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The 5 Best Travel Clotheslines in 2024 [Portable, Adjustable]

Amar Hussain

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Table of Contents

Things to consider when buying a travel clothesline, the 5 best travel clotheslines, final thoughts.

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We can all agree that keeping your clothes clean while traveling is important. Whether you’re traveling across the continent or simply want to enjoy a couple of days camping in nature, personal hygiene dictates that your clothes should be clean and dry. However, this can be easier said than done when you’re away from home.

Luckily, the best clotheslines on the market make the process of drying your clothes much easier. In that light, let’s take a look at some of the best travel clotheslines available.

Before we review the best clotheslines out there, let’s highlight the most important aspects to consider when buying one. If you need a clothesline for travel, here’s what you should keep in mind:

Possibly the most important thing to know about any clothesline is the length of the cable. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you’re short a couple of inches so your clothes can’t dry properly.

We strongly suggest getting a clothesline that’s approximately 10 feet long . This is especially important if you want to dry more than 1 item at a time.

Bottom Line: Besides the length, keep in mind the thickness of the clothesline. After all, you will be packing it in your luggage, so you don’t want to use valuable space on a clothesline that’s too wide.

When it comes to materials, there are a lot of choices on the market. That’s why it’s important to know which one is best suited to your needs. Most travel clotheslines are made from stainless steel, nylon, or cotton . However, there are some plastic clotheslines that work just as well as the other 2.

Durability and Weight

Durability is an important factor when it comes to choosing a good clothesline. If you plan on drying more than 1 item at a time, you will need a strong clothesline to support all those wet clothes.

Durable clotheslines are usually heavier and offer more support and an easier setup. Stainless steel clotheslines with a plastic coating tend to be the most durable but are heavier. By choosing something sturdy, you will have a clothesline that won’t falter after 3 or 4 uses.

Additional Features

Given that a clothesline is a pretty straightforward product, it’s always nice to find one with some additional features. Namely, some clotheslines come with clips, while others are equipped with steel hooks.

Also, if you want the utmost security and durability, consider getting a clothesline that is made out of stainless steel and covered in plastic.

Now that we’ve covered the most crucial features to look for in a clothesline let’s take a look at some specific options. Here are our top picks for travel clotheslines.

1. Clothesline Travel Gadget for Outdoor and Indoor Use

HAWATOUR Portable Retractable Travel Clothesline

When it comes to convenience and overall performance while traveling, this portable elastic clothesline is a great choice. This clothesline is made of rust-retardant stainless steel , ensuring maximum durability. You never need to worry about this one wearing down.

Apart from durability, this clothesline is equipped with black clips and stainless-steel hooks for easy setup. In addition, the elastic rope that can stretch up to 10 feet is perfectly capable of holding more than 5 pieces of clothing without a problem.

Best of all, this clothesline has multifunctionality and can be used while camping, in a hotel room, or even in your backyard. All in all, this is an excellent clothesline with a simple design and lots of features.

What We Like

• Made out of durable materials

What We Don’t Like

• Bulky and heavy

2. Lightweight Camping and Travel Clothesline

Sea to Summit Lite Line Clothesline

If you’re looking for a lightweight yet durable clothesline, Sea to Summit’s option is definitely a top pick. This clothesline is designed for travel, weighing only 1.3 ounces, and is so easy to pack and carry on any adventure . It’s also quite simple to set up and use anywhere — you just need a place to attach the hooks, and you’re good to go.

The specially designed sliding rubber beads secure your clothes and towels, removing the need for clips and allowing for compact storage. This is especially convenient for those who want to dry multiple items at the same time. Furthermore, the clothesline is extremely durable since it’s made out of high-grade materials such as stainless steel and rubber.

Lastly, the rope provides up to 11.5 feet of hanging space. And it’s important to mention that the cord has a reflective feature that ensures night visibility, making it a good option for camping or hiking.

• Lightweight design that’s easy to pack and carry
• The cord can tangle

3. Adjustable 26-Foot Camping Clothesline

CenYouful Portable Travel Clothesline Cord

CenYouful’s travel clothesline is yet another affordable option with great features. Not only is it designed to provide maximum support, but it’s also a really convenient item to bring on any adventure.

The first remarkable feature of this clothesline is the durable rope that’s made out of high-quality nylon material. It is nonslip and waterproof , which are welcome features when you want to dry towels or other heavy pieces of cloth.

In terms of length, this clothesline is able to extend up to 26 feet, which is more than enough for anyone’s needs. Also, the retractable cord enables you to easily extend the rope to any desired length. It’s easy to set up with 2 hooks that are able to attach to just about anything.

• 26-foot cord length
• The rolling mechanism doesn’t have a crank arm

4. Convenient and Compact Option

Coghlan’s Bungee Clothesline

As one of the leaders in camping equipment, Coghlan has done a wonderful job creating this amazing clothesline. To start with, it is a very convenient and compact clothesline that allows for easy packing. It folds up into a small bundle that will fit into any pocket or corner of your backpack.

In addition, this clothesline is made out of high-quality materials, including 2 durable hooks and a plastic rope. The rope is elastic and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about getting it soaked . On top of that, you can hang quite a lot on this clothesline as it is stable and secure with the proper setup.

This clothesline is perfect for outdoor use, and especially for hiking and camping, thanks to the durable materials.

• The convenient design
• It feels heavy

5. Windproof Clothesline With Clamps

Dagongren 2 Pack Clothesline

If you‘re an outdoors enthusiast, then this clothesline is your best bet. It’s made out of superstrong material that ensures maximum durability and flexibility. The rope comes with 12 colorful clamps, making it easier to dry your clothes without fear of losing your knickers to a stiff breeze.

When packed, this clothesline doesn’t take up much space, which makes it perfect for traveling. It’s easy to set up with the help of 2 hooks. The cord extends up to 9 feet.

All in all, this is one really convenient clothesline. Even better, this clothesline is affordable, so it doesn’t require a huge investment.

• Colorful clamps for high winds
• Can require a bit more time to setup

In light of everything we’ve discussed, it’s easy to conclude that traveling without a clothesline is not always a good idea. This unique product won’t take up much space in your luggage and can be a lifesaver when you have to wash your clothes by hand.

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Flexo-Line Travel Clothesline

Hang your clothes to dry anywhere. look sharp while you travel near and far. .

Flexo-Line Travel Clothesline is the perfect travel companion. The Canadian-made product is constructed with top-grade surgical tubing for reliable performance. Easily install it to complete laundry on the go.

Stretches to up to seven feet long.

Stretches to up to seven feet long

Supports up to 12 pounds of wet clothing

Durable and lightweight

3 braid strand for extra grip

Smooth & won't snag on delicate fabrics

Made from surgical grade natural Latex rubber

Here's the ideal solution to keeping your clothes looking sharp while traveling. Red Oxx has found it. Since 1943, the Flexo-Line Travel Clothesline has been an essential accessory for leisure and business travelers seeking to trim their travel budgets by laundering their own clothes.

Created by agricultural engineer Lloyd Copeman, the Flexo-Line Traveler's Clothesline is stretchy and simple to use and was cleverly designed to ditch the need for clumsy clothespins.

Crafted with durable, high quality, lightweight materials, this handy portable clothesline will last for years.

Constructed out of surgical-quality natural latex rubber tubing with triple strand braids for extra grip the Flex0-line is hand-washable. It's smooth surface won’t snag delicate fabrics, and it easily loops around doorknobs, hooks, trees or towel bars.

This Extra Large model stretches up to seven feet long (2.1 meters) and will support up to 12 pounds (4.5 kg) of clothing. So lightweight, the Flexo-Line weighs less than an ounce. Goodbye clumsy clothespins, your wet clothes will tuck into the twisted gaps and hang there until dry.

Flexo-Line Portable Laundry Clotheslines can be used while cruising, backpacking, camping, RV-ing, sailing and of course, while staying in hotels, vacation rentals, hostels, apartments & even dorms.

Lightweight at less than an ounce

Stretches to over seven (7) feet long

Supports up to 12 pounds of clothing

Wraps easily around door handles, towel bars, tree stumps, etc.

Sturdy surgical tubing lasts for years of trouble free use

What is the Flexo-Line made of? The Flexo-Line is made of triple strands of durable surgical latex rubber tubing. The loops on each end are made of high quality nylon. Properly cared for, your Flexo-line will last for many years.

