OutdoorHer | Managing your period in the outdoors
Planning outdoor adventures comes with lots of preparation and adding a period into the mix can be one more thing to think about. While not everyone will be up for a hike or a climb on their period, if you are preparing for your next trip in the good company of menstrual blood, here’s what to do.
Prepare
Even if you don’t think you’re due on your period, it’s best to take some products with you. Many factors such as changes in activity levels and nutrition can cause changes in your cycle so it’s best to be prepared. Here are some essentials to take:
- Period products (in waterproof bag/container)
- Toilet paper, wet wipes or pee cloth
- Hand sanitiser or environmentally friendly soap
- Clean water
- Trowel if using a menstrual cup or disc
- Bags and/or dedicated box to pack out your waste
The best way to minimise your impact on the environment when managing your period is to not go in the wild at all! If you can find a public toilet, always use these first. You may need to pay to use public toilets or pick up a snack or drink from a café to use them there. So, bring a little change in case you need it. There are lots of apps and websites that will help you to find public toilets and it is a good idea to look these up when planning your day so that you can mark them along your route.
READ: How to navigate your period when you’re trans or non-binary
Products
Make sure you have enough of your preferred period products with you for the duration of your activity. You can use any product that works for you but it’s best to be familiar with them already – you don’t want to be experimenting on a windy hill! Here are some suggestions for particular activities:
Tampons and pads are easy to carry for day activities. However, if you’re camping or away from facilities for several days you may need to carry a lot which can be bulky. Make sure you keep them in a waterproof bag, or they’ll be no good when you need them! Used items need to be packed out in bags, not buried, and carried back with you until you are able to dispose of them responsibly. Remember that tampons need to be changed regularly, while it can be tempting to leave them in for longer as it can be difficult to stop for toilet breaks or find enough privacy, it is important to protect your health and avoid toxic shock syndrome.
Menstrual cups and discs are great in the outdoors as you only need one and they leave no waste other than the blood itself. They are compact and lightweight so they’re great to carry in your pack even if you are not sure if you will be on your period. Menstrual cups can be sterilised ahead of your trip, ready for use all week. Make sure your hands are clean before taking out and re-inserting. Hand sanitiser or environmentally friendly soaps are great but make sure you rinse off any residue as chemicals and alcohols can be damaging to the vulva. Blood must be buried in a hole at least 50m away from water and at least 15cm deep like when you go for a poo outdoors.
Everybody is different, so it can be useful to carry out some research thinking about your body, what activities you do and what environments you’ll be in before purchasing one. Put a Cup in It have heaps of useful resources to help you choose.
Period pants are awesome, they are comfy and you may not have to change them for the whole time you’re outside. However, some people find them a bit awkward to change and wash if you’re on a multi-day activity so plan this before leaving.
READ: How Christine Cornock managed her period on the South West Coastal Path
Privacy
When you need to go, find a quiet spot where you feel comfortable changing. Sometimes this can take a little while so be on the lookout in advance – trees, rocks or dips in the ground can be your friend.
Make sure it’s a safe location (not the edge of a cliff!) and if you’re with a group, make sure they know and are waiting for you so you don’t feel rushed. If you feel worried about people coming by, ask a friend to keep a lookout.
It’s also a good idea to get everything you need out of your bag in front of you, or ready in a pocket if it’s windy.
If you need to pee or poo too, it’s easiest to do everything at the same time - follow our guides to toileting in the wild if you’re not sure how!
Pack out
Products can’t be left outdoors so they need to be carried out with you so that you Leave No Trace – this protects animals and the environment and is nicer for other people who come along after you. Place used period products, wipes and toilet roll in a dedicated bag. This could be a dry bag or just a doggy poo or sandwich bag. Double them if necessary. Some people have a small, dedicated box or Tupperware instead. Dispose of your items when you get to an appropriate bin.
Wash your hands and enjoy your day
Don’t be afraid to ask! If you’re on a led walk, climb or workshop and are not sure where or how to go or you’ve forgotten to pack something – don’t be embarrassed, just ask your leader. All leaders of all genders should know how to help people manage periods outside as it is an important part of looking after their group.
Leaders should carry some spares and will always be happy to wait for you if you need time to go and deal with your period.
Remember many trans and non-binary folks have periods too. Don’t be surprised if someone who does not present as a woman asks you for period products or uses a gendered toilet you did not expect.
