Hiking on Your Period? Here's How to Make It Way Easier
Let's be honest.
Getting your period the morning of a hike isn't exactly the adventure anyone hopes for.
Whether you're heading out for a day walk, tackling a multi-day trail, climbing mountains or camping under the stars, periods can add another layer of planning. Suddenly you're wondering where you'll find a toilet, what to pack, how to stay clean and whether you're going to spend the whole day worrying about leaks.
The good news? It doesn't have to be that way.
With the right products and a little planning, your period doesn't need to stop you getting outdoors.
The Cool Girls Club gets it
One community we absolutely love is the Cool Girls Club. Founded in Australia, they're on a mission to help more women embrace the outdoors through hiking, camping, adventure and connection. Their whole philosophy is that you don't need to be the fastest, fittest or most experienced person on the trail to belong out there, and we couldn't agree more.
As one of their lead guides, Holly spends countless days on the trails and has figured out exactly what works when it comes to managing her period outdoors. She shares her own practical tips, product choices and experiences in her blog, How to Have Your Period on Adventures, which is well worth a read if you're planning your next hike or camping trip: https://www.coolgirlsclub.com.au/post/how-to-have-your-period-on-adventures.
We loved collaborating with Holly because we're united by the same belief: having your period should never stop you saying yes to the adventure.
Now.. let's give you the down low on all things hiking and periods.
Pack for your period like you pack for the weather
When you're planning a hike, you already think about water, snacks, sunscreen and layers.
Your period deserves the same thought. A simple period kit might include:
- Your preferred period products
- Toilet paper or tissues
- Hand sanitiser
- Wet wipes (look for water-based options)
- A reusable waterproof wet bag or zip-lock bag for used underwear or rubbish
- Pain relief if you need it
Having everything together means you're never caught out when your period decides to arrive a few days early.
Choose a period product that suits the adventure
There isn't one "best" period product for everyone. The best choice is the one that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Pads and tampons
These are familiar and easy to use, but remember that anything you pack into nature needs to come back out with you. If you're on a long hike or overnight trip, you'll need somewhere to store used products until you can dispose of them properly.
If you use tampons, keeping your hands as clean as possible before insertion is always a good idea. Applicator tampons can also make changing a little easier when you're outdoors.
Period underwear
Period underwear is brilliant for day hikes, lighter flow days or as backup with another product.
They're comfortable, breathable and don't create extra waste throughout the day.
If you're away overnight, rinse them out if possible and let them dry at camp before reusing. Otherwise, store them in a waterproof wet bag until you get home.
Period cups and menstrual discs
Period cups and menstrual discs are both reusable internal period care options, but they're actually quite different products. If you're not sure which one is right for you, we've put together a complete guide comparing menstrual cups and discs. https://www.heyzomi.com/#discvscup
Personally, we're big fans of menstrual discs for hiking and camping because they're designed to sit comfortably in the vaginal fornix, right under the cervix, rather than relying on suction like a menstrual cup.
One of the biggest advantages?
A menstrual disc can hold up to four regular tampons worth of flow and be worn for up to 12 hours. That means fewer bathroom stops and more time actually enjoying your adventure.
On heavier days, many people also love the ability to semi-empty a menstrual disc without fully removing it. It's a feature often called "Easy Empty", making long hikes much more manageable when toilets are few and far between.
https://www.heyzomi.com/pages/faqs#easyempty
What if your period starts halfway through the hike?
It happens.
One of the great things about reusable internal products is that if you think your period is due, you can insert a menstrual disc before you leave home. If your period starts while you're out, the disc is already there ready to collect your flow. No extra products, no panic and no surprise trip back to the car.
Leave no trace
One of the best things about getting outdoors is looking after the places we love. If you're using disposable products, remember they should always be packed out with you. Never bury pads, tampons or wrappers, and never leave them behind.
Reusable products like menstrual discs and period underwear can dramatically reduce the amount of waste you need to carry, making them a great option for hiking, camping and multi-day adventures.
Your period shouldn't decide whether you go
Periods are part of life. They shouldn't stop you climbing the mountain, reaching the summit, saying yes to the camping trip or joining your friends on a weekend hike. The more we talk about managing periods outdoors, the more women realise they don't have to stay home because they're bleeding.
Find the products that suit your body, pack a little preparation, and get outside. Because the best views are worth it. 💛
