Skip to content
Home » Best Travel Gear for Women (peek inside a nomad’s pack)

Best Travel Gear for Women (peek inside a nomad’s pack)

    Whatcha Packin’?

    DSC01709
    Ready for anything!

    I’ve been on the road now for eight years. Everything I carry can fit in a single backpack.

    I need clothes I can wear for three days, rinse out in a sink, dry in an hour, wad up in a ball, cram in my pack, and wear again. I need my entire summer and winter wardrobes, including coats, to fit in a space smaller than some women’s purses so there’s room in my pack for everything else.

    These items may seem pricey, but they’ve taken me from Iceland to South Africa in comfort. Along the way, I’ve ditched anything that didn’t work and condensed my collection to the essentials.

    Here are the road-tested, nomad-approved items I’m currently traveling with.


    * Note: Using the links on this page to shop helps support the site. But the recommendations are 100% genuine. 


    Pack & Protect

    Deuter ACT Lite 50+10 Pack

    Deuter Backpack

    • Height-adjustable
    • Puts my load firmly on my hips.
    • Air-channelled cushioning against my back.
    • This workhorse has held up to many years of torture.
    • Available at Amazon

     

    REI Flash 22 Day Pack

     

     

    flash pack

    •  My purse,carry-on, and day pack
    • Lightweight
    • Comfortable
    • Stuffs inside my big pack
    • Holds all my electronics & a change of clothes
    • Only available at REI

     

    Eagle Creek Compression Sacs

    eagle creek compression sac

    • Compresses a LOT of clothing into a small space
    • SUPER durable
    • Only suitable for travel clothes that don’t wrinkle
    • I carry a Large and a Medium
    • Available at Amazon

     

    Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Compression Sac

    Sea to Summit Compression

    • Almost as good for compression as the Eagle Creek bags
    • I carry one Large and one Medium
    • Wears like iron
    • I use one for laundry, one for odds & ends
    • Available at Amazon

     

        

     Eagle Creek Wallaby Toiletry Bag – Small

    Wallaby Toiletry

    • Holds a TON of stuff
    • Keeps your toothbrush away from your hairbrush
    • Thin foam layer offers protection without bulk
    • One bag to carry to the hostel shower
    • Available at Amazon

     

    BUILT Neoprene Camera Envelope

    camera case

    • Protects without bulk
    • Pocket holds  memory cards & thumb drives
    • Cute as a bug!
    • Fits my camera (Sony DSCW830) perfectly
    • Available at Amazon

     

    Aluminum Eyeglass Case

     

    • Fits my standard prescription reading glasses
    • Lightweight and durable
    • Easy to get in and out of in a hurry
    • Available at Amazon 

     

    Luggage Lock 

    lock2

    • TSA compliant
    • Use to secure hostel lockers, cabinets and more
    • Set your own combo so you can remember it
    • Flexible band makes is versatile
    • Lightweight, rust-free

    Shirts

    Outdoor Research Women’s Echo Short Sleeve T-Shirt

    OR shirt

    • Lightest, fastest-drying thing I own
    • Resists wrinkles, stains, odors
    • Small hidden pocket on the side
    • Cool & comfortable
    • Available at Amazon

     Under Armour Women’s Tech T shirt

    Under Armour

    • Fast drying
    • Ultralight fabric
    • Moisture wicking
    • Resists odors
    • Outerwear or base layer
    • Available at Amazon

     

     Icebreaker Henley

    icebreaker henley

    • All-season shirt
    • Never too warm or too cold
    • Icebreaker wool never stinks, wrinkles, or stains.
    • Featherlight, dries super fast
    • Available at Amazon

     

     Ex Officio Camina Trek’rCamina shirt

    • A long-sleeved shirt is your light jacket, modesty cover, sun shield, and insect protection
    • Weightless, resists wrinkles, stains and odors
    • Dries in a flash
    • Vented panels at the back
    • Stretch panels at the sides
    • Available at Amazon

     

        

    Icebreaker Long-Sleeve Half-Zip

    icebreaker half-zip

    • No wrinkles, no odors, no stains.
    • This heavier-weight piece is my go-to base layer when it’s cold.  Add the long-sleeved shirt and cardigan and you will be nice and cozy.
    • Outerwear or base layer
    • Available at Amazon

    Icebreaker Willow

    icebreaker willow

    All the Icebreaker features  in a lightweight, pretty design perfect for all but the hottest and coldest temps.

