Top Packing Cubes for Toiletries Every Traveler Needs

Packing cubes for toiletries do a lot more than keep your shampoo in one place. The right setup keeps leaks away from your clothes, speeds up airport security, and makes hotel bathrooms feel less chaotic. Whether you are heading out on your first big trip abroad or fine tuning a one bag business routine, a dedicated system for toiletries will make every travel day easier.

Contents

This guide walks you through the best packing cubes for toiletries, how to choose between them, and how to mix in regular packing cubes so your whole bag works together as one organized system.

Why use packing cubes for toiletries instead of a basic cosmetic bag

A simple cosmetic bag works for a weekend. Once you add planes, kids, or multiple hotel changes, you start to notice its limits.

Packing cubes for toiletries solve three common problems:

Leaks: A toothpaste or shampoo leak can soak through soft cosmetic bags and into your clothes. Water resistant or waterproof [packing cubes for toiletries] keep liquids contained and easier to clean.
Access: Multiple compartments and wide openings mean you can see everything at a glance instead of digging in a dark pouch.
Organization zones: Using a small packing cube organizer just for bathroom items gives you a clear place for liquids at security and a simple way to unpack in tiny bathrooms.

Professional organizer Amanda Titchenal recommends having a toiletry bag pre packed with travel size essentials so it is always ready to go, which is much easier when your bag has clear pockets and structure for each item (Well Organized via research as summarized in the notes).

If you already love packing cubes for clothes or packing cubes for suitcase organization, using a toiletry specific cube is the logical next step.

How to choose the right toiletry packing cube

Different travelers need different setups. Before you pick a specific product, get clear on how you travel and what has annoyed you in the past.

Key questions to ask yourself

Do you usually check a bag, or travel carry on only
Do you share toiletries with a partner or kids, or keep everything separate
Are you more worried about leaks or about saving every possible cubic inch
Do you often stay in one place, or move between cities every few days

Your answers point you toward one of three priorities:

Maximum organization for long trips or family travel
Lightweight and compact for backpacking and carry on only
Heavy duty waterproofing for boats, camping or very rough trips

Once you know your priority, the features below get easier to compare.

Features that matter for toiletries

For toiletries, you care about different details than you do with compression packing cubes for clothes.

Pay attention to:

Material: Look for nylon, polyester or ripstop fabrics that are water resistant or waterproof. These protect against leaks and are easy to wipe clean. Many of the best options now use recycled fabrics, similar to the Eagle Creek and Cotopaxi lines that are made from 100% recycled materials and still hold up to frequent use.
Water resistance vs waterproof: Water resistant bags handle splashes and most leaks. Truly waterproof designs like the Nite Ize RunOff cubes can withstand being submerged 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes, which is ideal for rafting trips or boats, but less breathable and sometimes harder to open and close.
Compartments and pockets: Multiple internal pockets make a big difference for items like electric razors, contact lens cases, hair products and makeup. The Peak Design Wash Pouch, for example, includes two large open sections and eight smaller pockets plus a magnetically sealed toothbrush pocket with a removable lining that you can clean separately.
Shape and opening style: A clamshell or wide mouth design that opens flat lets you see everything at once, instead of digging through a narrow top zip.
Size: If you travel carry on, a compact cube that fits upright in a travel packing cubes set or large packing cubes keeps your bag neat. For checked bags or family trips, a larger cube that holds shared toiletries might make more sense.
Hook or hanging option: A built in hook is useful in small bathrooms where counter space is limited and keeps your gear off damp surfaces.
Ease of cleaning: Removable liners or wipe clean interiors matter if you use products that are oily, tinted or prone to leaking.

If you already use waterproof packing cubes or a small dry bag for laundry or electronics, you can build a modular system where each cube has a clear job: clothes, toiletries, dirty laundry, tech.

Best all around toiletry cube: Peak Design Wash Pouch

If you want one bag that handles almost any travel style, the Peak Design Wash Pouch is one of the most capable choices.

