My 20+ year old toiletry bag that's been around the world with me finally died, so I grudgingly set out to find a replacement. Fortunately, I learned over that time what I did and didn't like about that bag, and was able to find a better design for me this time around.
Specifically, I used to use one of those popular clamshell-type bags that would zip open around the middle and hang from a hook (I had an Eagle Creek Wallaby, or some earlier incarnation of that bag). It seemed like a good idea at the time, but in practice I found that the lower contents would tend to fall out of their little elasticized compartments and, in turn, dump all over the bed / floor the next time I'd unzip the bag. My wife and son have similar models from another company, and they do the same thing.
Therefore, I decided to try the Dopp-style bag, where you basically store everything in one main compartment. Still, I wanted a few pockets for small items like tweezers and collar stays. Equally importantly, I didn't want a bunch of extraneous zippers, straps, gusseted pockets, and other junk that would just add bulk without functionality. This Gonex bag is the Goldilocks model for me, with just enough of what I need, without anything extra.
The main compartment is large enough to carry supplies for a multi-week trip - including the ridiculously large case for my electric toothbrush, a sizeable 8 oz container of mouthwash, full sized toothpaste, etc.The two, zippered side pockets are slim, and store nail clippers, eye drops, and other small items well. The solid side unzips to reveal three, divided pockets within; the mesh side has one big pocket. I like the fact that both hold their contents snugly in place. Particularly on the three-pocketed side, things don't spill out like they did in my last bag.
The only thing I don't like is that parts of the bag have an internal foam lining to give it some structure (the foam is between layers of fabric, so it's not exposed directly). Personally, I'd prefer a fabric-only bag, both for weight and size. It doesn't really matter when traveling with a suitcase, but for overnights I sometimes take just a two-sided briefcase or a small backpack. With the weight of my laptop and other computer supplied, every ounce and inch counts; for me, the foam is superfluous.
Ultimately, I like this bag a lot. It's a perfect size, has a few basic features, and nothing else. The fabric and stitching appear sturdy and well constructed. Additionally, it's low price belies its high quality, which rivals bags costing several times as much. If this bag caught your eye, give it a try; I think you'll be happy with it.
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