    Available at Amazon

    ExOfficio Bugsaway Lumen Hoody

    bugsaway lumen hoody

    • Treated to repel mosquitos – lasts through 70 washings
    • Great for malaria & dengue protection
    • Lightweight mesh is moisture-wicking and quick-drying
    • Thumbholes, big pocket & hood
    • Available at Amazon

     

     

    Pants

     

    Columbia Women’s Just Right Pants

    • Feel like yoga pants, look like dress slacks
    • Zippered security pocket
    • Lightweight, stretchy, SO comfy
    • Drawstring to adjust fit.
    • Remarkably stain resistant
    • Wrinkle-free, fast-drying
    • Available at Amazon

     

    Columbia Saturday Trail II 

    Columbia trail pant

    • Softest, stretchiest fabric imaginable
    • Dry quickly, resist wrinkles and stains
    • Lightweight, packable
    • Capri length is more wearable than shorts
    • Available at Amazon

    NOTE: Less durable than the other pants on this page. Mine are pilling at the inner thigh.

     

    REI Endeavor Pants

    Endeavor

    • Wind and water resistant
    • Warmth without weight
    • Secure zipper pockets, including one on the thigh
    • Wear like iron
    • Resist wrinkles, stains, odors
    • Dry quickly
    • Available at REI

     Ex Officio Nomad Pants

    nomad pants

    • Roll-up style converts to capri without ugly zip-off legs
    • Cargo pockets & zip pocket
    • Teflon-treated to resist stains
    • Lightweight, fast-drying
    • Available at Amazon

     

    Skirts/Dresses

     

    Soybu Women’s Tahiti DressSoybu sundress

    • Shelf bra really works!
    • So easy on a hot day
    • Never wrinkles
    • Resists stains
    • Holds its shape
    • Available at Amazon 

     

    Skirt Sports  Ultra Skirt

    skort

    • No wrinkles
    • Dries fast
    • Shorts = no chub rub
    • Hidden pocket holds cash & credit cards
    • Cute!
    • Available at Amazon

     

    Note: Short skirts and dresses have limited usability in conservative countries.

     

    If you’ll do a lot of dressing up in your travels, pack a little black dress and foldable flats, too.

     

    Underwear & Socks

     

     Exofficio Women’s 
    Give-N-Go Bikini – 3 pair

    undies

    • Dries quickly
    • Lasts forever
    • Doesn’t ride up
    • Breathable, lightweight, odor-resistant
    • Treated with an antimicrobial
    • Available at Amazon

     

     Bras – 3

    Question Mark

    I travel with a couple of comfort bras and sports bras. I like that they don’t set off metal detectors at the airport, and I can sleep in them if necessary. I hate that they take two days to dry.

    I haven’t fallen in love with a specific brand yet. f you’ve found the perfect travel bra, please tell us about it in the comments!

     

     Socks – 4 pair

    Question Mark

    I carry four pairs of lightweight hiking socks, but mine seem bulky and take too long to dry.

    If you know of a fast-drying sock that takes up less space in the pack than usual, please tell us about it in the comments!

     

    Thermal Leggings

    Amazon.com Duofold Women s Mid Weight Thermal Wicking Leggings Clothing

    • Double as leggings, long johns & pajama pants
    • Moisture wicking
    • Fast drying
    • Lightweight
    • Available at Amazon

     

    Outerwear

    Columbia Fast Trek II Full-Zip Fleece Jacket

    Columbia Fast Trek Ii Full Zip Fleece Jacket at Amazon Women s Coats Shop

    Marmot PreCip Jacket

    Mamot PreCip

     Icebreaker Bliss Cardigan

    Bliss cardigan

    Foul Weather Accessories

    DSC03942

    • Lightweight but cozy warm
    • Layered with a rain shell (right) this kept me warm in Iceland in winter
    • Wad it up and cram it in your pack; give it a shake and it looks fresh and new.
    • Fitted shape fits easily under rain shell
    • Secure zippered pockets
    • Available at Amazon
    • Waterproof yet breathable and moisture wicking
    • Wear by itself or layer over fleece (left) for extreme warmth
    • Underarm zips let you adjust for breathability
    • Chin guard keep zipper off your face
    • Full hood
    • Fits in your pocket
    • Available at Amazon
    • Lightweight yet warm, perfect in your layering arsenal
    • Packable, resists wrinkles
    • Breathable, washable, resists odors and stains
    • Dries quickly
    • Available at Amazon

     

    I avoid cold climates, so I don’t carry gloves, hat, or muffler. I buy cheap ones locally and then give them away when I’m done with them.

     

    If you’ll be spending a lot of time in cold climates, consider getting some high-performance accessories and more long-sleeved Icebreakers.

     

    Shoes & Footwear

     Teva Tirra Women’s Sandal

    teva tirra

     Athletic or Hiking Shoes

    one pair

     

     Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles

    pinnacle_pair

     

     

     Keen Sport Sandals

    Keen

    • Good arch support
    • Good heel cushioning
    • As comfortable as a sandal can be and still look good with a sundress
    • Lighweight
    • Water safe
    • Adjustable fit
    • Available at Amazon
     Hiking shoes or athletic shoes are much lighter than hiking boots, and work just as well for most hikes.Without these, I couldn’t tolerate all the walking & hiking I do in my travels.