Why it stands out

According to a November 2024 review at GearJunkie, the Peak Design Wash Pouch is the top pick for toiletry packing cubes because of its smart internal layout and durable materials. It offers:

Two large open storage zones that swallow bulky items like full size deodorant or small hair tools
Eight internal pockets to keep smaller things like floss, contact cases, and beard oil from piling up in one spot
A magnetically sealed toothbrush pocket with a removable liner so you can rinse or replace it if toothpaste leaks
A stowable hook so you can hang the pouch in hotel bathrooms or hostel showers

The fabric is a 200 denier nylon that is water and stain resistant, tough enough for rough travel, and backed by a lifetime guarantee, which makes the higher price tag easier to justify.

Who it is best for

This pouch works especially well if:

You travel often for business and want a bag that stays packed
You move between cities every few days and need to unpack and repack fast
You share counter space with a partner and do not want your items everywhere

If you already use packing cubes for men or unisex cubes for clothes, this pouch fits neatly alongside them and keeps your grooming kit just as dialed in.

Best packing cube sets that include toiletry options

Some of the most practical solutions are not marketed only as toiletry bags, but as part of a full travel packing cubes set. This can be ideal if you are starting from scratch and want everything to work together.

Eagle Creek Pack It Reveal Cube Set

The Eagle Creek Pack It Reveal Cube Set is recommended as the best packing cube set for most travelers. It was relaunched in 2024 with 100% recycled fabric, uses sturdy 300 denier polyester, and offers a water resistant shell with a clamshell design for easy access. The three cube set can hold up to a week of clothing and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

While these cubes are designed primarily for clothing, the smallest cube or half cube is ideal as a simple toiletry carrier for people who travel light, especially if you prefer to decant liquids into smaller bottles and keep your kit minimal.

You can pair the smallest Reveal cube with a dedicated toiletry pouch like the Peak Design Wash Pouch for liquids to create clear categories inside your suitcase: one cube for clothes, one for dry items, one for wet or leak prone items.

Eagle Creek Pack It Isolate Cube Set

If you are focused on weight, the Eagle Creek Pack It Isolate Cube Set is one of the best options. It weighs about half as much as most sets because it is made from 100% recycled 70 denier ripstop nylon that is water resistant and durable enough for weeklong trips. The set comes in multiple sizes and also includes a lifetime warranty.

The smallest Isolate cube works as an ultralight toiletry cube, especially for backpackers or digital nomads who already use lightweight packing cubes for clothes. It keeps items grouped and easy to move in and out of hostel or guesthouse bathrooms without adding bulk.

REI Co op Expandable Packing Cube Set

For overpackers or family travelers, the REI Co op Expandable Packing Cube Set is designed to hold more than most competitors. These cubes have compression zippers that can reduce volume by about half, and are made from lightweight, tear resistant ripstop nylon. A three cube set costs about 45 dollars which makes it a budget friendly way to organize multiple people in one suitcase.

While the main purpose of this set is clothing, the smallest cube or a half cube can be dedicated to shared toiletries. The compression feature is especially handy for larger soft items like extra washcloths or microfiber towels that you want to keep with your bathroom kit.

If you like this compression style, it pairs well with your existing packing cubes with compression zippers so your entire bag compresses evenly.

Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle Del Día

If you like color and care about sustainability, the Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle Del Día is a playful but practical option. Each cube is made from repurposed remnant materials from other Cotopaxi products, so every set is one of a kind. The cubes use a mix of durable mesh and nylon fabric and follow B Corp social and environmental standards, backed by a conditional lifetime warranty.

For toiletries, the smaller cubes in the bundle work nicely, especially if you want each family member to have a different color cube for their own bathroom items. This makes it easy to hand a child their own packing cubes for kids style setup without buying something completely separate.

Because these cubes are not brand specific, you can use them with any luggage. Research notes that top sets like Eagle Creek, REI Co op, and Cotopaxi work in a wide variety of bags and transfer easily between them, so you can swap cubes between backpacks and roller bags as your trips change.

Best truly waterproof toiletry cube: Nite Ize RunOff

If your trips involve boats, rainy bus rides, or camping, a standard water resistant pouch might not be enough. This is where the Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing Cubes stand out.

What makes them different

Nite Ize RunOff cubes are fully waterproof, tested to withstand immersion in water 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. They use a thermoplastic polyurethane coated fabric with RF welded seams, which seals out water, air, and dust when used correctly. The patented TRU Zip zipper is toothless and designed to create an airtight barrier around the opening.