How far does the Flexo-Line Extra Large stretch? It stretches up to seven feet (2.1 meters).

How much weight can the Flexo-Line hold? It can suspend up to 12 pounds (5.4 kg). Squeeze out as much water as possible from your wet clothes before hanging up to dry.

How much does the Flexo-Line weigh? The Flexo-Line weighs less than 1 ounce (27 grams).

How do clothes attach to the Flexo-Line without using clothespins? Clothes are held in place by the triple braided tubing. Simply tuck a corner or end of the article of clothing in between the braids.

What can the Flexo-Line attach to? The line can be attached to any sturdy stationary objects such as hooks, poles, door knobs, tree branches, bed posts, towel rods, and more.

How do I attach the Flexo-Line? To attach the Flexo-Line, wrap one of the bottoms of the loops around a sturdy, stationary object. Thread the clothesline through the loop until the loop is snugly wrapped around the object. Hook the second loop to another sturdy, stationary object.

Where can I use the Flexo-Line? The Flexo-Line can be used in a wide variety of places including: hotels, cruise ships, vacation rentals, apartments, RVs, campgrounds, boats, dormitories, and more.

How can I help my Flexo-Line last for many years? Natural rubber products can be damaged by ozone, heat, and light. To help your Flexo-Line to last for many years, store it away from direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperatures; temperatures below 90°F (32°C) are preferable. Also, avoid leaving it stretched out for long periods of time.

Is the Flexo-Line washable? Yes. It can be hand-washed with lukewarm water and mild soap.

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The Traveller Guru

3 Best Travel Clotheslines

Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post coverer my three best travel clotheslines for some dry garments on the road this year. Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be challenging to maintain a sense of normalcy while on the go.

One of the most significant challenges is keeping your clothes clean and fresh and a travel clothesline can help you do just that. I myself have often just used a piece of string but to be honest, this is not always practical.

So for those of you in the market for a good option to meet your laundry and drying needs, I have had a bit of a look around and come up with three decent options below. Let’s check them out…

My Three Recommended Travel Clotheslines

I will review these in more detail below. Still, if you want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience: 

What Are Clothes lines for Travel

A travel clothesline is a compact, portable line that you can use to hang your clothes to dry whilst on the road. The primary benefit of a travel clothesline is that it saves you money and time. Instead of spending money on laundry services or packing a ton of clothes, you can wash a few items in a sink or bathtub and hang them up to dry.

This means you can pack lighter and have clean clothes whenever you need them. Additionally, using a travel clothesline is eco-friendly , as it reduces the amount of water and energy needed to clean your clothes.

What Should You Be Looking For?

When shopping for a travel clothesline, there are several features to consider to ensure you choose the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

The material of the clothesline is an essential factor to consider. Look for a durable and sturdy material that can withstand the weight of your clothes without breaking. Some of the common materials used for travel clotheslines include elastic, nylon and rubber.

The length of the clothesline is also an important consideration. A longer clothesline will allow you to hang more clothes at once, which can be helpful if you have a lot of laundry to do.

A lightweight clothesline is easy to pack and carry around, making it ideal for travel. However, make sure that the clothesline is not too light that it cannot hold the weight of your clothes.

Portability

Portability is another essential factor to consider when choosing a travel clothesline. Look for a clothesline that is easy to pack and does not take up too much space in your luggage . Some clotheslines come with a carrying case, which makes them easy to transport.

Additional Features

Some clotheslines come with additional features that can be helpful. For example, some clotheslines have hooks or suction cups that allow you to hang them almost anywhere whilst others have adjustable clips that can hold your clothes securely in place.

What features should I look for in a travel clothesline?

When choosing a travel clothesline, look for features such as durability, flexibility and ease of use. A good travel clothesline should be made from high-quality materials, be able to stretch to fit various spaces and have clips or hooks to attach to different surfaces.

What are some alternatives to hanging clothes on a line while traveling?

If you don’t want to hang your clothes on a line while traveling, there are other options available. You can use a portable drying rack, which can be set up in your hotel room or other space. You can also use a clothes hanger with clips to hang your clothes on a shower rod or other surface.

My Three Recommended best travel clothes lines Broken Down

So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:

1. HONGYUTAI Portable Clothesline with 12 Clothes Clips

If you’re looking for a reliable and portable clothesline for your travels, this product might be a good fit for you.

• The 12 colorful clothespins and 13 anti-skid clips can windproof and move smoothly from left to right, improving drying effect.
• The heavy-duty clothesline is easy to fasten and remove, and can be attached anywhere, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
• The anti-slip design with positioning bead, hooks, and clothespins provides strong clamping force, allowing you to hang different types of clothes.
• The black rope is stretchy, but it can only stretch up to 10-12 feet, which might not be enough for some users.
• The product might not be as durable as some other clotheslines on the market.

This portable clothesline is a great option for travelers who need a reliable and easy-to-use clothesline for their adventures. The 12 colorful clothespins and 13 anti-skid clips make it easy to hang clothes and prevent them from bunching up together due to weight or wind.

The heavy-duty clothesline is easy to fasten and remove, and can be attached anywhere, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use. The anti-slip design with positioning bead, hooks and clothespins provides strong clamping force as well allowing you to hang different types of clothes such as towels, cloth diapers, underwear, socks, blankets, pants and more.

2. Sea to Summit Lite Line Camping and Travel Clothesline

If you’re looking for a lightweight and portable clothesline for your backpacking, camping, bike touring or travel needs, the Sea to Summit Lite Line Camping and Travel Clothesline is another great option.

• Quick and easy to attach almost anywhere using the included hooks and tensioners
• No clothespins are needed; parallel cords with beads secure clothing, towels and wet gear to the line
• Adjustable length up to 11.5 feet; cord is reflective for visibility at night
• Some users have reported difficulty getting the line out of the included pouch
• The beads may not be sufficient for heavier items or windier conditions
• The cord may not be as durable as some other options on the market

The Sea to Summit Lite Line Camping and Travel Clothesline is a great choice if you’re looking for a lightweight and portable clothesline that is quick and easy to set up almost anywhere. The included hooks and tensioners make it easy to attach to trees, poles or other structures and the parallel cords with beads keep your clothing, towels and wet gear securely in place without the need for clothespins. T

he adjustable length up to 11.5 feet and reflective cord also make it a versatile option for different settings and times of day.

3. AUXPhome Tri-Braided Cord Clothes Line

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use travel clothesline, the AUXPhome Tri-Braided Cord Clothes Line is worth considering.

• The bungee cord design securely holds clothes without leaving marks.
• The triple braided cords are much stronger than other options on the market.
• The lightweight design makes it easy to pack and use on the go.
• The suction cups mentioned in the product description are not included.
• The cord may be too long for some users, requiring them to tie a knot to shorten it.
• The product may not be as durable as some other options.

This clothesline is ideal for frequent travelers or campers who need a space-saving and multi-functional option. You can use it indoors or outdoors and installation is easy without the need for tools. Simply wrap the loops around tree branches, towel bars, shower heads, door knobs or any poles you can find and the cord is adjustable from 150cm (60”) to 300 cm (120”) for maximum use.

In addition to being lightweight and easy to pack, the AUXPhome Tri-Braided Cord Clothes Line eliminates the need for clothespins or clips and the braided elastic design securely holds clothes between the cords, making it windproof and ideal for outdoor use.

While there are a few downsides to this product, such as the lack of included suction cups and potential durability issues, overall it is a solid choice for those in need of a travel clothesline.

There you have it, my three best travel clotheslines this year. Let me know how this article helped you, and as usual, also let me know of your experiences here.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

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Flexo-Line Traveler’s Clothesline

Celebrating over 75 years as a travel essential for those voyaging near and far…

Best Portable Clothes Line for Travel: Hang Laundry Anywhere

Packing , Packing Tips

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When you’re on the road, keeping your clothes clean and dry is a must! But if you won’t have access to a dryer, an indoor clothesline is the perfect solution. Take a look at these reader-recommended options!

Best Travel Clothesline

Table of contents.

Washing and drying clothing throughout your travels can be a bit tricky, especially if you’ll be camping or if your accommodation doesn’t have a dryer. 

This is why some readers opt for a travel clothesline. The best portable clothesline for travel will stay compact in your luggage and always allow you to have fresh and dry clothing for the next day’s adventure. Plus, they’re environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and will allow you to pack less!

Readers helped us round up the best options that’ll make your next trip a breeze!

