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Anonymous

08/06/18 at 1:53PM UTC

Travel

I’m going on my first backpacking trip next week for 5 days/4 nights and it'll be that time of the month for me... what do I do??

We’re going to be in the woods with no bathroom facilities and there’s a 99% chance I’ll be on my period. I know.. Maybe TMI but ladies, any tips??

Join the conversation...

TaraFirma

08/15/18 at 11:33PM UTC

I do quite a bit of off-grid desert camping (no bathrooms or water access) where I have to deal with that time of the month, and here are a few tips that help me out there: 1. The glove trick - bring nitrile gloves, and wear them every time you need to wipe or remove feminine hygiene products. Keep hold of the product/wipes with your fingers in one hand, use your other hand to peel off the glove inside out of the hand holding the products (without letting go), and voila: the glove turns into a mini garbage bag with everything already contained inside! Just tie off the end (wrist) part of the glove, and you're set. No muss, no fuss, you don't even get your hands dirty. I recommend practicing at home a couple of times before you hit the trail, but you'll get the hang of it quickly. 2. Pee funnel - if you're feeling adventurous, you might want to try using a pee funnel to make potty time easier to juggle without getting too messy. Just use, rinse afterward with a little water, put it back in a ziplock bag, and you're good to go. If you use the gloves mentioned earlier, again, you don't even get your hands dirty. I have used this one for many years with good results (make sure you practice ahead of time in the shower until you've got it down): https://www.shewee.com/the-shewee-extreme.html 3. Speaking of waste storage bags; compression bags - You'll definitely want to bring tons of ziplocks to keep the waste products (wipes and gloves) under control, but they can get a little bulky without help. I often bring a SpaceSaver (or similar brand) bag to put everything in once it's been ziplocked because the compression bag flattens it all down to minimize the amount of space needed in your backpack. This pack has small sizes to accommodate what we're talking about here: https://amzn.to/2nGOqvX 4. Water - bring extra just for cleanup, because you'll definitely want a small rinse at least once a day (sweat + blood + wipe residue = sadness). Have fun out there! While inconvenient, your period should never stop you from having adventures. :) With a little pre-planning, you'll be ready to tackle anything.

Anonymous

08/13/18 at 5:30PM UTC

Depending on your age, you are going to have a period for a LONG time ( if younger) . I wouldn't cancel this trip or any other trip , learn to adjust somehow so you don't miss out on life.

Anonymous

08/13/18 at 1:49PM UTC

As a boy scout leader mom... been there, done that, many a time. Not the most convenient, but certainly doable. Used a lot of baby wipes and brought baggies with me to contain my trash (as the ladies before me have posted). Relax and enjoy, it will be fine!

Anonymous

08/13/18 at 1:49PM UTC

Take "flushable wipes" with you and your period underwear. A menstrual cup is more comfortable, but it takes getting used to. If you haven't used one before, a camping trip not the best time to try. Tampons/pads and extra trash bag and you still be able to enjoy the trip.

Anonymous

08/13/18 at 1:25PM UTC

Yes! Menstrual cups and period underwear are my go to. Also, magnesium at night for cramps and ibuprofen during the day.

Anonymous

08/13/18 at 1:18PM UTC

Yeah I would pass on the camping trip...

BeaBoss914290

08/12/18 at 8:54PM UTC

Dear one, go camping no matter; whats the use to fight nature? you may or may not come with your menses but, whats that all about? Do you feel deppressed, anxius, something worse? Wouldn't be a good occasion to let someone else, your boyfriend for instance, take care of you? And you learn more about him -- and you?

Goalsetter609581

08/12/18 at 8:26PM UTC

Don't go! LOL!

Anonymous

08/13/18 at 12:37PM UTC

That's crazy. we can't let our periods dictate things like our plans. Find a trash bag and keep it with you (or dump it) if you're not going to use a menstrual cup. I know it seems gross but it makes me mad to think that you would forego something like camping b/c of nature's cycle.