Unless you’re planning on taking a ton of selfies on your vacation, you really don’t need all that stuff in your toiletry bag. No, really, you look fine. Traveling light requires travelers to focus on only the essential elements to enjoy a new place, and the pleasure of having a light bag means that the electric razor and makeup sometimes have to take a back seat.
Once you narrow things down, however, you need a bag for it, so check out the Arc’teryx Index Dopp Kit. It’s ideal for those who know what essentials they can’t do without. The thoughtfully designed lightweight bag adds no unnecessary extras, so you’re not tempted to bring too much along.
The bag’s mesh compartment stashes your toothbrush and razor where they get air to dry, and a rear pocket stashes smaller items. The main compartment is sized to carry 3.4-ounce travel containers, which is the largest size of liquid container that you’re allowed to take through security.
The handle’s buckle allows you to hang the bag from hooks and towel racks when there’s no counter storage, which is nearly always. Need to move the bag around? Just deploy the handle’s quick-release buckle, and you’re set. That makes things extremely convenient when you’re staying in a hostel or guest house and have to share a bathroom with others.
The Index Dopp Kit has a clear window, which lets you quickly see where things are, so you don’t have to dig for something. In theory, that same clear panel allows TSA agents to see the liquids you’re bringing in your carry-on bag, meaning you don’t have to stash things separately. Using it for a handful of trips, I’ve only been stopped by extremely picky TSA agents, who tell me the bag is just a tiny bit too big, as it’s not a perfect quart size. But most of the time, I breeze through.
The dopp kit is made from a nylon woven fabric that’s durable enough to pack sharp objects like scissors, needles and tweezers, and not have them sticking through the material to snag your fingers when you unpack. And while it’s somewhat stain resistant, light-colored fabric can sometimes get stains (especially when you’re working with toothpaste or makeup). Just clean the surface, and you’re set. Don’t toss the thing into a hot dryer, or that nice plastic window will melt.
Then it’s empty, roll it up and pack it away for next time. Or, do what I do, and keep travel items inside (appropriately replenished after each trip) so you can hit the road in a hurry.
The Arc’teryx Index Dopp Kit comes in Blue Tetra (teal) and Carbon Copy (gray) and lists for $29.00 on the Arc’teryx site. It’s also available at Amazon.