Periods in the Wild - Your Guide To Camping While On Your Period
Tents, trails, and tampons—turns out, they can all coexist just fine.
And camping on your period? It’s not the hassle you might think. No leaking or soggy menstrual products making you feel gross. No chafing. No wedgies. And definitely no menstrual cups bubbling away in your pasta pot. Exploring the wild should be freeing and refreshing and it is!
All you need is the right information and gear. At LU Innovations, we believe menstruation should never stand between you and adventure. Whether you’re hiking deep into the wilderness, car camping for the weekend, or setting up base camp before sailing across oceans, handling your period outdoors can be stress-free with the right approach.
In fact, being active during your period is actually recommended, swimming, climbing, and hiking can all help with cramps, mood, and energy. And despite what myths say, you won’t be hunted down by bears, sharks, or oddly aggressive swans. There isn’t a single scientific study proving that wildlife is attracted to menstrual blood. The National Park Service also confirms that bears aren’t more drawn to menstrual blood than they are to your sweaty socks or the protein bar you forgot in your pocket. So, no, you’re not about to become a walking snack for the animal kingdom.
Other Period Myths
🚩 How do I stay clean without a bathroom? Simple, wet wipes, biodegradable soap, wild dips. Honestly, you’ve probably dealt with worse at a festival.
🚩 What do I do with used period products? Pack them out just like all other waste. Burying pads or tampons, even in a cat hole can harm wildlife and take years to break down.
🚩 Can I swim on my period: Yes, simply use a tampons or menstrual cup and remember to change your product after swimming.
🚩Can you stop your period by eating or drinking something? No, there’s no scientific evidence that food or drinks can stop your period. Many of the remedies suggested online aren’t proven and can even be harmful. The only reliable way to delay your period is through birth control, but we don’t recommend starting it just for a one-off trip since it can have side effects. That said, camping on your period or even just managing it during a sleepover is easier than you think. With a little preparation, it won’t hold you back from doing what you love!
It’s Safe (and Totally Doable) to Go Camping on Your Period
Managing your period in the wild isn’t a new challenge, people have been doing it for centuries, long before modern period products. The likes of legendary adventurer Isabella Bird (1831–1904) who travelled solo across the Rocky Mountains, Persia, and Japan, writing bestselling travelogues; Lady Hester Stanhope (1776–1839) who led archaeological expeditions in the Middle East and lived among Bedouin tribes; And Viking explorer Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir (c. 980–1030) who likely travelled to North America centuries before Columbus, all took to the unknown on there peek menstrual years!
If they could navigate uncharted lands, extreme conditions, and probably zero period-friendly gear, you can absolutely handle a weekend camping trip or backpacking trip.
There are of course some extra considerations that would help too:
🩸 Choosing the right period product: The best option depends on your flow, comfort level, trip length and activity. Pick what works best for you and test it before heading out.
🚑 Pain relief: If you usually take painkillers for cramps, bring enough for your trip. Nothing ruins a hike like surprise period pain at 2,000m altitude.
📅 Plan ahead: Knowing your flow and which period products work best for you makes all the difference.
🚮 Pack everything out: Leave No Trace applies here too, used products pads, tampons, and wipes should go in a sealed waste bag, or dry bag not buried.
♻️ Practice with reusables at home: Thinking about switching to a menstrual cup or period underwear? Test them before your trip to get comfortable with them in a low-stress setting.
Choosing the Right Menstrual Products for the Backcountry
Picking the best period care option for your trip depends on your flow, comfort level, and access to water. Here’s a breakdown of the best products for the great outdoors
Menstrual Cups (Like LU Innovations’ Cup!)
Best for: Minimal waste, long wear time, and ultralight packing.
Pros: Reusable, eco-friendly, and lasts up to 12 hours.
Cons: Needs to be rinsed between uses.
Pro Tip: No clean water? LU’s cleaning tablets mean no boiling needed—just rinse and go.
Tampons
Best for: Familiarity and convenience.
Pros: Lightweight, easy to use.
Cons: Must be packed out and changed regularly
Pro Tip: Non-applicator tampons take up less space and create less waste.
Period Underwear
Best for: Comfort and short trips with drying conditions.
Pros: Absorbs flow without extra products.
