Feminine Hygiene in the Outdoors

STAMP
PLACE

HERE
Cleanliness
Hand hygiene is essential- use a
hand sanitiser before and after
bathroom breaks.
Keep an eye out for dirt under
fingernails, pack a small nail brush.

Boil water every night and encourage

everyone to take some water to clean
themselves, together with a small quick drying
towel. Use one end of the towel as the
“sponge” and keep the other end dry to pat
yourself down after. Lay towel out to dry.
If water sources are limited use one wet wipe
to freshen up your whole body (face, armpits,
vagina, bottom -in this order).
Abiding by Leave No Trace principles,
remember “pack it in, pack it out” so pack
out any wipes used. Just be mindful that
scented items can attract wild animals so
when in doubt, stick to water.
Australian Hiker
https://australianhiker.com.au/advice/women-and-
hiking/
Bearfoot Theory
https://bearfoottheory.com/backcountry-female-
hygiene-tips/
Hiking for Her https://www.hiking-for-
her.com/hikinghygieneforwomen.html
Leave No Trace https://lnt.org/research-
resources/leave-no-trace-women-specific-
considerations/
She Dreams of Alpine https://www.hiking-for-
her.com/hikinghygieneforwomen.html
Vitchelo http://vitchelo.com/health/female-hygiene-
tips/

Consider underwear choice - comfortable

underwear that promotes a dry environment,
as bacteria grows better in wet environments.

Good choices are

moisture-wicking, quick-dry
fabrics that breathe well.
Merino wool has the added
benefit of increased odour resistant properties.

Help prevent yeast

infections by taking a daily
probiotic.
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND THE
Brochure compiled by Antonia Macadam
ENVIRONMENT
 Urinating (weeing)
Stay hydrated!
Don’t try to reduce consumption of fluids in
order to minimise needing to “go” – this can
increase chances of getting an Urinary Tract
Infection (UTI).
√ Pale yellow pee in large amounts: you have
plenty of water in your bloodstream.
X The darker the colour, the more urgently you
need to drink water.
TIP: Reduce fluid intake after dinner to avoid
leaving your tent in the middle of the night.
Avoid smelly undies and save your toilet paper
for your number 2’s…use a Pee Rag…
(a bandana, a small quick-dry towel, or an
antimicrobial Kula cloth).
These are hung on the outside
of your backpack with the UV rays
from the sun helping to 'sterilize' it
as it dries.
Then at the end of the day
(or when you feel it needs it),
rinse off the cloth.
Are you struggling to find a bush to hide
behind, or simply sick of exposing your
backside to the elements? Why not try a
female urination device (pee funnel)?
Look for a good seal and plenty of funnel
space for a quick, heavy flow.
Do some practice runs at home.
SheWee
Bowel motions (pooing)
Nothing special for us females here.
This information applies equally to males.
There will be digging…
Essential equipment includes a trowel, toilet
paper (or wet wipes), hand sanitizer and a zip
lock bag to pack it out. Some carry a squirt
bottle of water, which acts as a mini bidet!
About 100m from the campsite, look for a
screened spot and soft, organic soil to promote
decomposition.
Dig a cat hole 20-25cm deep.
Once you have finished your business next to
the hole, use a stone or stick to push it into the
hole. Fill the hole with dirt.
Put a large rock or other natural material on
top. This will discourage others from digging in
the same spot.
Pack out your used toilet paper or wipes and
finish by using hand sanitizer.
As you will be adding to this bag on your trip,
why not create a waste baggie? This is a zip
lock bag which has been covered with duct tape
(increasing its durability and ensuring privacy).
Add some bi-carbonate of soda to the waste
baggie, to absorb some of the smell.
A waste baggie can also be used to store used
feminine products.
Menstruating (periods)
Always be prepared and have a supply of
feminine products on hand.
Our monthly cycle can be brought on by a
change to our everyday routines, travel
and an increase in strenuous activities.
What do we do with our tampons, pads
and applicators?
Leave No Trace means just that!
No placing feminine products into cat
holes, just pack out into the waste baggies
after wrapping twice with toilet paper.
Decisions need to be made about how
much extra wrapping and packing do you
want?
Applicators are great for hygiene but will
be additional items included in the
packing out. The decision is yours.
Other options being used by women
include silicone cups and period undies.
Period undies are a great
reusable option, although if
going for extended journeys,
a larger amount of water is
needed for washing. Rinse
until clear, making sure you
are well away from camp and
living water sources. Different
undies are available for light,
medium or heavy flows.
Silicone cups require only a little
water to rinse out the cup each
day. However, hand hygiene is
essential, and all menstrual
waste needs to be disposed of in
the same way as bowel motions.
Practice using these at home.