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After seeing your friends’ social media photos of a beautiful hike, it can be tempting to drive out to the nearest trailhead and give it your all. However, before you jump the gun, there are some beginner hiking tips that women need to know.
Follow All the Usual Hiking Recommendations
All the general advice still applies! Don’ttake a cavalier attitude about the outdoor basics, especially if you decide to go hiking alone. Remember things like:
- Bringing a map or downloading one onto your phone
- Checking and planning for the weather
- Wearing stable shoes
- Packing enough water and snacks
- Practice Leave No Trace principles
- Let someone else know about your plans
Depending on the length of your hike, you should also consider a first aid kit, a whistle or noisemaker, supplies to start a fire, and a headlamp. Finally, you’ll need something to carry all these supplies, so shop around for the right type of backpack based on your plans.
Bring Bathroom Essentials
We all know that that, uh, “hardware” involved in going to the bathroom takes more careful planning as a woman. Just because there’s this additional hurdle doesn’t mean you can skimp on drinking plenty of water, though!
You aren’t the first to deal with squatting in the great outdoors to go to the bathroom. Many great women have paved the way and figured out some creative ways to deal with this. One option is to bring a small packet of wet wipes in lieu of toilet paper. Always carry a small trash bag as well, as you cannot leave these in the ground.
Some more adventurous ladies use a bandana to clean up, then tie it to the outside of the backpack to dry in the sun. Another option is to use a reusable, anti-microbial “pee rag.” There are a handful of companies that make these.
Whatever you decide, it’s probably beneficial to carry a couple of extra grocery bags. You can use one for things you need to keep clean and the other for items you’ll toss when you get back to the trailhead.
Dealing With That Time of the Month
Depending on how long you’re out there (or how strong your flow is that day), you might need to change out a tampon or two. If this is the route you choose to take, great! Just make sure that you don’t toss it in a bush or bury it in the ground. All sanitary items need to leave with you.
More and more women are beginning to opt for menstrual cups instead, especially for traveling. These are small, pliable silicone cups that take the place of a tampon. While on a hike, you can easily dump it out into a hole, rinse it with some water, stick it back in, and get back to the trail. They last for years, limiting excess waste and bulk when you need to pack lightly.
With these beginner hiking tips that women need to know, you’ll be beyond prepared for the next time you need an outdoor adventure.
