I have a confession to make… almost every single backpacking trip I’ve planned for fun I’ve somehow been on my period. Having your period while backpacking or camping isn’t ideal, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip! Here are some basic tips to manage your period while in the outdoors!

Why this blog? Hi I’m Maddy and I’ve worked as an outdoor guide and writer since 2018! I work most summers as an overnight sea kayaking guide, and my longest trip was 70 days! I’m happy to help you with some of the parts of being a woman outdoors that no one talks about!

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Is it possible to camp and backpack on your period?

I work as an outdoor guide and let me tell you firsthand that not only is it possible to camp and backpack on your period, it is not all that difficult and no reason to cancel a trip! The most important part of camping on your period is finding the best system that works for you. 

Ultimate Guide to Camping and Backpacking on your Period:

From car camping to backpacking to kayaking, here is a quick guide on managing your period in the outdoors!

What should I use for camping and backpacking on my period— menstrual cup, tampons, or pads?

The number one question people tend to ask about backpacking/camping on your period is should I use tampons, pads, or a menstrual cup?

This is a super personal choice and depends on what works best for you— what works for you will be different than for others!

A lot of people like to use the menstrual cup— personally I find this to be messy and hard to use when camping, and it can lead to IUD complications (and trips to the doctor!) while on trail, so I tend to steer my campers away from menstrual cups. I also find a lack of soap and water or easy access to boiling to turn me personally off to using a menstrual cup in the backcountry. However, this doesn’t mean it isn’t the right choice for you if this is what you’re comfortable with!

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If I am canoeing or kayaking, I tend to try and mostly use tampons for managing my period while camping. If I am hiking or backpacking, I tend to choose pads. 

Pads tend to allow the least room for discomfort and mess while backpacking (in my opinion; you might find differently). However when kayaking you are more likely to be sitting in water, so tampons are a better choice. Again, ultimately what works best for you will make the most sense, and there is no universal right or wrong way to do it. 

How do I pack out used pads and tampons when backpacking on my period?

Used pads and tampons will need to be packed out and cannot be left in pit toilets or buried in catholes. I recommend taking an old coffee bag— the sort that zip sealed and are lined with plastic— and putting a tablet of aspirin inside. You can use this container as a little “biohazard bag” to pack out used pads and tampons, and it should minimize the smell. I also use this to pack out toilet paper.

I also recommend packing extra hand sanitizer and wet wipes for cleaning yourself when backpacking and camping on your period. Little things like this can make a huge difference in your personal comfort.

New to backpacking? Check out this practical beginner’s guide to planning and packing for your first backpacking trip!

Do I need to be worried about bears when camping on my period?

No you do not. I have been camping, paddling, backpacking in bear territory often and you do not need to worry about bears more while on your period. In fact, I’ve found in general that you probably need to worry about bears less than you think you do unless you plan on cooking fish, are leaving food out or with a

You will, however, want to stow your biohazard bag securely away from bears or critters the same way that you would any trash. For this, I recommend either a bear box or ursack (this is what I use).

How do I manage menstrual cramps when camping or backpacking on my period?

Cramps can make backpacking on your period extra miserable— I recommend boiling a little water and using a thick plastic water bottle like a Nalgene to sooth your period cramps. Note that water bottles like Yeti or Hydroflask insulate too well to work as a source of heat from boiled water. 

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Remember to stay hydrated and drink water more often than you think you need! If you’re hiking at elevation, be sure keep track of how much of any medication you have taken for that in addition to pain relievers. 

Remember to tell your team members what’s up!

If you’re out with a group, be sure to let your team members know what’s going on so they can help support you. If you’re on a guided trip, let your guide know so that they can help you with anything you might need.

I know it sounds awkward or uncomfortable, but as a guide I promise that knowing what is going on with you makes it a lot easier for me to make sure your needs are met and to help you, whether it’s heating up water or tea for you or making sure that there’s an easy opportunity to change a tampon discretely throughout the day. 

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Overall, backpacking and camping on your period doesn’t need to be any more of a big deal than having your period any other place– it just takes a little extra preparation and thought about how you’ll be managing bleeding, how you’ll be packing out pads or tampons, and what you can do to keep yourself clean & comfortable!

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Planning your next adventure? Check out these backpacking guides:

• Check out all the best backpacking routes in the Midwest (yes, there’s great backpacking in the Midwest!)
• Ever wanted to go solo car camping? Check out this detailed guide to your first solo trip living out of your car!
• Read all about beginner backpacking basics!

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