Menstruating in nature gives me the image of a care-free person, leaves in their hair, dirt on their feet, allowing a natural cycle of body to occur in the natural world. Until you need to think about the logistics.
Tampons, cups, discs, disposable discs, pads… there are many options for menstruating in nature. It can be hard to choose which menstrual product is right for you when you are away from the luxuries of indoor plumbing.
The number one rule of nature - leave no trace. If you pack it in, you pack it out. This includes menstrual products, wipes, and toilet paper both unused and used. There are pros and cons to both disposable and reusable products when in the outdoors which will vary based on your activity and your needs.
If you are completely away from any restroom in the backcountry:
For all single use products it is helpful to place a zip lock bag inside another zip lock bag. Use the inside bag as a garbage bag to store any used products (tampons, pads, wipes, toilet paper) and the outside bag to have unused menstrual products, wipes, and toilet paper. You might consider placing a small bottle of hand sanitizer and/or biodegradable soap in the outside bag to use before inserting and removing menstrual products with your fingers. Bring your bag system when you go to the bathroom so all your supplies are with you.
Tampons
Tampons are a small compact option that are easy to use.
Pros: small, compact, easy to use
Cons: waste to carry, more frequent changes
If you choose a tampon with an applicator you will have to carry out the applicator and the used tampon - more to carry. If you are comfortable with the option of using a tampon with no applicator, you will have less garbage to carry on your trip.
Make sure to change your tampon at a maximum of every 8 hours to reduce risks of tampon shock syndrome. This can be a con as products like menstrual cups/discs could be left in for up to 12 hours.
Pads
Pads are an easy to use option that might be the right option for you if you are unable to insert a menstrual product comfortably into your vagina.
With hiking, backpacking, or any other outdoor activity that makes you sweat they could be irritating to both the skin of the groin and vulva. Remember your groin sweats! If you are comfortable using an internal product, I recommend it over pads.
They are bulkier than other options and require you to carry the used pads out of the woods.
Pros: option for those who do not use internal menstrual products
Cons: can irritate skin, bulky, frequent changes
Period underwear are another option if you prefer a pad. They typically have a cotton lining that will be less irritating to your vulvar skin during activities that make you sweat. This is a difficult option for multi-day trips which will require you to change your underwear frequently and carry a lot more clothing items with you. Remember that means shoes and pants off too!
Used tampons and pads could get smelly, especially with multi-day trips. You can consider double bagging your garbage bag to reduce the smell.
Cups/Discs
Cups and discs hold a large volume of blood and don’t require as much changing. For some people discs are self emptying. This means the disc will self empty your menstrual blood as you urinate or defecate. This could be a great perk as you don’t have to worry about frequent changes.
Unlike a tampon which you can just throw away after use, a menstrual cup/disc requires more cleaning. This will require you to bring some biodegradable soap with you to clean your cup at least every 12 hours. You will also have to have filtered water with you to clean and rinse your cup. Do not use a water source like a lake river or stream to rinse your cup. This shouldn’t be a problem, since you should have a water bottle full of drinking water.
Some people opt to boil their cup to sanitize it. This is always an option, but does require extra work. Some hikers may choose to use their cook pot, others to bring an additional pot with them.
A disposable cup might be a good option for you if you don’t want to deal with cleaning your cup, but again, more trash.
If you have never used a menstrual cup/disc, they could take some practice to get used to. If you are thinking about trying one, practice at home first or at least in a place with indoor plumbing.
Pros: small, compact, infrequent changes, self emptying, no waste to carry out
Cons: need to wash between changes, will need to carry clean water and biodegradable soap to clean
Honey Dew carries a reusable menstrual cup that can also be worn during penetrative sex, check it out HERE.
Always check with the regulations of the area you are hiking in for additional information. If you are in a bear area, used menstrual products should be stored as trash in a bear bin or hung from a tree, along with any products with a scent, soaps, and sanitizers. Your decision of menstrual product might change based on these rules.
I often change my method based on my trip, the location and regulations of where I am going, and if I am being honest, my mood. Sometimes I don’t want to deal with the hassle of cleaning my cup and sometimes I don’t want to deal with carrying garbage. If I’m on a long multi-day trip and know I will be starting my period at the beginning of the trip, I usually prefer a cup. Then I don’t have to carry all the used tampons until the end of my trip. If my cycle is due to start towards the end of my trip, it varies! Experiment to see what works best for you. There does not have to be just one option you choose.
Happy exploring!
All Content Copywrite of Ariel Zablocki, PT.
