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Travel Products
Luggage + Bags
Organizers + Accessories

The 12 Best Travel Laundry Bags of 2024

Our favorite picks include everything from breathable mesh bags to waterproof options.

In This Article

Our Top Picks
Tips for Buying

You May Also Want

Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

When it comes to the gamut of travel essentials, a laundry bag often goes unnoticed until it’s needed (usually at the point in the trip when your soiled clothing items begin to outnumber your clean ones.) However, the right travel laundry bag can transform your journey from a cluttered mess to an organized adventure.

Whether you're backpacking through Europe, embarking on a business trip , or simply taking a weekend getaway, these travel laundry bags ensure that your clothes stay clean and odor-free, and that your dirty items are kept separate until the next time they reach the washing machine. From breathable mesh bags to waterproof options, there's a travel laundry bag suited to every traveler's needs.

Best Overall

Bagsmart compression packing cubes.

These compression cubes ensure your soiled clothing doesn’t take up the bulk of your luggage space.

We would have liked to see more pattern options.

This set of six compression packing cubes by Bagsmart allows you to maximize space in your luggage by compressing clothing, reducing bulk, and optimizing the storage capacity in your suitcase or duffel. The compression feature not only saves valuable space. but also helps to keep belongings neatly organized and odor free throughout the journey. They also prevent clothes from shifting and becoming wrinkled during transit. Crafted from premium polyester material with zippers that don't snag, these packing cubes ensure long-lasting performance trip after trip, and each feature a handy top handle that makes them easy to individually carry. The set includes six cubes of ascending sizes, plus a shoe bag, helping with the separation of various types of soiled linens. Since dirty clothes tend to take up tons of space as a trip goes on, these compression pouches ensure that they stay tidy and unobstructed.

The Details: 6 bags | 5 x 10.5 x 6 inches (large), 13 x 9 x 5. inches (medium), 13 x 5 x 5 inches (small), 21.5x 12 inches (shoe bag) | Polyester

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best Dual Compartment

Eagle creek isolate clean/dirty cube.

Isolated compartments make it easy to separate your laundry based on clothing type and level of soil.

The zipper closure doesn’t go all the way around the bag.

This innovative bag features a dual-compartment design that allows for the separation of clean and dirty clothes, ensuring your garments stay fresh and orderly throughout your journey. The clean side provides a dedicated space for neatly folded clothing, while the dirty side accommodates used garments, keeping them isolated and contained to prevent odor transfer to clean items. This dual functionality eliminates the hassle of rummaging through luggage to find specific items and simplifies the packing and unpacking process. It’s a total game-changer for travelers.

Another detail that sets the Eagle Creek Cube apart is its premium construction: crafted from high-quality, durable materials, this bag is built to withstand the rigors of travel, ensuring reliability trip after trip. Its lightweight design adds minimal bulk to luggage, maximizing packing space without compromising on functionality. We love that the cube's breathable fabric on one side promotes air circulation, helping to prevent mildew buildup, while the opposite side is sturdier to lock in odor or moisture. Keep in mind, though, that the more you pack into the side with clean clothes, the less room you will have for dirty clothes that accumulate (especially if you also brought another pack or suitcase).

The Details: 10 x 14.25 x 4.5 inches | 100 percent polyester ripstop | 2.7 ounces

Best Organization

Travelon set of 7 packing envelopes.

A variety of seven different sizes makes it easy to find the right place for all your soiled items.

The plastic construction of these bags makes them sturdy rather than flexible.

Rather than one larger pack, this set by Travelon includes seven envelopes of ascending size. Each envelope is crafted to accommodate different types of clothing or travel essentials, from wet bathing suits or underwear to hiking shoes or sweatshirts, ensuring an organized approach to packing your belongings big and small. Whether separating clean clothes from dirty ones or categorizing items by type or usage, these envelopes provide an easy solution for travelers trying to keep track of their belongings on the go. The durable construction of these packing envelopes also ensures longevity throughout countless journeys — crafted from clear printed mesh PVC, they’re great for protecting clothing and accessories. The transparent design of the envelopes allows for easy identification of contents, so you don’t waste time rummaging.

