Adventuring Abi

A little while ago, I wrote about the wild pee - the art of getting comfortable weeing outdoors. It struck a chord because these are the things people don’t always talk about, but we all deal with. So let’s take it one step further and talk about periods in the outdoors.

On a scrambling course not long ago, I happened to be on my period. At first I worried it would be awkward, or worse, get in the way of me enjoying the course. Would I feel as strong as normal? Would I be as confident moving on rock? Would cramps or tiredness take over? These thoughts sat in the back of my mind before I’d even put my walking boots on.

But the truth is, with a bit of planning and some trial and error, it was fine - just part of the adventure. Yes, I noticed myself second-guessing a few moves, and I didn’t feel quite as energetic as usual, but I still did it. And that felt like a quiet win in itself.

What’s in my period outdoors toolkit?
Tampons for longer coverage - I’ve tried cups, but when I need something I can rely on for a whole day without fuss, tampons are my go-to.
Period pants for shorter trips - comfy, no-rub, and great when you know you’ll be back to wash them out at the end of the day.
Double up for confidence - I’ll often wear period pants as a back-up with a tampon too. It just takes away that niggling worry and lets me focus on the climb, the scramble, or the view.

The practical stuff
Much like with a wild pee, it’s about being prepared. I always carry a small dry bag with tampons, tissues, and dog poo bags for used products - everything tied up and packed out. Same rules apply: leave no trace.

The mental side
This is the bit we don’t talk about enough. Being on your period can make you feel less confident, less powerful, or more self-conscious. That doesn’t mean you can’t do the thing - it just means you might need to give yourself a bit more kindness on the way. For me, it was about recognising that even if I didn’t feel 100%, I was still more than capable. And in a way, that gave me an extra boost (along with a fair bit of sugar).

The bottom line
Talking about pee and periods in the outdoors matters because they’re normal. They happen, they’re nothing to be embarrassed about, and with a little planning they don’t stop you doing the things you love. If anything, getting comfortable with these things is freeing - it’s one less worry when you’re out on the hill.

So whether it’s finding your wild pee spot or working out your period routine, know that you’re not alone - it’s all part of being an outdoorsy woman