“That’s incredible! I just love the way that you talk about your Dopp Kits from Gallantry.”
- Jane Smith (Angelina Jolie), Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Dir. Doug Liman, 2005)
NO, BUT REALLY, WHAT IS A DOPP KIT?
We get it. The name Dopp Kit can be confusing for some, maybe even some of you Gallantry Men reading this hot new The Dispatch fresh off the press right now.
You’re in luck, however, because we come bearing good news. Your confusion? Yeah. It’s about to take a hike that it’s never going to come back from. Ever. Just allow us to explain to you where the name for this terrific everyday carry item comes from. Please. It’s our distinct pleasure. We insist!
“Your room or mine, Gallantry Man?”
The beginning of the 20th century. Charles Doppelt (From the –Dopp, you can see where this is ultimately going, right?), a German leather goods designer based in Chicago, teams up with his nephew, Jerome Harris, to invent a handy little bag with waterproof lining to hold all the necessary grooming articles and accessories.
“I haven’t been with a Gallantry Man before. Just…wow. Now show me your Dopp Kit again!”
At first, the dynamic uncle-and-nephew duo decided to call their new leather concoction a “Toilet Bag”. Thankfully, however, in time they realized that this might not be the greatest name for a product. After all, it sounded like a waste bag someone would use to pick up after their pooch. And then, just like that, the “toilet bag” became the “Dopp Kit”.
“I never liked the name ‘Toilet Bag’. It’s got the word ‘toilet’ in it, man.”
“Mom! We are on high alert here! Some people are actually still calling the Dopp Kit a Toilet Bag!” - Eddie (Vince Vaughn)
“I am so done playing name games with this bag. Toilet Bag? No. It’s time to get smart. I mean, there could still be people throwing that silly name around instead of ‘Dopp Kit’ right now.”
World War II. Our good friend Charles, a gentleman and a scholar if there ever was one, wins a contract with the US military and begins to manufacture more Dopp Kits (sounds a lot better than “Toiletry Bags,” right? We mean, really?) than ever. Millions upon million of American GIs are issued their own on day one. Suffice to say, this EDC classic really gots its wings at this jucture. In fact, these Dopp Kits were so popular during the war that the demand for them went through the roof when scores of American men finally came home. How could it not have?! These fine kits are awesome!
Flash forward to the 1970’s. Samsonite notices the Dopp Kit’s incredible success story and purchases Charles Doppelt & Co., Inc. Next thing you know, boom! Samsonite is trademarking the name “Dopp Kit” in a stroke of brilliance (to say it carried some serious weight was an understatement).
Along comes 1979…and Buxton. Buxton proceeds to acquire the Dopp brand name. Soon thereafter, in 1980, the brand kicks their acquisition up a notch by making another filing for the trademark, this time for the class of goods “travel kits, sold empty”.
As of 2021, Buxton Acquisition Co., LLC, of Springfield, Massachusetts remains the owner of the Dopp trademark.
Times may change and fads may come and go, but the Dopp Kit always prevails.
“Honey? Did you hear me? I said Gallantry’s got the single best selection of Dopp Kits that I’ve ever seen. Even better than when we first met.”
The Dopp Kit really is a must-have for any EDC enthusiast. Is it perfect for either a weekend getaway or a week-long business trip across the country? Of course it is! That being said, there’s no rule out there that says that you can’t store other things in one of these bad boys, either. If you’re a Gallantry Man that likes being organized and prepared (these two things go hand-in-hand if we’re being honest), you already know that you’ve got to have a Dopp Kit as sharp as you. For the car, for the suitcase, or just as a nifty little bag that you can store your stuff in and toss inside your sling bag, the Dopp Kit is one bag you’ve just got to have.
“C’mon, John! What are you waiting for? Grab a couple of those money Dopp Kits on Gallantry already, will ya? Jane’s right on this one! You had the best Dopp Kit bench around back in the day, but you’ve got to update your stock, my man.”
Stress? A bathroom mess? Not a chance with one of these snug gems. And they come in a great assortment of materials, too. Just grab one and you’re off to the races. Heyo!
“I can’t believe they took all the new Dopp Kits that I just bought from Gallantry.”
The days of fumbling through your suitcase looking for little baggies filled with your bathroom items? Those are in the past now. Forget about those days. The Dopp Kit holds all your toiletries – your combs, band-aids, shaving kit, sewing kit, nail clippers, deodorant, those little travel bottles of shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, extra contacts, a little baby power (because why not?), eye drops, Q-tips, the list goes on - no problem and it sits nice, still, and wide open for an incredible level of ease and accessibility, too.
“Think! Where would you be if you were a Dopp Kit?!”
Next up on the itinerary. What to look for in a new everyday carry Dopp Kit.
“Now you’re about find out what happens to people that mess with my EDC – especially those that try to flex by snatching one of my fresh new Dopp Kits from Gallantry!”
