You know that feeling when you're staring at a hotel bathroom counter and it looks like a Sephora exploded? It’s a mess. Most of us just toss our toothbrush next to a leaky bottle of contact solution and hope for the best. But if you’re traveling for more than a weekend, the tiny pouches don't cut it. That is exactly where the Away Large Toiletry Bag enters the chat.
It’s big.
Honestly, it’s probably bigger than you think it is until you actually hold it. Away designed this thing for the chronic over-packers, the 10-step skincare routine devotees, and the people who refuse to leave their full-sized electric toothbrush at home. While the standard size is fine for a quick overnight, the large version is a different beast entirely. It’s built for the long haul.
What's actually inside this thing?
The first thing you notice about the Away Large Toiletry Bag isn't the aesthetic—though it looks clean—it’s the weight. It feels substantial. Away uses a water-resistant nylon that feels like it could survive a spill in a checked suitcase without ruining your favorite linen shirt.
Inside, it’s all about the organization.
There’s a coated mesh pocket on one side. This is where you put the stuff that’s inevitably going to get wet. Think razors or a damp loofah. On the other side, you’ve got these elastic loops. They are tight. This is a good thing because it means your expensive serums aren't sliding around like air hockey pucks.
Then there’s the middle. The "bridge" section.
It’s a zippered compartment that basically acts as a spine for the bag. Most people use it for a toothbrush or maybe a comb. But here’s the kicker: because it’s a clamshell design, the whole thing lays flat. You can see everything at once. No more digging through a dark cavern of a dopp kit trying to find a rogue nail clipper at 6:00 AM in a dimly lit Airbnb.
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The "Liters" Problem and Real-World Bulk
Let’s talk about the footprint. This bag takes up real estate.
If you are a carry-on-only purist who uses a 28-liter backpack, the Away Large Toiletry Bag might be your enemy. It’s roughly 10.2" x 3.7" x 5.9". In a small bag, that’s a significant chunk of space. However, if you’re rocking the Away Medium or Large Checked Suitcase, it fits perfectly in the gap between the handle rails.
I’ve seen people complain that it’s too big. Is it? Well, if you only carry a 3-in-1 soap and a stick of deodorant, yes, it’s overkill. But for a family or someone on a two-week trip through Europe? It’s a lifesaver. You can actually fit a full-sized bottle of contact solution in here. That’s the benchmark for me. Most toiletry kits force you to buy those tiny travel bottles that run out in three days. This bag says, "Bring the big one."
Durability isn't just a marketing buzzword
The zippers are chunky. That matters more than most people realize. Cheap zippers on toiletry bags catch on the fabric or split when you overstuff them. Away used YKK zippers here, and they glide. Even when the bag is stuffed to the point of bulging, the seams hold.
And the exterior? It’s wipeable.
Toothpaste happens. Leaky shampoo happens. You just take a damp cloth, wipe it down, and it looks brand new. It doesn’t soak in and get that weird "old gym bag" smell that some canvas kits develop over time.
Why the "Clamshell" Style Wins
Most traditional dopp kits are just "buckets." You throw things in, they mix together, and you spend half your morning fishing for a hair tie. The Away Large Toiletry Bag uses a clamshell opening.
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- It opens 180 degrees.
- Everything stays in its designated lane.
- The exterior pocket provides quick access to meds or Band-Aids.
There’s an external zippered pocket that people often overlook. It’s perfect for the things you need while you’re actually on the plane. If you’re stuck in a middle seat and your skin feels like parchment paper, you can grab your lip balm or a small tin of moisturizer without unzipping the whole main compartment and spilling your toothbrush on your neighbor’s lap.
Is it better than the competition?
Look, Peak Design makes a great wash pouch. Bellroy has some sleek options too. The Peak Design one is very "techy"—lots of origami folds and internal pockets. It’s great if you’re a gear head. But the Away bag is simpler. It’s more intuitive. You don't need a manual to figure out where your stuff goes.
The Bellroy options are beautiful—usually leather or recycled woven fabric—but they lack the sheer volume of the Away Large. If you’re comparing the Away Large Toiletry Bag to a cheap $15 bag from a big-box store, the difference is the structure. Cheap bags collapse when they’re empty. This one keeps its shape, which actually protects your glass bottles from getting crushed if your suitcase gets tossed around by baggage handlers.
Dealing with the TSA Headache
We have to talk about the liquids rule. It’s the bane of every traveler's existence.
Since this bag isn't clear, you still have to deal with the 3-1-1 baggies if you aren't using TSA PreCheck or traveling internationally through strict security zones like Heathrow. Some people find it annoying to transfer their liquids from the Away bag into a clear plastic bag.
But honestly? Most frequent flyers just keep their liquids in a separate clear pouch anyway and use the Away bag for everything else: "dry" toiletries, makeup, brushes, and tools. Then, once they're through security, they pop the clear bag into the main compartment. The large size has enough room to accommodate that extra pouch without feeling cramped.
The Material Options
Usually, you can find these in the classic nylon, but they occasionally do limited runs in leather or other finishes. Stick to the nylon. It’s lighter, it’s more durable in wet environments, and it’s cheaper. Travel gear should be workhorse gear, not just something to look at.
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The Nuance: Who should skip it?
I’m not going to tell you everyone needs this. If you are a "one-bag" traveler trying to live out of a 19-liter daypack, this bag is a mistake. It will eat half your bag. It’s also not the lightest option on the market. If you’re an ultralight hiker counting every gram, look at something from Zpacks or Hyperlite Mountain Gear.
But for the "lifestyle" traveler? The person who stays in hotels or stays with friends? It’s the gold standard. It makes you feel organized even when your itinerary is chaos.
Organizing for Efficiency
Don't just throw things in. Because the Away Large Toiletry Bag has those elastic loops, use them for the heavy stuff. Keep the weight centered.
- Put your heaviest bottles in the elastic loops against the "spine."
- Use the mesh pocket for things that need to breathe (toothbrush, razor).
- Keep small, loose items like pills or jewelry in the interior zippered "hidden" pocket.
- Flat items like face masks go in the exterior pocket.
This distribution keeps the bag balanced so it doesn't tip over when you set it on a narrow pedestal sink.
Final Insights for the Frequent Flyer
If you’ve been struggling with a toiletry bag that feels like a black hole, the Away Large Toiletry Bag is the fix. It’s an investment in your morning sanity. It’s built to last for a decade of trips, not just a summer vacation.
Next Steps for Your Packing Strategy:
- Audit your liquids: Before you pack the large bag, see what actually needs to be a "travel size." Since you have the extra room, you might realize you can bring your favorite hair product instead of the generic hotel stuff.
- Color-match your luggage: Away usually matches their toiletry bag colors to their suitcase line. If you’re into that aesthetic, grab the one that matches your carry-on for a cohesive look.
- Test the "Sink Fit": When you get the bag, try loading it up and sitting it on your bathroom counter. If it feels too bulky for your typical travel style, Away has a 100-day return policy that’s actually quite easy to use.
- Dry it out: Always leave the bag unzipped for an hour after you shower and pack up. Even with water-resistant materials, trapping moisture inside a sealed bag is a recipe for a bad smell later.
The reality of travel is that organization equals less stress. Having a dedicated home for every single item in your bathroom routine—from your dental floss to your night cream—means one less thing to worry about when you're navigating a new city. This bag provides that structure better than almost anything else in its price bracket.