Autumn is the best time for hiking with friends.
Nice weather? Check!
Appropriate clothes and equipment? Check!
A plan? Check!
However, just as you are about to leave for your hike, you feel an uncomfortable sensation… uh oh, that time of the month has arrived a little earlier than expected. Will you reschedule the hike simply because of this unexpected visit?
“Menses”, “Period”, “Aunt Flo”, “Time of the Month” or whatever you call menstruation. Although it is one of the most natural physical phenomena, it seems to be an obstacle for many women to hike or enjoy various activities. In fact, with just a few preparations, women can easily and comfortably exercise outdoors with their “best friend” every month.
With constant walking during a hike, the edges of traditional sanitary pads that are made of plastic can easily cause skin irritation and discomfort. “I wouldn’t stop hiking because of the period,” says Ah Shan of the webpage Mountain Girl HK. She enjoys hiking every trail in Hong Kong as well as hiking overseas. “I am a sweaty person so sometimes I have trouble telling apart whether that wet feeling is from sweat or menstruation.”
Her hiking experiences in Japan and Iceland helped her realise that overseas hiking spots are usually remote without toilets; therefore, there are strict regulations and guidelines for garbage and excrement disposal. For example, Mount Rishiri in Japan requires hikers to collect a portable toilet bag before hiking — hikers will need to carry their own excrement and throw it away after they finish the hike. “If there is less waste and garbage produced as a result of me hiking while I have my period, this is something good for the mountain and for myself.” Therefore, last year Ah Shan switched to using reusable sanitary pads that are cloth-made, and recently tried the menstrual cup.
Cloth sanitary pads refers to those that can be washed and reused. There are many different materials to choose from, most are made of waterproof cloth or 100% cotton fabric which are more comfortable and environmentally friendly when compared to disposable sanitary pads. The menstrual cup is a small cup made of silicone that can be put into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. The cup can also be reused, but regular disinfection and some practice is needed in order to use it.
Wendy from Wild Pi is a vegetarian who loves camping and outdoor activities. It’s been three years since she has used an array of reusable sanitary products: cloth pads, period panties and the menstrual cup.
“At the beginning, I simply wanted to reduce waste from menstruation.” Now, Wendy feels it is more comfortable to use the menstrual cup than disposable sanitary products during outdoor activities and camping. “I would bring a thermos bottle with hot water for cleaning and simple disinfection there, and disinfect it thoroughly when I get home.”
“I also have some special arrangements for hiking while I have my period.” Ah Shan added. “I would bring extra drinking water for cleaning and use a menstrual cup with a larger capacity. If you are highly concerned about hygiene, you could also bring a pair of gloves. The gloves can be resuable, if you take it home and wash it after."
Comparison of Different Menstrual Products
*Regardless of what product you use, all menstrual products must be changed regularly and be aware of personal hygiene*
Zoe, the founder of happeriod mentioned that there are many different choices during the menstrual cycle, you don’t need to let it limit you or affect your daily life and emotions. Consistent and light exercises are very important to women’s health, even when you have your period, and it might even relieve some discomfort and pain. Practicing and trying to find the best menstrual product for yourself on a regular basis is just like having daily training and preparing yourself before challenging a long distance hike. You will be in a better mood to face it every month.
Tips for Cleaning Menstrual Products While Outdoors
Cloth Sanitary Pad: Fold and store the pad in a waterproof resealable bag after use, sprinkling a small amount of baking soda on the used pad will help with cleaning it at home later.
Menstrual Cup: Bring a collapsible cup and put the used menstrual cup in the collapsible one, in order to be able to wash it with drinking water.
Other than the recommendations above, Ah Shan also suggested a “menstrual friendly” hiking route: Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir Walk https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10164362
The route is short and flat, and you can go around Tai Tam Reservoir to explore the beautiful scenery and declared monuments. The transportation is convenient, visitors can take NWFB bus route 14 to Tai Tam Reservoir Road from Sai Wan Ho. The starting point has an accessible toilet and a drinking fountain which makes cleaning and changing menstrual products easier.
Zoe reminds women that it is okay to stop hiking if they feel seriously unwell during menstruation. A body check should be considered if the problem continues because physical pain and discomfort can be warning signals from our body. Being healthy and having a good mood are important for new challenges, you can do whatever you want anytime when you are both physically and mentally ready.
Visit the following links to find out more:
香港山女 Mountain Girl HK https://www.facebook.com/mountaingirlhk/
小刺蝟happeriod https://www.facebook.com/happeriod/
原野 π – wild pi https://www.facebook.com/wildpi3.14/