     

    I can even buy cheap cute flat and boots on the fly and pop these in them.

    Read my full review here.

    Available at Amazon

    • Amazing arch support and cushioning for tired feet
    • It’s a hiking shoe! A water shoe! A sandal! A camp shoe! A slipper! A shower shoe!
    • Resists odors
    • Lightweight
    • Mine look like new after years of hiking and trudging on cobblestones.
    • Available at Amazon

    Miscellaneous

     Scarf

    DSC07941

    Headlamp

    headlamp

     First Aid Kit

    first aid

     Power Adapter

    adapter

    Scarves are endlessly useful on the road. The greatest scarf I ever owned was this one.

     

    Rainbow colors go with anything and bring a pop of life to any outfit.

    Available at Amazon.

    Good to have even if you’re not camping, in case the power goes out or you have to walk home after dark.

     

    You don’t need anything fancy or expensive. Lightweight, small and economical is good — something like this.

    A few pain relievers, cold tablets, band-aids, and antibacterial wipes are good to have with you. I carry a knee brace, too. Most parts of the world have pharmacies on every corner, so don’t go overboard.

     

    You can buy prepackaged kits on Amazon, but you probably have everything you need to pack your own.

    • This one has worked for me on five continents and counting.
    • Two USB ports on the side let you charge several items simultaneously
    • Easy to pack
    • Lightweight
    • Available at Amazon
        

     Diva Cup

    diva cup

    Toiletries

    seanik

    Baggies & Rubber Bands

    rubber-bands-503028_640

     Swimsuit

    swimsuit betty grable

     

    • Lightweight
    • Uses minimal space in your bag
    • No worries about carrying or finding feminine supplies
    • Surgical silicone is easy to clean
    • If you haven’t used one before, get familiar with it at home before you travel; they take some getting used to and aren’t right for everyone

    Available at Amazon

    I also carry a cloth pad for backup.

    Ziplock sandwich bags store bar soap and leftover foods. Fill one halfway with water and use it to plug a sink while you do laundry. A dozen is plenty.

     

    Rubber bandsthe big size — are so handy. Two of them will hold a pair of shoes tightly together in your bag. They can be used to bags in the kitchen, from frozen foods to rice or coffee. I never stop finding uses for them. A dozen is plenty.

     I can’t recommend one for you, it’s just too personal. But bring one!
        

    Manduka eKO Superlite
    Travel Yoga Mat

    Manduka

     Unlocked cell phone
    (or iPad air)

    phone

     

     Mira Water Bottle

    Mira water bottle

    Sony DSCW830 20.1 MP Digital Camera 

    Sony camera

    •  The only travel mat that’s worked for me
    • Lightweight but doesn’t stretch
    • Easy to pack, roll or fold
    • Sticky surface, even when you sweat
    • Durable & resists odors
    • I cover it with a towel on cold or hard floors
    • Available at Amazon
    SIM cards are usually available at newsstands and stores. $10 usually buys a gig of data.

     

    Calling home is free with Skype, Google Hangouts, or FaceTime.

    This will also be your e-reader, alarm clock, kitchen timer, GPS/maps, music player, video viewer and travel planner.

    You might want some headphones for that.

    • No estrogenic plastics
    • Double-wall keeps water cool or coffee hot
    • Unbreakable
    • Pollution-free alternative to buying plastic bottles
    • Available at Amazon

     

    • Good quality photos
    • Tiny size slips in your pocket
    • Lightweight
    • Easy to use
    • Face detection
    • Available at Amazon

    Note: If you’re a serious photographer, you won’t be satisfied with this. The small size is better for me right now, but I miss my big Sony Cybershot!

        

    Pacsafe CitySafe
    Handbag

    pacsafe

    Lug Flipper Jewelry Clutchjewelry clutch

    Chicobagchicobag

    This Ugly Hat

    hat

    • Slash-guard panels, slash-proof strap
    • Locking zipper mechanism
    • Strap opens & locks around a chair; I’ve even used it to lock my backpack to my chair at cafes, like a bike lock
    • Wipes clean
    • Available at Amazon
    • Organizes and protects a huge collection of small items in a compact case
    • Cute enough to use as a clutch for a dressy night out
    • Jewelry, sim cards, memory sticks, hair ties, barettes and more
    • Available at Amazon
    • Stuffs into attached storage pouch with built-in carabiner
    • I use this for shopping, laundry, and as a cute tote
    • Durable yet weighs nothing
    • Washable
    • Available at Amazon
    • Cooling vents
    • Snazzy chin strap
    • Roll it, pack it, stuff it, it comes out looking…exactly the same.
    • Immediately identifies you as a tourist
    • When I wear it I feel like a dog wearing the Cone of Shame, but cute sun hats that say they’re packable are lying
    • Better than sunburn, I guess
    • Available at Amazon
        
        

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Share via
    Copy link