WATCH: Periods in the outdoors
Related Content
Hill Walking Articles
When out for the day it is likely you will need to go to the toilet at some point. Whether it be for ones and twos or refreshing period products, we’ve got you covered with all you need to know to be prepared. Things can get tricky out there so we will run through the ideal options through to the less ideal, but sometimes necessary, options when it comes to toileting. Wherever you can try to focus on what will have the least impact and do as much as possible to leave no trace.
Hill Walking Articles
Menopause is a significant and transformative phase of life. It is a natural biological process during which ovulation stops and periods end. The experience of menopause can be different for each individual and often comes with a wave of physical and emotional changes. In this guide, we will explore the different phases of menopause, common symptoms, and the power of regular movement and exercise to manage symptoms and support good health.
Hill Walking Articles
Christine Cornock shares how she managed her period along the South West Coastal Path multi-day hike.
Article
The BMC and Mountain Training have put together resources leaders should take a look at and can use to educate and equip themselves when taking groups out into the outdoors and talking about topics including periods, menopause and nutrition in the outdoors.
Related Content
Hill Walking Events
Join BMC and komoot on a guided hike at Kendal Mountain Festival 2024. If you have a suitable fitness level for the route and value connecting with other outdoor lovers, you’re invited to hike with us!
Hill Walking Events
BMC members are invited to join a Social Hike in the High Peak delivered by Members of the Rucksack Club on Saturday 30th November 2024
Mynydda Dysgwch Sgiliau
Here’s your heads-up to some of the most common winter walking mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
A series of guides to some of the most popular scrambles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Mynediad Newyddion
Proposals to make ordinary trespass a criminal offence have alarmed outdoor groups, including the BMC. Ahead of a debate in Parliament on the issue and the possibility of Government publishing the Police Powers and Protections Bill, Ed Douglas calls for the Government to think again.
Mynediad Newyddion
There are concerns that government are considering moves to turn trespass from a civil offence to a criminal one. In a public consultation that is currently out for comment, it has been suggested that police powers could be strengthened to force people to move on from unauthorised encampments. The BMC is concerned however, that there could be unintentional consequences of the proposals around issues such as wild camping.
Hillwalking Destinations
It's no easy feat, but with a little advice, organisation, knowledge and determination, climbing the Wainwrights is doable for almost anyone. This beginner-friendly guide aims to teach you about the fells and how to plan for and complete them.
Hill Walking Articles
Chris Townsend's top tips on getting the most out of a long-distance adventure, plus three week-long route ideas for beginners, offering a mix of nature, history, solitude and challenge.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Are you a hill walker wanting to tackle steeper terrain, but nervous about heights? Don’t panic – there are steps you can take to fight the fear.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
In this guide, we share tips to help you navigate your way back to safety in the event of a whiteout.
Hill Walking Articles
The health and well being benefits of physical activity are numerous. Apart from the obvious physical benefits, there are many mental health and social perks to hillwalking and climbing too.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
The know-how, top tips and gear you'll need for scrambling safely.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
The mountains at night can be hazardous, but also wonderful. Here are a handful of helpful tips for exploring the dark side.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Camping ‘wild’ is a different way of spending the night outdoors but it isn't allowed everywhere - with a responsible approach however, there are many remote areas where you can still rest your weary head under a star-filled sky.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
When should you use crampons? Our guide explains the 'when', 'where' and 'how' of deploying your spiky winter gear.
Article
Here are a few of the most gruelling, exhausting, rewarding and brilliant challenge walks Britain has to offer.
Hillwalking Destinations
Sarah Stirling lists five of the easiest Munros for beginner hikers to bag!
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Friction blisters on the feet are a common and potentially serious complication of hiking or hillwalking and other outdoor activities. This guide explains how to prevent and treat blisters accordingly.
Article
We've totted up a few fun facts and some trail trivia about this iconic route, including some surprising statistics that are guaranteed to earn you points at the next pub quiz. Read on for everything you need to know about this pioneering path...
Hill Walking Articles
Having a duvet day or a quiet night in? We've got you covered. There's nothing better than a day in the hills - but we think planning a day in the hills comes in pretty close second. If you're looking for inspiration for your next on-foot adventure, check out our lineup of ten of the best mountaineering, hiking and hillwalking films from the BMC TV YouTube channel.
Cerdded Bryniau
Forget ghost stories and horror movies - a simple walk in the story-stuffed British wilds is the best way to get your skin crawling.
