Guide to Feminine Hygiene while Backpacking
We’ve all got a way in which we bust our stress and escape from the chaos for a few days. I do that through trekking! It is my go to hobby and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. Hygiene during small treks are convenient and low maintenance. But female hygiene while backpacking (on longer treks) can be tedious and irksome. So after a good amount of treks, I have made a guide to maintaining female hygiene while camping and trekking! If you’re interested in knowing what’s in my travel hygiene kit, then keep on reading.
Let's start from the top, yes?
Haircare
One of the most essential backpacking tips for females is to never trek with untied hair. This can cause excessive sweat around the neck area and causes a great deal of irritation. Use dry shampoo if you’re into that. I have made my peace with oily hair with bits of dirt in it! Always keep your hair tied in whichever way you like. My favourite way is to tie a high pony that is not too tight.
Check out Fushaya’s scrunchies- they are sturdy and pretty! I carry them with me all the time since I got my hands on them.
Skincare
With regard to skincare, my motto during trekking is- Necessities over essentials. Carry only a moisturiser and a sunscreen! Reducing your skincare will not only reduce the weight of your backpack but also give your skin a break from so many products! Don't forget to carry a vaseline as well.
My favourite moisturiser- https://www.nykaa.com/aroma-magic-vitamin-c-day-cream/p/221831?categoryId=738&pps=11&productId=221831&ptype=product&skuId=221830
My favourite sunscreen that I swear by- https://www.nykaa.com/aroma-magic-vitamin-c-skin-lightening-gel/p/221825?ptype=product&productId=221825&skuId=221825&categoryId=738&pps=15
Keeping them undergarments clean
If you’re energetic enough, you can keep cleaning your garments on longer treks, on sunny days. But weather may not always favour this. Hence compartmentalise your dirty clothes and carry them accordingly.
One of my favourite hacks is to put tissues in my under boob to avoid excessive sweating while trekking! Menstrual hygiene and waste
If you use pads, then carry a toilet roll along with you to wrap the used pads. Instead of disposing them on a trek, keep adding them in a poly bag and dispose them off when you come back from the trek. There is no harm in doing so as long as you seal them off properly! Same goes for tampons. If you use menstrual cups, then firstly, kudos to you!! You can dispose off the blood in the toilet pit and voila you’re done.
Want to start using menstrual cup, but don't know how? Check out Avantika's blog!
I highly recommend carrying a hot water bag and a painkiller if you experience too much pain on your periods. Nights on treks can be cold and keeping yourself warm will be very important.
Toilet hygiene
Hygiene while camping can be tricky.. Let's face it.. toilet pits can turn into nightmares if a lot of people have been using it. And hence you can easily contract UTI, especially ladies! Overused pits can get infectious if not cleaned from time to time. If such is the case, it is better to find a bush and do your business! Just don’t forget to cover your “stuff” with mud and grass after you are through. Don't forget to carry a toilet paper along.
Body hygiene
It is not possible to take showers on a trek. And using wet wipes is highly dangerous for the environment. Instead carry 2-3 hand towels that you can use on rotational basis! Or if you want to use wipes, then invest in biodegradable wet wipes for backpacking. You can also use it as a camping hygiene product!
Pro tip- Keep changing your shirt/t-shirt everyday in order to maintain hygiene! This also makes you feel fresh since bathing is not option.
Suggested Read: Valley of Flowers trek Itinerary
All of this is based on my personal experiences. If you have any medical condition related at any information as such, please consult your doctor before the trek.
