This article was first published in Travel + Leisure on Apr. 29, 2024

Train cases are a convenient — and chic — way to carry your cosmetics or toiletries while traveling. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, but the one thing they have in common is their top carry handle so you can take them on go.

We put 21 train cases to the test, comparing them for capacity, durability, portability, design, quality, and value. Our Travel + Leisure editors used the train cases over the course of two weeks, packing them full of products, carrying them around, seeing how easy they were to pack in a suitcase or personal item, and noting which ones are truly worth buying. Of course, just like with every piece of luggage, style and function should go hand in hand, so our final selection features products that are just as elegant and timeless as they are practical.

Below, we rounded up the best and sturdiest train cases for your next trip. Our editors will continue using the cases over the course of six months to see how they perform in different travel scenarios, and we will update this article with the results.

Best Overall

Etoile Collective Duo Vanity Case

Even for a chronic overpacker, this spacious train case might prove challenging to fill. We packed face and body skincare in it, as well as makeup, and there was still plenty of space left over, especially when we removed the leather divider. And speaking of which, this insert might be one of the case’s best features, as it will help you keep your belongings organized and prevent them from moving around when you're in transit.

We also found the dual-compartment design extremely helpful as it made fitting products of different sizes and shapes effortless. For example, we packed several eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, and lip balms in the top compartment, and moisturizers and foundation bottles at the bottom. Need to do touch-ups on the go? Use the removable mirror in the top compartment to do so. One thing to note is that it may be difficult to clean the suede lining inside if anything does spill.

We love how the case kept its shape throughout testing (as opposed to floppier cases), and the hardware worked with no issues, with zippers that glide like butter. This case would be easy to carry on trains or for car trips, but it’s a little big to fit inside a weekender or backpack if you have to fly with it, so you may want to pack it in your checked luggage instead.

The Details: 9.4 x 7.1 x 6.7 inches | 2.1 pounds | Vegan leather | Available in 11 colors

 

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