In today’s fast-paced world, packing light and efficiency is crucial for frequent travelers. The Away Travel Toiletry Bag promises to deliver on this front, but is it worth the investment?
In this review, we explore the features that make this bag stand out from its competitors and assess whether it is a perfect match for your travel needs. Our honest Away Travel Toiletry Bag review is after unboxing the product and giving it a quick review in real time.
Are you tired of lugging around an old, bulky toiletry kit and bag on your travels? Or are you like me and stuff your toiletries in a plastic bag? Yeah, needless to say, I needed a toiletry travel kit too. We tested this one from Away and found that it has unique features that set it apart from basic toiletry kits.
While we appreciated its design, we encountered a few minor drawbacks. Let’s get into it.
Review Methodology
This review aims to give readers valuable insights into the Away toiletry bag. As a team of full-time travelers, ViaTravelers aims to provide reliable, accurate information about travel products and services to help you travel smarter.
This bag comes in two sizes, large and small. We chose to review the small one. We purchased this product independently and were not compensated for this review. You can read more about our approach to travel products and reviews here.
I will describe the different features of this toiletry bag, including the water-resistant nylon body, coated wipeable interior, and mesh compartments. Additionally, I will share my thoughts on the bag’s capacity and organization, ease of use in real-world situations, and unique features.
A Brief Overview of Away’s Toiletry Bag
Away Travel is a company that specializes in travel bags and accessories designed specifically for the modern traveler. Their toiletry bag is no exception. Made with water-resistant nylon and a coated wipeable interior, it is perfect for keeping all your essentials organized and protected from spills.
The central zip compartment is great for storing more oversized items, while the separate transparent and mesh compartments are perfect for smaller items. Additionally, there is an external pocket for daily pills, a swivel hook for hanging, and a clear bag for liquids. The bag is finished with an understated logo, giving it a stylish and minimalist look.
Despite its sleek appearance, the bag is also convenient and easy to use in real-world situations. The capacity and organization provide enough space for all your essentials, and the unique features of larger bags, like the hanging hook and separate compartments, make accessing your items a breeze.
If you want to know more about what the company offers, read our full Away Travel luggage review. Anyway, back to the bag.
The Unboxing Experience
Upon opening the package, one can immediately notice the quality. The bag is crafted from high-quality material, with the Away logo prominently displayed on one side. A zipper with a long strap wraps almost around the bag, while a small leather handle adds a touch of sophistication.
At the back of the bag’s main compartment, there’s an additional zipper pocket to store small items for easy access. The zippers on both pockets glide smoothly, adding to the overall usability of this product.
Design & Materials
Water-Resistant nylon body
The Away toiletry bag is made of an abrasion-resistant 1000-denier nylon that is water-resistant and textured like canvas. The nylon material has a luxurious feel and is easy to clean, thanks to its wipeable coating on the interior.
This makes it perfect for travel, weekend trips, and everyday use. The water-resistant feature also protects your belongings from spills and moisture. The body of the bag is spacious and expands widely when unzipped, allowing you to fit more toiletries inside than you would initially think.
The coated wipeable interior makes it easy to clean up any messes that may occur during transit. The bag’s exterior is also understated, with a subtle logo that doesn’t detract from the overall design. The Away Toiletry Bag is also available in five shades, so you can choose the one that best fits your style.
Coated, Wipeable Interior
One of the standout features of the Away Toiletry Bag is its coated, wipeable interior. This makes cleaning up any spills or messes easy when you’re on the go. Whether it is a leaky shampoo bottle or the nasty spread from your toothpaste tube, you won’t have to worry about any stains or odors lingering in your toiletry bag.
The wipeable material also makes it easy to keep the bag’s interior clean and fresh. This is especially helpful if you travel frequently and need a toiletry bag to handle wear and tear. You can use the bag for years without worrying about unsightly stains or smells.
See Related: Best Carry-On Essentials for Travel
Central Zip Compartment for Larger Items
One of the standout features of the Away Toiletry Bag is its sizeable central zip compartment for storing more essential items. This spacious compartment for clear bags is perfect for travel-sized shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and oversized items like hairbrushes and styling tools.
With this design, there’s no need to worry about cramming your toiletries into a tiny bag that barely holds anything. The central zip compartment with a removable pouch allows easy organization and access to all your essentials while on the go. The durable, water-resistant nylon body ensures your items stay dry and protected.
Separate Transparent and Mesh Compartments
The Away Toiletry Bag has several unique features, including separate transparent and mesh compartments. These compartments allow you to store your toiletries in an organized manner.