Cons: Hard to clean and dry in damp environments.
Pro Tip: Pack a spare pair in a waterproof bag for emergencies.
Disposable Pads and Liners
Best for: Those who prefer external protection.
Pros: No insertion required.
Cons: Bulky, need to be packed out. Are not waterproof or sweat proof.
Pro Tip: Use pads with wings to ensure they hold firmly when moving round a lot!
Outdoor Period Packing Check List
You’ve picked the right period product—what next? Build out your kit!
🎒 Your period products of choice – Cup, tampons, pads, or period underwear.
🗑️ Waste disposal bag – A ziplock lined with aluminium foil or a dry sack for any single-use tampons, pads, or wet wipes.
🖐️ Hand sanitiser, wet wipes, or baby wipes – Clean hands = happy you.
🌿 Biodegradable soap – Wash hands and reusable products (at least 200 feet from water).
🧻 Wipes, toilet paper, or a cloth – Always bring extra toilet paper—not just for period clean-ups, but because period poops are real. Hormonal changes can mean more frequent or urgent bowel movements, and trust us, you don’t want to run out.
💧 Small water bottle – If using a menstrual cup, this is your rinse solution.
If you need to go number two, dig a cat hole (6–8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water sources) and bury your waste properly. But never bury period products—they don’t break down quickly and can attract wildlife. Always pack them out.
Carry all these items in a dry bag or bear canister if regulations or wildlife concerns exist. Always follow Leave No Trace principles for disposing of or packing out items.
Pro Comfort and Hygiene Tips During Your Trip
Managing Cramps and Pain
Cramps can be a pain! Sorry that’s not funny. But staying hydrated can make a big difference, dehydration has been scientifically proven to make cramps feel more intense. If you have access to heated water, a hot water bottle or warm compress can provide soothing relief. Additionally, consider packing pain relief options, whether that’s ibuprofen or a more natural remedy like ginger tea, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Staying Clean in the Backcountry
Good hygiene is key to feeling fresh and comfortable while camping. Always wash your hands before and after handling any period products to reduce the risk of infections. If access to running water is limited, wet wipes or biodegradable wipes can be a great alternative for quick clean-ups. Before bed, changing into clean, dry clothes can help you stay warm. These small steps can make a big difference in ensuring you feel your best while out in nature.
First-Time Campers
If you’re new to camping while on your period, a little preparation can go a long way in making the experience smoother. If you’re considering a reusable option like a menstrual cup, practice using it at home first before heading into the wilderness. Taking extra supplies and trusting your instincts and having a solid plan in place can make all the difference in ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to go camping while on your period?
Yes, with proper hygiene and storage of period products, it’s safe and common.
How to help period cramps while camping?
Stay active, use a hot water bottle, hydrate, and pack over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
What should you avoid doing during your period?
There’s nothing you must avoid specifically for periods, but maintain good hygiene.
How do you manage your period while camping without regular bathrooms or showers?
Rely on wet wipes, hand sanitizer, biodegradable soap, and proper waste disposal methods.
What’s the best way to pack out used pads and tampons on backpacking trips?
Carry them in a sealed plastic bag or ziplock, preferably inside a dry bag, bear canister or LU casing.
Which period products should you use for hiking and camping?
LU’s PEriod Kits are specialy designed for the outdoors and adventurers. But it depends on preference and activity on whether to use tampons, menstrual cup, period underwear, or disposable pads.
Any tips for staying comfortable on a camping trip during your period?
Prioritise cleanliness, stay hydrated, and plan for your flow (heavy flow may need more frequent changes).
Adventure With Confidence. Adventure With LU.
Many menstruators find that backpacking and camping while on their period becomes second nature with a bit of preparation. Reusable options like a menstrual cup can make life on the trail even easier, reducing waste and saving space in your pack.
When it comes to the best period product for adventuring, the menstrual cup wins. It can be worn in and out of water, lasts up to 12 hours, and creates zero waste. And with LU’s cleaning tablets, there’s no need to boil it—just grab our Go Wild Kit and hit the trail.
Ready to take your adventures to the next level? Check out LU Innovations’ menstrual cup, designed specifically for outdoor explorers like you. Because your period should never hold you back from adventure!
