What’s in Your Dopp Kit?

The first thing I thought when asked about this was, “What the heck is a Dopp kit?” Then I found out it was that plastic bag where I put things that might spill in on my clothes. But why Dopp?

Dopp is actually a registered trademark for a man’s toiletry bag. It was designed for an immigrant leather designer coming to America in the 1900s. The bags were manufactured by the Charles Doppelt Company until the 1970s, when it was sold to Samsonite. During WWII, GIs were given Dopp kits with their supplies. This may have something to do with the popularity and staying power. They were given away by the millions!

Anyway, I figured I should graduate from a plastic bag to a Dopp kit. This was after my plastic bag busted and my shampoo bottle wasn’t tightly closed and… you can figure out the rest. You can get a Dopp kit from Buxton-produced for Samsonite, or from pretty much anywhere, depending on how much you want to spend. If you have nice things, get a nice Dopp kit. At least make sure it’s lined and spill-proof. They are even often giveaways at men’s fragrance counters in department stores. If you like after shave, why not get the gift?

I don’t want to influence you about what kit to buy. I want to talk about what should be in it. No two Dopp kits are alike. They are packed by you for you and your needs. Some things should be standard, though. Things you probably need are: antiperspirant, lip balm, a tiny sewing kit for those nasty ill-placed rips, toothbrush, toothpaste, body powder, dental floss, cotton swabs, a razor, shaving cream, and if you wear contact lenses, saline and a case.

If you prefer to use your own shampoo, conditioner, and soap, bring along small sizes made for travel or put some in travel size containers. Facial cleansers and creams should be packed as well as sunscreen. Hair styling products in travel sizes.

Allergy medicine for those who need it, pain relievers “just in case,” over the counter sleeping pills, stomach medicines, and any other medications you take should be added.

Remember, you are limited by size. Your Dopp kit is sized so that it is in accordance with the TSA size requirements in mind. Also, remember that liquids and gels can be no more than 3.4 ounces each. You really don’t want that expensive hair to be thrown away. You may need to pack and repack. If not all of your items fit, prioritize. Remember, wherever you are going, they are likely to have stores where new toothpaste or sunscreen may be purchased. I never pack sunscreen. What good is a travel size sunscreen going to do? One application and you’re through!

Lay out what you want to put into your kit. Start by packing the essentials. Then start adding the nonessentials. Don’t break the zipper of your kit for a lip balm or powder. Just buy one at your destination and leave it there, in the trash. That’s my latest technique. I pack my real high-end needs (that are under 3.4 oz) and buy cheap stuff on vacation that I can throw away instead of dragging it back and forth. So far, so good. Give it a try if you just can’t fit all of your necessities in your Dopp.