The transparent compartment can hold all your liquids, so you don’t have to worry about TSA regulations. At the same time, the mesh compartments can hold your toothbrush, razor, and other small items.
Additionally, the mesh material provides adequate ventilation for your items, which is important to prevent unpleasant odors from building up. The separate compartments also ensure that your items do not get mixed up, making it easy to find what you need when you need it.
As a result, you don’t have to dig through your bag frantically looking for your toothbrush or shampoo. The Away Toiletry Bag’s separate transparent and mesh compartments are practical and thoughtful.
Features of the Away Toiletry Bag
Efficient Storage Space
The toiletry bag is divided into two separate compartments. A spacious zipper pocket has a see-through plastic front on one side.
This completely waterproof front pocket is ideal for storing lotions, shampoos, creams, and other liquid products. Another added convenience is seeing the contents of the shallow zipper pocket before opening the bag.
Conversely, a mesh-covered compartment is approximately 1.5 to 2 inches deep. This space is perfect for storing makeup, toiletries, deodorant, and other crucial travel items. Both compartments are spacious enough and designed to keep your belongings well organized.
External Pocket
The Away Toiletry Bag has an external pocket uniquely designed to hold your daily pills conveniently. This feature is handy for those who need to take medication frequently, as it allows easy access to their medication without digging through the larger compartments of the bag. This pocket is easily accessible from the outside of the bag, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
The pocket size is suitable for a pill bottle or contact lens case, making it a versatile addition to the bag. The Away toiletry bag also has a clear pouch for liquids that snaps in and out quickly, making it ideal for airport security checks.
This bag is an excellent option for those who value organization and convenience regarding their travel toiletry bags and bag needs. It’s stylish design and functional features make it a worthwhile investment for any traveler.
See Related: Best Personal Item Bags for Travelers
Swivel Hook for Hanging
One of the standout features of the Away Toiletry Bag is its swivel hook for hanging. This handy feature allows travelers to easily hang their toiletry bag in various situations, from hotel bathrooms to cramped airplane lavatories.
The hook is located at the top of the bag’s interior and can be turned in any direction to accommodate different hanging situations. We found it worked well on shower hooks, towel rods, and the back of a hotel room door.
Plus, it helped to keep all our toiletries easily accessible without cluttering up a bathroom or counter space. We have some concerns about the hook getting in the way of rezipping the mesh pouch and our hairbrush occasionally getting caught in the metal zipper of the mesh pockets. Despite the minor issues, we think the swivel hook is a great addition to the bag and adds to its overall convenience for travelers.
Clear Pouch for Liquids
One of the unique and convenient features of the Away Hanging Toiletry Bag is the included clear bag for liquids. This quart-sized bag is perfect for storing your travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and other liquid products.
It’s also attached inside the bag, so you never have to worry about losing it. The bag has a sturdy plastic construction and a zippered top to secure your liquids. Plus, it snaps conveniently into place on the front of the bag’s interior.
This is a thoughtful addition, mainly since liquids often cause a mess in toiletry bags. The transparent bag lets you quickly and easily access your liquids while keeping them separate from your other toiletries.
Understated Logo
One of the standout features of the Away Toiletry Bag is its understated logo. The logo is a tiny metallic brand name located in the bottom right corner of the front of this large toiletry bag.
It is barely visible and does not draw unnecessary attention to the bag. This simple yet effective branding strategy adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the bag. It allows the user to showcase their style without the discomfort of having a loud or flashy logo plastered on their bag.
Away prioritizes the user’s experience while maintaining brand recognition. The logo is also printed on the zippers, ensuring that the user will notice the brand while maintaining its understated charm. This attention to detail shows that Away values the complete bag experience, from appearance to functionality.
Interior Pockets
One of the standout features of the Away Toiletry Bag is its central zip compartment, which can hold larger items without taking up space in the rest of the bag. Additionally, the bag has separate transparent and mesh compartments, allowing for easy organization of various toiletries. The external pocket for daily pills is also a convenient feature.
See Related: The Ultimate Beach Packing List: What to Bring to the Beach
Testing and Performance
Durability and Versatility
The Away Travel Toiletry Bag is made from water-resistant materials that are easy to clean. The toiletry bag’s construction assures users of its durability, ensuring it will stand up to the rigors of frequent travel. Besides, the sturdy zippers provide they won’t fall off with regular use.
The compartments are designed to protect the bag’s expanded contents from spills and leaks, making it a crucial travel partner. The back pocket offers additional functional space for easy access to smaller items, while the minimalist design ensures that the bag is easy to pack and won’t take up too much space in your luggage.
