Latest news with #essentials
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Forbes
These Are The Best Travel Toiletry Bags To Keep Essentials Organized
If you've ever been the victim of a leaky lotion in your carry-on, it's officially time for an upgrade. As a travel editor who flies multiple times per month, I scoured the market for the best travel toiletry bags to keep essentials like shampoo, moisturizers and more in place. My top picks include the spacious Away The Large Toiletry Bag, which is great for longer trips, the clear Calpak Small Cosmetics Case, and the stylish and expandable MZ Wallace Metro Accordian Cosmetic. I scoured the market for the best travel toiletry bags to keep essentials like shampoo, moisturizers ... More and more in place. Illustration: Forbes / Images: Retailer To finalize my list of the best travel toiletry bags, I spoke with Jessica Morrobel of Traveling With Jessica, who has journeyed with many of the toiletry bags on this list. 'Toiletry bags don't get nearly enough credit,' she says. 'Having everything accessible and contained while on the go is essential.' I also researched top sellers from well-known travel and accessory brands, focusing on storage capacity, durability, ease of use and unique design features. Below, my selections for the best travel toiletry bags of 2025. Our Top Recommendations Best Large Travel Toiletry Bag: Away The Large Toiletry Bag Best Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag : Aer Travel Kit 2 Best Clear Travel Toiletry Bag: Calpak Small Clear Cosmetics Case Best Travel Toiletry Bag For Organization: Peak Design Wash Pouch Most Stylish Travel Toiletry Bag: MZ Wallace Metro Accordian Cosmetic Dimensions: 9.75 x 11.5 x 3.5 inches | Capacity: 6 liters | Materials: Nylon packcloth | Colors: 9 total Best for: Affordable Durable and water-resistant Skip if: You're looking for something more stylish If you're seeking a durable, utility-focused bag, this classic from is a great option. It checks a lot of boxes at once: It's water-resistant, has ample storage and smart organization compartments, features hinged design for easy access, and is affordable. The built-in hook is handy, especially if you're staying in small spaces with limited bathroom space, plus its shower caddy safely stows your bottles as you bathe. It comes in a wide variety of colors and in three sizes; I like the medium for a long trip, while the large size—which has an impressive 9-liter capacity—is great for family travel. Dimensions: 10.2 x 3.7 x 5.9 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Capacity: 3.6L | Materials: Nylon| Colors: 3 total Best for: Longer trips Water-repellent exterior Many compartments, including a zipped central pocket Skip if: Away's Large Toiletry Bag is a personal favorite of mine that I've brought with me on longer trips. It's made from a water-repellent nylon that's easy to wipe down, and its interior is also coated in a wipeable material should any spills happen. For organization, it has multiple interior compartments, including a central zipped compartment that can hold larger items. Morrobel has traveled with this toiletry bag multiple times and is also a fan: 'It's sturdy, easy to clean and the internal pockets help me separate skincare from haircare," she says. "I also love that it sits flat when open, which makes things feel less chaotic when I'm getting ready in unfamiliar spaces.' Take note: This is a larger toiletry bag than others on this list, so expect it to take up more room in your suitcase. Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 3 inches | Capacity: 2.5 liters | Materials: 700D Cordura | Colors: 3 total Best for: Hanging option Slim profile Anti-microbial lining Skip if: You don't need that many pockets If you're sharing a hotel room with a friend or spouse, the Aer Travel Kit 2 will ensure that no one will be fighting over counter space. It has an ultra-slim profile, but there's room to store a lot more than you'd expect at first glance. While our top overall L.L. Bean pick also has the ability to hang, this toiletry bag has more features: Its top half is wider and can hold more items, and there are more compartments to keep your essentials organized, like an exterior toothbrush holder, zippered pockets and elastic bands designed to secure travel-sized bottles. Another bonus: Its interior is treated with an anti-microbial lining the keep mildew at bay, and the durable Cordura exterior is easy to rinse off and air dry if needed. Dimensions: 8.25 x 6 x 4 inches | Capacity: 2.5 liters | Materials: Cordura | Colors: 3 total Best for: Clear exterior Handle for easy carrying Compact Skip if: You need interior pockets 'I love a clear toiletry bag that allows me to see