Pee, Poop, Periods, and Pockets

Female backpackers can have unique outdoor challenges compared to male backpackers, especially with hygiene in the backcountry. Some of these challenges include menstruation, urinary needs, and maintaining general cleanliness.

Our backpacks at Sojourn Trekkr are designed for the female form with our outdoor hygiene needs in mind, featuring an external kangaroo pouch on our front exterior pocket, along with  internal accessory pockets for easier access to whatever hygiene systems or toiletries you may bring.

 

But first, let's explore some hygiene tips to make sure your next trail adventure is as enjoyable as possible!

Peeing

Women are more prone than men to have a pee or sweat-related hygiene issue on outdoor trips. Whether opting for a squat or standing with a handy pee funnel, always pack those extra pairs of underwear. Choose merino wool or alpaca for ultimate comfort and protection against yeast infections and UTIs.

Suggestions:

• Kula Cloth
• Optional pee funnel
• Merino wool or alpaca underwear

Additionally, there is a women's outdoor apparel company called Gnara, who design women’s outdoor hiking pee pants. The pants have a zipper that starts in the front and unzips all the way around to the back, allowing women to simply unzip, squat, and pull their underwear to the side to pee. 

Pooping

With growing concerns over wildlife being exposed to human waste—which is often packed with preservatives, artificial ingredients, and medications—it's crucial we embrace eco-friendly practices. Committing to Leave No Trace standards is easier than you think!

Dig your six- to eight-inch-deep cathole at least 200 feet from a water source. Poop directly into the hole, dump all bodily wastes, and any water used to clean your hygiene supplies inside it, then seal it with dirt. An alternative to digging a cathole is the option to poop into a Wag Bag, and then carry it out with you. 

Suggestions:

• A small shovel or ultralight trowel for digging your cathole 
• Clean toilet paper (remove the cardboard roll for easier storing), or biodegradable and compostable wet wipes
• A small ziplock or odor-proof Opsak bags for packing out used toilet paper, tampons, wet wipes, etc. 
• Alternative Wag Bag
• Hand sanitizer

Periods

Venturing into the wilderness during your period? Fear not! There's zero proof that bears are drawn to menstrual blood. Yet, it's common for some women to shy away from outdoor adventures while menstruating, worried about maintaining proper hygiene and ensuring freshness. These feelings are completely understandable, but nowadays there are so many options to manage your period in the backcountry.

Whichever option you choose to manage your period, be sure you're well-practiced before hitting the trail. Menstrual cups have become very popular on the trail, but takes practice to insert. Always dig a Leave No Trace standard cathole when it comes time to empty the cup. And if you’re giving period underwear a try, make sure you can hike comfortably in them before going long distances.

Options:

• Tampons
• Pads (disposable or reusable)
• Menstrual cups
• Period underwear 
• Birth control pills, the patch, or the ring
• A small ziplock or odor-proof Opsak bags for packing out used toilet paper, tampons, wet wipes, etc. 

Tips:

• Use a chemical-free hand sanitizer and wet wipes so as not to upset your vagina’s Ph balance. 
• Many menstrual cups are made with silicone so they don’t have to be sanitized every time you empty them.
• Some women like to carry a small squirt bottle or portable bidet to rinse their cups with and wash their hands.

Pockets (to Organize Your Systems of Hygiene)

Maintaining a hygiene routine while hiking is important for your overall personal care. We recognize that everyone's needs are different. That's why our backpacks are designed to keep you organized, whether you use separate bags for period supplies or prefer one main bag for all hygiene supplies, make sure they work for you and your needs. Our specially designed pockets ensure easy access to all your essentials, from hygiene kits to first-aid items.

We're excited to support your adventures with our thoughtfully designed gear. While the outdoor industry may not reflect us just yet, we are here, and we are changing the narrative. We look forward to amplifying our voices together.

See you on the trails!