Recommended products from JourneyWoman readers

Curated by JourneyWoman staff

Life is full of choices. You have the power to choose who to believe, whose products and services you decide to buy, and whose values you agree with. You decide where to travel, when to travel and how long to travel. You can choose whether to travel to smaller remote places or host a large-scale event, like a wedding, in the world’s most over-touristed city.  

At JourneyWoman, we believe that women have the power to influence positive change through our choices. We believe in making our own rules, stepping away from the crowd and supporting small businesses instead of supporting companies that spend their wealth on megayachts.  

July 8-11, 2025 is Amazon Prime Week, an opportunity for you to save money on travel products that you need. In the past, we’ve shared recommended products for you to purchase on Amazon. However, this year, we wanted to do something different. You still have a choice – you can purchase them on Amazon, but we invite you to consider an alternative – supporting these businesses directly, without the middleman. 

(Please note: this article includes affiliate links, but we only ever recommend items we think are relevant for you and we’ve tried ourselves that will benefit you on your travels. If you decide to purchase a product through one of these links, we will receive a small commission that doesn’t add any cost to the purchase of an item and helps us maintain our website and other services to you!)

Must-have travel gear recommended by women

To create this list, we culled through recommendations from our readers and community members on our private Solo Travel Wisdom Facebook group. We’ve also noted brands that are made in Canada for those who want to support homegrown companies. 

Must-have luggage, backpacks + bags

• Cotapaxi: Each Cotopaxi backpack is ethically handmade with sustainable fabrics. There are lots of styles and colours to choose from. Need something bigger? Cotopaxi also features rolling bags to make travel easier and large duffel bags.
• Merrell: JourneyWoman’s Carolyn Ray is a huge Merrell fan. She loves their comfortable and long-lasting Moab hiking boots.
• Gregory Backpacks: Carolyn also suggests Gregory for backpacks. They are made for women and range in size from a daypack to larger sizes. 
• Black Diamond Carabiner: Carabiners are used for climbing, caving and other sports, but they’re also helpful when you need to attach water bottles, hiking shoes or other items to backpacks, suitcases and bags. “I always have at least five of different sizes, just in case I need them”, says Carolyn R.
• Sherpani: Sherpani makes anti-theft and RFID bags and accessories for women. Crossbody bags are essential for travel to carry your wallet, passport and phone on your body at all times. Sherpani’s cross-body bags are tried and tested, and come in some fun colours. Find one here. Don’t forget to join their mailing list for extra discounts!
• Samsonite: Samsonite hard-side luggage sets come highly recommended from our readers for their durability. The Omni collection is expandable and comes in different sizes depending on your travel needs.
• TravelPro: “Recently hubby bought a medium-sized TravelPro Bold Softside Luggage and I’ve used it on three trips now – I love it (and loved my previous more boxy luggage that the airlines often broke). We’ve just gotten a large-sized one to cover all bases. – Claudia M.
• Away: Recommended by several of our readers, including Kim B., Claudette G, and Lisa A., Away’s lightweight carry-ons come in unique colours like teal and petal pink, start at 3.2kg and hold 39L while being extremely durable.
• Delsey: Barbie L loves her DELSEY luggage set. If you’re looking for French elegance and savoir-faire, DELSEY may be for you. In 1970, DELSEY was the first to provide tough luggage with a hard shell offering better protection for travellers’ belongings. In 1972, they added wheels to their hardshell suitcases.
• Travelon: For purses and crossbody bags, Donna suggests Travelon. “​Travelon bags​ have cut-resistant straps and ways to lock the zippers to keep your belongings safe from prying fingers.”

Clothing + Accessories

Having the right clothing makes travel more comfortable.

• Knix (Canadian-owned): Managing your period when travelling can sometimes be difficult. Tampons can be hard to come by, and if travelling for long stretches, it can take a lot of space to pack the necessary amount of period products. Many women recommend period underwear from Knix, which saves you from using little to no pads or tampons.
• Juno Activewear comes highly recommended from our readers. They feature comfortable and size-inclusive bras, underwear, and sportswear, perfect for bringing along on your travels.
• Coolibar: Many JourneyWoman readers recommend Coolibar, the first sun-protective clothing company to receive The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. “It used to be very difficult to find clothing that was sun-protective. I discovered a company called Coolibar, which makes clothing that is treated for sun protection, including bathing suits with long sleeves and covered shoulders. I’m delighted to have found all those things in one place. Coolibar is endorsed by the Cancer Society.” — Diana E.
• Unbound Merino (Canadian-owned): Merino wool is a light-weight and comfortable, quick-dry material that makes for great travel socks, pants, tops and even underwear.
• Elzama: This loop scarf by Elzama is soft, light and even has a hidden pocket to store your phone, keys or passport. Its size and softness make it versatile and perfect for fashion and functionality. “I usually thrift mine, but bringing a large, lightweight scarf is so useful as a blanket, pillow, beach cover-up, makeshift curtain in a hostel or train, or if you need to cover your shoulders for a visit to a religious site.” — Riley C
• Thigh Society (Canadian owned): “I love packing up and heading somewhere warm, but my thighs don’t. With all the walking and/or hiking, my thighs chaff and burn with the combination of heat and sweat. Thigh Society anti-chafing shorts are a must-have in my luggage. They’re made with silky, hi-tech performance fabric that pulls heat and moisture away from the body. Moisture wicking for hot days and very light coverage that doesn’t roll or ride up. They come in multiple lengths and sizes. Great under a sundress.” — Jacquie C.
• Tilley (Canadian-owned): Carolyn recommends a lightweight Tilley SPF 50+ Sun shade hat with a hood that protects both head and shoulders. Fresh from her trip to Egypt, she’s planning to use it in South Africa too!

