I Used to Pack All My Toiletries in a Plastic Bag, Until I Tried This Game-Changing Travel Kit (2025)

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Emily Hochberg

Emily Hochberg

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published Jun 4, 2025

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As an experienced travel writer who regularly reviews loads of luggage and gear — from a suitcase with a built-in vacuum storage system to compressible packing cubes — I’ve learned how to elevate my packing game. But for years, when it came to pulling together my toothbrush, toothpaste, haircare, beauty, and any other toiletry products, I just threw them all into one single zip-top storage bag.

It was a silly strategy — not only aesthetically, but also practically. I routinely experienced leaks and messes from spilled conditioner or sunscreen and would have to rinse off every little bottle as soon as I arrived at my destination. Plus, everything would get jumbled around, which left me feeling disorganized.

I shrugged it off until I came across a travel kit from one of my favorite brands, Caraa. I’ve been a fan of this small lifestyle brand for years; I currently own this incredibly useful, comfortable backpack and this oversized weekender with a whopping nine pockets from Caraa. So when I saw they also had a travel kit to organize toiletries, I gave it a shot. What was there to lose other than a flimsy plastic bag?

I now use it on all of my travels, and it’s been such a game changer that I’ll never pack toiletries into a plastic storage bag again. Here’s why.

Travel Kit in Clay$140$90

$90 at Caraa

What Is the Caraa Travel Kit?

The Caraa Travel Kit is a Dopp-style toiletry bag —made with super-soft lightweight water-resistant nylon — that’s large enough to fit most items you’ll need, but small enough to pack inside a carry-on. The entire bag opens clamshell-style to reveal two roomy compartments. On one side of the bag, a top zipper secures another generously sized section. A convenient top-carry handle also makes it easy to tote separately, if needed.

The entire look is minimal, functional, and, thanks to the sheer vegan nylon, fashion-forward. It comes in streamlined black, ivory, soft blush, and vivid clay colors. The kit includes two separate and very large zippered pouches, which you may use to store additional toiletries, shoes, or as a wet bag for swimsuits or laundry.

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Why I Love the Caara Travel Kit

I realize that making the transition from plastic bags to an actual toiletry kit sets a low bar, but as someone who is extremely well-versed in testing out pieces of luggage, I do know a thing or two about what makes one travel product stand out and another one sink.

Many other toiletry bags I’ve passed over in the past just didn’t appeal to me — either stylistically or functionally. That’s where this bag made such a difference. It’s constructed from the same heavy-duty but ultra-lightweight nylon as their backpack, which I’ve used for the last five years and counting. So I knew that this toiletry kit would stand up to time and heavy use.

I also loved the look of it. I own it in clay and think the deep earthy tone makes such a strong style statement. From the outside, it’s chic and poised, but a clear pocket inside makes it easy to store and identify smaller items, and the top zip pocket is so deep that I can fit tubs of moisturizer and full-size bottles.

On a recent trip, I fit a toothbrush, my glasses in their case, a razor, serums, wipes, full-size toothpaste, contact solution, deodorant, smoothing hair cream, and face wash, and zipped it all up with ease and room left over. When I arrived at my hotel, not one product budged or leaked.

While it’s pricier than some other kits, I love that it comes with two extra zippered bags. This adds tremendous value, and I’ve used them to store laundry, small sandals, or larger toiletry items like suntan lotion without worry of spillage. Even when fully packed, it fits well inside my weekender tote or a carry-on bag and the nylon has slight padding to it that’s thick enough to protect contents without adding bulk or weight.

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The Bottom Line

I’m now officially a travel kit convert, thanks to this one. It’s stylish, functional, and incredibly useful. The compartments are large enough to fit full-size products, and the two included bags add a lot of value. You’re really getting three packing bags for the price of one, which helps to offset the cost.

It’s also durable and well-made, and has a sleek, design-savvy look that stands out next to other toiletry bags, which tend to lean utilitarian. Like other products from this line, I know I’ll use it on trips for years to come.

Buy: Caraa Travel Kit, $90

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I Used to Pack All My Toiletries in a Plastic Bag, Until I Tried This Game-Changing Travel Kit (2025)
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