Best Retractable Clothes Line

Sea to Summit Lite Line Travel Clothesline

Sea to Summit Portable Collapsible Clothesline

This Sea to Summit Lite Line camping and travel clothesline features a unique beaded design to secure your items, keeping things ultra-compact and streamlined. At 11.5 feet, there’s plenty of space for drying multiple pieces at the same time, plus it’s adjustable and super easy to set up. To top it off, this handy little item packs into its own teeny neoprene pouch and weighs less than an ounce! 

A user shares, “Used this Sea to Summit travel clothesline on an extended Europe trip, and it worked great! I’ve also used it to dry swimsuits in the shower rather than leaving them to drip on the hotel bathroom floor. The cord is long enough to easily find a place to hook it up, and the beaded clamps work great. It now lives in my travel kit!”

Looking for a comprehensive packing list for your next travel? Check out our directory here !

Nasdom Travel Clothesline

Nasdom Outside or Inside Clothesline  

Ultra-stable and secure, you can load this extendable clothesline from Nasdom with jeans , wet travel towels , and more! It’s easy to set up with two carabiner hooks that are able to attach to just about anything, and its clothespins will stay in place with windproof clips. Not only that but this 13-foot portable clothesline outdoor and indoor option packs small and weighs next to nothing! 

A traveler says, “I bought this portable washing line ‘in case,’ and it ended up being one of the handiest items for my trip. I traveled to a foreign country where I discovered there was no place to hang wet towels. I also had to rinse out and hang up clothes to dry. Sturdy and flexible – so glad I had it! Made the trip so much easier.” 

Check out a few airplane outfit ideas to feel relaxed but still look chic when traveling!

Hongyutai Retractable Portable Clothesline

Hongyutai Pull Out Clothesline

This retractable clothesline indoor and outdoor option has fun, colorful clips that are strong yet gentle on clothes, as well as anti-skid clips to ensure everything stays in place — even on a windy day. With two stainless steel hooks on each end for easy attachment, you can hook it up anywhere from trees to tents to balconies to radiators! 

These portable clothes lines extend to 6 feet, so they’re ideal for a smaller amount of items, but travelers confirm that they can definitely handle some weight. 

A reader who has this travel clothesline with clips shares, “I used this while traveling for 3 weeks in Scotland and Ireland . The 3 Airbnbs we stayed in had washing machines but not dryers. It worked great and held lots of clothes!” 

If you’re wondering how to choose the right travel luggage , we’ve put together a helpful guide to get you started!

Aikesiway Retractable Clothesline

Aikesiway Indoor and Outdoor Retractable Clothesline

Amazingly weightless and easy to store, this clothes line retractable pick is the perfect option for drying your lighter pieces like socks , intimates, and bathing suits . The length is 6 feet but can be stretched up to 14 feet, with both clips and adjustable stoppers to hold your things. Travelers use this portable clothesline for outside and inside stays, camping trips, cruises, and everything in between! 

One user raves, “Most used travel accessory! Whether hanging swimwear, wet towels, laundry, or connecting it to a bed frame to hang a privacy curtain, it was my most valuable and versatile travel item. It’s very durable. I’ve been using it for over 2 years now, and it still works as well as it did on day one!”

CenYouful Portable Travel Clothesline Cord

CenYouful Retractable Washing Line

Camping enthusiasts will love this CenYouful retractable clothesline outdoor or indoor option , which comes in a highly compact and convenient design that takes up a tiny amount of space in your backpack. Its adjustable length extends up to a whopping 26 feet, plus it can totally hold your heavier items. It comes with 20 sturdy clips for hanging your things, and the two carabiner clips make it easy to attach to whatever stationary objects are available! 

A user reports, “Great retractable clothing line for travel and camping. We used this while camping for drying towels, and it worked great! The clips kept things from blowing off and you can make your line as long or short as you want. I would recommend this to anyone!” 

Check out our list of the best toiletry bags . Which will be the best bag for you?

CenYouful Windproof Clothes Line

CenYouful Clothes Hanging Line

A minimalist option for those who want to keep it simple, this CenYouful cotton rope foldable clothesline offers the utmost durability. This might just be the longest option out there, too, extending up to 32.8 feet, but it’ll loop down into a tiny size that can fit into any pocket or corner of your bag! Carabiner clips at either end allow for length adjustments and easy fastening to objects, plus this portable clotheslines is as light as can be. 

One user shares, “What a gem for traveling. This little gadget saved my 70-day trip! I was able to set it up and hang my laundry easily. Highly recommend it and will not travel without it!”

Going In Style Travel Laundry Clothesline

Going In Style Outdoor or Indoor Laundry Line

These Going in Style small clothes lines are a flexible and super high-quality pick that’s a bit on the shorter side, so it’s ideal for the solo traveler or for drying smaller items like bathing suits. Its rubber-braided design means you can either drape your clothing over it or tuck the ends of your clothing inside the braids with no extra clothespins needed! This indoor drying line has two end loops and an additional carabiner clip which gives you plenty of hanging options, and it comes with a handy pouch for storing when it’s not in use. 

A traveler says, “This portable clothing line worked in every hotel bathroom during a month-long trip to Egypt . It was very easy to push clothes between the strands of the line, and even heavier trousers held snug. A very useful item to take on a long trip. I traveled with this and two thin plastic hangers and easily dried all the clothes I washed.” 

Here are a few tricks on how to pack for unpredictable weather !

B&Y Adjustable Travel Clothesline

B&Y Retractable Clotheslines

Sturdy metal hooks and an elastic rope make this B&Y travel clothesline for hotel rooms adjustable, adaptable to any location, and incredibly convenient all around! It comes with stainless steel clothespins that are gentle on your clothes, as well as anti-slip clips to combat the wind. Whether using it on a camping trip or in a hotel, you’ll have up to 11 feet of drying space in an instant that’ll hold up amazingly well, won’t rust, and weigh less than half a pound! 

A fan shares, “Best portable laundry line ! Brought it on a cruise and placed it outside on our balcony. Each day after our swimwear was washed, we hung it out, and by the next morning, they were dry. So convenient, and it will travel with us wherever we go on holiday!” 

Portable Retractable Laundry Line Comparison Chart

[wpsm_comparison_table id=”515″ class=”center-table-align”]

What do you think are the best portable indoor clothesline and portable outdoor clotheslines ? Share with us in the comments!

For more laundry tips while traveling, please read:

• How to Pack Dirty Laundry While Traveling
• How to do Laundry while Traveling – 3 Options!
• Best Travel Laundry Detergent for Washing Clothes
• Best Wrinkle Release Spray to Smooth Out Clothing

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We will be staying in hotels our next trip. I didn’t even think of this! Thank you!!

I struggled getting laundry dry on my last trip! Thanks for these tips and products!

I have a braided clothesline that goes on all my trips. I can tuck socks and underwear into the loops saving the need for bulky clips. It lives in a small reusable sandwich bag along with few laundry sheets and shout wipes making travel laundry less of a chore.

I was just scrolling through articles waiting for train to subside so I could make a dash to my car and came across this one. Where else can you find a thorough article about laundry lines than Travel Fashion Girl?! I was trying to figure out a light weight, small one to fit in my personal item (in case my checked bag didn’t make it, I wanted to be able to do some small laundry) and poof there was the article! Thanks TFG!

I bought a braided line after reading so many reviews- and not having to carry clips.. I’ll report back after my 3 weeks in Europe!! Your tips and packing list have me feeling pretty confident!!

I struggled getting clothes to dry quickly on my last trip. Thanks for these tips/products to use next time!

Hi Everyone, Simpler and cheaper to just make your own!! I used a thinner , but strong version of paracord, with the small metal clips!!! Much lighter and takes up less room too! Connie

You know, it hadn’t occurred to me that I might need a portable clothesline while on my travels, but I can totally see now how one is essential–esp if traveling with kids and swimsuits! Putting one of these babies with the clips on my wish list!

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The 7 Best Clotheslines

Our top pick is the Whitmor Retractable Dryer.

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In most homes, a clothes dryer is a major energy guzzler, so making the switch to a clothesline system , even just some of the time, can save households a significant amount on energy bills . In addition, clotheslines are gentler on garments, helping to preserve size and quality longer than a hot, tumbling electric dryer.