Footwear

• Vessi (Canadian-owned): Maureen G suggests Vessi shoes: “Their entire line is waterproof. I love the weekender style to wear with shorts, pants, or dresses. I never leave home without them.”
• Skechers: I only bring one pair of shoes with me now, and Skechers are unbelievably comfortable. The white sneakers wash up quickly, and I’d also consider the black ones for the winter.
• Vim & Vigr Compression socks: Our adventurous friend and travel writer Sherry Ott has just launched her own line of compression socks with women-owned company Vim & Vigr after contracting blood clots and a pulmonary embolism on a long-haul flight to India a few years ago. Sherry says that women over 40 are more susceptible to contracting blood clots while travelling. Sherry helped design the socks, which will be officially available on Friday, July 11, at Vim & Vigr. Use code JOURNEYWOMAN_ORIGINAL to get an exclusive 15% off discount and pick up your pair here.

Safety Gear

• Woods (Canadian-owned): Never leave home without a headlamp or flashlight. You never know when a natural disaster might strike (or when you might need both hands available for a midnight trip to the loo while camping, trekking or other nocturnal adventures). Find one here.
• Trekology Walking Stick: Not only is a walking stick helpful for mobility, women recommend them can also be used to create more space and expand your personal boundaries. Lightweight and easy to store, walking sticks like these ones from Trekology can fold into smaller parts for convenient transportation and storage.
• Magellan Folding Stool: “I put my 22-inch folding stool inside my daypack for when you’re waiting in line and there’s no place to sit. You can usually take it on a plane as a carry-on.” — Wendy B
• PacSafe: There’s more than one place we women can store our valuables. Women recommend the Coversafe S25 Secret Bra Pouch, which sits comfortably on the front or side of most bras. Its unique fabric is exceptionally soft and comfortable.
• PacSafe: Security Waist Wallet or Moneybelt. Secure your passport, cash and cards in this handy waist wallet that rests comfortably beneath your clothes. The Coversafe X100 RFID Blocking Security Waist Wallet comes in black or gray and has RFID blocking technology, which means your phone is protected, too.
• SCOTTeVEST: Clothing with hidden pockets. The SCOTTeVEST is an ingenious travel item that features multiple hidden pockets designed to foil pickpockets and to provide you with ample places to stash your travel items like wallet, passport, train tickets and anything else you want to keep close. Offered in a variety of formats: vests, jackets, skirts, cardigans and coats.  Learn more at scottevest.com.
• Live Life Alarm: Personal alarms can be helpful if you are in an emergency situation. Some are able to detect falls and can send an automated message to emergency contacts. If you choose to wear one, consider a watch rather than a pendant, as this could make you look vulnerable. Try one from Live Life Alarms.
• First Aid Kit: Creating your own first aid kit is always the best option, so that you can customize it for each adventure. There are many travel-size variations available that contain the first aid essentials to help treat common travel injuries such as blisters, cuts and grazes. bandages and a sterilizer. Find one from the Canadian Red Cross.
• Cable Ties: JourneyWoman Pip says cable ties are one of her travel essentials. They can be used for securing external bag zippers, attaching clotheslines, fixing things and more. 

Travel Gear for Women and Menopause

• Go Girl: I bring a Go Girl for long trips with no facilities. I used mine on safari. I would pack it each day in a Ziploc bag with some tissues and a wet wipe.” — Maria S
• Tinkle Belle: The Tinkle Belle was designed for women who love to get out there and explore without worrying about finding a bathroom or squatting in a bush. Created by a group of adventurous women from Montana, the Tinkle Belle is a discreet stand-to-pee accessory that allows women to pee fully clothed while standing up. Lightweight and foldable, it’s easy to travel with. With no need for a bathroom or toilet paper, the Tinkle Belle is perfect for women who want to explore and adventure without worry.
• Cooling Towel: “A cooling towel is a must! They come in packs of four or more, each with a plastic pouch with a hook to attach to your bag, so the cloth can be kept wet and ready for use in hot temperatures. — Joy F.
• Chilipad: “A ChiliPad is like a cooling pad that you can sleep on at night. It’s really great.” — Shawna R.
• Command Hooks: Command Hooks to hang wet towels, bathing suits, clothing, my toiletry bag, etc. I use them next to the shower, behind the bathroom door, in or near a closet for extra hanging space, recommended by Maria.
• Cabeau neck pillow: Carolyn R suggests the ​Cabeau travel neck pillow. It’s soft, comfortable, and has a high wall on the collar that holds your head in a neutral position, perfect for long-haul flights.
• SilkSilky: Anne-Marie suggests a pillow case. She says, “It can be a cheap thin one, to take up less space. I slip the provided pillow into my own CLEAN pillow case, no matter where I lay my head each night! I was so glad to have it with me when staying in some more “rustic” accommodations during an adventure motorcycle trip in the India Himalayans last summer.” Consider a silk pillowcase, which is better for your hair and skin.
• Frogg Toggs Poncho: This poncho is lightweight and packs small, while protecting you against wind and rain. I used mine when walking the Camino de Santiago.

