The handy travel bag with the mysterious name helps you travel light while looking sharp.
According to leather goods lore, Charles Doppelt started making a handy new bag in 1926. His new “toilet bag,” as it was originally called, was convenient, waterproof, and held numerous items while taking up minimal space. The only problem? The name, which customers—especially those in the US—didn’t appreciate.
Once the bags were marketed as Dopp kits, sales took off, especially after the U.S. Army placed a massive order and handed them out to soldiers during World War II. First popular among men, the bags became popular among both genders by the 1960s, and Samsonite bought out Doppelt in the 1970s.
We found a durable leather kit at Ayers Leather Shop and stocked it with a few items that are versatile, packable, and will get frequent use when stashed in your bag—no matter what you call it.
What’s in the Travel Bag?
Distressed cowhide shaving kit by Osgoode Marley ($115), wood natural-bristle hairbrush by Budd ($45), and wood-and-silver set, with razor and shaving cream brush, by Bey-Berk ($80), all from Ayers Leather Shop. Duke Cannon Shampoo Puck in Barrel Char No. 4 ($11.99) and Big Bourbon Beard Oil ($29.99), both available at Mast General Store. St. James of London Mandarin and Patchouli cologne ($40) from A Polished Man.
