How to: Plan for your period during your Expedition
Periods can be stressful at the best of times, but having one during your DofE expedition can add an extra level of pressure. It’s totally normal to feel like you might not want to go on your expedition while you have your period, but our DofE Youth Ambassadors; Kea, Erin and Georgina share 10 tips and advice for how best to plan for your period when doing your expedition.
1. Use reusable period pants
These are helpful if you think your period is due. Wearing them while out on your expedition during the day can take the stress out of worrying if you will bleed through in case your period starts and wearing them at night will stop you worrying about your sleeping bag. They can also be used as an alternative to period products, which can be more environmentally friendly. Scented waste bags can also help you to feel less conscious about discarding your products.
2. Bring a Toilet bag
Having a “toilet” bag, easily accessible on your pack, can take the faff out of changing your period products. Use a ziplock or sealable bag to store things like wipes, tissues, hand sanitiser and period products, that you can pull out of a pocket quickly. I keep mine sealed in a reusable coffee cup (which I use for food in the evenings) in a side pocket, to keep everything dry and in one place.
3. Pack hand warmers
Hand warmers are always great on an expedition, but they can also fill in for a hot water bottle! Keeping one in your pocket while out walking can keep your hands warm (and win you brownie points with your teammates) and help with pain. Plus, most last for several hours, so you won’t have to worry about it going cold while you’re out and about. Make sure to read the instructions properly to use it safely and remember not to litter.
5. Bring body spray
If you’re self-conscious, keeping body spray in your rucksack can be reassuring, and who doesn’t want to smell nice after walking for hours!
6. Take regular toilet breaks
Take EVERY opportunity to use the toilet during your expedition. Even if it hasn’t been too long since your last change, using a fresh pad, tampon or menstrual cup can help you to feel more secure and comfortable.
7. Talk it through
If you’re comfortable with it, tell a friend or someone in your group that you are on your period. Having this shared understanding can be a real comfort and you will know when to give each other a minute. My friend and I both had our periods during our Silver expedition and it was nice that we both understood if we were short with each other or struggling.
8. Lean on your Leader
If you’re worried about losing pain relief medication, give some to your Leader! They’ll have a clean, dry place to store it, ready for when you need it. It’s always good to bring an emergency supply with you too in case your Leader isn’t there.
9. Wear comfortable clothes
During your expedition, wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing. If you get period cramps, leggings and similar tight clothes might cause more discomfort against your stomach. Ideally, wear darker colours to hide any accidental leakage. Take a look at the Expedition Kit List to see what clothing you need to bring.
10. Prepare at the start of the day
If you’re expecting your period but can’t access period pants, apply your regular sanitary towels or pantyliners at the start of the day. Then, if your period does start without realising, or you’re in a difficult place to change (like up a mountain!) there’s sufficient protection in place.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about the thought of completing an expedition while on your period; just remember that getting through it, despite your period, will make it so much more rewarding! Expeditions are hard, and so are periods, but having confidence in your ability to push through will make it easier. Once it’s over, you will realise just how resilient you can be – a skill which you will use for the rest of your life.
For more advice, read BMC’s advice on managing your period in the outdoors.
