I was initially apprehensive about the size since I travel for 5-9 days at a time and wasn't sure that I'd be able to fit everything into this bag (until now, I've been using two small toiletry kits and a items "loose" in my suitcase). Also, I'm the one who carries all the "what if" stuff and since I travel 2-3 weeks a month, I do use everything eventually. I should have known better! Not only does all my stuff fit in one bag, it takes up less space overall AND I have room to spare. Shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, mousse, body lotion (2 kinds), body wash, face wash, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, brush, bottle opener, corkscrew, mini-flashlight, lip balm, razor blades, packets of Tide/Woolite, bleach stain pen, perfume, emergency thread/needle, mini first aid kit, eyeglasses kit, q-tips, deoderant and assorted small items. Granted, most of my bottles and containers are between 3-oz and 6-oz but they add up. I'm very happy with this purchase and the best part is that I don't have to unpack everywhere I go - it hangs! My only regret is that I didn't buy this sooner.
I purchased this to replace my old LL Bean toiletry kit (small, in blue). It is not a particularly attractive bag (if one really does consider how their toiletry bag looks or if you're going to use it for something other than camping) but with all of my luggage items I am willing to sacrifice some form for function. It works, is well made and had the perfect amount of organization. And it stood up for over 10 years of use! But, alas, the zipper is starting to pull off from the bag. So I was looking for a replacement.
First couple of things I noticed with the new bag: 1) the small version is only offered in 4 colors whereas the other sizes were offered in like 10?? What?? I can't lie, I felt a little offended that because I don't travel with 8 gallons of shampoo or have a family of 5 that I couldn't get a bright coral or patterned one. I was tired of the blue one that I had which I didn't love but I believe was the lesser of the evils at the time that I ordered it. I ended up with black which I think is worse because now it just disappears into the black lining of my backpack/suitcases. I may at least exchange it for a different color so that I can at least find it.
2) new side pockets. I don't love this addition since the shape is awkward (what are you supposed to put in these?) and they detract from the space inside the bag (um, why don't I just put it inside?) And now the outside of the bag is awkwardly lumpy and dangly as opposed to streamlined and packable. If you need quick access to a toothbrush, etc, the zipper on the front flap works just fine.
3) the divided zip pocket inside the front flap. This is a personal thing but I preferred the single pocket (which is now two separate pockets). If you have something a bit larger, it now won't fit into that space (i.e. I have a small travel case for bandaids and cotton buds which now do not fit). Also if you put anything slightly protruding in the lower pocket, it makes the bag hard to close
Quality, materials and such are all the same, which is excellent, but I strongly preferred the old design. And it needs to be offered in the same color range as the other bags.
I have the family sized one and love it, I can fit everything I need in it - all full sized and flat iron too. My girls each have smaller ones, great for cruises, sleep over and brownie camp and even hanging on the bathroom door at home. I send these as gifts now as we all love them so much!