Clotheslines can be easily made by reusing extra rope or cords that you have in the home, although it's good to be thoughtful about the material because some are too thin for large loads, may fray and leave fragments on clothes, or can rust or stain garments if made from wire. If you don't want to DIY, there are plenty of clothes-drying products available, including space-saving alternatives such as retractable clotheslines, pulleys, and reversible umbrellas. 

After researching the options, here are the best clotheslines.

Best Overall

Whitmor 5 line retractable dryer.

Whitmor specializes in innovative, space-saving products for the home, and this retractable dryer rack can be used indoors or out. It's ideal for laundry or powder rooms, covered porches, and balconies. The rack is a hybrid between a traditional retractable line and a fixed, multi-line clothing rack.

The five cords can expand up to 34 feet for a total of 170 feet of drying line to maximize space. When not being used, it simply retracts back into the holster, so you can reclaim that space in the home or yard. Installation is fairly easy, and hardware is included.

T.W Evans Evandale Cotton Clothesline

For a classic clothesline to be effective, a high-quality rope is essential, and this rope clothesline from T.W Evans Cordage is durable and cost-efficient. Made of cotton with a synthetic core, the off-white rope has solid braiding that doesn’t shed fibers or stain clothing (like wire clotheslines that may rust). Plus, it has the ability to hold up to 42 pounds of wet laundry without stretching or bending like plastic-coated nylon. The 200-foot bundle can be added to a pulley or used separately. Founded in 1929, T. W. Evans Cordage Co. supplies hardware stores nationwide.

Best Outdoors

Best drying rack umbrella clothesline.

Best Drying Rack

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty option that can withstand the elements, the umbrella clothesline from Best Drying Rack is a great investment. The clothesline is mounted into the ground (without cement) and can hold three to four loads of laundry. It can easily open and close or be moved to another location in the yard.

Made in the United States since 1915, the clothesline is constructed from steel and wood parts, so unlike plastic that takes a beating from the sun, it's designed to last for decades. The clothesline can rotate to adjust according to the position of the sun (and requires a 9-foot circle to do so) and measures just over 5 feet tall.

Best Retractable

Minky homecare retractable clothesline.

Retractable clotheslines are an excellent space-saving option and very affordable. The Minky outdoor retractable clothesline stands out in that it has two built-in retractable lines to double the space without having an extra-long line, which leads to sagging.

Each line is 49 feet long (for a total of 98 feet) and made of PVC-coated cord that is sunlight-resistant to increase longevity. The clothesline can hold up to 55 pounds, which typically is more than one wash load, or about 15 pounds more than standard retractable lines. The unit is designed to be mounted to a wall but can be easily removed and stored.

Best Umbrella Clothesline

Greenway umbrella clothesline.

If you're interested in an outdoor clothing rack that's not a permanent fixture, consider the Greenway umbrella clothesline. The rust-resistant rack provides 51 feet of drying space with a load capacity of 33 pounds, and it measures 55 inches tall.

Weighing just 4.5 pounds, this portable clothesline can be easily packed away to be used on camping or RV trips and includes a carrying cover for storage. Although it can be used on decks and hard surfaces, it's best to anchor it to the ground (anchors are included) in case of wind.

Best Pulley

Skyline enterprises workhorse clothesline pulley kit.

Made by Ohio-based, Amish craftsman, the Enterprise Workhorse pulley clothesline has a number of features that make it stand out. For safety, there’s a non-pinch finger guard and a cable guard to keep the line from derailing. An included line spacer helps keep clothes from tangling, plus, there’s a spring mechanism to lock the pulley so the wind doesn’t take the laundry for a ride. The powder-coated finish protects the pulleys from rusting. The 8-inch pulleys can hold up to 100 feet of cable (which is sold separately) and can be either mounted to a wall or a pole. It's a sturdy unit if you prefer a pulley-style clothesline.

Best for Light Items

Joom retractable clothesline.

Whether you’re drying wet bathing suits, undergarments and socks, baby clothes, or other delicate hand wash items, the Joom retractable clothesline is a top choice for indoors. The stainless-steel, wall-mounted clothesline is ideal for use in the bathroom, mud room, or laundry area. It comes in a variety of different finishes like brass, black, nickel, or rose gold.

Although the clothesline can hold up to 22 pounds, its optimal use is for lightweight items, so the line doesn’t sag. The locking mechanism allows the clothesline to extend to any length up to 9.2 feet.

The Whitmore Retractable Clothesline is our top pick overall for its versatility (indoor and outdoor use), the unique, space-saving design, and reasonable price. If you’re looking for a drying line for the outdoors that’s built to last, the Umbrella Clothesline is an excellent option, and if you need a simple, affordable option, the classic Clothesline Rope from TW Evans Cordage will get the job done. 

Yes, using a line results in less wear and tear on your clothing compared with a clothes dryer. If your garments seem stiff when they come off the line, give them a good shake.

Depending on the weather and your dryer, line drying can take longer. If you have a lot of laundry, it can also take up a lot of space. If your clothesline is outdoors, you’ll also need to plan around the weather, because you don’t want to leave your clean clothes out in the rain or snow. That said, you can still use a clothesline in cold weather .

Yes, but if you’re using and outdoor clothesline, outdoor drying has some drawbacks. If you pass through the dew point, your clothing may end up wet again. There may also be unexpected rain overnight. Outdoor lines work best on sunny days.

You can always leave clothes on an indoor clothesline overnight.

None! In fact, some states, including Florida, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, and Vermont, have “right to dry” laws that void any more local bans on clotheslines.

However, some home homeowners associations do have rules limiting or regulating outdoor clotheslines, sometimes citing safety concerns. 

Why Trust Treehugger?

Author Amber Nolan lives off-grid and utilizes clotheslines regularly—including both an umbrella clothesline for outdoors and a standard, rope line indoors for drying on rainy days. 

This article was updated by Arricca SanSone, who first learned to hang-dry clothes in her Grandma's backyard on an old-time pulley system.

Howland, Jon. “ Clotheslines Bans Void in 19 States. ” Sightline Institute.

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Best Travel Clothesline in 2023 – [Indoor & Outdoor]

You are a traveler and you did not face any problem with drying clothes— this is a rare phenomenon.

Especially those who travel for long with minimal apparels, require washing them frequently. Here comes the necessity of a helping hand in the form of a travel clothesline.

While you are considering other essential travel gears to take with you, a travel clothesline is an important one you cannot leave behind before heading towards a journey. The market is flooded with options but, only a few maintain the minimum standard.

If you are facing problems choosing a suitable clothesline, I must say you have come to the right place. I will talk here about some of the best travel clotheslines that will likely be preferable for you.

Table of Contents

Why Do You Need a Travel Clothesline?

I have mentioned earlier that a travel clothesline is one of those few things you should definitely take with you. Washing clothes is a must when you are out of your house for a long time. The problem arises when you do not find anything to hang your clothes on.

Most travelers do not wash clothes only due to not finding the proper solution for drying them. Having a travel clothesline with you means you can comfortably dry out your apparel. It will provide comfort and space to get your wet clothes drying out.

The interesting fact is, these adjustable clotheslines do not take enough space and can be easily portable. They are the reasons people nowadays like to take at least one single clothesline when they head towards any journey.

Also Read: A List of Women’s Travel Cardigans for Feel Cozy & Comfy.

Top 6 Best Travel Clothesline in 2022

Considering the convenience of usage, price range, service quality, and some other important factors, I have prepared this list of top 6 travel clotheslines for you. So, let’s get started!

1. Nasdom 4m/13ft Portable Adjustable Travel Clothesline

Offering strong durability and excellent service, this model from Nasdom is a perfect  portable clothesline for travel . It will make hanging clothes much easier and more comfortable for you during traveling than other elastic clotheslines available online could offer.

Coming with multiple using scopes, it is a popular and reliable option for many. If you check the reviews and feedbacks online, you will see that people around the world have an overall positive experience of using it.

Material and Design

Starting with the build material, it is made of polyester and stainless steel that makes it strong, sturdy, and rust-resistant. The rope itself is inelastic but, you can adjust and stretch it up to 13 ft (4m) with the help of the buttons at the two ends. You will find enough space since the length is sufficient and brings convenience while drying clothes.

The design enables it to be packed easily inside your travel backpack , as it takes only a minimal space. This clothesline is perfectly suitable for any indoor and outdoor adventure like hiking, camping, traveling, and many more.

Compatibility

Strong durability makes it perfect for drying both light and heavy clothes including, overcoats and jeans. It contains aluminum steel hooks at either end and with the help of them, you can easily attach this clothesline anywhere you want. Because of these hooks, you can hang your clothes on boats, RV, backyard, hotel, washroom, and trees as well.

