5 Essential Tips for Feminine Hygiene while Backpacking
As a female adventurer, it is important that we have this chat and talk about how to maintain our feminine health while backpacking. Being in the wilderness for days at a time means you will not have access to a shower so it’s important to have a self-care routine that still leaves you feeling fresh at the end of a long day.
If you overlook this component, you are potentially leaving yourself susceptible to developing a UTI, yeast infection or bladder infection. That is not a guarantee but some of us ladies are generally more prone to vaginal infections than others. I am one of those ladies and I have been there. I can tell you from experience, there is nothing more uncomfortable than developing a post trail infection.
By following these 5 tips you will be able to create a self-care routine with a baseline of information. Having this knowledge before you hit the trail will give you the tools you need to feel confident, clean and stress-free when it comes to your feminine hygiene. LOVE AND PROTECT YOUR YONI !!!!
Tip #1- Wear Moisture Wicking Underwear
NO COTTON ALLOWED. You will be hiking and sweating and likely creating some moisture and heat down there. Wearing cotton will trap those elements and create a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Investing in some high quality moisture wicking underwear is essential. Polyester blends and merino wool will do the trick. Polyester blends will be more affordable and provide you with the same protection as merino wool which tend to be more expensive but a bit more comfortable from my experience.
Tip #2- Use an Antimicrobial Reusable Pee Cloth
Brands such as Kula Cloth have completely changed the game for how women pee in the backcountry. Before the widely recognized pee cloths became so popular, many women were doing the “drip off” method when they went #1. This leaves us prone to moisture that remains which will throw off your pH balance and may lead to the development of yeast infections. Not only does it help with your hygiene but it limits the amount of waste and toilet paper used which helps the environment.
Tip #3- Invest in a Backcountry Bidet
This was a GAME CHANGER for my backpacking adventures. Weighing in at only 0.35 oz, this piece of gear is small enough to not affect your base weight. You just screw it on to any plastic water bottle, turn it upside and squeeze. At the end of a long day I use a tiny amount of camp soap and will give myself a little bath down there. Going to sleep feeling fresh downstairs is literally the best feeling ever when you are camping. It can also be used in an emergency if you run out of toilet paper. In fact, I know some people that don’t even carry TP they solely use their backcountry bidet. I’m a baby wipe kinda gal but the bidet is my “shower” opportunity.
Tip #4- Drink Plenty of Water and Pee Often
Staying hydrated is crucial for so many reasons when you are hiking but listening to your body and peeing when you get the urge is just as important. I know many women who will ignore their urge to pee because it can disrupt the momentum you’ve developed on trail, requires you to take your big pack off and let’s admit, in general it’s just not as easy for us as it is for guys. But ignoring the body’s signal can lead to bladder infections or a UTI which can be pretty dangerous in the backcountry if you are days away from proper medical care. So stay hydrated and just pee when your body says pee.
Tip #5- Take a Daily Women’s Probiotic
This is a great habit to have in general, but I think if you are an adventurous woman who spends a lot of nights in the backcountry it’s even more essential. You should start taking them well before you head out on any trips to give your body time to benefit from the routine. Probiotics contain strains of good bacteria which help support your gut, digestion, urinary tract and immune system. They also help prevent yeast infections too!
I hope you find this information helpful and supportive as you become the confident, adventurous woman I know you to be. Staying clean and healthy in the outdoors doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. When I thru-hiked the Colorado Trail I followed these 5 tips and had zero issues and having a self-care routine helped me to feel more balanced while I was on trail for so long.
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Happy Trails! xo Dee
