What to do if your a female hiker

I love being outdoors in the wilderness. In fact, I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by countryside. Nature was on my doorstep and I had easy access for walks and hikes. It was absolutely wonderful even if being a woman is just a little inconvenient.

While hiking in the wilderness offers a chance to connect with nature and experience the great outdoors, it also presents unique challenges, especially for female hikers when nature calls. Finding a suitable spot to go to the toilet in the wilderness can be particularly challenging due to the lack of facilities and privacy. Female hikers often face obstacles that their male counterparts may not encounter, making the experience more daunting and uncomfortable.

One of the primary challenges for female hikers is the lack of privacy when it comes to finding a suitable spot to relieve themselves. Unlike male hikers who can easily step off the trail and find a tree or bush to use as cover, female hikers may struggle to find a secluded spot that offers adequate privacy. This lack of privacy can make the experience of going to the toilet in the wilderness stressful and uncomfortable, leading some female hikers to hold it in for longer periods, which can have negative impacts on their health.

Moreover, the logistics of going to the toilet in the wilderness can be more complicated for female hikers. Carrying out the necessary hygiene practices, such as wiping and cleaning oneself properly, can be challenging without access to running water or toilet paper. Female hikers may need to pack out their used toilet paper or find alternative methods for hygiene, such as using biodegradable wipes or natural materials. These additional steps can be time-consuming and require careful planning to ensure minimal impact on the environment.

Another significant challenge for female hikers is the risk of encountering wildlife while going to the toilet in the wilderness. Animals are attracted to human waste, which can pose a safety hazard for hikers, especially in areas where bears or other wildlife are present. Female hikers may feel vulnerable and exposed when squatting in the wilderness, increasing their anxiety and discomfort during the process. Fear of encountering wildlife can deter female hikers from properly hydrating themselves, leading to dehydration and other health issues.

Additionally, the physical differences between male and female anatomy can make the act of going to the toilet in the wilderness more challenging for women. Squatting or crouching to urinate may require more balance and flexibility for female hikers, especially on uneven terrain or steep slopes. Finding a comfortable and stable position can be difficult, increasing the risk of accidents or discomfort while going to the toilet outdoors.

Despite these challenges, there are strategies that female hikers can employ to make the experience of going to the toilet in the wilderness more manageable.

• Planning ahead and scouting for suitable spots along the trail can help female hikers identify secluded areas with adequate privacy. Large trees and bushes with plenty of coverage are ideal.

• Carrying a lightweight and portable urination device, such as a female urination device (FUD), can provide female hikers with a more hygienic and convenient option for urinating outdoors. I love the SHEWEE which even comes in several different colours and is made from a comfortable silicone for comfort. Take a look at the one I have here: https://amzn.to/3vxAJWN

• Packing toilet paper in your bag and putting used toilet paper in a sealable bag (until you can find a bin), using natural materials or biodegradable wipes for wiping can help minimize the environmental impact of going to the toilet in the wilderness whilst keeping your health and hygiene in check.

In conclusion, being a female hiker trying to go to the toilet in the wilderness presents unique challenges that require careful planning, resourcefulness, and resilience. While the lack of facilities and privacy can make the experience uncomfortable and daunting, female hikers can overcome these obstacles by adopting practical strategies and embracing the adventure of outdoor exploration. By raising awareness of the challenges faced by female hikers in the wilderness, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy nature responsibly and comfortably.

If you find this piece interesting, please consider leaving a ♥️or even a tip. Your support means a lot to me as a writer!

Disclaimer: Some links used in this article are affiliate links and I may receive a commission for any purchases made through these links.