Real Talk: Dealing With Your Period in the Backcountry

Okay, let's talk about it! Periods in the Backcountry: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why I Swear by Period Underwear

Let’s be real — having your period in the backcountry isn’t ideal, but it’s also totally manageable once you figure out what works for you. I’ve tried a few different methods over the years and want to break down the pros and cons of each, especially for those of you prepping for your first big canoe trip or backcountry adventure.

This isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” thing — everyone’s flow, comfort level, and body is different — but I’m going to walk you through what’s out there and why I’ve personally settled on period underwear as my go-to for backcountry trips.

Tampons + Pads: The Familiar Option

Pros:

• Easy to use and familiar for most people

• No need to wash anything — just change and dispose

• Pads can double as backup for spotting with other methods

Cons:

• Waste management is tricky. You’ll need to pack everything out, including wrappers and used products (yes, even if it says “biodegradable” — it’s still a no-go for burying or burning in most wilderness areas).

• You’ll need a dedicated bag for used products, and it needs to be odour-proof and animal-proof.

• It’s more stuff to carry — and it adds up on longer trips.

• Pads and tampons also take up more space and weight in your pack.

I used tampons and pads early on, and while they work, the waste management side of things and knowing how many to bring was always a hassle — especially on multi-day trips.

Menstrual Cups: Low-Waste but High-Maintenance

Pros:

• Reusable and low-waste

• Can be worn for up to 12 hours depending on your flow

• Once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty convenient

Cons:

• You need clean hands and a clean environment to insert and remove — which is not always easy in the backcountry.

• Sterilizing the cup between uses is tough unless you’re boiling water (which, let’s be honest, is not always practical on the go).

• Spillage and mess can be an issue if you’re not used to it.

Full transparency, I've never used menstrual cups but I know a lot of folks swear by it. But for me, it sounds like too much effort when I'm already tired, dirty, and trying to keep things as simple as possible.

Period Underwear: My Backcountry Game-Changer

Pros:

• Reusable, low-waste, and easy to pack

• Super comfortable (seriously, way better than wearing a pad)

• No inserting or dealing with messy disposal

• Easy to rinse out and hang dry between uses

• Peace of mind — no leaks, no bulk, no fiddling around in the woods with cold hands and headlamps

Cons:

• You’ll need a few pairs depending on your flow and length of trip

• They do need to be rinsed and washed — but honestly, it’s way less work than you’d think

• Initial cost is higher, but they pay off in the long run

I’ve used period underwear for years now and I love them. I literally rave about them to anyone who asks. On longer trips, I bring a few pairs, wash them

with a bit of unscented biodegradable soap (away from the lake/river, of course!), and hang them to dry. They’ve never let me down, and it feels so good to reduce waste and keep things simple. The plus side is you can still wear them as regular underwear so it doesn't need to be 'extra' gear you're packing with you. I would suggest bringing a bag to store the soiled ones in until you find the time to wash them.

They also double as great backup if you’re using a cup or tampon and are worried about leaks.

I've used Knix for the past 3 years - get yours here: Knix Canada

Waste Management Basics

If you’re using disposable products, remember:

• Bring zip-top bags or a dry bag lined with compostable poop bags to pack out used items

• Label your “period bag” and make sure it’s animal-proof

• Never bury or burn used products

• Always follow Leave No Trace principles

If you’re using reusable options (underwear or cup), rinse responsibly — 60+ meters away from water sources — and use unscented, biodegradable soap sparingly.

Final Thoughts

Periods don’t have to be a deal-breaker for backcountry adventures. In fact, once you find what works, you kind of stop thinking about it at all. For me, period underwear has made a huge difference — less stress, less waste, and way more comfort.

So if you’re gearing up for your next trip and wondering how to handle your period in the woods, I highly recommend giving them a try. You might just convert for life.

Got questions? Send me a message or drop a comment — I’m always happy to chat honestly about this stuff.