Gentleman's Washbag vs Big Bob Traveller Brush: Which to Pack?
By Luxury Barbers London | Men's Grooming Products | Truefitt & Hill | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Comparisons
Deciding between the Gentleman's Washbag and the Big Bob Traveller Brush? Compare their roles, materials, and portability to pack the right grooming essential for your trip.
Quick answer
If you need to organize and protect your grooming essentials on the go, pack the Gentleman's Washbag. If your priority is a superior shave with a handmade badger brush, take the Big Bob Traveller Brush.
Different jobs, different materials
The Gentleman's Washbag is a leather case designed to carry your shaving kit, toiletries, and small accessories. It is made from vegetable dyed calfskin that develops a patina over time, and its steel-reinforced zip holds the bag open for easy access.
The Big Bob Traveller Brush, on the other hand, is a super badger shaving brush handmade in the UK. It is built to produce a thick, creamy lather and massage the bristles before shaving. It does not store your gear; it is the tool you use to shave.
So the real comparison is between a storage solution and a shaving instrument. You might need both, but if you are choosing one, think about what you lack most on the road.
Portability and packing trade-offs
The Gentleman's Washbag is compact but expands, and its leather exterior is durable. It adds weight and bulk to your luggage, but it keeps your items organized and protected.
The Big Bob Traveller Brush is a single item that takes up little space. It is lightweight and easy to slip into a dopp kit or even a pocket. However, it does not solve the problem of carrying everything else.
If you already have a washbag, the brush is the obvious addition. If you are starting from scratch, the washbag is the more versatile first purchase.
Which to pack: trade-offs
- Pack the Gentleman's Washbag if: you need to carry multiple grooming items, want protection for your gear, and value organization over minimal weight. Check that your washbag fits within airline carry-on size limits if you fly frequently.
- Pack the Big Bob Traveller Brush if: you already have a washbag or travel light, and you want to maintain a quality shave routine with a brush that lathers well. Pair it with a shaving soap or cream to get the thick lather it is designed to produce.
- If you can only take one: choose the washbag if you are a frequent traveller who needs to keep everything together; choose the brush if your current kit is already organized but your shave quality suffers on the road.
Product facts at a glance
- The "Big Bob" Traveller Brush: The Big Bob Traveller Brush is handmade in the UK with super badger hair, designed to help isolate and massage bristles before shaving. This means you get a high-quality brush that improves lather and skin preparation, even when you are away from home.
The "Big Bob" Traveller Brush - Gentleman's Washbag: The Gentleman's Washbag is made of vegetable dyed calfskin, lined with wipe-clean textile leather, and has a steel-reinforced zip that holds the bag open. It offers durable, easy-to-clean storage that keeps your grooming items accessible and organized during travel.
Gentleman's Washbag
Who should choose what
Best for
- Gentlemen who travel with a full grooming kit and need durable, organized storage
- Those who value a quality shave and already have a way to carry their toiletries
Not for
- Ultra-light packers who avoid extra bulk and prefer a minimal kit
- Those who do not use a shaving brush and are satisfied with cartridge razors and canned foam