This makes them ideal for:

Toiletries that you are worried will leak all over a backpack
Storing electronics and small cameras near your bathroom kit
Travel by boat, kayak, or in very wet climates

The large cube measures about 10 by 14 by 3.2 inches, has a capacity of 7.3 liters, and weighs 4.6 ounces, so it is big enough for bulky items or combined toiletries for two people.

Trade offs to know about

There are two trade offs with this level of waterproofing:

The zipper can become sticky and slower with use, so you need to open and close it carefully and occasionally lubricate it. This can be inconvenient when you want quick access to a toothbrush or razor.
There is no ventilation, which means clothing or towels stored inside can develop odors, and heavily scented products can linger. Some testers left the zipper slightly open to allow air in, but this can shorten the zipper life and reduce water protection.

For most travelers, one small waterproof cube is enough, paired with a larger, more breathable toiletry cube and a dry bag. A 4 to 10 liter dry bag is particularly useful since it can double as a laundry bag or even a hand washing basin during long trips.

If you already use waterproof packing cubes and zip lock bags for toiletries, the Nite Ize RunOff cube becomes the final layer that guarantees no liquid reaches your clothes.

Larger cubes that work well for bulky toiletries

If you travel with hair tools, multiple makeup bags, or shared family products, you might need something bigger than a traditional toiletry pouch.

Patagonia Black Hole Cube (14 liter)

In 2026 testing, the Patagonia Black Hole Cube in its 14 liter size was praised for its durability and capacity. It is made from recycled polyester ripstop with a weather resistant laminated film and is very easy to wipe clean if toiletries spill.

This cube is especially good if you need to carry:

A makeup bag plus skincare
Hair care products, brushes, and curling irons
Bulky shave kits or beard care items

Because it is a bit larger, it pairs best with large packing cubes for clothing inside a checked suitcase or a big duffel. You can think of it as a bathroom caddy that moves from your room to the bathroom in one go.

Using compression cubes for soft bathroom items

Sets like the BAGSMART Blast Compression Travel Packing Cubes include multiple cube sizes and heavy duty compression zippers. They work especially well for compressing soft bathroom items such as:

Extra washcloths and hand towels
Travel robes or lightweight pajamas that you store near toiletries
Diapers and wipes if you are traveling with a baby

If you already rely on compression packing cubes for clothes, adding one compression cube just for soft bathroom items keeps them separate from liquids but close to the rest of your morning routine.

Compact, multi use options for minimalist travelers

If you lean toward one bag or backpack only travel, you probably care more about weight and versatility than having a dedicated toiletry bag for every category.

Matador style flat packs and zip lock systems

Travelers who specialize in one bag setups often recommend a simple system:

A flat, leakproof soap bag such as the Matador Travel Soap flat pak for bar soap and small toiletry items
A few zip lock bags to separate liquids and provide a backup layer against leaks
One small lightweight packing cubes unit or mini cube for dry items like a toothbrush, razor, and solid deodorant

This approach is extremely compact and flexible. When you do not need the extra bags, zip locks fold flat in the bottom of your backpack and weigh almost nothing. Many experienced travelers consider packing cubes the only dedicated travel only items they own because they keep everything organized and compress clothing volume by up to 60 percent, especially helpful in tight carry on luggage.

Packing cubes as toiletry carriers

More travelers have started using standard packing cubes for backpackers or packing cubes for backpacking as toiletry carriers. For example:

A small cube holds all liquid bottles inside a secondary plastic bag
Another small cube holds solid toiletries and grooming tools
A lightweight dry bag carries wet items like a washcloth or swimsuit

This modular setup lets you adjust the number of cubes depending on the length and style of your trip. A digital nomad might carry a single, compact kit, while a family may dedicate separate cubes to parents and kids.

Family travel: Toiletry cubes that keep everyone organized

Traveling with kids quickly turns the bathroom into a shared zone, so clear organization helps you stay sane.

Color coding and individual kits

Sets such as the Cotopaxi Cubo bundle or many affordable packing cubes give you multiple colors and sizes. You can:

Assign each child their own small toiletry cube in a unique color
Keep adult toiletries in a larger, more structured pouch
Store medicine or first aid items in a separate color cube

This makes it easier for kids to find their own toothbrush and hairbrush and reduces the number of “Where is my…” questions at bedtime.