everything at a glance,' says Morrobel, who names the Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case as the pick she travels with most. Made from a transparent Cordura fabric, this bag's exterior can be deceiving: It may seem flimsy and plastic-like at first glance, but its material is surprisingly durable. While it doesn't have as many pockets as other options on this list, it does feature two zippered compartments and a smaller, zippered mesh pocket for organization. Its most winning feature, of course, is its transparency that allows you to reach for exactly what you need without having to dig around or remember where you stashed it. I like the small version, as it's the easiest to fit into a small carry-on bag, but it's also available in medium or large sizes. Dimensions: 10.2 x 6 x 4.4 inches | Capacity: 2.5 liters | Materials: 100% recycled weatherproof 200D nylon | Colors: 3 total Best for: Compact silhouette Magnetic toothbrush pocket Removable and washable liner Skip if: For those who are traveling with different types of toiletries, this pick from Peak Design is a great solution. The Wash Pouch has a compact silhouette, although once you zip it open, you'll discover an array of organization options to stow your toiletries including a magnetic toothbrush pocket—plus, a removable liner that's washable. The silicone-coated mesh pockets are handy, as are the large main sections with slots to keep bottles in place and the smaller exterior pockets for easy accessibility. It has an aluminum hook that lets you hang your pouch just about anywhere, but several reviewers say the hook is a little shallow, causing the bag to slip off pretty easily. If a hanging toiletry bag is your primary need, go with the Aer Travel Kit 2 instead. Dimensions: 7.48 x 4.33 x 4.33 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Materials: Bluesign-approved REC Oxford | Colors: 2 total Best for: Stylish design Many compartments and zippered pockets Water-resistant fabric Skip if: You're on a budget—this is one of the more expensive options on our list A travel toiletry bag needs to be durable, but that's doesn't mean it can't be stylish. I'm a fan of MZ Wallace's Metro Accordian Cosmetic, which hits both marks. It's made of the brand's proprietary fabric blend, REC Oxford, which is a recycled, chemical-free textile that is water-resistant and easy to clean. Its quilted exterior and box-like silhouette has an elevated look and can easily double as a handbag for a night out, especially since it's built with a comfortable handle that makes it easy to move around your hotel room. For organization, it unzips to reveal five accordian-style compartments for toiletries, makeup and more. The black Italian leather trim and matte black zippers amp up the style points, so you can look good and store a lot simultaneously. The Forbes Vetted team consists of researchers, writers and editors who are travel obsessives. From the best carry-on travel backpack to the best packing cubes, we have a collective passion for sharing the best travel products on the market to help you make informed shopping decisions. This article was written by Forbes Vetted senior travel editor Astrid Taran, who has over a decade of experience writing travel content and has traveled to over 40 countries. Throughout her travels, she has used a variety of different toiletry bags, including several on this list. This story was edited by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the travel vertical and has tested the Calpak and Away options in this roundup. For this story, Taran spoke to Jessica Morrobel, a travel content creator who documents her travels at Traveling With Jessica. Morrobel provided key insights as well as her own personal recommendations for the best travel toiletry bags. To find the best travel toiletry bags, I researched dozens of best-selling options, compared features, read countless independent reviews and reached out to an expert for insight and guidance. I focused on travel toiletry bags from trusted brands, such as Away, Calpak, Aer and MZ Wallace, among others. During my research, I analyzed several essential features, including size, weight, materials, pockets, hangers and expandability, to assess the overall value and help readers pinpoint the best option for their needs. The final products on this list reflect the results of my in-depth research and the travel team's meticulous vetting.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
10 smart back-to-school buys that make life easier for students of all ages — and parents, too
