15 Travel Essentials From Canadian Brands We Love 

Summer vacation season is almost here, and for many of us, packing is the bane of our existence: finding the right suitcase, remembering what to pack, and staying organized can be a challenge. From luggage that won’t break to a reliable SPF and some tools to maximize your space, we’ve rounded up some must-have travel essentials from our favourite Canadian brands. —Cassie Gill

Monos’ Carry-On Pro Plus

Our absolute go-to when it comes to luggage – and the brand just happens to be based in Vancouver. Monos’ sleekly designed Carry-On Pro Plus elevated luggage with the convenience of the front laptop pocket and extra inside pockets. There’s plenty of space inside, too, with a zipped compartment on one end, and a removable compression pad that includes an additional zippered pocket. Most importantly, this bag – made out of aerospace-grade polycarbonate – is highly durable, and the wheels don’t give out after being banged around or checked.

Herschel’s Travel Accessories

Canadian-founded Herschel has slayed the travel game with their accessories – particularly their Kyoto Packing Cubes in various sizes. Once you start packing with cubes, you’ll wonder why you weren’t using them all along. Not only do they help keep items like socks, underwear, t-shirts, and shoes compartmentalized, cubes also allow you to fit more in your bag, which is a huge bonus for overpackers. The Burrard Tech Organizer is another ride-or-die, keeping charging cords, power converters and small accessories out of a tangled mess. 

Ilia’s Eye Stylus Eye Shadows

Never worry about broken eyeshadows again with these. Ilia, a Vancouver-born brand from local Sasha Plavsic, just released their Eye Stylus Shadow Sticks – a cream-based stick formula that’s creamy, easy to blend, and most importantly, mess-free. Did we mention they’re also waterproof? Available in 12 shimmer shades and 8 mattes. 

Skin Edition’s SPF Sunscreen

SPF should be worn year-round, but especially during a summer vacation. Keep your skin healthy and happy with Skin Edition’s line of sunscreens, a spinoff line from Yaletown’s popular Skin Girls clinic in downtown Vancouver. The SPF 40-56 formulas are offered in both tinted and non-tined formulas. Personally, we love the extra glow from the tinted which helps to even out complexion.

Ollie Quinn’s Sunglasses

Sunglasses are non-negotiable for us on a summer getaway, and we’ve been living in Ollie Quinn’s styles for the last year. The BC-based brand has plenty of styles to choose from, including the Celine-inspired “Yew” with an oval gold frame, the Bottega-like “Hazel” in green, and plenty of classics and neutrals for every vibe and face shape. 

Melanie Auld’s Jewelry Case 

If you’re a jewelry person, a case is essential to keep things organized. We are obsessed Vancouver-based Melanie Auld’s leather travel case with a suede interior and gold finishings. Available in black, ivory, and the new canyon, this easy-to-pack item has compartments for everything including rings, earrings, necklaces and more. 

Rose Boreal’s Athleisure

We keep a yoga set permanently packed in our carry-on because you never know when it’ll come in handy: even if you don’t work out on a getaway, there’s always casual AM coffee strolls, a potential hike, or something it comes in handy for. Quebec-based Rose Boreal’s sets are both comfy and easy to throw on, especially the buttery soft and seamless materials. We also like that there’s different style bra tops for everyone’s comfort level, and plenty of colour options.

Oak and Fort’s Vegan Leather Bags

Vancouver’s Oak and Fort has been killing it with their vegan leather, especially when it comes to bags. At $58, the fits-everything tote bag is a no-brainer on the packing list and comes in nine shades including plenty of neutrals. The nylon backpack is also a goodie when it comes to airport travel or city exploring, keeping your essential items – a wallet, phone, lip balm and passport – all secure and easy to reach. 

Aritzia’s Sweetfleece

Sometimes it’s best to stick to the tried and true. We’ll never fly in anything but Aritzia’s iconic sweetfleece because they simply do their sets the best: the material is like a warm blanket in the sky, ideal for both a snooze or mid-air work day, especially if you’re going long haul. We’re currently very into with the newly dropped denim-inspired collection, but there’s quite literally a colour for everyone. Best of all, you can change up the pant style from the classic boyfriend to the trendier cargo, or swap out the crewneck for a hoodie or quarter zip.

Roots’ Leather Passport Covers

Roots has been synonymous with Canadian culture for decades, as have their quality leather goods – which includes a line-up of beautifully designed passport covers. Both the suede Tribe and pebbled Prince designs include extra card slots, great for a Nexus card, a back-up credit card, or whatever else you want to keep close while traveling. These covers are also RFID protected, meaning unauthorized reading of your passport chip or other cards is prevented from potential skimming.

Brunette the Label Socks

Cute socks are a big part of outfits these days, and we are loving the styles from go-to crewneck brand Brunette the Label. Rep the “Babes Club” in their cotton rib varsity style, which are perfect with yoga leggings, loafers and a mini, or jeans and sneakers. Available in both black or ultraviolet. 

411 Cosmetics’ Makeup Toolkit 

For the makeup and skincare aficianadas, finding the right travel bag to fit all your products can seem like an impossible task. The 411 Makeup Toolkit was created by Toronto celebrity makeup artist Julia Dantas, aiming to solve the issues she personally experienced from other bags on the market. This spacious style is both stain and waterproof, and is completely customizable with various changeable elements like a removable base (which turns it into a mini bag), magnetic closure pouches, a standing brush holder, and a peel-and-stick mirror. This all-in-one makeup bag is finished in high-quality grain leather, ensuring it’ll last for many trips to come. 

Beis’ Mini Weekender 

Beis is technically a California-based brand, but the founder Shay Mitchell is a proud Vancouverite (and fellow Lee’s Donuts evangelist), so we’re bending the rules every so slightly with this inclusion. The Pretty Little Liars star has been a trailblazer in the luggage and travel space with her practical, yet chic, designs. The Mini Weekender has been our absolute favourite underseat bag to travel with because everything about it just makes sense: there’s a padded laptop compartment, a key leash (so they don’t end up in the abyss of your overflowing bag), and plenty of space for things like airpods, makeup, and more. Best of all, the trolley sleeve lets this baby slide right on top of your carry-on suitcase to glide through the airport with ease. 

Huha Underwear

Mineral undies or bust: but hear us out. Created by Vancouver content creator Alexa Suter, this innovative brand enhances their underwear with breathable, technical fabrics containing natural antimicrobial protection to avoid irritation. The Tencel fabric is also moisture-wicking to keep sweat at bay. Best of all, these are extremely comfortable – perfect for a vacation and beyond.

Saje’s Pocket Farmacy

We’re addicted to Vancouver-based brand Saje’s essential oils, and now we can keep them on-the-go with their travel-sized Pocket Farmacy. The set includes their five most popular roll-ons, including the can’t-live-without Peppermint Halo which helps with both headaches and tension points. Others offer relief from tummy aches and coughs, all packaged in a vegan leather case made from recycled water bottles.