If you already use packing cubes for kids for clothes, adding one toiletries cube per child creates a consistent system they can learn and follow.

Shared bathroom routines

Experienced organizers recommend unpacking toiletries first when you arrive so everyone knows where to go. With cubes, you can:

Place each child’s toiletry cube on a different bathroom shelf
Hang the adult toiletry pouch if it has a hook
Keep a zip lock or small waterproof cube ready for damp items or minor leaks

Mid trip, you can reset your suitcase by folding unused clothes back into their cubes and reorganizing toiletries that have started to drift, a habit Amanda Titchenal suggests to keep trips feeling calm rather than chaotic.

Cosmetic bag vs toiletry packing cube: Which should you choose

You do not necessarily need to choose one or the other. Cosmetic bags still make sense for certain trips, while toiletry focused packing cubes shine in others.

Use a basic cosmetic bag when:

You are taking a short weekend trip with a single carry on
You have very few toiletries and want quick grab access
You do not need extra protection against leaks

Choose or add a toiletry packing cube when:

You are traveling internationally or moving between multiple cities
You are sharing luggage or bathroom space with others
You want to keep liquids and grooming tools firmly separated from clothes

Many travelers use both: a slim cosmetic bag inside a larger toiletry cube. For example, you might keep your everyday essentials in a small cosmetic pouch that you drop into a structured cube alongside less used items. When you arrive, you pull the small pouch out for the counter and leave the rest of the cube in your suitcase or under the sink.

Simple packing strategy to combine clothes and toiletry cubes

To make your entire suitcase work as a system, not just your bathroom items, try this layout:

Use one or two packing cubes for clothes for shirts, pants, and sleepwear.
Add a dedicated toiletry cube for liquids and bathroom essentials.
Include one small packing cube organizer for medicine, first aid, and extra contacts or glasses.
If you often overpack, add one set of packing cubes with compression zippers or a compression packing cubes set to control bulk.
For outdoor or boat trips, incorporate one truly waterproof cube like the Nite Ize RunOff plus a 4 to 10 liter dry bag.

With this structure, you know exactly where everything lives. Unpacking in a tiny hotel room or hostel becomes simple: clothes in a drawer, toiletries in the bathroom, dry bag near the shower, and your suitcase stays neat for the rest of the trip.

Final tips to get the most from your toiletry cubes

You do not need a whole new closet of gear to start using packing cubes for toiletries. Begin with what frustrates you most and fix that first.

If leaks are your main headache, upgrade to a water resistant or waterproof cube and pair it with zip lock bags inside.
If you lose track of things, choose a cube with clear internal pockets and keep items in the same place every trip.
If weight is the issue, favor recycled ripstop nylon cubes and solid toiletries over liquids.
If you travel with others, assign colors or one cube per person so everyone knows which kit is theirs.

Once your toiletries are under control, it is worth aligning the rest of your luggage with matching solutions like packing cubes for suitcase, packing cubes for backpackers, and eco friendly packing cubes where they fit your travel style.

Try setting up one toiletry cube before your next trip. Pack it a week in advance, keep it in your bathroom, and use it daily. By the time you zip your suitcase, you will know exactly what belongs inside and you can head to the airport with one less thing to think about.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a toiletry packing cube and a cosmetic bag?

A cosmetic bag is fine for short trips, but a toiletry packing cube usually offers better structure, wider access, and (often) more leak protection—so your liquids don’t migrate into clothing.

Do I need waterproof or just water-resistant packing cubes for toiletries?

For most travelers, water-resistant is enough for small leaks. If you’re traveling by boat, camping, or dealing with constant rain/humidity, waterproof (IP67-style) is worth it.

What features matter most for packing toiletries?

Prioritize: wipe-clean lining, wide/clamshell opening, internal pockets, a hanging hook, and a separate liquids zone (or a removable liner).

How can I pack toiletries for carry-on security faster?

Keep liquids in one clear “grab pouch,” sized for a quart bag, and store it at the top of your backpack/suitcase so it comes out in seconds. TSA’s 3-1-1 rule is your baseline.

Can I use a regular packing cube as a toiletry cube?

Yes—especially for dry items (toothbrush, razor, solid deodorant). For liquids, add a secondary leak barrier (zip bag) or use a cube with stronger water resistance.