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I’m a rummager. Constantly digging around in bags for my wallet, my glasses, and that really good caramel I know I have but can’t find. It’s a harmless habit that can quickly turn into chaos when I find myself in the TSA line, shoulders drooping under the weight of my overstuffed tote while one hand waves my passport around in the air and the other claws in desperation for my phone. There’s usually a tangled net of wires waiting like a trap at the bottom of my bag, filled with God knows what: Lipstick? Hand sanitizer? Old face masks, because “you never know”? The mildly embarrassing crescendo is reached when all of it inevitably comes tumbling out like minnows on a ship’s deck.
While packing cubes and refillable containers aren’t really my thing, products that amend annoying situations (see above) spark joy in my skeptical heart. This brings me to my review of the Arlo tech organizers from Dagne Dover. They do just that plus a little more—allow me to elaborate.
Dagne Dover Arlo Tech Organizers
Little Suitcases for Your Wires
First, I’ll be frank: These little suitcases for your chargers, wires, and other plug-in bits and bobs aren’t the cheapest—but that’s because they’re not cheap. Constructed of the same rip-proof neoprene and soft mesh as the rest of the Dagne line, they balance structure with softness. They’re also entirely vegan. The six colors provide enough choice to satisfy a range of styles; I’m fond of the onyx, dune, and recently reintroduced camel (the dark moss reads a little military to me).
Interior organization is something of a specialty for the brand. But what I like about these guys is that they don’t complicate the job, as they’re mainly elastic straps and Velcro-closure pockets. In the small size—which is just 4.5 inches long and 2.25 inches wide—I can fit the following: a full-size Mac charger and cord, two other USB cords, a phone charger, and three USB chargers (with room for a few more cords, as needed). This is where the dainty, under-5-ounce weight becomes clutch because all of that has a bit of heft. While the larger size would be fine for a carry-on, the smaller one is great for toting to and from work or errands by foot or car.
Pocket Bar Carts and Beauty Cabinets for the Plane
If you’re light on tech, consider this permission to take the organizer to new places (and heights). I’m envisioning it as a build-your-own bar cart for the plane or even backpacking; just corral travel-size booze and accessories into its many pockets. Or use it as a refresh station on transcontinental flights by stashing all your toiletries along with a travel mirror inside. It could even serve as a spot for the spices you know that vacation rental doesn’t have or the hot sauce that somehow doesn’t exist in-flight. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial yet with the same smart compartmentalized design, check out the Mila toiletry organizers.
Very Practical Gifts
Multiple Domino editors own Dagne products and consistently concur that the durable exterior and interior are a breeze to clean. If you’re battling hair and dust, all that’s needed is usually a quick brush-off. For more stubborn dirt marks or deodorant stains, a wet cloth wipe-down should do the trick with no detergent needed. The shell dries pretty quickly, too, keeping what’s tucked inside safe from suitcase spills (pretty important if there are wires in there).
These thoughtfully designed products make clever gifts for anyone who travels regularly or just needs a little help in the organization department. They’ll never have to go fishing (for an earbud-charging cord) again.
Dagne Dover’s New Collection: Upstate of Mind
While we’re on the topic of good gift ideas: Dagne Dover just dropped its Fall/Winter ’22 collection, featuring new styles along with limited-edition hues—which are giving my love for the classic camel colorway a run for its money. There’s arugula (a punchy green), dusk violet (a muted lavender), and rye (a rich chocolate brown). These fresh shades adorn the brand’s best-selling classics (like the Ace fanny pack) as well as its two latest launches: the Walker backpack (part pouf, part backpack) and the Rubi cross-body (a cushy, silky, hands-free bag).
