The term Dopp Kit confuses a lot of people, but when it comes down to it, it’s just a bag to keep accessories organized when traveling, such as toiletries and other smaller items.
Where did the term Dopp kit come from?
Dopp kit is a term particularly in use in the US for toiletry bags. The name derives from the early 20th-century leather craftsman Charles Doppelt, whose company designed the case in 1926. Dopp kits became widely known during World War I and World War II when they were issued to soldiers by the US military. The Dopp brand name was purchased by Samsonite in the early 1970s and was acquired by Buxton in 1979. – Wikipedia
I remember my dad’s old school leather Dopp kit he used when traveling for work. My next introduction to Dopp kits were when I entered the military out of high school. Although they didn’t call it a Dopp bag, it was the same thing. We called it a ditty bag. We carried our shaving kit, aftershave, toothbrush, toothpaste and a bar of soap. Ah the memories….
My Dopp Kit and what I keep in it
The first thing you need is a good quality bag. You can purchase one at most stores, but you get what you pay for. I prefer to get something with some class that will last me a while. While leather is the go-to for a classy gentleman Dopp kit, I have been using an olive-colored wax canvas bag from The Frye Company. It has two slip pockets along the inside which I use to keep my packets of Emergen-C drink mix. On the outside, the Dopp kit has a pocket with a zipper closure. I utilize this pocket for a secondary watch or two.
On the inside, I keep the following when I travel
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and bar of soap
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Hemingway Accoutrements Beard Oil
- Ibuprofen
- Emergen-C drink mix
- Nail clippers
- Bandaids
- Spare cash for emergencies
I keep my Dopp kit inside my carry-on bag when traveling by air. This way if I get stranded at an airport somewhere, I can at least freshen up and feel human. Those sitting next to you on the plane will appreciate it too.
What type of Dopp kit do you have and what do you carry in yours?
