You are canceling plans for adventures because of poor hygiene? Well, time to say YES to adventure. You don’t need to worry when you know how to handle hygiene without missing out on fun.
Whether this is that time of the month, or you are camping with friends. Just be more thorough about your hygiene.
Today, in this article, let’s discuss what you need to pack, how to maintain your cleanliness, and how to deal with menstruation while you are camping. Let us dive in!
Essential Hygiene Products
What should you pack? Your space is the most essential thing here, you have to carry the most important things. We are listing some of the products that you must include while backpacking.
For Menstruation
- Tampons
- Pads
- Menstrual cups
- Period underwear
For Body Hygiene
- Biodegradable wet wipes
- Small hand sanitizer
- Ultra-absorbent Microfiber towels
Tip 1: Pre-Plan The Trip
It is a brilliant idea to pre-plan your trip.
Research about your trip, where you’re going, staying, and what the location is.
Pre-planning all these things will prepare you in advance on how and where you will dispose of your waste. Also, it will be an ideal choice if you search for the rules and regulations of the locality.
Besides, plan and prepare for your menstrual needs in advance.
Researching and pre-planning will help you to pack the things that will be a must, and you will not be able to find them nearby while camping.
Tip 2: Managing Your Periods
Don’t be stressed out or think about cancelling your trip!
There is no such thing as the best tricks for periods. Everyone’s body is unique, and you know best how you manage your body. So, do things that you normally do.
Do you use tampons and menstrual cups? Then skip the pads and use them as they are space-saving and easy to dispose of.
Only use tampons or cups if you have used them before, or you are sure of how to use them. They can cause you a lot of discomfort while putting on an ill-fitted cup for the first time.
How to dispose of?
Take a large zip lock bag in your backpack. Also, adding a gentle amount of baking soda will help absorb the odor. You will be throwing this bag into a bear bag, so do carry it out as well.
Don’t get short on pads or tampons, as you will not easily find them. So, it is better to have an adequate number of tampons.
Tip 3: Urination and Defecation Techniques
How you will urinate or defecate, and even dispose of this. We have got you.
First of all, Leave No Trace. For this:
- Put your poop bag in large zip lock bag.
- Dig a small hole about 5 inches long
- Put the bag on the ground.
You can also dig a hole and do business in this. Try to look for a spot away from people or ask someone to guard you. Also, avoid doing your business near water sources and plants.
Tip 3: Skin and Hair Care
You can maintain good skin and hair hygiene while backpacking. It is not that difficult if you are an enthusiast and follow a complete routine. You can follow these hacks:
- Carry out travel-sized, biodegradable beauty products that are multifunctional (working both for face and body).
- Use a light moisturiser to avoid drying out from the sun, wind, or cold. Just protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun by applying sunscreen.
- When water is scarce, reusable cloths or baby wipes come in handy for fast cleanups.
- You can use cornflour or dry shampoo to absorb oil in between washes.
- If your hair gets frizzy and dry, you can control it with a little conditioner or hair oil. Don’t put a lot of effort into doing your hair; just do simple hairstyles, such as buns or braids.
- Use face wipes to “wash” your face in the morning and night.
Skin dryness is real at high altitudes, so carry a high-quality moisturizer with you. Drink plenty of water, do not think even for a while that you will have to urinate; after all, your health should be your priority.
Additional Tips And Tricks
On camping, what is the most important thing? The fact that you should be relaxed and your mind should be at ease!
For your comfort, add the following tips to your clothing:
- Layering: Add layers to your clothes, as it will help you to regulate the temperature around you depending on your needs.
- Moisture Management: If your clothes are not drying quickly and are non-breathable, they are of no use. Throw them or buy clothes that will effectively maintain moisture.
- Odor Control: Body odor is common, and your sweating is common too. So, clean yourself with a wipe or a sanitizer.
- Ease of Cleaning: Your clothes should be so easy to wash, they should not take a day or longer to dry. Check out the quality and type of clothes before buying.
- Easy to Pack: You would have limited space, so bring lightweight and compressible items with you to save space.
Conclusion
Maintaining feminine hygiene while backpacking is not a tough nut to crack; you just need to plan things right with a flexible mind.
From using reusable products, moisture-wicking clothes, to having minimal skincare and hair, you will learn how to stay clean and hygienic. It will boost your confidence.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack smart, understand your body’s needs, and say “Hi” to your adventure.
