The Perfect Dopp Kit

Washing Contents

If you are an aerosol user, these can be bulky and dare we say it, not very environmentally friendly. Consider using a “ball” or “roll-on” type instead, which is more compact and greener. If you have excessive sweating you may already be using a specialist product, in which case continue with it. However, for those with few issues seek those without Aluminium Compounds. Try the 1 oz Crystal Body Deodorant Travel Rock, these are also available in packs of 36. For longer trips (or every day usage), try the Crystal Body Deodorant Stick For Men. The stick may appear expensive but it lasts anything from 6 to 12 months!

Not always available locally, so take what you usually use with you, especially if you have an oily skin type! For all other skin types, only include if traveling for durations of 3 or more days.

You can certainly use your hands instead but some prefer to use a standard face cloth . However, rather than carry a standard one, try Wysi Wipe Biodegradable Towels from The Container Store. These are tiny compressed towels; just add water and the tiny capsules expand into a durable cloth. At $2 for 12, they can be reused at least several times, and then thrown away.

Instead of a face cloth, use a face/body mitt (or two) to add to or increase your exfoliation program. Try the dual sided (one side rough and the other smooth) face cloth from Aquis.

Remember to pack your cloth or mitt in a Ziploc style bag (or the Navy Seal Aloksak Bags – see Soap below) so the dampness does not affect anything else. Also hang these up to dry, upon your return!

If needed, some people use a moisturizer for these appendages to prevent drying out. Unless you need to use special formulas, for specific problems, why not use your standard face moisturizer instead.

Not essential if only traveling for for a few days but do include if you travel frequently or are traveling for 2+ days. Do not get the synthetic ones as they erode fairly quickly leaving bits in the shower/bath. The real ones can be fragile and break apart but for traveling this might be a real bonus. Also the real ones can get a little dirty and may even begin to smell, don’t worry, simply boil them in water for a few minutes and they’ll be as good as new. We’ve chosen a pack of 4 for a good price and these may well last you for decades!

An alternative is to use an exfoliating mitt or face cloth, see Face Cloth above, as this may remove the need for a pumice stone.  

For weight and volume considerations (and lack of liquids) certainly use a small bar of soap, if appropriate for your skin type. We recommend an organic and fair trade product: Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap. Available in 5 oz bars (which can be cut up for travel purposes) they come in a variety of 7 scents plus one unscented.

However, using a bar of soap can be messy and may require a container, many of which are rigid and bulky. A solution is putting it in a plastic bag (e.g. Ziplock) but beware of tearing/splitting and the need to clean or change the bag frequently. An improvement is to use an Aloksak Bag. These are waterproof/sand proof bags used by Navy Seals and many other Scuba Divers; you can inflate them to make a cushion, pillow, ice pack etc. These really are good, versatile, come in a variety of sizes and are relatively inexpensive.

Alternatively use a cleanser (liquid soap or shower gel). If traveling far and/or for a long period, certainly consider omitting this and purchasing some locally upon arrival. For really light traveling, your cleanser can also be used to wash your hair and shave (negating the need for shampoo and shaving soap). Whilst not recommended except for short-term usage, this all-in-one approach is perhaps best achieved by using a very good organic cleanser such as Dr. Bronner’s – useful for face/body wash, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, washing clothes and even for washing up dishes/cookware! Available in 2 oz travel containers (as well as 8 oz, 16oz, 32 oz and 1 gallon containers) and a variety of 7 scents plus one unscented.

If your washing regime affects your skin’s Ph levels (e.g. oily skin types) then don’t forget this. Readily available from most pharmacies and grocery stores, don’t forget cotton wool pads to apply the toner!

OK, this is off beat but if traveling where there is no running water/bathroom then this is invaluable. Travel types are made of water retaining material and fold up flat. Try the Outback Kitchen Sink from Survival Store for $20, we have found this to be better than the Sea to Summit version (same size and same price).