FINDING THE PERFECT DOPP KIT FOR YOU
When looking for your new inevitably sharp, stylish, smart, and classy Dopp Kit, obviously you’re going to want one that compliments your needs and wants accordingly. To each their own, you know what we mean? It’s all about one’s individual preferences. So, with all this in mind, consider the following elements when your browsing the goods…
MATERIAL
Yes, the Dopp Kit was originally made with nothing but choice leather. Today, however, you’ve got options. When it comes to everyday carry in particular, something nice and lightweight will really do right by you.
SIZE
Are you a heavy groomer or a light groomer? Are you hitting the road just for the weekend or are we talking about a week-long business trip across the country? There’s no wrong answers here. We don’t wear a white wig or carry a gavel. We’re not here to judge. However, size does matter when it comes to finding the perfect Dopp Kit for you. More items call for a larger bag.
Personally, we like to keep it light and tight. A few extra minutes packing wisely on the front end will save you a lot of time on the back end. Because assembling the perfect Dopp Kit requires restraint and a genuine wanting to be prepared, activating these synapses will inevitably help you focus at the task at hand.
STYLE
You’re practical, smart, and stylish, so we’ve got complete confidence in you to know what Dopp Kit style works best for you. Leather. Waxed canvas. Light. Dark. Simply put, there’s a Dopp kit for every kind of Gallantry Man these days.
USE
Believe it or not, a lot of everyday carry enthusiasts out there today really find that the Dopp Kit is the perfect bag just to have around the house. It’s innate minimalism helps keep the noise out in an already distracting world. With a nice Dopp Kit on your bathroom counter, one that just holds your grooming must-haves, you’ll be ready to walk out the door looking and feeling like the money in no time.
“I put a lot of time and energy into finding the perfect Dopp Kit. In fact, in my hand right now is a transcription of the last Dispatch. Now tell us where it is and we’ll let you go.”
Look it. We don’t play around at Gallantry when it comes to hooking you up with the freshest Dopp Kits ever made. We don’t play around at all. So, without further adieu, let’s get into it…
“Is that…The Hideout Dopp Kit from Everyman?”
THE HIDEOUT DOPP KIT FROM EVERYMAN
The time to stop putting your valuable hygiene products into flimsy, thoughtless bags is right here, right now. Do yourself a real solid and opt instead for the nearly indestructible Hideout Dopp Kit from Everyman. Made from super tough 1680D PU-lined ballistic nylon with a PVC base, this bag is tear-and water-resistant, not to mention remarkably lightweight. With a laminated zip-out liquids pouch, a built-in padded glasses case, a toothbrush stand, and much, much more, this bag delivers the goods. Since your bag should be as sharp and stylish as you are, you can’t go wrong with this one.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 1680D PU-lined ballistic nylon exterior
- 800g PVC base
- YKK Easy Pull zipper
- Mesh laminated zip-out liquids pocket
- Padded glasses case
- Toothbrush stand/charging port
- 12 oz weight
- 9" L x 6" H x 4" D
Available in Black
“The way you looked holding your new American Bench Craft Leatherneck Dopp Kit really did something for me. It was incredible.”
THE LEATHERNECK DOPP KIT FROM AMERICAN BENCH CRAFT
If there's an institution that knows how to maximize durability and packability, it's definitely the American military. There’s a reason behind American Bench Craft’s decision to look to the U.S. Marine Corps in order to transform their Assault Pouches into their wildly popular Leatherneck Dopp Kits, the ultimate toiletry travel bags. Built from super durable ballistic nylon, these USA-made Dopp Kits have a spacious 2-pocket interior and come with premium leather pouches (attached via metal rivets) and sophisticated MOLLE webbing (attached to reliable snap hooks so that you can hang the bags anywhere). Last, but not least, these handsome coyote tan kits feature a flat-lay design for easy packing and a moisture-draining grommet.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Ballistic nylon exterior
- Premium leather patches
- Metal rivets
- MOLLE webbing
- Snap hooks
- Dual interior pockets
- Moisture drainage grommet
- Genuine American military surplus
- Flat-lay design for easy packing
- Made in USA
- 12" L x 8" W x 2" D
Available in Coyote Tan
“Please tell me you got the damn Toiletry Kit from Bellroy, too. I know what I said earlier about bag names, but ‘Toiletry Kit’ isn’t the same thing as ‘Toilet Bag’. You know. I know it. Jane knows it. Hell, even that kid from The O.C. that you interrogated when your last batch of Dopps went missing knows it.”