Health + Wellness

• Probiotics: “BioK Probiotics in capsule form. I use these to keep my belly happy with the new foods we encounter while exploring this big, beautiful world. After that, earplugs and a mini sound machine.” — Vivian
• Sunscreen: “Badger Balm Sunscreen is a women-owned business that strives to protect natural resources and incorporate climate justice into their everyday production. Their products are chemical-free and reef safe.” — Nora L.
• Conair: “The Conair Thermacell cordless curling iron. It’s permitted on airplanes in carry-on luggage, but no additional cells are permitted. It has an incredibly long life and heats quickly. I would not travel without it. No power converters or adapters needed!” — Starr J.
• Tatcha: Ella B suggests Tatcha Silk Sunscreen. It’s a mineral-based weightless formula, so it’s light and easy on the skin and is reef safe.
• Leave-in Conditioner: “Paul Mitchell leave-in hair conditioner. The only hair care product I bring! Works great for sore feet, sunburns and dry skin anywhere, too!” — Tracy T.

Technology + Electronics

• Bagsmart electronics organizer: “Keep your electronics and wires neat and organized with this BAGSMART travel electronic organizer. It has separate pouches for smaller gadgets and elastic straps to keep all your wires tidy and tangle-free. It comes in cute colours too!” — Carolyn R.
• Apple: “My Apple AirTag! I stick one into my checked bag and always have peace of mind that my luggage is following along with me. If it’s a shorter trip where I can do carry-on only, I always bring my pink Monos bag. It’s the best piece of luggage I’ve ever owned.” — Stephanie C
• Loop earplugs: For a better night’s rest, Nat H suggests Loop sleep earplugs, and Sharon P likes her earplugs from Happy Ears. She says, “They are so comfortable to sleep in and block almost all noise – I never fear noise in hotels anymore.”
• Oura Ring: The Oura Ring is highly recommended. Carolyn R says, “I’ve been using an Oura ring as part of my wellness journey to understand my sleep patterns, body temperature and exercise goals. It tracks my heart rate and reminds me to move every hour.”
• Headphones: Bose Quiet Comfort Bluetooth headphones feature noise-cancelling technology and are extremely comfortable for extended wear on longer flights. They come in a variety of colours to choose from, too!
• Electric Toothbrush: This Philips rechargeable toothbrush is perfect for travel. It has a travel case, packs small and can be charged using a USB.
• Twelve South AirFly Pro: “I love bringing the Twelve South AirFly Pro (Bluetooth wireless transmitter) with me when I travel. It’s super small and it plugs into any audio jack to use my wireless headphones or earbuds in places that only have a headphone jack, like airplanes, rental cars, and treadmills.” – Riley C
• Anker Battery:  Kathy B recommends Anker’s portable chargers. “They are great for keeping your electronics charged during long travel days or day trips. Look for something with at least 20,000mAh for faster charging and more power.”
• Nord VPN: Nord VPN protects your data when travelling and using public wifi systems.
• Airalo eSim: eSims work globally and solve the pain of high roaming bills. Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first eSim here using the code JOURNEY15.
• Old or refurbished cell phone: If you lose your phone (or want a backup), consider bringing along an old or refurbished phone. Find one here.

Places to recycle or find gently loved items

• Value Village/ Village des Valeurs (Canada) / Savers (US/Australia): Founded in 1954, Value Village has stores across the US, Canada, and Australia and accept donations of clothing and household items. It’s also a great place to shop, especially for jeans, purses, jewelry and more. Find a location near you here. 
• Salvation Army Thrift Stores (Canada/US): In Canada, the Salvation Army is a non-profit and one of Canada’s largest clothing recyclers. Get a limited-time coupon to save 25%* when you drop off a donation from July 2-15. Donations of clothing, housewares, home décor, kitchenware, and more are needed.  #GiveSomethingAwayDay. Find a location in Canada near you here. Find a location in the US here.
• UPPAREL is Australia’s leading textile recycling company. Recycling costs start from $35, which will allow you to send and recycle 10kg of textiles in one box.  Learn more here. 
• Furniture Bank (Canada): Furniture Bank supports families and individuals experiencing furniture poverty, including women and children leaving shelters, people transitioning from homelessness, and newcomers and refugees to Canada. There is a cost to donate, but you also get a tax receipt. Learn more here. 
• Recycling Rewards (Canada): This is a licensed, for-profit Canadian recycling company operating in Ontario since 2005 that collects and repurposes clothing, toys, books, small appliances, and other unwanted items. Learn more here. 

Know of more places to find or recycle clothing and household items? Drop them in the comments!

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