Maybe you thought you knew ‘this’, wondered about ‘this’ or can’t ever imagine asking someone ‘this’ but one thing is for sure, you’re not alone. And hopefully this information will help you feel more comfortable about ‘this’. ‘This’ being personal hygiene in the outdoors.

  • Is it ok to pee behind a tree?
  • Should I take deodorant or toiletries?
  • How do I deal with feminine hygiene waste?
  • When can I bury my ‘business’ and when should I carry it out?
  • How many changes of underwear should I take?

     

Heeding the call of nature

First of all, remember that everyone has to deal with the call of nature and if you’re tramping with males, they will be well aware of women’s differing needs. So the first piece of advice is to ‘get over it’. If you need a toilet stop, make the call. Do NOT hold on until you get to a hut as this is not good for your body. Chances are someone else will also take the opportunity or was waiting for someone to make the call. And you can then carry on in comfort.

Yes, it is ok to pee behind a tree. Move a couple of metres off track, but don’t go too far as it’s not unheard of for people to get lost on a loo stop. If you prefer to use toilet paper to feel a little fresher, do so. Take fresh toilet paper in a snaplock bag, and take another snaplock to put used paper in. If you prefer to use wipes, make sure they are fragrance free as its better for you. Again, take used ones out with you. Keep your toilet paper or wipes and hand sanitiser in easy to reach pockets on your pack.

If you are going to be in an alpine environment, or just colder weather, you might want to consider a she-wee rather than expose sensitive body parts. There are various products available. If you do choose to use one, make sure you give it a go at home first.

When you need to do more than pee, where you are will determine whether you can bury it or if you have to carry it out. If you are below the tree line and away from a water source you can bury. Dig a hole the depth of your hand, do your business, then cover it. There are small trowels available for this job. If you use toilet paper or wipes, you need to take it with you. Don’t forget to hand sanitise.

If you’re above the tree line, nothing will decompose so you need to take it all with you. Again, there are various products to assist, Poop Tubes, Poo Pots etc. You can line them with compostable bags, which you then tie off and store in a sturdy dry sack you can tie outside your pack. Rather than throwing it out at the hut, carry it out with you.

Remember, most huts have loos but you need to take your own toilet paper. And hand sanitiser.

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Toiletries

Bring whatever makes you feel comfortable. 

If you feel better using deodorant, face wash and lotion and you’re willing to carry it, then go ahead. Make sure the products you do use are biodegradable. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent and hand sanitiser.

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That time of the month

Unless you usually feel like death warmed up when you have your period, you don’t need to schedule your tramp around it.

We recommend you use whatever products you usually use.

Using a cup has some advantages – you can go longer before you need to rinse it and you don’t have waste to carry out. If you do use one, think about how you’re going to rinse it. You might want to avoid the portable loo in case you drop it, and head to a private spot in the bush instead. If you don’t already use a cup, now is not the time to start. Make sure you are comfortable using one at home first.

If you use tampons or pads, treat them the same as solid waste and carry out.

Be aware of your own body and how it responds to more intense exercise and stress around doing something outside your usual comfort zones, your normal cycle might change a bit. If you’re with a group of women, be aware that sometimes people’s cycles will align. Take additional supplies with you.

Underwear tips

Best tip – avoid cotton. Nope, not a typo! Cotton gets wet when you sweat and doesn’t dry, so it’s heavier to carry and when you stop moving, you will get cold. Use base layer materials like merino, merino blends, quickdry fabrics or polypro.

Once you stop for the day, change out of wet and sweaty underwear so you don’t get cold, and let it dry. A lot of people have one set of underwear for walking in, and another set for the hut. Then reuse the walking / active set once it’s dry again the next day.

If you feel better with clean underwear each day, and you’re prepared to carry it, then do what makes you feel comfortable. Or go without underwear if you prefer.

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Group dynamics

You should feel comfortable with your group, whether it is all women, mixed gender or you are a lone female among a group of males.

Be honest about what your needs are. Before you set out, ask when breaks are planned for and if you know you will need more than are planned, speak up. Take advantage of breaks called by others in the group if you can. Ask what the plans are around when the group expects to get to your destination so you can make judgements on how you are going.

Groups dynamics can take a bit of time to settle but open honest communication will help significantly. Everyone should feel comfortable and be able to enjoy the trip.