THE TOILETRY KIT FROM BELLROY
We know, we know, Bellroy got cute and switched up the name of its “Dopp Kit” to “Toiletry Kit”. In any case, as any modern pioneer knows good and well, having a bag like this is essential when it comes to putting together an exploration lineup. This exceptional rugged offering is made from premium hides tanned under the gold-rated Leather Working Group environmental protocols and is made from sustainably produced lightweight water-resistant fabric. Keep all your travel gear organized using the kit’s internal mesh pockets, including a toothbrush sleeve with a magnetic closure. And carry it to the bathroom easily thanks to its nylon grab loops. When you’re on the open road, Bellroy’s durable Dopp Kit will protect all your essentials.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dyed premium leather tanned under Leather Working Group protocols
- Water-resistant lining
- Water-resistant woven fabric
- Internal mesh pockets
- Toothbrush sleeve with magnetized closure
- Nylon grab loops
- 9.05” L x 5.31” H x 3.15” W
Available in Black & Charcoal
Toiletry Kit
$55.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Any modern pioneer knows that a Dopp kit is an essential piece to your exploration lineup. Bellroy’s exceptional Dopp Kit is a rugged offering made from premium hides tanned under the gold-rated Leather Working Group… read more
Toiletry Kit
$55.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Any modern pioneer knows that a Dopp kit is an essential piece to your exploration lineup. Bellroy’s exceptional Dopp Kit is a rugged offering made from premium hides tanned under the gold-rated Leather Working Group… read more
“Hold on, babe. These wackos took my last Topo Dopp Kit from Topo Designs. They’re mine.”
THE TOPO DOPP KIT FROM TOPO DESIGNS
Finding enough room in your kit for all your non-negotiable toiletries can be a difficult task for anyone. We get it. That’s we love the Topo Dopp Kit from Topo Designs. It really allows you ditch the clunk and handle your business. A well-made dedicated bag for your toothbrush, soap, etc. is a vastly superior alternative to your plastic disposable Ziploc. It's night and day! With a slim format that’s easy to pack away, it’s also got a USA-made construction tough enough to handle any sort of a beating. A 1000D Cordura nylon exterior, water-resistant pack cloth lining, a YKK zipper with a paracord pull, a webbing handle loop – this Dopp Kit has got it all. Plus, its triangular format makes it the perfect vehicle to lay flat on any surface without compromising your access to the good stuff you’ve got tucked inside it.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 1000D Cordura nylon exterior
- Water-resistant pack cloth lining
- YKK zipper
- Paracord zipper pull
- Webbing handle loop
- Made in USA
- 11" W x 5.5" D
Available in Black
“Your eyes. You…you got the Dopp Kit from Aer in both black and grey, didn’t you?”
THE DOPP KIT FROM AER
Whether you’re just getting away for the weekend or taking a long-term trip, having a separate storage pouch to keep all of your toiletries safe and secure in is the move. Enter Aer’s 2.9-liter 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon Dopp Kit. With a quick-access front pocket, spacious dual interior compartments (with both mesh and elastic organizers), a water-resistant interior liner, and a handy external toothbrush pocket/stand to keep your brush up and off the ground, counter, or wherever you're getting read, this sturdy construction is guaranteed to protect your gear inside and out.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior
- Dual compartment interior
- Mesh pockets and elastic organizers for easy storage
- Quick-access front pocket
- Exterior toothbrush pocket
- Water-resistant interior liner
- Easy carry handle
- YKK zippers
- 2.9 L capacity
- 9.5" L x 5" W x 4" D
Available in Black & Grey
A FINAL WORD ON THE DOPP KIT
We’ve come a long way from those womp womp “What the hell are these?” see-through plastic bags that tear in a millisecond before sending your toiletries to the Macarena line.
A long way. Like, a really long way.
Today, you’ve got practical, efficient, whip-smart Gallantry Men and Women (for real!) all over the place storing their grooming necessities in our Dopp Kits. You want to know why? ‘Cause we’ll tell you why. Because with the right Dopp Kit finally on their person, they’re really digging the way they’re looking (you know, because of the good stuff they’ve packed inside their Dopp Kits?). We get emails, notes, this, that, and the other all the time. These are the facts. That you can believe.
Traveling with your toiletries or just keeping them organized on your bathroom counter can be a hassle. With one of our next-level, strong, durable, simple, highly-functional, and convenient Dopp Kits, packing, on the other hand, really doesn’t have to be.
Do yourself a favor, would you? Gift yourself a new Dopp Kit from Gallantry today.
You deserve it.
STREAMING THE EDC DOPP KIT
“Stream me. Now!”
They just don’t make ‘em as fun as Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005) anymore, do they? Directed by Doug Liman (Swingers) and starring Brad Pitt (John Smith) and a smokin’ Angelina Jolie (Jane Smith) as ordinary suburbanites that break their rut upon learning that that they are both high-paid assassins working for rival organizations that have each been hired to be the other’s next target, this flick is the perfect Action Comedy to watch with that special Gallantry Woman in your life. In other words, this movie has got something for everyone. Keep an eye out for Gallantry Man legend Vince Vaughn as Eddie, John’s business partner and best friend, too. He’s absolutely hysterical in the flick.
Watch Mr. and Mrs. Smith on Tubi for free right now on Tubi HERE!