How to Deal with a Period on the River

Got Your Period on the River?

 

 

How to Handle Menstruation on a River Trip

 

 

When you commit to going on a white water rafting trip in Grand Canyon, you’ll likely start to think about how you’ll manage your day to day tasks in this new, unfamiliar environment. One of the most critical of those daily tasks (and one that people sometimes hesitate to speak about openly) is going to the bathroom. Things get even more complicated if you’re a person who menstruates. 

The idea of dealing with your period on a backcountry trip sounds daunting, but it’s actually pretty simple. With a little extra preparation and patience, your period shouldn’t hold you back from an amazing river trip. You probably have a few questions about how to manage your period on the river, and you’re not alone!

Here are some of our most asked period questions:

 

1. Can I use tampons on the river?

Yes absolutely! If using tampons is what you normally do, continue to do so. Internal products like tampons are going to be the best option during the day at least.

 

2. Can I use pads on the river?

Yes and no. Pads at camp and while you sleep are great, but during the day we recommend you use an internal option like tampons, menstrual cups or discs. During the day you will be swimming and getting wet on the boat, which will make the pad soggy and uncomfortable. Nobody wants to feel like they’re wearing a wet diaper.

 

3. Can I use period underwear on the river?

Yes and no. Similar to pads, these are perfect for wearing in camp and while you sleep. During the day, you may find that they hold water and become uncomfortable. If you do bring them, you also will need a plan for rinsing and storing them after use.

 

4. Does Hatch provide tampons?

Yes and no. Every first aid kit has a supply of tampons. This supply is limited though and should not be used unless it is an emergency. Please please please bring your own! Everyone has their own needs and preferences, so bringing your own will be the most comfortable for you. But if you do run out on the river, we will have some backups available to you.

 

5. How do I dispose of pads and tampons?

• During the day: The guides have toilet paper accessible that you can ask for. Once you’ve grabbed your toilet paper and necessary supplies, find a private spot at one of many stops to change your period product like normal. Then wrap things up and bring it  back to the boat to dispose of them in the trash. We highly recommend pre-packing some period kits (discussed below) to make this as easy and discrete as possible. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR TRASH BEHIND. No one wants to find used products, and it’s part of our stewardship of the canyon to bring out everything we bring in.
• At camp: While you are at camp you can go to the toilet (groover) which will be tucked away for some privacy to remove your period product, then simply wrap it up in toilet paper and place it in the trash. DO NOT PUT PADS OR TAMPONS IN THE TOILET!

 

 

Now that we have some of the basics out of the way, here are some tips, tricks and more useful information to make your period as easy as possible on the river. 

 

Menstrual Cups and Discs

If changing your tampon during the day is something you just don’t want to deal with, menstrual discs or cups work great on the river. Many guides in the canyon opt to use these. Menstrual cups and discs can be left in for up to 12 hours, meaning that depending on your flow you might only have to empty them at camp in the evening and in the morning before we set out for the day. 

Make sure to take the time to learn how to properly clean and care for a cup or disc if you intend to use one on the river. Bring whatever cleanser you like to use and be sure to have at least one water bottle that is designated for only clean water (not gatorade or other liquids) that you can use to rinse your cup or disk. River water is not ideal for washing reusable cups or discs since that can introduce unwanted bacteria. You might also consider disposable versions of these devices if you want to avoid dealing with cleaning.

If you have never used a cup or disc before, the river isn’t the best place to learn how to use them. Cups and discs don’t work for everyone and they take some time to get used to, so we recommend that you try them out before your trip to make sure they work for you. 

 

Have a Period “Kit”

If you expect to get your period while you’re on the river, consider preparing a “kit” of items that you’ll need. Even if your aren’t expecting your period, it’s always good to be prepared  in any case. What goes in this kit will vary based on your particular needs, but it may include:

• tampons, cups, or discs
• disposable wipes or toilet paper
• plastic sandwich-sized bags (for collecting used items and wrappers that need to be disposed of)
• a larger bag to hold all of these items

One tip: create individual “grab and go” packs for those quick pit stops. Here’s how one of our office staff packs hers:

• Sandwich baggie – the fold-over ones are great for single use for both organizing each pack and for holding the trash that you need to bring back to the boat. Also a bigger baggie to hold a few of these grab-and-go packs in your daypack and night duffel.
• Tampon or other period product
• Some toilet paper or tissues – a couple travel kleenexes work great
• Individually-wrapped wet wipe – for when dry tissue isn’t enough. Most likely you’ll find these in the feminine products section, Summer’s Eve makes these.

 

Being Active (or Not!)

Exercise while on your period has been shown to help relieve cramps and improve our mood, but we don’t always feel like doing intense exercise on our period. You’ll get some exercise everyday, but the bigger hikes and walks are optional, meaning when you just don’t feel like moving you can sit that stop out. And don’t worry – there are plenty of amazing stops, so even if you sit out a few, you’ll still get to see and do plenty!

 

Period Cravings

Many of us experience cravings on our periods and most of us usually crave carbs, sugary treats and/or salty snacks. Well our trips we have all of those! From fruits and trail mix to snack on, to cookies and chips at lunch, to pasta at dinner, we’ve got all sorts of delicious food to help sate those cravings.

 

Wet Underwear

This is unrelated to menstruation, but is important so we thought we’d include it in this blog.

Earlier this blog mentioned that sitting in wet period underwear or a pad is uncomfortable, but the discomfort that comes with them when wet is not the primary reason we don’t recommend using them during the day. Wearing wet underwear for long periods of time without drying out greatly raises your chances of getting a UTI or yeast infection. This doesn’t apply to just wet period underwear or pads but to most everyday underwear as well.

That’s why we recommend wearing underwear made of quick dry material and/or changing your underwear often. One great quick dry option is wool. On top of drying fast, wool is breathable, odor resistant and antibacterial to a degree (the same reasons we recommend wool socks!). Breathable synthetic underwear works well during the day and may even be a good substitute for a bathing suit bottom. Cotton underwear is best reserved for camp, along with period underwear. Even if you’re an adventurer who’s good to go with two outfits for a whole week of activities, we still recommend bringing plenty of pairs of underwear for hygiene, comfort, and safety. 

 

Talk to Our Office

If you want more help figuring out how to manage your period or other bathroom concerns on the river, call our office. We have experience managing menstruation on Hatch river trips and are happy to talk with you about your concerns. Being informed and prepared ahead of your trip will help reduce any anxieties. 

Here are a few product options to check out:

• Animosa Go With Your Flow Pack – Adventure Period Kit
• Flex Disc – disposable menstrual discs. Discs like this can be found at a lot of places that other period products are sold, such as Target.
• Hello Cups and Discs – reusable options

 

To learn more about what the bathroom is like on the river check out our FAQs page and this blog on bathrooms on the river. Book a trip today!