Managing your period outdoors can sometimes be a bit chaotic if you're not prepared. But believe it or not, menstruation outdoors can be managed! Here are our tips for managing your period during your adventures.
On the eve of setting off on a long, independent hike, you feel a slight twinge in your lower abdomen. At the same time, you decide to open your menstrual cycle tracking application. It's a big red dot on the virtual calendar that lets you know your period will be joining you for a few days to share the trails. Since you haven't left yet, it's a good time to consider the various menstrual products available to you, as well as the best practices to adopt in the field.
1. Reusable menstrual cup and disc
The menstrual cup and disc have been designed to offer women a more ecological and economical option. Thanks to the different shapes offered, either the cup or the disc, these products adapt to all morphologies and menstrual flows.
Outdoor benefits
Economical thanks to its reusability
One hygienic product to carry for the duration of your period
Can be worn for up to 12 hours depending on flow
Ecological
Long service life
Disadvantages for outdoor use
Can be difficult to put on and take off on first attempts (but don't be discouraged!).
Can be uncomfortable for some women
- Learn how to use them before you leave
If you're a beginner, practice at home before using it outdoors. Menstrual cups and discs can sometimes be difficult to put on and take off the first few times due to lack of experience. You'll get the hang of it! It's also possible that this type of menstrual product isn't right for you. So it's better to know before you go than once you're in the field.
Choosing the right model
Make sure you have the right cup or disc for your flow and body shape.
Clean the product before you leave
Sterilize your cup before departure by placing it in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
Provide the necessary equipment for emptying and cleaning
A trowel for digging a hole
A small bottle of water for rinsing
Disposable wipes or a washcloth for your hands or the cup if you need them
A clean fabric storage pouch for your cup
- Emptying and cleaning reusable menstrual products outdoors
Choose your location
Find a secluded, environmentally-friendly spot. This makeshift spot should be at least 60 meters from waterways to avoid polluting them.
Dig a hole with a small trowel
Gently remove the cup and empty its contents into the hole dug for the purpose.
Cover the hole when emptying is complete
Cleaning the menstrual cup or disc
Rinse cup with clean drinking water if possible
Dry the cup before reinserting it.
Clean your hands after handling
- Storage of reusable menstrual products at the end of menstruation
If possible, sterilize reusable menstrual products before storing them for long periods;
Store in a clean, dry cloth pouch to prevent mildew.
- Waste management for reusable menstrual products
Although these feminine hygiene product options are not disposable, you'll be using toilet paper and sometimes cleansing wipes as needed. If you use wipes, bring them back in an airtight bag for disposal when you return. What's more, it's essential to respect the Leave No Trace principles, i.e. to leave the place as clean or even cleaner than it was.
- Additional tips
Anticipate your needs! Always carry more water and wipes than you need.
Be easy on yourself. If this is your first outdoor experience with a reusable menstrual product, it's normal to need to adjust.
2. Washable sanitary towels
Washable sanitary pads are an ideal eco-friendly option for women who don't like or can't wear tampons or menstrual cups. Washable sanitary pads are designed with ultra-soft fabrics, offering long-lasting comfort.
Outdoor benefits
Economical thanks to its reusability
Comfortable
Ecological
Odor reduction
Disadvantages for outdoor use
Must be washed, so several pads must be carried, both clean and soiled.
- Provide the materials needed for the changeover
An airtight bag, such as a freezer bag, to transport your waste to the disposal site
Biodegradable wipes or a small washcloth to clean your hands
Hand sanitizer to maintain good hygiene
A pouch for your clean sanitary products
Changing washable sanitary towels
Find a secluded, environmentally-friendly spot. This makeshift spot should be at least 60 meters from waterways to avoid polluting them.
Change your pads as often as at home
Wash or disinfect your hands before and after changing your protection.
Bring a small bottle of water for rinsing if necessary
- Waste management
Change the pad and place it in a special airtight bag
Place all your waste in another airtight bag as a freezer bag.
Always dispose of your waste in an appropriate garbage can in urban areas.
3. Disposable tampons and sanitary towels
These two menstrual products need no introduction! Although these products are disposable, some women prefer to use them - and there's nothing to feel guilty about.
Outdoor benefits
Easy to use thanks to disposability
Disadvantages for outdoor use
Several menstrual products need to be transported
Creation of waste that also has to be transported
Must be changed regularly
Make sure you have the right amount, so you don't run out if your period is heavier or if the flow lasts longer than usual.
- Provide the materials needed for the changeover
An airtight bag, such as a freezer bag, to transport your waste until it's ready for disposal;
Biodegradable wipes or a small washcloth to clean your hands;
Hand sanitizer to maintain good hygiene;
A pouch for storing your clean sanitary products.
Changing tampons and pads
Find a secluded, environmentally-friendly spot. This makeshift spot should be at least 60 meters from waterways, to avoid polluting them;
Change your pads as often as you would at home (every 4 to 6 hours for tampons, or according to flow for pads);
Wash or disinfect your hands before and after inserting or changing your protection;
Bring a small bottle of water for rinsing if necessary.
- Waste management
Wrap used tampons or pads in toilet paper;
Place in an airtight bag such as a freezer bag;
Never burn tampons or pads. Tampons often contain non-combustible synthetic fibers;
Always dispose of your garbage in an appropriate garbage can in urban areas.
- Back home
Cleaning menstrual products and waste management
Clean all your accessories, from menstrual products to pouches and carry bags for future use.
Dispose of all period-related waste during your adventure.
Situation report
When you return home, it's very constructive to take stock. Analyze your needs for your next outing: sufficient quantity of protection, waste management, good calls, bad calls, etc. This exercise will be beneficial for future outings, and you can even share your tips with your female partners.
- Additional tips
Plan your inventory of menstrual products: bring a few more tampons or pads than you need to avoid the unexpected.
Be kind to yourself: adapting your menstrual routine to the outdoors may require some trial and error.
Communicate with your teammates: if you're traveling in a group, don't hesitate to share your tips with the group or organize collective management.
Article written in collaboration with Renée-Claude Bastien
Events not to be missed
Stay tuned for the announcement of our next events.
