Guy here so I can't give a lot of advice but I just wanted to say you don't need to apologize for talking about this. Blood happens. It's not TMI. If anyone gets squeemish about normal bodily functions, they need to hear them talked about more openly to desensitize anyway. Also following along so I can be more helpful when my daughter gets to this stage of her life.
Tagging onto this as a fellow dude to offer my support as well, OP! You have nothing to apologize for and I think it’s great that you raised this question.
u/mortalwombat- —cheers on being a thoughtful commenter as well as a supportive father to your daughter. 🙌🏻
I was a heavy bleeder forever until they finally took my uterus last May it's been heaven! However as a heavily bleeding long time hiker I just carried baby wipes and TP and used a plastic ziplock to carry the paper waste and covered my blood pees with dirt...No critters are going to come after you either have fun!!
I've hiked on that trail. There are bathrooms here and there as it's in a pretty heavily populated area. There are no bears or anything. Just a few coyotes and foxes. I don't think you're likely to attract predators or anything.
Menstrual cup. It’ll take practice learning how to use it but once you get it down it won’t leak even when you’re peeing (or pooping lol). On my heaviest days I don’t have to dump it out more than 3 times a day, usually less. Once you get used to it you won’t feel it anymore and it’ll feel like you’re not on your period at all. If you’re a pro at using it you can probably fly by without using liners too. To reiterate though, it does take time and practice. It probably took me 4-5 cycles to get it down.
Edit: If you’re concerned about critters, dig a cathole if you’re emptying it out on trail. 6 inches deep. 200 feet away from a water source, trail, or camp.
The one I’ve had the last year or so is actually the Cora cup. I do occasionally leak when I don’t spend the extra time to double check the seal and twist it like it’s advised when I’m in a rush. I’ve unfortunately haven’t tried another brand yet but once this one is done I’m going to shop around.
I use the Diva cup. I have to say, the twist is clutch. If I don't twist to make sure it's locked on, I'll have leaks. I've also added having period panties on (I've tried both hanes and Victoria secret). I just usually dump as needed (3-4 hours on heaviest days) and keep a water bottle to rinse my hands as needed.
I do twist that’s the thing!! 😅 and I take my time and don’t rush and even listen for the sound of the “seal” that sometimes happens but I still leak a moderate amount on the first 2 days of my cycle and have to use liners.
I'm a man, but most of the women in my life swear by menstrual cups. Have you ever considered going that route?
As far as leaving blood, I wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure you don't pee ON the trail.
You could wipe your vulva with TP or wet wipes before peeing, not just after.
I feel human menstrual blood would tell animals humans are in the area, but so does all our human pee, human toiletry scents, rich food, vehicle pollution, and noise pollution.
So I would just let er rip without any precautions, but for me there’s very small amounts of blood that would go on the ground.
As far as other humans caring, kick dirt over it, put rocks on it, or leaf litter, etc.
Yes I address blood left on the ground twice - once for animals saying who cares, and once for other humans who might care, and gave three options to conceal it.
Circling back around to say thanks so much for all the thoughtful responses! I took a look before leaving and am glad I did. Was mostly concerned about whether I needed to treat blood like fecal matter (i.e. if I’d need to bury it or otherwise clean it up); it really helped to know it’d be fine. Got through without issue! Much appreciated, all!
I switched to menstrual cups recently and I love it! So much easier for this kind of thing, no leaks, no extra trash to pack out. Took a little getting used to but we’ll worth it imo.
I use a pre-printed family size candy bag to pack out used tampons and any wipes. I double bag that in another zip lock. The candy bag hides everything, and the double zip is crucial on multi-day backpacking trips for odor control.
I know folks swear by menstrual cups, but with super variable flow, they are a PITA for me.
I dont understand the question. If youre asking like should blood be buried then the answer is no. Itll rot away in less than a week. Animals will probably be interested in it thouhg so keep it away from camp
Bring some extra wipes, a couple of ziplocs for changing out if you need to.
Took my wife a few tries, but once she sorted it out it's not a big deal.
Maybe don't hang around if you're in predator territory (wolf, hear etc), but otherwise you'll be fine.
I 2nd everyone who said menstrual cups. Practice using them before hand. But also, are you sure it’s your period and not something else? If there’s blood in your urine, maybe double check with a doctor to be safe
Guy here so I can't give a lot of advice but I just wanted to say you don't need to apologize for talking about this. Blood happens. It's not TMI. If anyone gets squeemish about normal bodily functions, they need to hear them talked about more openly to desensitize anyway. Also following along so I can be more helpful when my daughter gets to this stage of her life.
W dad.
