All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
When I got my hands on the popular Hatch Restore 2 alarm clock last year, I couldn't wait to start waking up to its gentle sounds and kiss my obnoxious iPhone alarm goodbye. While I was originally drawn to the Hatch's sunrise-inspired alarm, the sleep sounds completely enhanced my nighttime routine and are really what makes me love the bedside machine as much as I do. I began relying on the whispers of crashing ocean waves to help me slip into a comfortable snooze each night. I'm certainly not the lightest sleeper, but I do fall asleep much faster—and stay asleep longer—with some calming background noise. When it was time to pack for a weekend trip to the Poconos a few months ago, knowing I'd have to leave my alarm clock at home, I decided to take the Hatch Rest Go for a spin. I quickly realized this portable sound machine, designed with parents and babies in mind, but just as great for travelers working on their own sleep hygiene, would become my latest must-pack travel accessory.
What is the Hatch Rest Go?
This portable sound machine from Hatch weighs just four ounces and fits in the palm of my hand; at around the size of a tennis ball, it's easy to stash into any backpack or tote. The mini device is a perfect way to bring dreamy sleep sounds with you wherever you are, working the same magic as the Restore. It was designed for parents to help soothe their babies on the go with any of its 10 sounds: white noise, ocean, rain, water, wind, dryer, fan, rock-a-bye, heartbeat, and hush. And thanks to a small built-in ring on the device, it can be clipped onto anything—strollers, cribs, diaper bags—you name it. As a 20-something without kids, I wasn't sure the Hatch Rest Go would be for me. But, I'm here to affirm that this packable essential is ideal for any traveler who could use a little help falling and staying asleep—baby in tow or not.
How does it work?
The Hatch Rest Go is simple to use with just three buttons. To turn it on, press and hold down the center button; press this button down quickly to change the sound. When you want to turn it off, press and hold down the button once more. There are also plus and minus buttons that allow you to control the 12 volume levels. When my older sister, a mom of two little ones under the age of four, saw this small gem clipped onto my weekender bag, she was mesmerized. She was most impressed with how it delivers noise loud enough to be heard by who it is closest to without disturbing anyone else present in the room, making it ideal for traveling parents stopping in restaurants, airports, or stores with their babies. My sister also mentioned the Hatch Rest Go is a lot easier to have handy for nap time than playing the same “hush” or “rock-a-bye” lullaby on a continuous loop on YouTube for an hour.
One of my favorite things about the Hatch Rest Go is that there's no app, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth needed, making it easy for travelers to use anywhere, even on camping trips or in remote areas. The rechargeable device comes with a USB-C cable and its battery lasts up to 15 hours—always more than enough for the whole night. If you do want to charge it at bedtime, the sleep sounds will keep playing while it is charging. It takes about two hours to fully charge.
Is it worth it for travelers?
At just $35, the Hatch Rest Go is affordable and absolutely worth every penny. I've taken it on several weekend trips and a weeklong vacation, and each time it does the trick, helping me drift off for an afternoon nap or a full night of REM in just a few minutes. My go-to sleep sounds are ocean and rain, but there really is a sound for everyone. It's lightweight, packable, simple to use, and really works, whether you're a traveling parent with a fussy baby or a jet-setting light sleeper. It's drop-proof and durable (trust me, I've knocked it over a few times), and its matte finish looks sleek on any hotel room nightstand. I have it in the light beige shade called putty, but it's also available in mint, honey, peach, or slate. Once you've got one for yourself, the Hatch Rest Go makes for a thoughtful gift for any other new parent, insomniac, or frequent traveler you know.
