Prepare for Outdoor Activities During Menstruation: Carry a Kit for Menstrual Readiness
Title: Backcountry Hiking and Periods: A Guide for Women and Girls
Hey there! Let's chat about a topic that might be a bit awkward but is essential for women and girls planning a backcountry adventure—menstruation preparedness. Faith Salter, a fellow outdoors-loving gal, has some sound advice for us.
I once saw my daughter sink her head into her hands during a prep talk about our upcoming backpacking trip. The anticipation of managing her period was daunting to her. So many women might shy away from multi-day outdoor experiences because of uncertainties around menstruation. But let's put those doubts aside.
"Pack a menstruation preparedness kit!" I exclaimed to a group of Girl Scouts. "It's essential to have the necessary tools, even if you anticipate your period won't arrive during the trip." A few blushed, but some laughed and started jotting down notes.
So, what's in this magic kit?
- Stock up on a range of products you use, like tampons, pads, and liners, for the duration of the journey.
- Invest in dark-colored pet waste bags. These are perfect for storing used products and adhering to the Leave No Trace principle, a priority for backcountry adventurers. Some are scented with baking soda or other fragrances.
- Include a pack of flushable wipes approved for vaginal use. They can double as hand sanitizers before and after changing products while outdoors. Avoid disinfecting wipes.
- Lastly, gather all items in a waterproof bag. It could be a Ziplock or another waterproof package.
Now, let's discuss how to use this kit during the trip:
- Announce a break from the group.
- Bring the kit with you.
- Clean your hands and any necessary area with the flushable wipes.
- Take care of your needs just as if you were at home. It's perfectly fine to change tampons or pads in the woods.
- Dispose of used products and wipes in a pet waste bag. Tie a knot in the bag.
- Store that waste bag in the waterproof bag with everything else until you can pack it out or add it to your other trash that's being taken out. This applies even when you have access to a backcountry privy, as menstrual products are not compostable.
A few weeks after addressing this topic with my Girl Scouts, we embarked on our backpacking journey in the White Mountains. Our focus was ensuring the comfort, safety, and success of the group. We stopped whenever someone needed a drink or rest, and yes, whenever someone needed to change a tampon—just like anyone would.
If you're still worried about the usually bulkier disposable products, consider exploring eco-friendly options such as reusable menstrual cups, discs, and period underwear. Happy trails! 🌿🏞️👫
After properly preparing for menstruation, remember to incorporate essential items for outdoor-living into your pack, such as home-and-garden products like dark-colored pet waste bags for disposal. It's important to ensure your lifestyle caters to both the wilderness and your period needs, allowing for a seamless blend of home-and-garden comfort and outdoor-living independence during backcountry adventures.
