I think we all tend to hold on to certain things, sometimes irrationally.
Back in 2005, I picked up a free “United MileagePlus Visa” amenity kit at the ticket counter in Washington Dulles. For the last 12 years, it has served as my toiletry bag. This little bag has seen 125 countries on six continents!
But it is has seen better days. The corners are broken, the zipper is bent, and it is wearing at the seams. Sometimes my razor or toothbrush slip out…
My wife constantly urges me to use one of the hundreds of amenity kits I keep in our closet and throw this one away. But I cannot bring myself to do it. I just like this one. It still works for me. And looking at it always brings back fond memories.
I want to say this is a male thing, but any female readers out there who are in the same boat as me?
Any psychologists want to diagnose me with something? Generally I am not a packrat so this seems to be an isolated issue.
How about you? Do you have a toiletry kit that you continue to use despite others literally just lying around begging to be used?
I was using one of those BusinessFirst Philosophy kits for around 4 years. It started to get pretty gross. I finally sprung for a proper toiletry bag (even thought I have tons of amenity kits at home).
Yep! I have a 2008 (-ish?) era United First Class kit that I continue to use as my regular travel toiletry kit. The size is perfect. It is showing some wear, but it doesn’t have holes like yours does. Yet.
I got one from latam a few years ago that looks the same as this one, I use to put my liquids in my carry-on
You can get one just like this from Kiehl’s, and they’re often free with purchase.
My Bulgari First Class kit from my Emirates A380 trip (facilitated by Matthew) is in service presently.
I work with Active Military soldiers actually collect them and giver them out to the soldiers I work with/counsel.
Feel free to send em over for a good cause.
-Phil
Back one year when the Freddie’s were in NYC ( dating me I know) I stayed at the Crowne Plaza and they gave me a larger size neoprene feeling shaving kit that has lasted all these years and still going strong… and yes, get the question from the wife too on “when are you going to get a new kit”…
I was there too! Does that make me old?!
Hmmm. I think its time to ditch this one. The last picture looks like it may be growing mould! (or at least wipe it down with an alcohol swab! 🙂 )
Yours is similar to an old US business class amenity kit case that I use in a similar fashion in place of a baggie for my carry on toiletries. I have a higher quality First Class variant from Bogner that I received from LH (thicker flexible plastic) and use for emergency medical items at home and in flight. For cables and chargers I use a classic Anya Hindmarsh BA First Class case with a scene of an old BA flying boat printed on the cloth covering.
The best amenity bag you should consider (making) are the clear, heavy duty plastic zippered ones that pillow cases come in. I’ve been using them for years, the seams are strong and sturdy, they are not too small and can hold various travel size liquid containers.
I’ve been using the plastic, zippered bags that pillowcases come in for years. Sturdy and just the right size for all toiletries, liquids, etc.
Well, look at what popped up in my RSS feed (via DealNews) : https://www.walmart.com/ip/Man-on-the-Go-Men-8217-s-Get-Away-Travel-Kit-10-pc/44684600
Looks good!
Use a platic zip-lock bag just like the TSA wants, and switch it out every 1-2 trips when it gets gross. You know me, and I enjoy premium cases for things like phones, iPads, luggage, etc. But for my $1 toiletry products that make a mess of whatever bag they are put in, I am a total functionalist.