Every now and then, I discover something new that I can’t travel without. As a shopping editor, my ultimate test for how much I love a product is if I ask myself: What did I ever do before this? My latest can’t-live-without-it travel accessory is this new extra large toiletry bag from Parallelle. It’s called The Kit, and I promise I love it for more than just its good looks. I’ve been reaching for it nonstop over the past month to carry my very extensive skincare routine with me wherever I go—and it’s made packing easier than ever. I think I’ve finally cracked the code to keeping my toiletries organized and ready to go whenever I am, and it’s all thanks to The Kit.
I was introduced to Parallelle a few years ago when I saw its genius makeup bag in action. The cosmetic case is designed to keep all of your products standing in an upright position, reducing the risk of accidental spills and leaks. Even better, both sides of the bag can be pulled down flat, allowing you to see all of your makeup products at once. It’s been my go-to makeup bag ever since. When I heard Parallelle was launching a new product with the same foldable design, I knew I had to try it. What I didn’t expect, though, is to rely on it as much as I do.
When I got my hands on The Kit, I had two immediate thoughts: 1) This chestnut color is gorgeous and 2) it’s huge. The extra roomy toiletry bag is designed to be packed in your checked luggage, where you have more suitcase space and no restrictions on the amount of liquids you can have inside. At first, I wasn’t sure how much I’d use it since I don’t check a bag very often. However, I’ve quickly realized it’s worth making room for. Before using The Kit, I used to keep all of my reusable toiletry bottles and miscellaneous minis in a small storage bin underneath my bed. And when it was time to pack for a trip, I’d sift through it and decide what I needed for a particular trip. I decided to put all of my go-to toiletries inside The Kit, including cleanser, body wash, moisturizer, shampoo and conditioner, dry shampoo, tooth paste, floss, and even contact lenses. Now when it’s time to travel I can easily grab the pre-packed kit and throw it right into my personal item. I don’t even open it anymore to see what I need—it’s already stocked up and ready to go.
It really does hold everything. When you unzip the bag, you’ll see its two sides are separated by a detachable divider. There are three mesh pockets, seven large wall pockets, and one zippered pocket where I store cotton rounds and Q-tips. Even with all of those pockets, there’s still room to add more product inside. I like to stack my small Cadence Capsules on top of each other; I can fit as many as I need with everything from leave-in conditioner to vitamins. And sometimes when I’m short on space in my weekender bag, I’ll throw things like my glasses or claw clip right on top. When it’s all packed, it can be carried by the handle on top.
Because The Kit has all the same foldable magic that Parallelle is known for, both sides of the bag can be pinched and pulled down—making all of your favorite products easy to see and reach. Not only does it cut down my packing time, but it also makes getting ready at the hotel or Airbnb so easy. On a recent trip to Banff National Park, I left The Kit opened on the bathroom counter all weekend long and simply pulled out what I needed in the morning and slipped it right back into its spot. My hotel bathroom counter has never been neater.