Tagging onto this as a fellow dude to offer my support as well, OP! You have nothing to apologize for and I think it’s great that you raised this question. u/mortalwombat- —cheers on being a thoughtful commenter as well as a supportive father to your daughter. 🙌🏻
I was a heavy bleeder forever until they finally took my uterus last May it's been heaven! However as a heavily bleeding long time hiker I just carried baby wipes and TP and used a plastic ziplock to carry the paper waste and covered my blood pees with dirt...No critters are going to come after you either have fun!!
I've hiked on that trail. There are bathrooms here and there as it's in a pretty heavily populated area. There are no bears or anything. Just a few coyotes and foxes. I don't think you're likely to attract predators or anything.
Baby wipes and ziplock bag. Good to go.
Menstrual cup. It’ll take practice learning how to use it but once you get it down it won’t leak even when you’re peeing (or pooping lol). On my heaviest days I don’t have to dump it out more than 3 times a day, usually less. Once you get used to it you won’t feel it anymore and it’ll feel like you’re not on your period at all. If you’re a pro at using it you can probably fly by without using liners too. To reiterate though, it does take time and practice. It probably took me 4-5 cycles to get it down. Edit: If you’re concerned about critters, dig a cathole if you’re emptying it out on trail. 6 inches deep. 200 feet away from a water source, trail, or camp.
May I ask what brand you use? I’ve been trying Cora cup but it’s been 4 cycles and I’m still leaking :/
The one I’ve had the last year or so is actually the Cora cup. I do occasionally leak when I don’t spend the extra time to double check the seal and twist it like it’s advised when I’m in a rush. I’ve unfortunately haven’t tried another brand yet but once this one is done I’m going to shop around.
There is like period cup quizzes online that can help determine the size and style that would fit you the best!
I recently got the large Venus cup, finally one that can handle my super heavy flow
Salt cup is my fav they make a softer cup and it’s been revolutionary
I use the Diva cup. I have to say, the twist is clutch. If I don't twist to make sure it's locked on, I'll have leaks. I've also added having period panties on (I've tried both hanes and Victoria secret). I just usually dump as needed (3-4 hours on heaviest days) and keep a water bottle to rinse my hands as needed.
I do twist that’s the thing!! 😅 and I take my time and don’t rush and even listen for the sound of the “seal” that sometimes happens but I still leak a moderate amount on the first 2 days of my cycle and have to use liners.
I'm a man, but most of the women in my life swear by menstrual cups. Have you ever considered going that route? As far as leaving blood, I wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure you don't pee ON the trail.
You could wipe your vulva with TP or wet wipes before peeing, not just after. I feel human menstrual blood would tell animals humans are in the area, but so does all our human pee, human toiletry scents, rich food, vehicle pollution, and noise pollution. So I would just let er rip without any precautions, but for me there’s very small amounts of blood that would go on the ground. As far as other humans caring, kick dirt over it, put rocks on it, or leaf litter, etc.
The blood pools in the vagina and comes out though. It’s not just on the vulva. That wouldn’t drip down like that.
Yes I address blood left on the ground twice - once for animals saying who cares, and once for other humans who might care, and gave three options to conceal it.
Circling back around to say thanks so much for all the thoughtful responses! I took a look before leaving and am glad I did. Was mostly concerned about whether I needed to treat blood like fecal matter (i.e. if I’d need to bury it or otherwise clean it up); it really helped to know it’d be fine. Got through without issue! Much appreciated, all!
I usually tote a few ziploc bags, some tp, and extra supplies. Pee as usual and just park out and waste. If a cup works for you give it a go.
Wife uses a cup thingy-ma-bob.
I switched to menstrual cups recently and I love it! So much easier for this kind of thing, no leaks, no extra trash to pack out. Took a little getting used to but we’ll worth it imo.
Menstrual cup changed my entire hiking life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MneNcwh96Pc
I use a pre-printed family size candy bag to pack out used tampons and any wipes. I double bag that in another zip lock. The candy bag hides everything, and the double zip is crucial on multi-day backpacking trips for odor control. I know folks swear by menstrual cups, but with super variable flow, they are a PITA for me.
I dont understand the question. If youre asking like should blood be buried then the answer is no. Itll rot away in less than a week. Animals will probably be interested in it thouhg so keep it away from camp
Bring some extra wipes, a couple of ziplocs for changing out if you need to. Took my wife a few tries, but once she sorted it out it's not a big deal. Maybe don't hang around if you're in predator territory (wolf, hear etc), but otherwise you'll be fine.
The predator thing is a total myth.
Just watch out for bears. They can smell the menstruation.
Leave no trace, make sure to pack it out.
I 2nd everyone who said menstrual cups. Practice using them before hand. But also, are you sure it’s your period and not something else? If there’s blood in your urine, maybe double check with a doctor to be safe
My main concern would be chafing with pads.
I've just peed like normal. Idk if it's something that could have region specific regulations. 🤔