These low-effort, high-impact essentials cover everything from meals to mindset so students can focus on learning, not logistics. Whether you've got a kindergartener heading off to their first day or a high schooler gearing up for another jam-packed semester, now's the time to stock up on the essentials they'll need to nail a successful year. Back-to-school shopping can feel overwhelming, but having the right gear — from upgraded lunchboxes to ultra-organized backpacks and even discreet heat patches for managing cramps — can make a big difference in starting the school year off right. This year's crop of smart, stylish picks includes something for every student: a polished quarter-zip that holds up all year (and next year, too), allergy-friendly bread even picky eaters love, and a snack box that keeps food fresh all day. We've even included a few under-the-radar finds for after-school snacks, creative expression, and better organization all around. Here are the best back-to-school essentials to shop now. : This article was produced in partnership with PressHook, which provided financial support to assist with research on some of the products included in this piece.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
9 smart back-to-school buys that make life easier for students of all ages — and parents, too
These low-effort, high-impact essentials cover everything from meals to mindset so students can focus on learning, not logistics. Whether you've got a kindergartener heading off to their first day or a high schooler gearing up for another jam-packed semester, now's the time to stock up on the essentials they'll need to nail a successful year. Back-to-school shopping can feel overwhelming, but having the right gear — from upgraded lunchboxes to ultra-organized backpacks and even discreet heat patches for managing cramps — can make a big difference in starting the school year off right. This year's crop of smart, stylish picks includes something for every student: a polished quarter-zip that holds up all year (and next year, too), allergy-friendly bread even picky eaters love, and a snack box that keeps food fresh all day. We've even included a few under-the-radar finds for after-school snacks, creative expression, and better organization all around. Here are the best back-to-school essentials to shop now. : This article was produced in partnership with PressHook, which provided financial support to assist with research on some of the products included in this piece.
CNET
5 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Patagonia's Back-to-School Sale Is Offering Up to 40% Off Essentials, but Not for Long
Nothing beats the feeling of stacking fresh notebooks in a new backpack or prepping snacks for the first day in a lunchbox with that familiar store smell. If you haven't already started ticking things off your back-to-school list, Patagonia's back-to-school sale is offering a solid chance to do so at a discount. The brand is offering up to 40% off essentials, including jackets, backpacks, tech tees and even lunch-friendly snacks. Some sale items are past-season styles but the quality holds up so it's a great chance to invest in gear that will last you a good time. Plus, Patagonia is offering free shipping on all orders above $99. Some of our top picks from the sale? The Capilene daily shirt for a comfortable, all-day wear. Available in different colors, you can snag it for $38 after a 32% discount. If your backpack needs an upgrade, the Refugio DayPack is down to $87. It features a removable padded sleeve for your laptop, a hydration hanger and several compartments for all your essentials. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Those who are shopping ahead for the colder months might consider the Nano Puff jacket, which keeps you warm without the bulk and is a great pick. It's lightweight, made out of 100% recycled polyester ripstop shell and packs down small. You can now grab it for $167 after a sweet 30% discount in multiple colors. Prefer a laid-back style? Take a look at the Breezefarer cap or the Trucker Hat, going for $23 and $27, respectively. And if sunscreen alone doesn't cut it, the Sun Mask, designed to cover your neck, head and face, is now down to $24. There's a lot more to browse but be sure to get your orders in before the deals expire or the stock runs out. Why this deal matters Upgrading your gear can get expensive fast. Patagonia's summer sale offers a great chance to stock up on everything from outerwear and backpacks to everyday basics without paying the full price.
New York Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Quote of the Day: What Food Costs in Gaza, if You Can Find It
'The prices are so high that they become meaningless.' ARIF HUSAIN, the chief economist at the U.N. World Food Program, on the cost of essentials available in Gaza being prohibitively expensive for many.
