I lost track of my stash of pads and tampons that I used to keep in the bathroom and throw in go bags and riot kits. If you had to bum a pad/tampon off a comrade unexpectedly what products would you prefer them to have? Pads? Tampons? any particular brands? I figure about 50% of everyone needs them ~25% of the time so after water, candy, and 9mm rounds it's one of the most universally applicable things to have handy.
Anyone menstruating could use a pad, but some have reasons they can't use tampons, so I'd say a pad is a "better for everyone" option.