Ever come across the term ‘Dopp kit’ and wonder what in the world a Dopp kit is? As odd as the name might sound, a Dopp kit is a man’s travel bag, where their grooming supplies are stored. A Dopp kit is convenient because no one likes fishing through a luggage bag for something as small as a toothbrush. A good Dopp kit should hold all your necessary and manly grooming tools and should be ideal for traveling, spacious to fit all your essentials, and stylish. Why would anyone prefer to call this a Dopp kit rather than a toiletry bag? We would discuss the ideal size of a Dopp kit, what should be in a Dopp kit and what style of Dopp kit to use. But before that, let’s talk about the history of a Dopp kit and how it got its unique name. History The Dopp kit acquired its name from an American based German leather goods manufacturer named Charles Doppelt. He invented this toiletry case in 1919, with the help of his nephew. Doppelt manufactured and sold this kit locally before landing a contract with the US army during World War Two. His first model was made from waxed leather and was sold as the doppelt kit and he supplied the army with this doppelt kit. As a result, it made Charles Doppelt and his kit popular. The Dopp kit got popular among the soldiers and they dubbed it ‘drops.’ Even after returning home, the soldiers loved the Dopp kit so much that they continued using it and ever since then, it has been known as the Dopp kit. Size When choosing a Dopp kit, the size matters. Some guys might prefer a large Dopp kit, while others may be more minimalist. It’s all a matter of preference. However, it is essential to carry a small Dopp kit, especially when traveling. A Dopp kit should be small enough to fit into your backpack or carry on luggage and big enough to fit all your essentials. An ideal Dopp kit should be about one liter in size. Not only is it convenient, but it would also help you get around the TSA rules , ensuring you don’t have any difficulties at check-in. Essentials When picking out essentials for your dopp kit, it is important to ask yourself: do I need this? Having a Dopp kit ensures that you’re organized, so you would only want to pick out what you use daily. Below is a list of essentials that should always be found in your Dopp kit. Shampoo and conditioner. Soap or body wash. Shaving cream. Nail clippers. Style When the first Dopp kits were sold, they were originally made in leather. Over time the style has evolved. Many small businesses today, are producing them in cool bags made of waxed canvas, cotton duck, leather, cloth, and nylon. If you travel a lot, then a leather Dopp kit would be a good fit for you. Leathers are known for their durability, though quite expensive, they hold their shape. If you’re going for a ‘easy on the budget’ product, then a nylon Dopp kit should be considered. Whatever style option that matches your taste, always make sure it is waxed or has a waterproof lining. How to pack a dopp kit? Despite the fact that a dopp kit is used to pack your essentials, you have to be very meticulous when packing your Dopp kit. One major tip you should always remember is to pack light. Here are some tips to help you pack your dopp kit like a pro. Make sure it adheres to the TSA rule. This is very important especially if you travel often. TSA approves a quart-sized bag and your Dopp kit should pass that first rule. Carry on liquids must be about 3.4 ounces or less per item. You do not want to be that guy that watches one of his favorite items tossed into the trash right in front of him. Aim to travel light. You don’t need to pack all your grooming supplies into your Dopp kit. If there’s something you can do without, it shouldn’t make it into your Dopp kit. Leave it behind. Always think solid. Solid is the new liquid. Think solid soap, solid shave bars, solid moisturizers, and solid toothpaste. Whatever product you can get in solid form, get it. The advantage of getting solid products is that it can be cut into smaller sizes so you don’t have to worry about space. Before packing any medications, always check the rules of your destination first. Traveling with certain medications are banned in some countries, so you need to do your research first. If there’s a need to take certain medications, always go with your doctor’s prescription. Use travel-size items. Whatever product you’re packing into your Dopp kit should be the approved size. For products that don’t come in travel sizes, it’s advisable to buy refillable bottles for them. If you’re deliberating over something you’re not sure of, ask yourself if it would be available at your destination. If yes, leave it behind. Take only what you need. We can’t seem to overemphasize this point. If there’s an item you’ve not used in the last 2 months, chances are that you would not need them that week. If you know some items like sunscreen, for instance, wouldn’t make it out of your bag, why bother wasting space. Leave it behind. Always pack for the occasion. A Dopp kit packed for a weekend getaway would be different from the one packed for a 2 weeks trip. We recommend having at least two Dopp kits, one for short trips, and the other for longer trips. This way, you don’t have to repack every time you want to take a trip. Conclusion The Dopp kit doesn’t sound so bad anymore, right? On the contrary, it’s a must-have item for everyone. Dopp kits can be anything, ranging from charger holders to emergency survival kit for cars. But don’t forget the main purpose of a Dopp kit: which is to hold all your hygienic essentials. If you don’t already have one, now is the right time to get one immediately and of course choose quality.
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