Staying clean outdoors during your period
Those who get their period each month may be discouraged from going on outside excursions during that special time but we hope this article can provide some useful advice! Although this article won’t talk much about soap since that can cause irritation and pH imbalance for some we will be discussing other products that can be useful care for all seasons for campers, bikers, and backpackers who get their period! We will also go over the proper methods of disposal of waste.
Best menstrual products for use in the outdoors
- Menstrual cups - This is a great option for the outdoors as it is something you can reuse throughout your trip. Menstrual cups do not require any pack in and pack out of waste and will certainly save you room compared to lugging around clean and used tampons and pads. However be warned that there can be a learning curve when using menstrual cups for the first time! It is recommended that if you would like to begin using a menstrual cup on outdoor excursions to practice a few times before taking it out to a trail where accommodations may not be so available. Keep in mind that the cup needs to be emptied every so often and how frequently this needs to be done can vary on how heavy your flow is.
- Reusable Pads- Another great product to use and one that I (Crystal (co-founder of Phantosmia Scents) swear by but for hiking! Wearing a pad while on a long bike ride can cause irritation for some including myself. Something insertable like a menstrual cup or tampon is much better for biking. Reusable pads must be washed after use so having access to water and digging a hole (known as a “cat hole”) to dispose of the waste water is necessary.
- Period Panties- Period panties are another great option for being outdoors! Period panties are made from moisture wicking materials. They are also a a great alternative for those who prefer to not have to worry about emptying a menstrual cup or changing a tampon. Cleaning period panties is similar to cleaning a menstrual cup. Use warm water and a biodegradable laundry detergent and dispose of waste water in a cat hole. Be sure to bring some clothes line to hang them to dry.
- Disposable pads and tampons- Bringing along pads and tampons is of course an option, however the used materials will need to be packed out in a trash bag. Some have made something known as a “party bag” which is a plastic bag made of duct tape. Never bury used pads and tampons as animals will find them and eat them causing harm. They should also never be dumped in an outhouse or primitive toilet.
How to handle waste and how to use the facilities out in the back country
Whenever out in the trails, make sure to always follow the “leave no trace” and “pack in pack out rule”. Make sure to bring extra trash bags (yes they can be reusable trash bags) to store your used toilet paper or menstrual products. As mentioned earlier in the article, you can make a party bag, which is a plastic bag wrapped with duct tape (see "Steps to making a party bag/re-usable trash bag" below) . I will be posting a video of how to make a reusable party bag and also how to dig a cat hole on our social media so be sure to tune in for that! Bodily waste (including menstrual bodily waste) must be buried in a cat hole just as any other time you use the restroom in the back country. Toilet paper must be packed in and packed out as it will not break down just as other disposable toiletries.
Example of a sanitary shovel for backpacking; source REI
Steps to making a party bag/ re-usable trash bag:
1. Get necessary items: re-sealable plastic bag, duct tape, scissors
2. cut duct tape in strips so that it can wrap around the bag OR so that it can cover the length of the bag.
3. repeat step 2 until the entire bag is covered with duct tape. Mark the bag with a marker or pen to label as "trash" or "do not open" (optional)
How to keep yourself feeling refreshed
When traveling through the back country it is most likely that you will not have access to a toilet or running water. Many outdoors enthusiasts swear by using biodegradable wet wipes to freshen up down there or bringing along a portable shower. If you are planning to camp at a campground some sites will have access to potable water or showers but make sure to check what accommodations will be to plan accordingly. The list below includes a few handy tips for keeping yourself feeling good and ready for the day throughout your trip!
- Plan ahead - make sure that you are fully aware of what accommodations you will have during your trip. This will allow you to pack all essential items, for example knowing that you will not have access to a primitive bathroom means you’d need a sanitary shovel to make a cat hole. If you know that you will have access to potable water then maybe you can wash and hang your period undies to dry.
- Keep your hands clean - always use sanitizer or at the very least rinse your hands with water to avoid transferring bacteria from your hands to other areas of your body. If neither water or sanitizer are available, be sure to pack some biodegradable wipes to wash up before changing out any menstrual products. We also offer travel size biodegradable soaps to use to wash the hands and body!
- Stay Hydrated - drink water! Even if you don’t feel thirst. If you are already thirsty to the point water is all you can think of, you are already dehydrated. Proper hydration can help alleviate any cramping, headaches, or other period related symptoms and contribute to overall well being!
- Wash your reusable menstrual products and pack out waste from disposable ones - be sure to follow best practices to keep your reusable products clean. For example, menstrual cups can be sterilized by boiling the cup in hot water (if water is available). Another method could be to wipe it down with some hydrogen peroxide or other mild, natural cleaning agent. Wash cloth products after each use and do not reuse cloth menstrual products such as panties and pads repeatedly. Also, make sure to label waste bags and keep track of what is trash in your pack.
- Eat well - sticking to a diet that best suits your body will boost your energy level and enjoyment while out on the trails. If you feel best eating primarily vegetarian and/or vegan foods then be sure to bring those kinds of meals along for your trip! Dietary changes can make you feel even worse during your period!
Common Myths about being outdoors while on your period
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Wild animals will hunt you down - Yes, it’s true animals have much more developed sense of smell, however there is no scientific evidence supporting the theory that people are more at risk of being tracked down by an animal while on their period. You are more in danger carrying open snack containers in your pack while in bear country than carrying your used menstrual products.
- You shouldn’t exercise while on your period- So long as your body feels well enough to move and exercise you should be fine out there while you hike, bike, camp or whatever you want! In fact, being active helps alleviate many uncomfortable menstrual symptoms such as cramps and being outdoors can help improve mood overall!
Links to some helpful tutorials:
How to dig a "cat hole" when camping
How to make a re-usable trash bag for backpacking
Although periods can be an uncomfortable time for many, it is our hope that this article can help some find relief in nature and you may find yourself breaking barriers that have been placed on people and how they go about life on their periods!
Stay safe, enjoy yourself out there!
With Love,
The Phantosmia Scents Fam
