Travel Toiletries

Getting toiletries through airport security without a leak, a confiscation, or a repacking scramble at the checkpoint takes a bit of planning. The 100ml liquid rule applies to all liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage — each container must be 100ml or under, and all containers must fit in a single clear resealable bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm. A well-organised travel toiletry kit makes this straightforward rather than stressful.

Travel Gear is an authorised Australian stockist for Sea to Summit, stocking travel toiletry bags, refillable containers, quick-dry towels, and travel-size essentials. All orders ship from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.

Travel Toiletry Essentials

Toiletry Bags & Organisers

A hanging toiletry bag is the most practical option for travel — it hooks over a towel rail or shower door so you can access everything without unpacking on a small bathroom bench. Look for a waterproof lining that can be wiped clean, multiple compartments for organisation, and a hook rated to hold the bag's full weight. For carry-on-only travel, a flat zip pouch that doubles as your clear security bag saves space.

Refillable Travel Containers

Refillable bottles and jars in 30ml, 50ml, and 100ml sizes let you decant your preferred products rather than buying travel-size versions. Silicone squeeze bottles are the most practical — they're flexible, easy to fill, and don't crack. Label each container clearly; unlabelled bottles are a common source of confusion at security. Look for leak-proof caps with a secondary seal for liquids that will be in a bag with other items.

Solid Toiletries

Shampoo bars, conditioner bars, solid sunscreen, and solid moisturiser bypass the 100ml liquid rule entirely — they're not subject to liquid restrictions and can be packed in carry-on without going in the clear bag. Particularly useful for carry-on-only travel where liquid allowance is limited. The trade-off is that solid toiletries take longer to lather and may not suit all hair and skin types.

Quick-Dry Travel Towels

A microfibre travel towel dries in 1–2 hours rather than the 8–12 hours of a cotton towel, packs to a fraction of the size, and weighs under 200g for a full-size towel. Essential for hostel travel, camping, and beach trips where towels aren't provided or are inconvenient to carry. Sea to Summit's Drylite and Airlite towels are the benchmark for travel towels. Browse the full Sea to Summit range for towel options.

TSA Liquid Rules for Australian Travellers

• Each liquid container must be 100ml (3.4oz) or under — a 200ml bottle that's half full is not permitted
• All containers must fit in a single clear resealable bag, maximum 20cm x 20cm
• One bag per passenger — you cannot use multiple bags
• The bag must be removed from your carry-on and placed in the tray separately at security
• Solid toiletries, powder products, and prescription medications have different rules — check CASA guidelines for your specific items

Frequently Asked Questions

What size toiletry bag do I need for carry-on travel?

For carry-on-only travel, a flat zip pouch around 20cm x 20cm that doubles as your security clear bag is the most efficient option. For checked luggage or longer trips, a hanging toiletry bag in the 2–3L range holds a full toiletry kit without taking up excessive space in your suitcase.

Are solid shampoo bars worth it for travel?

Yes — for carry-on-only travel, solid shampoo bars are genuinely useful. They bypass liquid restrictions, last longer than liquid shampoo (one bar typically equals 2–3 bottles), and don't leak. The main consideration is hair type — solid bars work well for most hair types but may not suit very dry or chemically treated hair without a matching conditioner bar.

Can I take aerosols in carry-on luggage?

Yes — aerosols are subject to the same 100ml rule as liquids. Each aerosol container must be 100ml or under and must fit in your clear security bag. Aerosols over 100ml must go in checked baggage. Note that some aerosols (spray paint, flammable aerosols) are not permitted in checked baggage either — check CASA's dangerous goods list for your specific product. For the full packing organisation range, see our packing cubes collection.