Commonly toiletry bags are budget style made so it is nice to see this heavy duty one from Maxpedition. Now I'll admit the name is somewhat amusing as Aftermath somewhat implies you would be carrying something more along the lines of a set of microwave burritos and toilet paper (which it could happily hold), additionally it isn't particularly compact. The silly thoughts aside, it is nice to be able to count on a good bag to clean up with when you get done with a long day in a crap environment.
The size and layout is what most would expect out of a toiletries bag, the main thing the Aftermath does different is uses durable materials and construction with a couple tactical gear features to make it more unique. Some of those features include the PALS webbing on the sides and a decent zone of loop velcro on the front for your toilet humor patches. Offhand most people probably won't attach extra pouches to the sides as it would make the bag fairly log-like in shape, however PALS are still good for general purpose connection points and quick holding of pens or more likely in this case, toothbrushes. Single zippers access these side pockets which is worth noting the shoulder strap connection D-rings on top are pretty good at getting in the way. As a slight work around, rotating the D-rings so the curved side is in the webbing helps make them less floppy, but the hassle of these points hindering opening almost every time vs the chance of me using a shoulder strap, almost never, makes me want to cut them off. I think most users will find the carry handle adequate for typical use of just carrying it to the bathroom. All that said it is better to have some strap connections points on there for people to decide if they want to keep them or not. The zippers on these side compartments also have standard metal pull tabs which I think could use an upgrade with some 550 cord additions. Size wise the side compartments offer appropriate organization options including sleeve pockets on the back sides.
Onto the big show, the main compartment opens up with double zippers. The flap shape can make working the zippers a little tricky, it helps to have one hand on the carry handle while manipulating the zippers with one's other hand. As payoff for this shape the bag works out great while hanging thanks to the integrated hook. When not hanging, the hook can be tucked out of the way in a sleeve and the flap can be folded over nicely so everything is still accessible while placed on a counter. The flap interior includes both a clear vinyl zippered pocket, good for holding small things like medication, and a mesh pocket to offer similar holding with the ability to air out. On the interior back of the main compartment are 4 loops that work like billowed pockets with no bottoms which will make cleanup a lot easier if anything ever gets messy. These loops seem to be a good general purpose size holding deodorant, electric razors, and small cans/bottles as a few examples. Sleeve pockets are also on the interior sides of the main compartment to stash away smaller items.
That is about it features wise, which is all one really needs. If looking for a ruggedized toiletry bag that should be fairly easy to clean after hard use, the Aftermath is worth checking out.