The Details: 6.5 x 5 inches (small), 13.25 x 9.5 inches (large) | Clear printed mesh PVC | 0.63 pounds

Best Odor Blocking

Stnky bag pro.

Crafted with health workers in mind, this bag keeps your soiled linens (and their odors) from interacting with your clean ones.

While it has a small carrying loop, there is no larger handle.

This unique laundry bag by STNKY incorporates both an inner mesh bag and an outer layer made from odor-resistant polyester material. The clever design ensures that travelers never have to touch their soiled clothing, since dirty laundry is cradled by the inner layer, attached at the top of the bag’s interior. The inner mesh bag is made with zippers at both the top and bottom, so when travelers arrive home from a trip or pay a visit to the laundromat during their travels, they can simply unzip the bottom zipper and then unattach it from the outer. The entire mesh pouch can be thrown in the wash and in the dryer. It makes sense that the bag is favored by health care professionals such as nurses, doctors and EMTs who rely on the bag to keep themselves and their loved ones safe when bringing home scrubs. For those on the go, it means never having to come in contact with used airport outfits (or their odors) until they are fresh out of the wash.

The Details: 16 x 14 x 0.3 inches | Polyester | 0.26 pounds

Most Durable

Thule clean/dirty packing cube.

Crafted from ultra rugged materials, this travel laundry container was designed with durability in mind.

Some might wish it could fit more inside, due to its dual compartments.

Crafted with high-quality materials, this packing cube by Thule ensures longevity and reliability for travelers entering even the most rugged of conditions. Its durable construction, featuring waterproof 100D ripstop nylon, YKK zippers and reinforced stitching, withstands the rigors of constant travel, ensuring that it remains intact trip after trip. Whether tossed into a suitcase, backpack, or carry-on, the Thule Clean/Dirty Packing Cube maintains its structural integrity, safeguarding your garments throughout your journey. Separate compartments meant for clean and dirty laundry allow for effortless organization while on the go, and the waterproof lining in the dirty clothing compartment locks in odor and moisture.

The Details: 7.87 x 9.45 x 13.39 inches | Nylon | 0.4 pounds

Best Large Capacity

Aurflo jumbo mesh laundry bag - set of 2.

This dual set of extra large laundry bags is perfect for a longer trip.

There is no outer layer, so it might not be best for wet items.

With its spacious design and breathable-yet-tough material, this duo of laundry bags offers ample room to accommodate tons of dirty clothing, making it perfect for extended trips or family vacations. Since there are two that come with your order, it’s also easy for a couple to separate their soiled linens, or to separate dark and light colors. The latter is especially helpful as these are machine washable, so pre-sorted laundry post-trip becomes a breeze. Once in the washer and dryer, the bags help to protect your clothing as well. It’s also a plus that the mesh material not only provides breathability to prevent odors but also allows for easy identification of contents, ensuring efficient sorting. The inclusion of a sturdy drawstring closure and a loop for hanging or carrying adds to its versatility and usability while on the go.

The Details: 24 x 20 x 0.5 inches | Polyester blend | 0.3 pounds

Veken 8 Set Packing Cubes

This travel organization set will not only keep your dirty laundry sorted, but your entire suitcase.

The laundry bag itself is not machine washable.

For travelers looking to hit eight birds with one stone, this complete set includes not only a laundry bag, but also four packing cubes, a shoe bag, a toiletry bag, and a small pouch. The packing cubes come in various sizes, allowing you to efficiently utilize every inch of your luggage space. A classic drawstring laundry bag can be used for all dirty clothes on short trips, or can function as the bag for storing your smelliest items. The other cubes in the set can be set aside for sorting other types of soiled linens.