If you often go fishing, swimming, or boat riding, it will be a perfect item to dry wet clothes and towels. Keeping this with you means, you do not have to worry about your laundry. The weight being 6.4 ounces only makes it lightweight and portable. Installation is also super easy without any hassle.

Why I Love It

• Lightweight
• Strong and durable
• Suitable for various occasions
• Easy installation
• Attaching clips is only possible with something narrow.

2. Newraturner 2 Pack Portable Windproof Travel Clothesline

This model of Newraturner could be a great solution if you face problems with drying your clothes during travel. Offering durability and comfortability, this is one of the best portable travel clotheslines in my eyes.

You will have a smooth user experience with 12 clothespins to attach with your clothes and it will give you more flexibility than most other items out there.

This clothesline is a rubber band of multi-strand with a good level of elasticity and persistency. You can stretch it up to 12 feet and it will still be capable of holding a good number of heavy clothes.

It contains 13 black rubber beads that separate the 12 rubber clips. You also have the opportunity to move and adjust the cord with the help of a small button. It will keep the clothes separate and prevent them from winding up together.

You will have a 2-pack clothesline, which is perfect for use in the balcony, hotel, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

Using this clothesline is very simple because of its two sturdy metal hooks. You can attach it almost anywhere. The clips are suitable for hooking any clothes- both light and heavy.

Weighing only 7 ounces, it is a lightweight travel gear and you can carry it around easily without any hassle. The compact design and size will also ensure that it takes minimal space in your backpack, leaving a large gap for other materials.

If you are a frequent traveler and need to wash your clothes more often, this will be a convenient choice for you.

• Good elasticity
• Multi-purpose using
• Easy attaching
• Adjustable button
• The rubber may smell odd.

3. HAWATOUR Elastic Travel Clothesline with 12pcs Clothespins

This portable clothesline from Hawatour is an efficient travel gear for both indoor and outdoor cloth drying necessities. It limits all possible shortcomings and is one of the best-rated travel clotheslines  in the market.

Users have given positive feedbacks due to its affordability, durability, and good quality overall. It has earned a lot of goodwill since its launch. As of now, it has taken a strong place in the clothesline world.

The paramount building materials of this clothesline are alloy, stainless steel, linen, and plastic. These materials together make it a sturdy and durable clothesline option that protects your clothes from getting rust.

It also comes with retracting capacity that helps you to save a good amount of space when you don’t need to use it. You can stretch this elastic travel clothesline with clips perfectly up to 10 feet, which makes it suitable for hanging enough clothes at the same time. You can use it in any given environment like hot, cold, wet, or dry.

This clothesline has versatile uses and can be your travel partner in any hiking, tracking, or camping adventure. The black clips will prevent the clothespins from gliding down or to the center and give you comfort while using them. You can move the clips from two directions by pressing the tiny little button on top.

Like the previous model, this clothesline comes with two strong steel hooks at either end and you can attach it easily with anything. Be it in a hotel, laundry, RV, washroom, or boat- it is suitable to place and use everywhere. Weighing only 7 ounces, it is easily portable as well.

• Enough space
• Comfortable 
• Steel hooks
• Do not put excessive heavy jeans.

4. Coghlan’s Lightweight Plastic Bungee Clothesline

This bungee clothesline of Coghlan is a prominent model which was first launched in January 2007. If you are looking for the best lightweight travel clothesline, this could be the go-to-go gear for your next adventure trip.

This item has been designed specially to ensure that you can dry your clothes outdoor without any significant hassle.

Talking about the build material, this is a plastic-made clothesline that can provide you durable performance all the way. The cords have good elasticity and you can adjust the length with the hooks. The regular size of this clothesline is 6′ and it can be stretched up to a few feet more due to its good elasticity.

Coghlan is a market leader for outdoor camping gear. They left no stone unturned to make this clothesline user-friendly and comfortable.

The best part of this product is you can set it up without pegs and the setup is also simple. During your hectic journey, you will naturally feel like setting up everything quickly. This clothesline will help you there. It serves better than other typical clotheslines that have peg style.

The material is suitable for drying any clothes- both light and heavy. You can make the length almost double by stretching and get enough space to dry all your clothes. Weighing only 3.53 ounces, you can take this lightweight gear almost anywhere during your journey.

You do not have to worry about the space inside your baggage since it will take a small area leaving enough storage for your other stuff.

• Length adjusting hooks
• Perfect for both indoor and outdoor
• May expose you to chemicals like TDI.

5. EverSport 2 Pack Windproof Laundry Clothesline Rope

This 2-pack windproof clothesline is one of the best travel clotheslines available on the market due to its convenient features and capabilities. All those positive feedbacks online from real-life users indicate that this is a popular clothesline model among a wide range of travelers whereas people also use it indoors.

Made with premium polyethylene, it is a sturdy and durable option that is offering unique services. It has six special grids and a partition design to make it waterproof and sturdier at the same time. The laundry line will help the clothes stay separated and ensure convenient use.

Each of the two packs is 5 meters long and you will get enough space to hang all of your clothes. You can adjust the length at your convenience and do not have to worry about twisting. Due to the presence of polyethylene, it is also rainproof and lasts longer than many other options available on the market.

The design is suitable for use wherever you need to dry your clothes. Attaching it with anything is easy with the metal hooks at both ends. The setting up of the hooks is simple and convenient that spares you from unwanted incidents during travel.

Weighing 2.24 ounces only, it is super lightweight and you can easily carry it around since it takes small space inside your baggage. Due to those two strong hooks, you can use them in laundry, RV, boat, camping, or even with lone trees. The hooking and unhooking processes are also pretty easy and quick.

• Versatile using
• Strong material
• Wind and rainproof
• Easily adjustable
• The hooks are a bit small.

6. iTOWE 2 Pack Windproof Portable Clothesline for Travel

You can try this product if you are looking for a great portable clothesline for camping since it has generated huge customer satisfaction over the years. Being perfect gear for traveling, hiking, and camping, it has multiple using opportunities.

It can also work as the best travel clothesline for a hotel.

This 2-pack clothesline is a mixture of stainless steel and polyester. This blend makes it durable, long-lasting and prevents rust. It contains a rubber band that provides strong tenacity and stretchy tendency. You can stretch it up to 10 feet, which is long enough to hang your clothes.

Retracting capacity and compact design will save extra space and keep it inside your backpack with a water bottle holder easily. The design is perfect for both indoor and outdoor and even in the backyard or balcony as well. It has a clip decoration arrangement by black spacers that makes the clothes remain separated while hanging. It prevents them from sliding towards the center.

You can dry any type of clothes like undergarments, towels, bathing suits, heavy jeans, and an overcoat by hanging on them. The presence of the hooks at the edges from two ends makes it easier to attach them with anything. The positioning clips will help you choose the perfect length required for hanging your clothes.

Attaching the hooks is very simple. Overall, it gives you the flexibility to set it up quickly anywhere that spares you from the stress of traveling.

• Easy attaching hooks
• Sufficient space
• Cloth separation
• A bit heavier.

Things to Notice When Buying A Travel Clothesline

Being an essential travel gear, it is crucial to find the perfect travel clothesline. Few things are there to notice before buying such a clothesline. And, they are-

Choosing the suitable material is a paramount task before buying. Nylon, plastic, and cotton are the three most common materials in the case of a clothesline. All have some advantages and disadvantages.

Like nylon clotheslines are strong but a bit slippery. Plastic ones are affordable and easy to clean but very thin. Cotton is also a good choice but it is less strong than nylon. So, depending on your priority and convenience, you can go for any of them.

Travelers usually do not take many clothes and thus always avoid lengthy clotheslines since they take huge space in your bag. A length up to 10 meters is enough for a stereotype tour.

Weight is another concern since they stretch out with time. Always keep and pull the line together and they will remain compact. This tactic will also help it to reduce excessive weight.

Carrying Bag

The last thing you should look at is the carrying bag. It will protect the clothesline and make it ready immediately when you need it. It also saves spaces in your luggage when it remains compact within a zipper bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most of them. All of the above-mentioned products are sturdy and durable enough to hang both light and heavy clothes like jeans. But be careful not to give too much weight that it can’t bear.

They are allowed more or less everywhere. There should not be any problem carrying them in airplane luggage.

