I love the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack, so I should not be surprised that the Portland Gear Cascade Kit has quickly become another of my favorite travel accessories.
I love a good piece of gear—especially when it actually lives up to the hype. After my experience with the Cascade Backpack, I didn’t hesitate when I saw their Cascade Kit, aka a toiletry bag or Dopp kit. If it was anything like the backpack, I knew it would be a solid addition to my travel lineup.
Turns out, I was right.
This thing is simple, but in the best way possible. I’ve tried quite a few travel kits and haven’t found one I love, until now. It’s the kind of bag that doesn’t overcomplicate things—it just works.
What Exactly Is the Portland Gear Cascade Kit?
Designed as a travel kit to hold toiletries, it really can transform into any type of carrier you need. It’s a sizable, weather-resistant zippered pouch that can handle whatever you throw at it. In addition, Portland Gear smartly built it to fit seamlessly into their Cascade Backpacks.
I use mine as a travel toiletry bag (because nothing’s worse than a shampoo explosion in your suitcase) but there’s no reason to think you couldn’t use the Cascade Kit for many other uses:
- A tech organizer for cords, chargers, and AirPods
- A car emergency kit with bandaids, Advil, and whatever else you might need on the road
- A catch-all for backpacks—because let’s be honest, bags can turn into black holes without some organization
I ordered the Cascade Kit in black, but it also comes in olive and sand — a clean, minimal look that fits with just about any setup.
How Does the Portland Gear Cascade Kit Compare to Other Men’s Toiletry Bags?
The Cascade Kit is a great men’s toiletry bag, but how does it compare to other popular options? After a look at reviews, here’s how it stacks up against some of the best travel Dopp kits for men:
| Feature | Portland Gear Cascade Kit | Herschel Chapter Dopp Kit | Bellroy Dopp Kit | Eddie Bauer Expedition Travel Kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $39 | $35-$40 | $55 | $40 |
| Material | Waterproof TPU-Coated Polyester | Polyester | Recycled Woven Fabric | Ripstop Polyester |
| Waterproof? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Organization Pockets? | ✅ Yes (mesh dividers) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (multiple compartments) | ✅ Yes (multiple compartments) |
| Size | Medium (fits in backpacks easily) | Medium | Medium-Large | Large |
| Hanging Hook? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Best For | Minimalists, waterproof needs, multipurpose use | Stylish & basic travel kit | Premium travelers, well-organized setups | Rugged travelers, adventure trips |
Key Takeaways:
- The Herschel Chapter Dopp Kit is simple and stylish, but lacks waterproofing and interior organization.
- The Bellroy Dopp Kit is sleek & premium, with more compartments, but costs more and isn’t waterproof.
- The Eddie Bauer Expedition Travel Kit is great for rugged travelers and has a hanging hook, but it’s bulkier than the Cascade Kit.
If you want a compact, waterproof toiletry bag that fits seamlessly in a backpack or suitcase, the Portland Gear Cascade Kit is a solid choice for men’s travel essentials.
I’ve traveled around the world with it, including France, Dominican Republic, Hawaii and skiing and the Cascade Kit has easily handled all the essentials that needed to come along.
What Makes It So Good?
The biggest win? It’s waterproof. Both inside and out.
Much like the Cascade Backpack, the Cascade Kit is made from 100% polyester with a TPU coating, meaning it can handle spills, rain, or whatever disaster might occur while traveling. I’ve already had a leak in my kit and the inside was super easy to wipe down and clean up.
It also has a wide-mouth zippered opening, which is a small but significant feature. I love when a bag actually lets you see inside without having to blindly dig around. The interior mesh pockets help keep things organized instead of turning into a bottomless pit.
Its size is deceiving, it holds way more than you think. I packed it full for a weekend trip—deodorant, travel-sized toothpaste, face wash, cologne, vitamins, soap, electric tooth brush and more — and it still zipped up without issue.
Final Verdict: Is The Portland Gear Cascade Kit Worth It?
100% yes!
For $39, the Portland Gear Cascade Kit is a perfect travel companion—whether you’re keeping toiletries organized, managing your tech gear, or just trying to keep your backpack from turning into total chaos.
If you already love the Cascade Backpack, this is a no-brainer addition to your setup. And if you’re just looking for a simple, functional, well-designed travel kit, this one’s an easy recommendation.
I like it so much that I’m thinking of buying another one to use for my two sons. We often combine all their toiletries into just one bag which can be cumbersome. However, the Cascade Kit would be more than enough to carry all their needs.
And no, this post isn’t sponsored—just another win for Portland Gear.
