Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Natalie
Periods aren’t going to stop just because you’re planning to travel. In fact, they do tend to come at the most inconvenient time. Instead of taking up valuable space in your luggage with a lot of disposable products, why not travel with reusable menstrual pads or cloth panty liners?
If you’re interested in traveling with a period cup, I can help you with that, too!
Best reusable menstrual pads for travel 2024
Traveling with reusable pads sounds daunting, but it’s do-able with just a few adjustments. They will take up less space than their disposable counterparts and most people typically won’t have to carry along so many, since you can wash them and reuse them. It’s easy to throw them (and your menstrual cup) into your bag, just in case you may get your period while traveling. Cloth panty liners are just handy to have along anyway.
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Click here for the best reusable cloth pads!
Best reusable pads
To keep your pads working well for a long time, wash and dry according to manufacturer instructions.
There are also period panties available now. Check out this Modibodi period pants review!
Wegreeco Bamboo Reusable Sanitary Pads
I’ve been using the Wegreeco Bamboo resuable cloth pads for a few years now and they are still going strong. I like them because they are easy and always there for me when I need them. However, they do move around a bit (normal with cloth), so I have to make sure they are adjusted correctly before going on with my day. They come in small, medium, and large, which refers to their length. I decided to order size small. Small is 8 inches long. Medium is 9.5 inches long. Large is 1 inches long. All have a 7 inch width. This size has worked well for me and doesn’t feel too bulky, especially after two years of use. I do typically wear them while also wearing a menstrual cup, just in case of leaks. Another thing about these pads is that there are multiple pattern options available.
Charcoal Bamboo Reusable Sanitary Pads (Ink) by Hibaby (7 piece set)
These gorgeous pads come in a set of 7, which includes 6 cloth menstrual pads and 1 wet bag. A wet bag is essential for traveling comfortably with cloth pads. These particular pads are on the larger side at 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) and fairly thick. Some purchasers felt that they were too bulky and could be seen through their clothing. These may not be the best option for smaller people or people who like to wear tight clothing.
Another thing to note: people have said that the wingspan is both too short and too long. Your mileage with this may vary!
Vanki 5pcs Menstrual Pad Bamboo Cloth Reusable Washable Mama Sanitary Pad Liner
Users of these pretty little pads have mentioned they have no trouble with them slipping or with having leaks (your mileage may vary). One women suggested that the size L pads will fit women with size 8 and up underwear. These do come in three sizes. Small is 2.5 inches by 8 inches. Medium is 2.5 by 11 inches. Large is 3.2 inches by 13 inches. Measure your underwear, if in doubt!
Highoh. Period Starter Kit
The Highoh period starter kit comes with 6 cloth pads and a wet bag. Some users had no problem with slipping and some had a lot of issues with it. Again, it’s normal with cloth pads. Many found these to be quite absorbent. The bag is a handy addition, though some buyers mentioned it was a little bit small to spread out the pads.
Hesta Organic PMS Relief Reusable Overnight pad
The Hesta Organic reusable overnight pad is made from organic cotton and they have a wingless option, which some users may prefer. It does have many of the similar drawbacks of cloth, occasional slipping. This is also a pretty big pad, so it may not work for all women. It’s a good option if the bamboo and charcoal options don’t appeal or work for you.
Wet bags for cloth panty liners
Be sure to carry along a wet bag while traveling. Storing a used pad inside a wet bag will protect the rest of your items from getting messy.
Logan + Lenora Convertible Wristlet Clutch – Waterproof Clutch with Detachable Wristlet Strap
I love my Logan + Lenora diaper wet bag that I use for wet swim suits and towels when we are heading to the pool. This little wristlet is cute and looks like a purse. It’s actually a diaper bag, but you can use it how you need to and it looks perfect for storing used period items as needed. It has a lot of space. However, if you want to fold it up and keep it in your day pack, it will work for that, too!
Logan + Lenora Convertible Clutch – Waterproof Travel Clutch with Detachable Crossbody Strap
This is very similar to the option above. However, it also features a detachable crossybody strap! It’s another cute option for a wet bag to store reusable period cloth. It’s not a diaper bag, either, at least not officially. That means it’s usable for this purpose, right? Asking for a friend… okay, not really. It’s an excellent and cute wet bag for this purpose.
Bumkins Waterproof Wet Bag
Yes, this is another diaper bag. However, diaper bag quality surpasses the quality of the mini wet bags made for reusable menstrual pads. This is a larger option. Wet bags can fold and will still fit nicely in your carry on luggage. It will keep your other items from getting messed up, too. I love the cuteness factor.
How do I travel with reusable pads or cloth panty liners?
There are a few things to do to make this process as easy as possible. Yes, you will have to travel with laundry soap. For pads, the best soap will not have any bleaches or softeners (which will reduce the absorbancy of the pads). Unscented soap is also a good choice. First, as soon as possible, rinse your pad until the water runs clear. You can store for awhile in your wet bag, if needed. If you have access to a washing machine, you can wash your pads and wet bag with your other clothing. Otherwise, you can hand wash them with a little bit of soap. Soaking is optional. Rinse well and hang to dry! They will typically dry overnight in most areas.
Once your period is over, wash everything and hang dry. Once all of your items have dried thoroughly, pack them up and put them in the bottom of your carry on until you need them again!
As always, follow laundering instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Pros and Cons of traveling with cloth sanitary pads
The pros of using and traveling with cloth pads:
- You don’t have to worry about running out when you need them most
- It saves money over time
- It helps reduce waste
- It’s claimed they are healthier for our bodies
- They are easy to wash and use – even when hand washing during travel
The cons of using and traveling with cloth pads:
- If you have to change mid-day, you have to carry around a soiled pad
- Cloth pads slide around sometimes (use a small safety pin to prevent this)
- Some are thicker than ultra thin disposable pads
- For some women, they feel too hot
- While traveling, you will likely need to hand wash them
Only you can decide if reusable cloth pads are right for your life and your travels. I love always having mine handy – I never have to worry about running out of pads and needing to run to the store right now. I’m also a big fan of saving money and between using reusable pads and a menstrual cup for over two years, I have saved quite a bit.
Have I actually traveled with reusable cloth pads?
Yes. I really, truly have used cloth pads while traveling. It’s doable, even with kids.
Go forth and travel while riding the crimson tide!
Travel on, ladies! Bring along your reusable period items to save space in your luggage. Another advantage is that you won’t be caught unawares!
Do you have feedback about the best reusable pads for travel? The best feedback comes from my readers. Please leave a comment with your thoughts. Thank you!