Using clothespins, you can easily hang your clothes on them. You need to be careful while collecting your dresses otherwise they may get squeezed.

It will vary from room to room. You can connect the two ends with a door and shower rod or if available, part of a balcony. Connecting with the two doors could be an option too if there are two doors available.

Final Words

I tried to give an idea about the travel laundry line. This is a must-take item for the tourists who spend a long amount of time traveling. Finding the perfect clothesline could be a little tricky if you don’t know about it well. My recommendations of the best travel clothesline will guide you all the way through and ultimately you will find the suitable clothesline as per your requirements.

You May Also Like:

How to Pick A Perfect Foldable Travel Slipper.

An In-depth Guide About Waterproof Sand Proof Beach Blanket.

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Easy Hang Clothesline, 2024 New Portable Clothesline for Outdoor & Home, Windproof Non-Slip Clothesline 32 ft Retractable Clothesline for Indoor Outdoor Travel Camping (Pink 3 PCS, 10 M)

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About this item.

• 🌈 【Windproof Non-Slip Clothesline】 Clothesline is windproof with special grids/fence-like design and partition design. Prevent the effects of wind or other factors cause clothes to cling together, make the drying more effective.
• 🌈【Portable Clothesline for Outdoor & Home】Large capacity strong portable clothesline can take enough weights for wet clothes and sheets without falling or breaking able to hang several loads of wash on this without the aid of additional hooks, you can use hangers or clothespins.
• 🌈【Portable and Lightweight】It is very easy to fasten by two stainless steel hooks, which makes it more convenient and useful for daily life or outdoor activities.
• 🌈【Wide Application】 The clothesline is portable and easy to store.it can perfectly avoid the trouble of twisting and knotting. It’s your best choice for traveling, outdoor camping, boat, as well as house, dormitory, balcony, backyard, porch, bathroom.
• 🌈【Package Included】2/3/4 Pack Clothesline, 3 Colors: blue pink green.

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Specification:

Product Name: Windproof Non-Slip Clothesline

Color: Blue, Green, Pink

Material: nylon

Size: 5/8/10M

Package Included:

2/3/4 Pack Windproof Non-Slip Clothesline

1. Colors may vary due to different monitors.

2. For manual measurements, please allow 1-2 cm for errors.

3. If you are not satisfied with the received goods or the received goods are damaged, please contact us in time before applying for a return, and we will reply to your questions within 24 hours.

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The Best Underwear for Travel

By Liz Thomas

Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure, or outdoor adventures, you want undies that will work with you, not against you. That means quick-drying, moisture-wicking skivvies that you can wash quickly in a sink if need be.

Over the past six years, we’ve tested 37 pairs of men’s and women’s underwear while road-tripping, hostel-hopping, and backpacking in backcountry and urban environments.

Throughout these trips, the men’s ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief and the Patagonia Women’s Active Hipster have both proved to be the best underwear for most travelers and active people in general.

Everything we recommend

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief

Best boxer brief.

Durable, quick-drying, and relatively inexpensive, this soft-fabric version of ExOfficio’s time-tested Give-N-Go undies will serve you well for years.

Buying Options

Tommy John Air Mesh Boxer Brief 8"

Softer, better-fitting, but expensive.

Well-tailored and comfortable, these extra-soft, adjustment-free boxer briefs are a treat at a premium price.

Patagonia Women's Active Hipster

Best panties.

These light, stylish, quick-drying hipsters stay in place, whether you’re walking, flying, or hanging upside down.

Budget pick

Uniqlo Men Airism Boxer Brief

Affordable boxer briefs.

Comfortable, compact, and fast-drying, these are a great value. But they don’t fit quite as nicely and aren’t as supportive in the crotch as the ExOfficio briefs.

Uniqlo Women Airism Ultra Seamless HipHugger

Affordable panties.

Made of similar fabric as the Airism Boxer Brief, with a no-ride cut, these undies are the least expensive of any we tested and among the best performing.

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men’s underwear for travel because it combines fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we’ve tested.

The Sport Mesh fabric excels at breathing and wicking and has better odor-resistance than other fabrics. It feels soft on the inside and smooth on the outside, so it slides against your pants instead of creating friction, reducing potential for chafing.

These briefs also feature a sculpted crotch area that gives wearers some much-appreciated support without feeling stifling. These dry quickly, pack compactly, and weigh less than almost all the other boxer briefs we tried—basically, these briefs are everything you’d want from travel underwear.

If you’re willing to pay more for better fit and fabric, the Tommy John Air Mesh Boxer Brief 8” feels like a fine-tailored garment with the price to match. Offering the best front pouch of any boxer brief we tested, these soft undies also stay in place better than the competition, for a truly wedgie-free, riding-free, rubbing-free experience. They’re a bit long in the legs—not ideal for pairing with short shorts—but other than that, we have no complaints if you can afford the hefty price. (Tommy John does make a version with shorter legs .)

The Patagonia Women’s Active Hipster doesn’t appear special upon first glance. Only after trying everything else and living through their failures to stay put did we remember what “special” really means in a pair of underwear—feeling as if you’re wearing nothing at all. The Patagonias have the best fit, comfort, and style out of all the panties we tested. The nylon material is fast-wicking and better than most synthetics for odor-proofing, making this pair well suited to athletic activities.

The Active Hipster is lightweight and packable, and it is the fastest-drying underwear we tested—perfect for minimalist travelers who go weeks at a time with just one or two pairs. But these same characteristics make these panties great for any traveler looking for something comfortable and packable, regardless of where you’re going or what you’re doing.

If you want great performance at an even more budget-friendly price, Uniqlo’s Airism line is a great choice. The fit isn’t as nice as you’d get with our other picks: The legs on the Boxer Brief are a bit too short, and the Seamless HipHugger had issues with sagging at times. Also, the odor resistance isn’t as effective or durable compared with pricier boxers and panties. But given the line’s more-than-reasonable price, you’re still getting great underwear that wicks, breathes, supports, and dries as well as the best travel underwear available.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick for boxer briefs: exofficio men’s give-n-go 2.0 sport mesh 6″ boxer brief, runner-up boxer briefs: tommy john air mesh boxer brief, our pick for panties: patagonia women’s active hipster, budget picks for boxer briefs and panties, the competition (men’s underwear), the competition (women’s underwear), what to look forward to.

Liz Thomas is a former Appalachian Trail speed-record holder who has hiked over 15,000 miles in performance underwear. As an ultralight backpacker, she’ll use the same two pair of undies for six months, washing and drying yesterday’s pair for tomorrow’s use. She’s taken travel undies hostel-hopping on five continents, too.

For feedback on the challenges undies may face internationally, we pinned down global nomad and author of The Hidden Europe Francis Tapon during the Sudanese portion of his five-year walk through all 54 African countries. To get a better grasp on design features, fabrics, and the changing men’s underwear market, we checked in with Michael Kleinmann, aka The Underwear Expert , editor-in-chief of The Underwear Blog and founder of the Underwear of the Month Club.

Anyone who wants to travel light or needs more room in their luggage for the fun stuff will appreciate the convenience of ditching cotton underpants. The material used in travel and performance underwear (the two categories overlap considerably) is thinner and takes up less space in your bag. It also reduces chafing and wicks away moisture—ensuring that discomfort from your undies doesn’t hold you back from your adventures—and dries about twice as quickly as the cotton used in typical underwear.

With the convenience of quick-drying, hand-washable underwear, you’ll no longer be at the mercy of the laundromat hours or expensive hotel laundry service. If you can commit to handwashing nightly before bed , you can travel indefinitely with just two pairs of travel undies.

The only major downside is that travel underwear tends to be more expensive per pair than typical cotton undies. For example, Uniqlo makes both cotton and synthetic boxer briefs, and the cotton version is about half as expensive. And though synthetic materials have a slick, silky feel that many people love in underwear, they tend to feel less luxurious than the softer modal-blend skivvies popularized by companies like MeUndies. But these softer materials dry too slowly—about as slowly as cotton in most cases—and aren’t as effective at wicking moisture.