The Details: 20 x 14 inches (laundry bag) | Polyester | 1.26 pounds

Best Machine Washable

Grove co. laundry bag set.

This machine washable set will also protect your delicates when not traveling.

They may not be spacious enough for longer trips.

This duo of delicates bags is great for use at home and while traveling, providing you with a way to sort and protect your laundry all year round. Crafted from sustainably sourced machine washable mesh, they’re created by Grove Collaborative, which specializes in green household and personal care products. The machine washable mesh material makes it easy to see what’s inside, but contrasting colorful zippers also make it easy to identify which bag is which, in addition to their different sizes. While traveling, the bags are a great way to sort your dark and light-colored clothing, keeping them separate from your clean clothes and from one another before popping each into the wash. The bags are also dryer-friendly, which makes wash day much more seamless.

The Details: 16 x 18.25 inches (large), 11.5 x 14.5 inches (medium) | Polyester mesh | 0.16 pounds

Best Collapsible

Honoma sturdy mesh laundry hamper basket.

It’s not only super portable, but incredibly affordable.

It can take up a lot of room if overstuffed.

Affordable, light and collapsible, this laundry bag provides some major bang for your buck without taking up virtually any room when empty. It’s constructed from thick mesh with sturdy side paneling, and can be purchased in a horizontal or vertical configuration. Its large capacity means it can hold tons of soiled laundry, making it a good option if you plan on staying in one accommodation for an extended period of time, and doing your laundry while traveling. An additional side pocket is perfect for stowing a travel-sized laundry detergent, and sturdy carrying straps make it easy to take it from point A to point B. The sturdy nature of this laundry bag might not make it the best option for shorter journeys or those where you might be moving around frequently, as you won’t be able to easily pop it into a suitcase when full.

The Details: 23 x 14 x 14 inches | Polyester | 0.5 pounds

Quiet Town Re:Canvas Laundry Bag Pine

It is both colorful and well-constructed.

There is only one large compartment, which doesn’t allow for sectioning laundry.

Crafted from durable, heavyweight cotton canvas, this bag by Brooklyn-based brand Quiet Town exudes playful elegance with its minimalist design and bold colors. The thoughtful inclusion of sturdy bright blue backpack straps ensures easy portability, so locals will be none the wiser that you’re toting dirty laundry around. The spacious interior provides ample room for stowing away your unlaundered garments, but be aware that there is only one large compartment. There is a small compartment on the front of the bag for laundry detergent, though, and a smaller one at the top of the interior compartment that would be perfect for coins or dryer sheets. Its collapsible design allows for effortless storage in your bags when not in use, making it an ideal choice for space-conscious travelers, and its attractive design means you can even use it as a normal backpack when the laundry is all done.

The Details: 31 x 15 inches | Cotton canvas | 2 pounds

Dagne Dover Rae Roll-Top Dry Bag

This small travel bag is perfect for transporting a wet swimsuit or sweaty garments.

It won't fit more than a few garments.

This compact laundry bag features a roll-top design that not only maximizes space, but also ensures a secure closure, keeping odors and moisture at bay. Constructed from durable waterproof nylon with a roll and clip closure, it’s perfect to pop into your backpack before traveling to the beach or lake, or for use after a strenuous, sweat-inducing hike. Despite its petite size, the Rae Roll-Top Dry Bag boasts just enough room for storing dirty garments, making it ideal for short trips or as a supplemental laundry solution in larger luggage. A wipeable interior also means you can get multiple uses from it on one trip — if you aren’t using it for laundry at any one time, it can also store snacks for a hike or produce picked up from the local market.

The Details: 5.25 x 1”x 11 inches | Nylon | 0.21 pounds

Best for At Home and On the Go

Crate & barrel white canvas hamper liner.

This simple but effective laundry bag easily works for both home and travel use.

It’s not waterproof.

