wtf is a Dopp Kit? And how to fill one for crunchy-ish hygiene care.

I'm from the Midwest, and both of my grandfathers are military veterans - one in WWII, one in the Korean War - so "Dopp Kit" is one of those traditions and terminologies that got persistently handed down in my family, much like calling chipped dry beef in cream sauce served over toast "shit on a shingle." But I digress.

A Dopp Kit is a particular design of men's toiletry bags used for travel. Nowadays, there are many travel kits out there, and the kind that fold open and hang over a shower head are usually the most popular. But, as someone who does all the travel, from air to road tripping, from four-star hotels to rustic campsites to hospital beds, I prefer Charles Doppelt's general design... as a matter of fact, you saw my Dopp Kit and how I packed it for my hip surgery last January.

Now, you're probably wondering why I don't just drop the $10-15 for one of those single use, TSA-approved pre-packed toiletry bags they sell like just about everyone else does. Thing is, I handle my hygiene needs, especially when it comes to my hair care, a bit differently than most. And I'm not particularly fond of single use items if I can help it. Besides, I prefer keeping a kit on hand. Medical emergencies aren't usually planned, and as someone with more than one bathroom, all of them shared, being able to grab a pack to shower or spiff myself up in the bathroom I don't usually use is incredibly handy. And I'm ready for a spontaneous overnight somewhere if needed.

This is the exact bag I have, I love it (not sponsored, I really do), and I will show you why. I'll also show you how I keep it packed and organized, and what I use everything for (a lot of it has multiple uses).

The Main Compartment

Right now, I have a mix of travel size and full size bottles and tubes because I'm not planning on air travel in the foreseeable future. If I do plan to board a plane, I'd decant and label what I'd need to, and pack this in my carry-on. Speaking of labels on decanted products, they're important, especially if you'll have any interactions with TSA agents, Border Patrol, or Park Rangers.

• Micellar Water face cleansing wipes.

  • If you're wondering where the pack of Micellar Water full-body deodorant wipes went from the hospital stay in January, they've been moved to my hygiene pouch in my adventure bag, which will also be with me wherever I am if I'm travelling.

• Full-body lotion. Makes more sense than packing a face lotion and a separate hand & body lotion.

• Whole Body Deodorant.

• Leave-in conditioner/detangler specially formulated for curly hair.

• Tangle Teezer Mini hairbrush

• 2oz jar with my favorite leave-in creme conditioner decanted in.

• 2oz jar with kokum/mangosteen butter whipped with full spectrum vitamin e oil.

  • one of the most multi-purpose additions to my kit - can be used as a hair cuticle seal, a nighttime face slug, and a layer against friction anywhere skin meets skin.

In the three large side pockets:

• 2oz Amber glass bottles with mist tops filled with:

  • HOCL: antibacterial, can be used as a hand sanitizer, skin deodorant, fabric deodorant, first aid disinfectant, surface disinfectant, also can be sprayed on the face as an anti-inflammatory.

  • 1 teaspoon Dettol to the rest of the bottle filled with water (it works out to about 30% concentration) : antiseptic, can be used as a hand sanitizer, skin deodorant, fabric deodorant, surface disinfectant.

  • 92% Isopropyl Alcohol with six drops lavender essential oil and four drops clove essential oil: antiseptic, can be used as a hand sanitizer (that removes cannabis resin, just sayin'), skin deodorant, fabric deodorant, insect repellent.

• 2oz bottle Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap.

  • Refillable from the big bottle... those little bottles are ridiculously expensive for a little bottle.

• Q-Tips stored in an old, cleaned-out prescription bottle to keep them clean.

• A silk scrunchie.

• A handful of bobby pins.

• A roller bottle of perfume oil. Evening In Paris, if you're curious.

• A small pair of fingernail clippers and a pair of tweezers.

In the zippered side pocket:

• Migraine rescue medication.

• A small mirror.

• Band-aids.

• Alcohol swabs.

• Lip balm.

• Sleep earplugs, in a case attached to the zipper pull.

The Main Side Pocket

This is the part that makes me absolutely geeky about this bag. The side pouch is perfectly set up for dental hygiene!

• A toothbrush, with a travel hygiene cover.

  • Protip: after using the brush and case, give them each a squirt or two of HOCL.

• Individual-use toothpaste packs.

• Individual-use mouthwash packs.

• Dental floss.

The Other Side Pocket

It's flat to the bag and open mesh, and the only thing that really fits there is an African Net Sponge. But, it's a fabulous place for said African Net Sponge, considering the nature of said African Net Sponge.

And that's that. Sun products and menstrual products both go into the aforementioned Adventure Bag, and if I'm carrying for a full period, I'm carrying a full pack of Tena pads in my luggage, too.

Bonus: How to not shower and still not stink!

A very useful life skill for anyone who camps, road trips, or requires the frequent-ish hospital stay!

Hair:

• The most important hair hygiene tip if you have to go longer than normal between washes is to keep it detangled, regularly brushed or combed if your hair is strong enough to withstand that. Basically, keep the oils moving down the hair shaft regularly. If it starts to smell before you can wash it, spray it with HOCL, especially at the scalp and roots. For hairstyles; loose, high ponytails or "messy buns" with a silk scrunchie, or double cornrows braided tight enough to keep them done but not so tight to pull on the scalp are the best, whether you're wrapping your hair or not.

• Also remember to keep your hair hydrated between washes! A mist bottle of water followed by a few sprays of a detangler/liquid leave-in with your detangling at least every other day will keep your hair healthy between good soakings.

• If your hair is going to be exposed to sun, wind, or salt, don't forget to protect it with a good layer of kokum/mangosteen butter & vitamin E before going out. You can wash it out with the Dr. Bronner's soap when you're ready.

Armpits:

This is a three step process:

1. Wipe down with Micellar Water wipe - the deodorant wipes are preferable, but the face wipes will work.

2. Pick your poison - HOCL, Dettol, or Alcohol & essential oils all make a good pre-deodorant prep. My favorite for this is HOCL. Spray 2-4 times directly on your armpits.

3. Apply a drop of Whole Body Deodorant to each armpit.

Congratulations, you're socially acceptable again. If you need to touch up while you're out, carry a little bottle of whatever you used in step 2 with you. All 3 sprays in step 2 can also be sprayed directly onto the armpits of your shirts, if the fabric is holding onto the BO scent.

Crotch:

• Wipe yourself down well with a micellar water deodorant wipe or two. Remember to get into the labial folds and down by the urethrea. Do this at least once per day until you can shower again.

• All of the sprays in Armpits Step 2 can be sprayed directly on the crotch of your panties or pants if they're holding onto odors - HOCL will be the gentlest to use if you're particularly sensitive.

Feet:

Same three step process as your armpits.