The panties and boxer briefs that we decided to test met these standards for travel underwear:

• Moisture wicking and breathable: Travelers will generate more sweat in their groin than the average office worker. Moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics maximize comfort, reduce odor, and minimize chances of infection—all important features when you may not get a chance to change your underwear for a while.
• Quick drying: Tapon wrote us, “You want [underwear] that you can wash at night and that [will be] nearly dry in the morning.”
• Odor-resistant: Odor is caused by moisture and bacteria. Certain materials like wool or treated synthetics are more difficult for bacteria colonies to develop on. We included only undies that advertised terms like “odor-control,” “odor-resistant,” “antimicrobial,” or “anti-odor.”
• Stretch: When you’re in a remote location filming leaps over chasms and rooftops on your GoPro, the last thing you want is a rip in your drawers. “For active guys, we recommend underwear that contains a performance fabric, or at the very least some amount of stretch,” Kleinmann wrote us. Typically, 6 percent spandex, elastane, or Lycra is the minimum you want to look for in a pair of good travel undies.
• Style: Travel underwear shouldn’t mean dorky underwear. If your travels bring you to a place where you’ll be showing off your skivvies, what you’re wearing shouldn’t scare away the company.
• Cut: Whether a particular pair of underwear stays up and doesn’t dig into your body depends a lot on your shape and the cut of the underwear. We opted for undies with generous coverage, but not so much that they hinder mobility: Boxer briefs for men, hip-hugger/bikini-style panties for women. When traveling, modest underwear allows more freedom to change in the open if need be, or for unconventional activities like swimming. We also found that medium-coverage underwear stayed in place, and skimpier underwear gave wedgies over time. Similarly, ill-fitting underwear tended to bunch up from rubbing against our pants.
• Variety of cuts: We focused on boxer briefs and hip-hugger/bikini styles in this guide, but different bodies have different needs, so it’s nice if a line has multiple styles available.

We ran each pair run through a vigorous set of tests at home, including washing, drying, and sniff tests. Our ultimate goal was to determine how each pair ranked according to:

• Fit and comfort: You should get wedgies from your siblings, not your clothing. A good-fitting pair of underwear is designed and cut to minimize readjustment. We looked for a pliable elastic waistband that stayed up without feeling restrictive. “If the waistband is digging [into you] or rolls over, chances are it’s a low quality pair or the wrong size or style for your body type,” warned Kleinmann. The fabric should also help your undies stay up with a snug fit and enough stretch to maintain free movement. Though underwear can be designed to be high- or low-rise, the top of the inseam should always go to the bottom of the crotch. When the rise is too short, you’ll feel restricted. Too long, and you’ll have to ride your pants up like Urkel or suffer a sag at the crotch. Many men’s boxer brief designs have a shaped front panel, also called a 3D panel or pouch. A good-fitting 3D front panel should fit closely, without restriction. Some companies, like Saxx put an additional pouch within the pouch—essentially underwear in your underwear—to add even more separation, but our testers preferred the lighter touch of a formed panel.
• Fabric and seam scratchiness: Is the fabric soft or does it make you itch? Are there any annoying tags that can’t be removed (or if they are removable, is there still some rubbing where the tag was)? Do the seams rub against your skin or are they flush and out of the way?
• Durability: Performance skivvies aren’t cheap. Look for fabric that will last. A solid waistband should not fold over or lose stretchiness over time. After handwashing, the fabric and seams should not show signs of pilling or loosening of threads. Experts differ on the reasonable life span of a pair of underwear, with estimates as low as six months to as high as four-plus years. What’s unacceptable is a pair that develops holes within a few months.
• Long-term comfort: Whether you’re on a 23-hour plane ride sandwiched between two 10-hour bus rides or you’re backpacking in the tropics, you should be able to wear these for more than a day or two.
• Lightweight and packable: Underwear won’t be the straw that breaks the weight limit on your check-in, but pairs that take up less space leave you more room for gear you really need.

We started by trying everything on. Anything that wasn’t comfortable to sit at a desk and work in failed the initial test and was cut from the list. We then wore the top performers for two days in a row, before conducting a sniff test. Testers also noted whether the pair felt grimy or otherwise gross. If so, we asked the tester to run the underwear through another two-day trial. To test durability, in addition to usual washing after wear, we washed each pair of underwear three times straight with a few pairs of jeans (to simulate a rough wash).

Because drying time is an essential component of travel underwear, after running all the underwear through the spin cycle, we line-dried it. We touched each pair every 20 minutes to determine whether it was dry and order of drying time.

We then moved onto real-world testing. The trips included backpacking 215 miles throughout the city of Portland, Oregon; six weeks backpacking the Canadian Rockies, walking from the lowest point in the Continental US to the highest; and road-tripping to the national parks of the West. And of course, wearing them on all the flights to our destinations.

Afterward, we checked for signs of wear. As we continued to test the finalists, we repeatedly checked for durability problems.

Whether we were sitting on a bus or walking hills, the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief  nicely balanced fit, comfort, durability, and cost. It’s virtually identical to its predecessor and our previous pick, the Give-N-Go Sport Mesh. The only difference is a slight change in material: from 92% nylon and 8% spandex to 90% nylon and 10% spandex.

Front panels are notoriously difficult to size correctly, but the Sport Mesh’s simple, stretchy pouch should accommodate a wide variety of body types, whereas the more complicated, multi-flap designs found on Saxx briefs can feel superfluous or stifling, depending on your personal situation. The Sport Mesh stretches as you move and retains shape well. It had the quickest-wicking performance of all the underwear we tested and dried fairly quickly, too.

ExOfficio made its name as a travel-underwear company with its long-lasting classic Give-N-Go model, which we also tested and has since been replaced by the 2.0 version (which we haven’t tried out yet). The Sport Mesh version has the features that made the Give-N-Go famous but pairs them with a better, softer, stretchier fabric. It also has a 3D front panel, a major improvement over the flat front panel on the original Give-N-Go. Our tester felt supported and contained, regardless of his movement.

What set the ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh apart from the rest is that it transfers moisture away from the body better than the competitors. It is the ideal pair of undies for sweaty activities and hot locales. This pair also had better odor treatment than most of the others we tried, a feature appreciated by athletes and lazy launderers alike. “I have worn these boxers for years,” said our male tester, “and they have never let me down. They definitely combat odor.”

At 2.65 ounces (among the lightest we tested), the ExOfficio briefs fit compactly in luggage without a lot of bulk. They’re easier to fold than other underwear, with a more articulated front pouch.

Another advantage ExOfficio has over other brands we tested is that it offers a wider variety of cuts, colors, and sizes . Though we tested the green 6-inch boxer brief, if you want good performance in a specific color or leg length, it’s likely ExOfficio offers your combo. They are also among the most widely available performance underwear.

Our personal experience after years of wearing the original ExOfficio Give-N-Go shows that the odor-proofing antibacterial treatment eventually fades, and with it, the ability to wear them for multiple days in a row. But the fabric itself is nearly indestructible. The same can almost be said of the Sport Mesh version. Despite some early signs of pilling—especially in the perineum and the area between the legs—after six months of daily wear of a single pair (yeah, gross—we didn’t ask him to do this), our tester said this pair didn’t manage to develop any holes, despite some initial pilling. So if you can live with the old-sweatshirt look or don’t need to impress anyone with your undies, the Sport Mesh will serve you well for a long time.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The ExOfficios had a good fit, but it wasn’t quite as perfect as that of more-expensive underwear we tested. The waistband can roll over, although it doesn’t dig. During backpacking trips, the six-inch boxer brief caused our tester some slight chafing between the thighs (he attributed this to the size of his thighs, as this is a problem he had with all the underwear). This issue could be mitigated by opting for the longer, nine-inch model, which we did not test. Our tester also attributes chafing to the fact that he wore the same pair for a few days, allowing the accumulation of salt, dirt, and other substances that could contribute to or exacerbate rubbing.

Our tester also noted that although the ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh wicks away sweat and dries quicker than the competition, the times when you do manage to get them soaked, they can stick to the skin and be harder to remove than our other picks.

The Give-N-Go Sport Mesh also didn’t top the charts in our drying-time test. They took a bit less than 2½ hours to fully dry on a line compared with two hours for the fastest-drying boxers, but it’s unlikely that the extra 20 to 30 minutes of drying time will make or break any situation.

Amazon reviewers and Snarky Nomad warn that sizes run large, so size down if you can. Those with athletic thighs or butt may find the waistband and thigh holes don’t correspond to your body dimensions. ExOfficio offers a 60-day return program for unused items (with tags still attached) bought their its website, so if you aren’t sure what size to get, you can afford to make a few wrong guesses and the company will cover the return shipping.

