By Stephanie Harper – There’s no place I’d rather be than spending time outside, whether on a camping trip with my family, backpacking with friends, or going on a hike. But coping with my period while camping or hiking isn’t always easy, and waste from feminine products is a real concern.
I’ve been thinking of ways to make the switch to more sustainable feminine products and methods, and I’ve come up with some great alternatives that could not only lessen my environmental impact, but are also fairly easy to use.
I hope this eco-friendly guide to menstruating outdoors will give you peace of mind like it did for me, and a boost of confidence while managing your period on your next outdoor adventure.
The Eco-Friendly Guide to Menstruating in the Great Outdoors
Before deciding to make the switch to more eco-friendly period products, here are a few things to consider:
Little to no waste—reduce your impact on the environment by reusing menstruation products or disposing after a longer time frame.
Comfortable alternatives–there hasn’t been modern research on new alternatives to feminine products until recently so there’s a wide range of products from which to choose.
Less expensive over time–reusing instead of replenishing period products on a monthly basis or getting a compact supply for the family tent can save money in the long run.
Longer staying power–reusable feminine products have a longer usage time because they’re made from more durable materials.
An investment upfront–some of the alternatives may cost more at first, but that’s because reusable menstruation products won’t be disposed on a monthly basis.
It is a transition–there is a learning curve to using alternative methods for menstruation, however, that’s a great excuse to get outdoors more, test them out, and see what works best.
Requires consistent maintenance–in short, maintaining the cleanliness of alternative period products is something that will become second nature after learning how, and when, to use them.
6 Expert Tips for Menstruating Outdoors:
- Make sure your hands are clean before inserting or removing your cup.
- Ideally you’ll want to be near running water in a bathroom, or if a collapsible cup is not sufficient enough for sterilizing a menstrual cup, bring a bottle of water with you for additional “swishing” over the toilet.
- It can get messy. An extra cloth or bandana for any extra spills or additional wiping is helpful.
- Not all products come with a carrying case or pouch, so bring a purse or bag just in case you need extra storage space.
- If leakage occurs, try reinserting or repositioning cup. Use a reusable pantiliner or pad for cup leakage.
- Be forgiving of yourself. It may take a few cycles before you get the hang of using a menstrual cup, sponge, or reusable pad. Practice at home before taking any alternative methods outdoors. Bring your normal method of practice with you until you are comfortable.
Choosing the Right Menstruation Method:
Now that you know what to expect, how do you know what to choose? There are a plethora of options to consider: which one to use will depend on your activity level and duration.
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9 Best Menstruation Products for Outdoorsy Women
The Lena Cup
Price: $24.90*
- Bell-shaped, reusable cup for vagina
- Comes in different sizes
- Comes in “sensitive”
- Ideal for light-heavy flows
- Comes in different colors
- Comfortable wear for 12 hours
- Carrying bag included
The Pixie Cup
Price: $24.95*
- Comes in different sizes
- Money-back guarantee
- Comfortable wear for up to 12 hours
- Buy one, give one to a woman in need program
- Long stem design for easy pull out
- Carrying bag included
The Diva Cup
Price: $34.81*
- Comfortable wear up to 12 hours of wear
- Can replace after a year
- Size range from under 18 years to older
- No harsh chemicals or single-use plastic
- Carrying bag included
SckoonCup Beginner Choice Menstrual Cup
Price: $27.99*
- Great for beginners
- Easy to read instructions
- “Softest” menstrual cup
- 12 hours of protection
- Additional sizes and bundles available
- Comes with carrying pouch
Meeeno Collapsible Silicone Cup (for cup storage)
Price: $11.99*
- Collapsible container for transporting cup
- Easy to clean and reusable
- Use to store or clean menstrual cup in while on the go
- Fill with water before entering a stall then insert cup or sponge to wash before reapplying
- Discreet design and comes with extra carrying pouch
- Comes in additional two-pack
Collapsible Silicone Foldable Sterilizing Cup
Price: $8.49*
- Multi-use cup–can be used to sterilize menstrual cup, sponge, or storing other items while camping
- Foldable and discreet design
- Comes with carrying pouch
- Easy to clean
Wegreeco Bamboo Reusable Sanitary Pads
Price: $15.99*
- Charcoal/bamboo layers for ultimate protection
- Different sizes to choose from depending on flow
- Beautiful prints
- Snap design makes it easy to place
- 2-6 hours of usage time
- Outer shell has leak-proof lamination
- Waterproof leak bag included
Sanitary Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads by Heart Felt
Price: $18.99*
- Up to 10 hours of use
- Soft layers for comfort
- Absorbent and snap design
- Hypoallergenic
- Dark material forgiving of stains
- Can be used with menstrual cup
Sea Pearls Reusable Sea Sponges
Price: $27.95*
- Soft, natural material
- Sustainably harvested sponges
- No chemicals
- Can be used up to 3-6 months
- Very absorbent
Check out our Gift Guide for Adventurous Women!
*All listed prices were confirmed at time of publish and are subject to change.
Originally from the Bay Area, CA, Stephanie now resides in the mountains of Asheville, NC with her 4 children, husband, black lab Gus, and Russian grey cat Marley. She is a writer and blogger at Raising Kids Wild and loves to run and hike.
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