Mynydda Dysgwch Gêr
Do you carry a first aid kit in the mountains? We take a look at the essentials for any mountaineering first aid kit and how to use them.
Mountaineering Destinations
Mountains have always meant more to humanity than just lumps of rock. We take a look at five summits with mysterious, magical or mythological significance.
Cerdded Bryniau Newyddion
Many people will have visited the summit of Great Gable in the Lake District and looked at the bronze plaque close to the summit commemorating FRCC members killed in World War One. This plaque was unveiled 100 years ago this year, on 8 June 1924, so this year, the FRCC held a commemorative meet with members staying at their huts in Wasdale, Borrowdale and Buttermere. This was attended by the BMC’s Hill Walking Rep Steve Charles and Lakes Area Rep Ron Kenyon, who sent this fascinating report of the day’s events and the history of the plaque.
Cerdded Bryniau
It helps you cope at work, 'heals' your brain, makes you more creative and it could even be better for you than running. Here are six ways walking could be more powerful than you realise.
Hill Walking Articles
Diversity conversations in the outdoors can’t leave anyone out. At ESEA Outdoors UK we’re celebrating the fact that East and Southeast Asian people go outdoors too, in spite of historical erasure and lack of representation in outdoors media. Here’s what you need to know:
Hillwalking Destinations
Watch five great walks in the Lake District, including family inspiration, lesser-known routes to popular summits and dog-friendly fell walking.
Mynediad & Chadwraeth
In the week that sees the Dartmoor wild camping case return to the Court of Appeal, the BMC clearly sets out its position on wild camping.
Hill Walking Articles
When out for the day it is likely you will need to go to the toilet at some point. Whether it be for ones and twos or refreshing period products, we’ve got you covered with all you need to know to be prepared. Things can get tricky out there so we will run through the ideal options through to the less ideal, but sometimes necessary, options when it comes to toileting. Wherever you can try to focus on what will have the least impact and do as much as possible to leave no trace.
Hill Walking Articles
Menopause is a significant and transformative phase of life. It is a natural biological process during which ovulation stops and periods end. The experience of menopause can be different for each individual and often comes with a wave of physical and emotional changes. In this guide, we will explore the different phases of menopause, common symptoms, and the power of regular movement and exercise to manage symptoms and support good health.
Hill Walking Articles
Christine Cornock shares how she managed her period along the South West Coastal Path multi-day hike.
Hill Walking Articles
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Hill walking in winter covers a spectrum of difficulty and technicality, take a look at winter walking options, and what you’ll need to consider when choosing a route.
Hillwalking Qualification Training
Whether you want a career in the outdoors, or to improve your own personal skills, there are a number of training providers offering courses and instruction.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
This article helps you decide what sort of crampons are suitable for your winter walk, or whether micro-spikes could be an option, as well as discussing the compatibility of crampons to walking boots.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
A look at some of the benefits of poles and how to use them for hill walking.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Walking boots can be expensive and should last a long time, so this article looks at factors to consider before you buy.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Points to consider if you're wondering ‘Do I need crampons for walking in winter?’
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Being able to read a map and find your way around the hills is an essential skill for all hill walkers, and practice is the real key.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
A look at types of small, lightweight stoves suitable for hill walking and backpacking trips.
Article
What should you look for when choosing down products? Some factors to consider when investing in new down gear.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
If you’ve enjoyed walking in summer and want to continue through the winter, here are ten things you need to know before you go.
Hill Walking Articles
Clean out your kit cupboard and put a spring in your step knowing that you’re making greener choices throughout the lifecycle of your outdoor products.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Hill walking doesn’t require as much specialist equipment as many other outdoor activities, but is important to have the appropriate equipment for the route and activity you have chosen and the weather forecasted. In this article we outline the basic equipment every hill walker needs:
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
In this article we’ve listed the ideal range of hill walking items so you can head out with everything you might need.
Article
What’s better than a day in the hills? Easy – several days! Here are our tips for walkers looking to take their first steps into walking far and sleeping enroute.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
We take a look at what clothing to wear when hill walking, and how to layer it to stay warm, dry and comfortable in cold and wet conditions.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
This article outlines a few navigation techniques you can practise to stack the odds in your favour in poor visibility and severe weather.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Pinpointing your exact location is one of the most basic and important skills when hill walking. This article outlines a number of ways to do just that: