311 TSA Liquids Bag - Leakproof suggestions?
 

Does anyone have a great suggestion and experience with a clear 311 style toiletry bag that meets TSA requirements (clear, 1 qt, etc) that does not leak and is durable enough to use for more than just a few trips?

I've used various sandwich bag & ziplock options. They typically break or tear.

I have been using the Flybags TSA bag because it was far more durable than a ziplock style. However, they do not contain a leak should one of your bottles come open during travel.

This is in combination with some specialized bottles that aren't supposed to leak, but they do on occasion.

I've contemplated the Tom Bihn 3D Clear Organizer Cube, though they make it clear that it is not leak proof.

I appreciate any suggestions you have.

Thanks!

I've always used a Ziploc freezer bag. I used the same bag for almost a year before it gave out. When I replaced it, I decided to double up on freezer bags (one inside the other). I don't know if this is TSA approved or not, but I have gone through security at least 50 times with the double bag and no one has complained. YMMV.

Perhaps the Flight001 Carry on bottle set?
http://www.flight001.com/all-product...ottle-set.html

it's basically a more heavy duty ziptop bag, and it comes with bottles (no clue if they're leakproof)

you should look at the core problem first: leaking bottles.

aside from that, there is nothing wrong with double-bagging. in fact, I have put a quart size bag inside a larger bag, as long as nothing else is in the larger bag.

Yea, I use the freezer bags as well. They go eventually but they last for months. They are also light and roll down to about the size of the contents.

I agree about the bottles. They're generally the problem, not the bags. For bags, I use the Ziploc double zipper quart bags and have found them reliable. If you're flying, keep in mind that the higher air pressure in aircraft dictates that you leave a certain amount of room for expansion of the contents of your containers--rather than filling your containers to the brim, leave some room, perhaps about 10% for expansion.

I use the 3-1-1 system shown on One Bag. These bottles do NOT leak and you also get the zip lock bags too.

I use the 3-1-1 system too. The tubes are easy to file, easy to pack and airtight. I even bought a few extras is the smaller size which are perfect to hold more than enough product for a one week trip.

I use 40 ml flat bottomed vials from GBF Medical Group. I picked them up at my local hospital's auxiliary yard sale. They are designed to be used for sending specimens to reference labs. They were extra bottles that were unused. I bought ten for a dollar. They meet IATA pressure requirements. They have an attached snap-on lid with a locking tab and are transparent. I carry all of my liquids (as thick as shampoo and as thin as mouthwash), I use them for batteries and other dry goods. They are my best travel hack. I found a picture of them on the GBF site. http://www.gbf-inc.com/Medical/New_Kits/new_kits.html.

I use Zippy bags as well and change them after every trip. I know where they've been and don't want to bring the crud home.

I use a Aloksak. It is essentially a mil-spec zip-lock style bag.

I get my Kippies from my girlfriend in Toronto. That way, they are liter (litre) sized.

I need the OP to chime in here...

Several posters have replied that the best solution is also the cheapest - continue using the 1Q freezer ziploc-type bags. Most have said they last for months or even a year, which has been my experience as well. These baggies don't tear and last for months of multiple trips.

To the OP, is your experience with the ziploc-type baggies different than what I said above? You're only getting one trip per baggie before they tear?

Purchasing something other than a baggie seems like a solution in search of a problem.

FWIW I've been using one of these for 18 months and wouldn't go back to the disposable Ziplock type bags as they always seemed to break on me at the wrong time. The Bihn cube is sturdier though luckily have not had to test is leak proof abilities yet.

I use ziploc baggies. Yes I know that these baggies can tear at an inopportune time. So my solution? I carry an extra baggie! Simple, takes up almost no space, but it does double the cost from about 5 cents to 10 cents.

Actually, my home airport has a box of baggies at TSA, so I just grab a couple when I feel my current baggie is getting old. Total cost to me? Zero.

But if you must buy a $25 Tom Bihn bag, enjoy yourself.

Hi I have a question about the quart size bag. On TSA website they show the bags to be about 8x7 inch. Do they really enforce that? If I have a 10x10 in ziploc bag will they not allow it? Thanks.

Thoughts on Ziploc
 

I've used Ziploc bags and have had them break on me during a trip. Though I've even had new ones fail. Perhaps because I over-stuffed them (see below).

It feels wasteful to use a new one for every trip. I like things that are durable.

The other issue is that the bags are so thin. I prefer items that have a wider bottom, like the Flight 001 that bver100 mentioned. These seem to hold more with less wasted space.

I plan on checking out the Aloksak bags mentioned by BadTime.

Bottles
 

brunotattaglia
I agree, leaking bottles are an issue. Please let me know your suggestions.