Ease of Use in Real-World Situations
Regarding ease of use, the Away Toiletry Bag excels in real-world situations. The swivel hook inside the bag makes hanging on shower rods, towel racks, or the back of doors easy, keeping all your essentials organized and within reach. The separate compartments for liquids, transparent pouch, and mesh compartments make it easier to stay organized rather than digging through a jumbled mess.
The external pocket for daily pills is an excellent touch, making it easy to keep track of medication while on the go. While the hairbrush does get caught in the mesh pockets, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits of the well-designed, functional bag. Additionally, the clear bag for liquids makes going through TSA security a breeze.
Capacity and Organization
Regarding toiletry bags, capacity, and organization are crucial factors that can make or break the product. The Away Toiletry Bag is a decent option for those who want a small, lightweight bag that can fit the essentials. However, it lacks granular organization, with just one slip pocket that can only hold slim items.
On the other hand, the State Bags Bensen Dopp Kit offers more flexibility and versatility, with separate water-resistant fabric compartments and a removable plastic pouch for travel bottles. The Peak Design Wash Pouch is worth considering for those needing a water-resistant option with specialized pockets.
Its accordion-like design and wide base keep items separated and upright, while the magnetic toothbrush holder and pocket add a thoughtful touch. In summary, when choosing a toiletry bag, it’s important to weigh your needs regarding capacity and organization and consider the features that will work best for your specific travel scenarios.
Comparison to Other Toiletry Bags
Sea to Summit Traveling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag
The Sea to Summit toiletry hanging bag is an excellent travel companion for both men and women, with multiple compartments for organizing your toiletries. Made from ultralight, strong water-resistant Ultra-Sil Cordura nylon and stretch mesh fabric, this hanging toiletry bag is sturdy yet lightweight, so you won’t have to worry about adding extra weight and bulk to your luggage.
The bag includes a stowable hanging hook, carrying handle, and detachable shatterproof mirror, making it a versatile, easy-packing, and convenient option for all your travel needs. Available in two sizes, small and large, the Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag offers plenty of space for all your essentials.
Nomatic Small Toiletry Bag
Meet the Nomatic Small Toiletry Bag, the ultimate travel mate for the stylish and pragmatic wanderer. It’s compact yet smartly designed with various pockets and compartments, making packing toiletries a breeze.
Its understated elegance and durability make it a reliable companion for any journey. Don’t worry about a sudden shower; its water-resistant material covers you.
It may not cater to those with an extensive toiletries list, and the absence of a built-in hook may be a drawback for some. Despite these, it’s multi-functional design and rugged construction make the Nomatic Small Toiletry Bag an excellent pick for those prioritizing organized, stylish, and hassle-free travel. Unlike Away’s stuff, this is available on Amazon.com.
See Related: Best Travel Duffel Bags For Your Next Trip
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Price?
Our unboxing and testing revealed that this toiletry bag is an excellent investment. With its high-quality materials, functional design, lightweight construction, and versatility, this is one of the best toiletry bags out there, as it ticks several key boxes, such as the adjustable webbing straps, organizational pockets, and clear top many toiletry bags, making this the perfect travel companion.
If you are interested in experiencing the Away Travel Toiletry Bag for yourself, visit Away Travel’s website, where you can make a purchase. Give it a try and enjoy hassle-free packing for your future trips.
FAQs
Where do Away Travel bags ship from?
Away Travel bags ship from their warehouse in Los Angeles, California, USA. This company, known for its high-quality luggage, operates primarily online and ships its products directly to customers. Orders are generally processed quickly, ensuring customers receive their bags promptly, regardless of location.
Does Away have a lifetime warranty?
Yes, Away does offer a lifetime warranty on its products. This warranty covers any damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, or anything else that functionally impairs the luggage. It doesn’t cover cosmetic wear and tear or damage incurred from misuse or mishandling. The warranty stays effective as long as you own the product, ensuring peace of mind for your investment.
Related Resources
- Peak Design Duffel Bag Review
- Peak Design Travel Tripod Review
- Unbiased Peak Design Duffel Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
Away Travel Toiletry Bag
VARIES
Pros
- Made from water-resistant materials
- Compartments are designed to protect the bag's expanded contents from spills and leaks
- Back pocket offers additional functional space
- Decent option for those who want a small, lightweight bag that can fit the essentials
- The external pocket for daily pills is an excellent touch, making it easy to keep track of medication while on the go
Cons
- Lacks granular organization, with just one slip pocket that can only hold slim items
- Minor inconveniece of hairbrush getting caught in the mesh pockets