For those who don’t have the storage space for multiple laundry bags, or simply want one that can do double duty, this classic laundry bag from Crate & Barrel is a great option. Made to fit inside of a hamper, it has drawstrings at the top and a sturdy carrying strap that also makes it easy to tote your laundry from the hamper to the wash, or to the laundromat while you’re traveling. Crafted from cotton canvas, it’s also machine washable, and can pack up tightly to fit into your suitcase or duffel bag.

The Details: 15.5 x 15.5 x 27.5 inches | 100 percent cotton

Tips for Buying a Travel Laundry Bag

Prioritize materials that suit your needs.

When shopping for a travel laundry bag, it's crucial to pick one crafted from a material that aligns with your specific needs and travel style. Firstly, consider the durability of the bag. Opt for high-quality materials like ripstop nylon or polyester that can withstand frequent use and potential rough handling during travels. A durable laundry bag ensures longevity and reliability, preventing unexpected tears or damage that could compromise its functionality mid-journey. Additionally, prioritize water-resistant or waterproof materials if you anticipate exposure to moisture or inclement weather. This feature helps safeguard your clean clothes from accidental spills, rain showers, or damp environments, ensuring they stay dry and odor-free until laundry day. For those not anticipating rugged travels, and or anyone who prefers to prioritize washability, look for breathable mesh.

Consider the bag’s features

Each type of material presents an advantage. Polyester and nylon are both lightweight synthetic fibers that are designed to endure wear and tear. Polyester will repel water while nylon will absorb water. Neither are breathable, but natural fibers such as cotton are. Pay attention to what material best suits your needs and style of travel.

Those who travel with delicate garments will likely want a breathable, protective bag that can fold or hang. Others who travel under intense weather conditions should look for a durable, waterproof option. Adventure enthusiasts will likely want a laundry bag that allows clothing to breathe and prevents bacterial growth between adrenaline-pumping activities. You'll also want a bag that has a secure closure that's easy to use and won't break even if you fully stuff the bag with dirty items.

After investing in an excellent travel laundry bag, the last thing you want is to buy another one due to a defect or a short return period. Check the company policies to ensure you can get a refund should you need to exchange the laundry bag for a different option that better suits you. It is always worth noting the warranty as well as learning about free replacements and the corresponding time frame of availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Using a laundry bag while traveling is helpful for several reasons. First, it helps to keep your clean clothes separate from the dirty ones, maintaining organization and hygiene in your luggage. It also prevents odors and stains from spreading to other items, preserving the freshness of your garments throughout your trip. Many travelers find that using a laundry bag facilitates efficient unpacking, and it also helps speed up your wash if you have opted to use machine-washable, color-sorted bags.

Most mesh laundry bags can be thrown directly into the washer and dryer, solving the problem of washing the bag itself. Nylon and polyester laundry bags can usually be wiped clean with a wet cloth and mild soap. Before washing your travel laundry bag, make sure to double check the manufacturer's care instructions.

Some laundry bags can go in the dryer, but it depends on the material they're made of. Mesh or fabric laundry bags are generally safe for dryer use, but it's essential to check the care instructions first. Some laundry bags may be more prone to shrinking or melting in high heat, so it's crucial to follow the recommended drying settings to avoid damaging the bag. Additionally, if the bag contains any plastic components like zippers or drawstrings, it's usually best to air dry them.

Staying organized and clean while traveling takes a lot more than just a laundry bag. These additional smart items will help keep all your essentials together, or in the case of your soiled clothing, separate.

Sea to Summit Dry Bag : This dry bag is durable, lightweight, available in multiple sizes, and features a simple roll-top closure.

Mossio Shoe Bag : This bag is waterproof, fits multiple pairs of shoes, and can be used to store other items like toiletries and dirty laundry.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Austa Somvichian-Clausen is a travel writer and published author living in New York City. She has been covering travel and lifestyle content since 2017, and travels frequently for work, often for long periods of time. Her irregular travel schedule makes it necessary for her to organize and clean her clothes on-the-go. To find the best travel laundry bags, she also relied on research, gear tests, and more.

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