If you’re willing to pay a premium for something with a better fit and stretchier, softer fabric, the Tommy John Air Mesh Boxer Brief 8” is a great upgrade. Our tester said they “fit like a fine tailored piece of clothing, yet excelled during strenuous exercise.” The fabric moved with the body, requiring no adjustment throughout the day. The undies didn’t dig, sag, or ride up. Tommy John scored higher than any other pair we tested, getting near-perfect marks in all categories. But these briefs cost $6 more than our pick and more than twice the price of our budget pick.

What made the Tommy Johns stand out for our tester was that it had an easily accessible fly and the best front pouch of any boxer brief we tested. The fly allows exit from the top, not the side, which our tester found convenient. He said this design allowed for a great flow of pee while also reducing pressure on the urethra to reduce dribble.

Snarky Nomad also likes the Tommy John boxer brief, despite some pilling issues. In his review , he notes that “most irritation is caused by the contents of the front pouch coming into contact with the leg...if the contents of the front pouch are properly surrounded, they are also immobilized , and they can’t escape the confines of the front pouch at all, and will never come into contact with the leg.” Snarky Nomad and our tester both agree that a standout feature of the Tommy John is that the front pouch is not flat, instead shaped to safeguard its contents. It also lacks seams that can rub in an area that really should not be chafed.

Another benefit of the Tommy Johns is the wide range of sizes—from small to 4XL. However, color options are more limited compared with ExOfficio.

Tommy John offers among the best return policies we’ve seen on any product: “ The Best Pair You’ll Ever Wear ” allows first-time online purchasers to love the product or keep it with money back if reported within 30 days. The company also offers free return shipping labels within 30 days for unused products.

The Patagonia Women’s Active Hipster doesn’t sacrifice style for performance. It stays in place better than any other underwear we tested, dries quickly, and is more packable than anything else we tested. And it holds up great to strenuous activity and multiple washes—unlike the women’s version of ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh , which sagged a bit on our tester and pilled noticeably after just a few wears.

The Patagonia Active Hipster has soft reinforced openings for the legs that prevent wedgies or riding up. We also enjoyed how the underwear is seamless, reducing areas where chafing or rubbing can occur.

Some Amazon and REI reviewers complain that the fabric is thinner than on earlier models, but we found that to not be a problem.

Most of the reviewers who have concerns about the current Active Hipster compare it with previous models, noting that the material isn’t as soft, the waistband isn’t as thick, it doesn’t have as much coverage, or isn’t as durable. Our testers found the material to be soft and were satisfied with the coverage. Compared with the other underwear we tested, which are among the finest in the genre, the current model of Patagonia Active Hipster is still the best.

We noticed no loose seams or pilling issues so far, but will continue to test for durability. Patagonia has among the best return and repair policies in the industry, but the company does charge for a return label.

Since we first tested the Active Hipster briefs, Patagonia has done away with the cutaway tag in its underwear. (Tag info is now printed onto the fabric itself.) Our only remaining complaints are the limited range of color/print options (four at the time of publication), and that the sizing is not particularly inclusive (it goes no larger than XL).

If you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing performance, the Uniqlo Airism line lets you replace an entire underwear drawer on a tight budget, as long as you can deal with its slightly odd fit and less-effective odor-control treatment.

The Uniqlo Airism’s fit provides a comfortable amount of coverage in both the Boxer Brief and Seamless HipHugger cuts. The coverage aspect isn’t about modesty: We found that medium-coverage underwear stayed in place, and skimpier underwear gave wedgies over time. Similarly, the merino pairs we tested tended to bunch up from rubbing against our pants. The Airism underwear was also quite durable and held up through several handwashing cycles with no signs of wear. Travel gear reviewer Snarky Nomad loved them .

After trying all the options, our male tester noted that the Uniqlo Airism could have been a touch more supportive in the front pouch, but liked them overall, concluding: “I love these boxers and I think they offer the best of both worlds for affordability and comfort.” But the fit wasn’t ideal compared with the more-expensive options we tested. We think this is a result of the shortened inseam (leg length) combined with a taller rise (the distance from the crotch to the waistband), which can cause different fit issues on different body types. And although our tester did not experience this, other user reviewers report that this also leads to the boxers bunching up in the back.

If you find that the normal-fit boxer briefs don’t cut it, Snarky Nomad recommends getting the low-rise version and going a size up. The result is that it doesn’t ride too low. He also finds that the fit is better, especially in the front pouch.

The Seamless HipHugger cut also offers an excellent balance of comfort, affordability, and performance. However, we’re also happy that women’s Airism panties come in three cuts (HipHugger, Bikini, and High-Rise Briefs). Unfortunately, the two cuts that were at one point available in a more extended range of sizes (HipHugger and Bikini) no longer come in XXL.

As would be expected for the price, Uniqlo’s return policy is not particularly generous. It accepts garments that are “new, unused, unwashed, unaltered” with tags still attached and with original receipt. You can’t return in-store purchases via mail, but online purchases do come with a prepaid return label.

The ExOfficio Men’s Classic Give-N-Go Brief wasn’t as soft as the Sport Mesh version. It also didn’t fit as well and physically looks more like travel underwear than the Sport Mesh version.

The quite-affordable Boody Men’s Original Boxers ran small for their sizes and the men’s waistband rolled too easily. The bamboo-based fabric is a viscose rayon derivative, making it among the slowest to dry in drying-time tests. It is quite packable and the least expensive of all the undies we tested except for the Uniqlo.

The Stance Mariner was a tester favorite in terms of comfort, but we discovered after a poor showing during the drying-time test that Stance’s proprietary ButterBlend fabric is a rayon derivative—a fabric similar to cotton. Despite superior fit and comfort that would make them a good choice for everyday wear, the Stance did not wick or dry as effectively as other pairs we tested, which made them difficult to remove after sweaty workouts.

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh Hi Cut Brief felt soft, dried quickly, and wicked well, but didn’t stay in place as well as our picks. However, we do appreciate that the Sport Mesh is available in more colors and styles than any other brand we tested. (The Hi Cut Brief has, however, been discontinued.)

The Boody Hipster Bikini and Boyleg Briefs ran small for their sizes. As mentioned in the men’s competition, these are made of a viscose rayon derivative, explaining why it was among the slowest to dry in tests. It is quite packable and the least expensive of all the undies we tested except for the Uniqlo.

We also tested and dismissed men’s and women’s briefs and underwear from Arc’teryx, Lululemon, Smartwool, and UnderArmour that have since been discontinued.

Our previous runner-up pick, the Smartwool Women’s Merino Sport Seamless Bikini, has been replaced by the Women’s Intraknit Bikini . The fit is similar, but the wool content has dropped from 72% to 39%, and the fiber blend is now 39% lyocell. We’ll need to test the new version thoroughly to see how it performs before being able to recommend it.

We also plan to test new and updated options for men and women from ExOfficio, Icebreaker, REI Co-op, Ridge Merino, Smartwool, Tommy John, and Under Armour, and keeping an eye out for products that offer inclusive sizing.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Francis Tapon, global nomad and author of The Hidden Europe , email interview

Michael Kleinmann, founder and CEO of The Underwear Expert , email interview

Meet your guide

Further reading

The Best Gear for Travel

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

The Best Period Underwear

Period underwear is more reliable—and better looking—than ever. The best pairs for you depend on your period and preferences. We recommend several styles.

The Best Thermal Underwear

We sent 13 testers out to hike, ski, shovel snow, and run. And we found base layers, in a variety of styles and fabrics, that will keep all types of bodies warm.

The Best Travel Mug

After testing travel mugs for more than 10 years, we’re still confident that the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is the best mug to keep drinks hot for hours.

Other destinations

• 55.3233 73.07655 1 Chernoluchye/Krasnoyarka recreation area

Expect that some knowledge of Russian will greatly assist you in your travels here.

Omsk is a major stop (and indeed, one of the best stops) on the Trans-Siberian Railway . This capital city is also the "terminus" for the Trans-Siberian Railway's South Ural branch.

Omsk Tsentralny Airport ( OMS   IATA ), serviced by flights from Moscow , Saint Petersburg , Krasnoyarsk , and Andijan , Uzbekistan .

• Cruising, whitewater rafting, and canoeing along the Irtysh, Tara, and Shish rivers

The next major stops on the Trans-Siberian Railway are Tyumen to the west and Novosibirsk to the east. The first major stop to the west along the South Ural Branch of the Trans-Siberian Railway is Petropavlovsk , Kazakhstan .

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