For the majority of last year, my toiletry bag was a giant Ziploc bag. A gallon freezer variety, to be exact. The reason was that my old toiletry bag (or Dopp kit, if you want to get all fancy about it) just wasn’t cutting it. The zipper wouldn’t close all the way, which had caused a couple of leaking fiascos on my most recent trip to Hawaii, and Cancun before that.
the holding slots and internal pouches make it easy to store many small items. Photo: REI
This Toiletry Bag Optimizes Space So Well You Can Nearly Double Your Dopp Gear
In frustration, I turned to the food storage aisle of my local Wal-Mart. And it worked – for a time. But do you know how thin a Ziploc bag is? Especially if you fill it to the brim with cologne, sunscreen, a face cream, a night cream, and God knows what else I convince myself I need to take with me on a three-day holiday? And, do you know how easy it is to puncture that bag when you throw a pair of tweezers into the mix?
So, in my despair – quite defeated, really – I turned back to finding the right toiletry bag for me. And not only did I find one I liked. I found the perfect one. The platonic ideal of Dopp kits, if I do say so myself: Peak Design’s Wash Pouch, for sale at REI for $59.95.
We hope you love the Peak Design Wash Pouch! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Peak Design Wash Pouch – the right toiletry bag for optimizing your travel space
the holding slots and internal pouches make it easy to store many small items. Photo: REI
The reason I fell in love with this toiletry bag is for its use of interior real estate to get the most out of the fairly small footprint of the item. Coming in at only 10.2” x 6” x 4.4”, it’s a fairly standard size, but I found the layers of pockets, zippers, and closures to be perfectly situated to allow for maximum storage. This allowed me to easily keep the hotel bathroom organized on my most recent trip for work; and, in turn, made repacking a breeze before my 10 am check-out.
The interior layout made it easy to keep everything in its place when not in use. I found that the main component could fit my larger items, like deodorant and sunscreen, while the mesh internal side pocket was perfect for storing my cologne and prescription bottle, ensuring nothing toppled over in transit. There is even an interior toothbrush pouch with a magnetic zipper, so I don’t have to worry about cross-contamination and getting everything too gunky on my way home.
Not only that, but the materials used seemed to be thoughtful in design as well as functionality. Peak Design is known for well-crafted travel products, so it shouldn’t have surprised me as much as it did to find just how durable everything felt. From the TPU-coated nylon mesh pockets to the weatherproof 200-denier nylon exterior, I didn’t think twice when I jammed the Wash Pouch into my over-stuffed bag before checking it.
Other features of the Peak Design Wash Pouch
Even when stuffed, it zips up no problem. Photo: REI
When it comes down to it, Peak Design made a product that isn’t going to disappoint. I’m happy with the quality and I can tell that every inch of the design has been considered. Beyond the storage capacity, Peak Design also elevated this bag through:
- Versatility with Small Spaces: It stands tall on the countertop or conveniently hangs using a foldable hook, ensuring your toiletries are always within reach without any risk of spills.
- Easy Maintenance: Its pockets effortlessly flip inside out for swift cleaning.
- Space-Saving Design: With its compact size, it fits into narrow areas.
- Convenient Portability: Equipped with an external grab handle, it offers easy portability.
- Commitment to Sustainability: The materials used (such as the 200-denier nylon) is 100 percent recyclable, showing Peak Design’s commitment to sustainability in practice.
Return policy
If you buy this toiletry bag through REI, you’re subject to its (quite generous) return policy. If you’re an REI Co-Op member, you’re able to get up to an entire year to return your gear if they’re not right for you (this is limited to a still-generous 90 days if you’re not a member). A few exceptions apply to this timeline, including outdoor electronic and resell gear, which doesn’t apply here, but is still good to note!
You can make your return by mail or in-store. Make sure to have your proof of purchase if returning in-store. If doing so online, you can use their form and a printable label will be supplied (note that you’ll be charged a $5.99 fee to cover the return shipping cost).
Final thoughts on the Peak Design Wash Pouch
It looks pretty cool, too. Photo: REI
I’d started to feel like Goldilocks when it came to Dopp kits (this one too small, this one too flimsy), I have to say, Peak Design’s Wash Bag is juuuuust right. Between its clever use of interior pockets to maximize storage to its use, I’ve already promised this little bag of mine a few upcoming trips to NYC, Batumi, and London in our near future together. 