Like edj3 & meibao I use the 311 bottles they mentioned (see my original post with link). These bottles do fail. They become brittle over time and crack or burst. I do leave 1/5 empty for pressure changes, sometimes more. I have had issues with the caps on these opening as well, especially with thin liquids.

GoToobs seem to have a lot of issues as well.
I was reading about some REI bottles and have thought of giving them a try as I'm down to my last bottles from my original 311 kit.

It has been a long time since I heard an announcement about 311. They are big on a separate plastic bag in London, but in US airports it seems to be on its way out. Nevertheless, if you do want one, the kitchen zip-locks should be fine.

Been using the Nomadic Inc. 4.75 x 7.125 x 2" design for nearly 10 years, they last 3-4 depending on travel. Never a TSA issue or anywhere else for that matter.

Container Store item #10001889

I have been using the same Sea to Summit Large TPA Accessory Dry-Bag for the last 2 years without any problems. They are designed as a "Dry-Bag" to keep items dry from the outside, but they are water-tight from the inside out as well. Although a bit expensive, they are extremely durable and in my opinion well worth it.

http://www.seatosummit.com/products/display/122

I've been using this. It is billed ase lak resistant and the bottles at leak proof. The one time if didn't seal a bottle of soap properly, the bag contained the leak. I really like this bag.

http://www.amazon.com/Sea-to-Summit-...+to+summit+tpu

I've used this set and thought it was great initially but I found the bottles did not re-seal well after the first refill. I've had leakage problems with refills of "thin" liquids. Any tips for getting a more effective seal after refilling?

Have to admit that I have only used the bottles for "thick" liquids. I only carry one bottle--shaving oil, and I've refilled that many times.

I use this

http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Bottles.../dp/B00JJAOA4O

I bought one of those nifty Tom Bihn cubes but never use it for 311. First of all it is not technically compliant so I just use a freezer bag. In addition the freezer bags are lighter, more compressible and easier to clean if something leaks.

If you want a bottle that won't leak, you won't find better than the Nalgene travel bottles. Available at the Container Store and elsewhere. Only issue I have is they have 1,2 and 4 oz sizes -- don't know why they never made a 3 oz size.

Seconding the Nalgene travel bottles, the 1oz bottle is what we end up using for nearly everything (bought bigger ones but realised you just don't get through that much product in 2 weeks). Have never had a leak in the 7 or 8 years using them.

I also use contact-lense cases for liquids that I only need a bit of (foundation or hair wax, for example), which seems to work well so far.

I use freezer-quality "one zip" bags and feel confident using them multiple times. If they start to look a bit beat up, I replace. Both qualities, freezer and the one-zip, make them sturdier than your average zippered bag. I also stick with name brand for this (ziploc or hefty) as store brand zips don't seem as sturdy.

Small clear nalgene bottles from camping stores

I saw a variety of off brand containers in different sizes for less than $5.00 per set at several TJ Maxx outlets. Comparables via amazon, REI, Tom Bihn, etc. will set you back 2-5 times that and there's really no difference in quality.

I use a bottle set I found on amazon, and works fairly well. I usually opt for screw top bottles, unless the pop-off top is really strong. As for the actual liquid bag, I haven't used one in any of the ~200 US domestic segments I've flown since Jan 2012. I have had exactly zero issues in this time frame.

use the little Nalgene flip top bottles from REI and Ziplock freezer bags.

I've been using the gallon ziploc freezer bags to hold my liquids. TSA hasn't had any problem with it being larger than a quart. You can use sandwich sized ziploc bags within the large back to hold the things you are especially worried about leaking.

I've found the flip top bottles risk leakage --- especially if bottles not completely full --- due to pressure changes. Screw top bottles are only ones claimed to be leak proof. Available at REI, Container Store (much cheaper) and other travel/ outdoor stores.

As someone who manufactures kits, I always try to remind folks that anything with stitching on it is never waterproof. It can retain liquid only for so long and it depends on its viscosity.

Ziplock bags work exceptional well but I personally made my own clear/transparent kit to better ensure that everything is in place no matter how abusive it gets. As someone else who has mentioned this earlier, kits like the ones from TB are allowed through TSA (have not seen any issue with mine) but some airports like those in the US will insist that you have everything placed in ziplock bags.

As noted above, the usual culprits are the bottles themselves. I concur that screw tops are potentially less leak proof but I have never had any issues with the GoToobs in the last 5 years of use. Strangely enough the one issue I had was a screw top that was leaking from the bottom, of all places. It was one of those complimentary bottles you get at hotels and it leaked.

Anyway for those of you who are wondering how well the stitched kits or cubes can hold liquid, here's a quick vid over the kitchen sink:

Video LINK

Thanks.

Helm

If you happen to need some boxers, look at
Scottevest Boxers

They come packaged in a TSA compliant bag

Ziplock user here. Some are thicker and sturdier than others - look around on the shelf.