If you’re a regular traveller, you probably know all the best packing hacks.
Stuffing underwear inside shoes, using compressed packing cubes to squish out every inch of air and rolling. Rolling absolutely everything. When it comes to packing toiletries properly, a wash bag comes into its own.
These small bags are designed to keep everything you need to stay looking and smelling fresh on the go. Even if you’re the type of person who thinks they don’t need much, you’ll be stunned at how quickly a wash bag gets filled with the basics: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, floss, SPF, lip balm and a travel fragrance, for instance.
Then there are add-ons which, for many, are non-negotiable. Contact lens solution or space for disposable pairs, skincare to keep up your morning and nightly routine, essential meds and supplements, feminine hygiene products, razors, lotions, potions and powders.
Keeping all these small but precious pieces in one place means less chance of them getting lost in the cavernous depths of your main luggage and means you can access what you need quickly.
It also makes packing up to go home a breeze since everything is already sitting in the correct pockets, waiting to be rolled up.
Whether you’re someone who makes multiple business trips a year or you’re a keen weekend escapist, a travel wash bag is a valuable investment in streamlining your packing experience.
They’re available at all price brackets, from the budget to the boujee. We’ve rounded up our pick of the best below to help find your perfect one.
Shop now
Stackers Lavender Small Hanging Washbag
When it comes to chic packing kit, Stackers has it nailed. The brand does everything from watch cases to jewellery boxes, keeping your stuff from getting tangled with everything else. The washbag is great for keeping your grooming essentials in neat order with pockets and zipped mesh compartments to put wet and dry things like toothbrushes and facecloths, giving them a chance to dry and avoiding the wet dog smell.
Buy now £35.00, Amazon
Away The Hanging Toiletry Bag
Professionals in travel luggage, Away knows what the man on the move needs. Ideal for any frequent flyers who want to keep their toiletries in check, the toiletry bag offers three zipped compartments and a small hook so you can hang it on a door or wall to save space in even the titchiest of en-suite hotel bathrooms.
Cut from a water-resistant nylon and featuring a coated spill-proof interior, all of the bases are covered to keep your clothes out of harm’s way and your toiletries intact.
Buy now £60.00, Away
Anya Hindmarch Night and Day Pouch
If there's one thing Anya Hindmarch loves (aside from eye motifs and sweet shop packaging): it's labelling. The luxury designer turns organisation into an elegant affair with the Night and Day pouch - four triangular compartments that close with a zip and can be rolled into a compact, pencil case-style tube. On the outside are additional pockets for anything extra. Each section is labelled with products for face, teeth, hair and body meaning there's less chance of forgetting something crucial. A gold-tone hook is included at one end.
Buy now £355.00, Anya Hindmarch
Lululemon Roll-Up Travel Toiletries Kit
Roll up, roll up: when neither space nor time is on your side, throw everything you need in this compact toiletries bag from Lululemon.
There are three zipped pockets to keep your skincare and makeup safe and sound with a hook and loop closure which can be used to hang the piece up when you've reached your destination.
It's also useful on flights and trains when tiny on-board bathrooms mean there's never enough space to put your stuff.
Buy now £48.00, Lululemon
M&S Autograph Leather Washbag
Trusty Marks and Sparks delivers on a compact washbag that is as practical as it is stylish. Designed for men, this slimline design uses leather on the exterior for a fabric that will soften and colour as it ages. The main compartment sits the the end with the rest of the zipped inserts rolling around it, ensuring every sliver of space is used.
Buy now £45.00, M&S
Stackers Large Hanging Washbag - Sage Green
Complete with a handy hook to stick over the shower door or a towel rack, Stackers’ large washbag offers even more room for longer trips away from home. As well as compartments and sealed pockets that close with a zip, there are elastic bands to keep small bottles of mouthwash, contact lens solution and shampoo and conditioner in place, thereby avoiding unfortunate spillages.
Buy now £65.00, Wolf & Badger
The North Face Base Camp Travel Washbag
If matching your washbag to your weekend bag is your style, don’t miss The North Face’s offering, which is based on its bestselling Base Camp Duffel bag.
With a large top opening to help spot your tiniest toiletries (eye drops, anyone?), a mirror, and a hook for out-of-the-way storage, it’s a smart and practical option that will come into its own for all sorts of trips.
Pops of colour are also up for offer: it comes in black, yellow, blue and a camo pattern.
Buy now £35.00, The North Face
FORCLAZ Bag Organiser Travel 500
A wash bag that can be used for bigger things like shoes and clothes. Forclaz’s nifty organiser means rummaging through backpacks and duffel bags could soon be a thing of the past. Multiple stacked compartments and shelves offer plenty of space to store your items off a rail to make them easily accessible, and there are two side pockets to keep smaller toiletries.
Buy now £19.99, Decathlon
Large Hanging Toiletry Wash Bag Travel Makeup Cosmetic Organizer for Women (Blue Leaf)
.jpg)
If you’re not fussed about labels, a non-branded option is not only cheap but comes in prettier patterns too. This large style looks like a handbag when closed but unzips into a hanging design, complete with a strong hook to hold it steady against a wall or door when you’re rooting around inside. There are twin side compartments, a mesh sleeve and two zipped pockets to stash away your beauty and grooming essentials. A larger compartment at the base makes it easy to keep the heavier and bulkier lotions and potions.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Boots hanging washbag wildflower
Looking for a simple and cheerful design? Boots has it all wrapped up with this hanging washbag covered in a pretty floral pattern and lined a bright blue to make it easier to see your bits and pieces. The piece has one large compartment to store bottles and tubes with two zipped sleeves above it for things like face masks, wipes and cotton pads.
Buy now £15.00, Boots
