and sailors.)

Dopp kits are still popular gift choices for milestone occasions (e.g., graduations, job promotions) or simply for a “Bon Voyage” gift before a big trip. Yet, these days, many younger people (and especially, those outside the U.S.) tend to be perplexed when they hear the old term, Dopp kit.

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How To Buy A Dopp Kit

Because there are so many choices, here are a few considerations to help you decide:

Materials

Although the first Dopp kits were made of leather, they’re now made in a variety of materials including leather, plastic, ballistic nylon, canvas and more. For environmentally conscious travelers, some are made of recycled materials.

Leather offers a lux look and many are coated to protect them from scratches and moisture. It’s important to remember that travelers tend to place these kits on bathroom sinks and counters that can be wet.

With 963 reviews, this KomalC Leather Travel Dopp Kit is one of the most popular ones on Amazon. Buyers loved the quality of the leather and the roominess of its one large, undivided interior pocket.

Ballistic nylon often turns out to be one of the most rip-proof and durable fabrics; it’s also easy to clean and generally lighter than leather. Canvas and plastic kits may not last as long but they’re also not as expensive.

Also, be sure to look at the material inside and make sure it’s resistant to spills and stains.

Shape and size

Most Dopp kits are rectangular in shape but there are many variations on the theme. Some have a “low profile” meaning they aren’t very deep and don’t take up as much room in a suitcase. Others are larger and boxier but allow for more storage. Choose a shape and size that will fit your needs.

Number of zippered and/or pocket compartments

Check out the size and number of compartments. Many travelers like separate compartments to help organize their belongings. Some compartments are zippered; others not. (Also, look at the quality of the stitching and zippers.)

Sometimes, mesh pockets and/or elastic bands are stitched into the kit to hold objects in place. Having see-thru compartments makes it easier to know what’s inside.

Hangers and handles

Kits with a hanger offer the possibility of placing the kit on a hook or towel bar so it’s out of your way, especially in small bathrooms with no counter space or when you’re traveling with a partner. Having a small side loop or handle can be another “handy” feature.

Weight

Given luggage weight restrictions, it isn’t prudent to choose a heavy Dopp kit. If it’s heavy when empty, it’s going to be a lot heavier when filled with your sundries. I would opt for a Dopp kit that weighs less than a pound unfilled.

Appearance and design

Some more costly Dopp kits come in posh leathers with designer logos or labels. They may offer monogrammed nameplates and come in a choice of colors. While they serve the same basic function, these kits offer a “feel-good factor” for those who can afford them.

Retailing at over $300, the Ghurka Barber No. 287 Toiletry Bag is a high-end designer Dopp kit

Finding the perfect fit

Many years ago, my husband invested in a ballistic nylon Dopp kit made by Hartmann. It’s no longer available but it has stood the test of time and use. He’s carried it all over the world and always remarks how much he loves it. It has a split design that opens in the middle with two zippered compartments on each size.

The bottom line: Choose a Dopp kit that you love and it will become a regular travel companion.

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See my article on Forbes on The Best Travel Dopp Kits.

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