The Innovative Travel Accessory I’m Never Going on Vacation Without Again
Like many, if not most of you, I have not traveled much over the past two years. So, with travel making what I’d call a “soft” comeback this summer, I knew I wanted to get out of my bubble, pack a bag, and finally go visit some friends and family I hadn’t seen in a while. Naturally, that meant one thing: I needed to get my travel gear in order. Now while I have my tried and true essentials (I’m looking at you, Catalina) I still wanted to see what was out there, namely what new travel brands have popped up since I last browsed the category. That’s when I came across Dare to Roam. Founded by musician Ciara, the mission behind the brand is something that spoke to me, with the singer sharing on the brand’s website, “After so much time indoors, Dare to Roam is all about feeling protected as you start traveling, sending your kids off to school, and get back into the motions of everyday life.” Ready to do just that, I took a look at what the brand had to offer and that’s when I found my newest travel essential: the Packable Duffle.
Now a packable duffel bag isn’t exactly a new concept, so what makes Dare to Roam’s so special? Well first, there’s the antimicrobial technology: made out of recycled antimicrobial and water-resistant nylon, this lightweight bag (like the rest of DTR’s offerings) inhibits the spread of bacteria, mold, and fungi thanks to an infusion of medical-grade titanium dioxide and silver chloride. The second thing, and probably my favorite design perk, is the small attached pouch that the whole duffle packs into which means no more struggling to re-pack this duffle in the future (this pouch also turns into the bag’s interior pocket once opened). Alongside these innovations, it also has some lovely traditional features like a detachable messenger strap for hands-free carrying and a handle on the side of the duffle to easily grab out of the trunk, baggage claim, or anywhere else.
On a recent weekend trip within a trip (I told you, I’m trying to see as much friends and family as possible this summer), I put this bag to the test. I took this packable wonder with me on a four day excursion to see my best friend and goddaughter; bringing my checked luggage was not going to suffice so this bag came in very handy. Fitting comfortably in my suitcase, the Packable Duffle — while small to the eye (it comes in at 19.5″ by 9.5″ once opened) — allowed me to pack everything I needed to bring with me and even had room to spare for my goddaughter’s birthday gift. Once I was back home, I simply unpacked it, gave it a quick spot clean with a damp cloth as the brand recommends, and refolded it back into its tiny pouch. As my mom watched me fold it up she exclaimed, “Wow! I think I need one of those!”
Dare to Roam’s Packable Duffle retails at $78 and comes in a punchy feisty color, aptly named “tango.” So if you’re finally getting out there, seeing the world again, and looking for some safe new travel gear, this duffle bag is bound to be a lifesaver whether your trip is cross-country or to the gym. Plus, it’ll also come in handy when your checked luggage comes in a little overweight and you need to move some items to a carry-on, not that I’m speaking from experience or anything . . .
Buy: Packable Duffle, $78