How should women best prepare to go backcountry camping?

Question

My girlfriend is interested in going camping with me, but is afraid of being unprepared for uniquely female problems such as bathroom usage, et. al. Any advice from female campers?

Answer 1

I'm not a female, but I've introduced a few ladies backpacking over the years. It may seem scary at first, but armed with a few items using the backcountry "facilities" isn't that big of a deal. I don't know if lack of privacy, fear of animal attack, fear of "dirty" environment, or fear of messing themselves is their issue, but all can be addressed.

Provide her with a proper toilet trowel such as this one: http://www.rei.com/product/407146, a roll of toilet paper, a small package of baby wipes, and a small bottle of Purell hand cleaner.

Instruct her to dig a hole at least 8 inches deep, squat down, do her business, and bury the waste. This should take place a couple hundred yards from any water source.

Some women will attempt to hold it for long periods and you might want to suggest a good private spot for her to "go" every few hours if she doesn't seem to be doing it on her own, while you "stand guard".

You might have to explain that hiking requires a constant input and output of food/water and waste and if she's not doing that she's going to make herself sick. I'm not saying all women are like this, but a couple of the ones I've known...

Toilet paper, wipes, and other feminine hygiene products should be carried out of the backcountry in some sort of plastic bag, preferably and Odor Proof Sak http://www.rei.com/product/758706 If you bury them, it's likely that animals may dig them up and scatter them around.

Answer 2

well there's alot o technical info on here and it's all good I only have two things to say (I'm guessing packing is not your issue cause we all need the same things pretty much-cloths, bedding, shelter, food, toiletries and stuff for whatever outdoor activities you're going to do)
1-don't take her on her first camping trip while she's on her period (if ever) that's a little silly because if she usually gets a little irritable around that time all the ruffing it may get on her nerves and even if she doesn't and she's just not used to the woods the she might prefer the comfort of her own home and shower during this time. I mean it's a very easy step to simplify things and make it a better trip for you both
2-baby steps cause if you over do it the first time that may be all she wants, even if it doesn't seem rough enough for you just try to make the first 2 or 3 trips as enjoyable as possible so you can bond instead of things being tense
and she can learn a little and won't feel stupid on a more serious trip and you won't feel like you're baby sitting her, you'll both be more relaxed and that can't be bad
I like camping and hunting, it's really not that hard
the biggest thing I guess is the b-room issue but that's mostly because woman don't want anyone to see their everything but if you're in a remote area it won't be that big a deal

Answer 3

Many of the problems you may be facing could be just the tip of the iceberg on what is really happening in your marriage. I dont mean to scare you but many problems when they either first show up or if they keep reoccurring could be just whats showing from a larger problem that either you or your spouse cannot even see. One of the only things you can do to help is to talk honestly and openly with each other in the marriage. If things become more serious more serious options need to be looked at as possibilities. I have a blog that has more information on some of what I've been writing about. If you feel like checking it out I would completly suggest it. Read here https://tr.im/NIb9u

Love is a choice that is made everyday when you wake up and every night when you go to sleep. Some days you may not feel the original feeling but love isnt a feeling or an emotion. Its an action a verb. Falling out of love may just mean you need to spice things up a little or that you were never in love in the first place. Don't just get out of a marriage just because you don't think you like the person anymore.

Answer 4

Actually, what everyone else has said is good info. However, rather than throw her into digging catholes on her first trip out, I'd suggest finding an established campsite with a privy/outhouse only a few miles into the woods.

Also, only hiking in a few miles and staying one night is a good way to introduce any novice camper to the woods without giving them a negative experience.

My wife has never made it past car camping, but she will use a pit toilet, which is more than I can say for some women I've been camping with.

Answer 5

I disagree with you a bit Steel. While some women today are more outdoorsy than than others, you still have many city gals that have no clue of what to do in the out doors. I have had both men and women from the big cities ask where the bathroom is, in the middle of the wilderness. So don’t think its just girls. Fact is millions of Americans are so citified that they have no clue about the great outdoors. One fellow that went along with us here in Alaska ran to his truck and locked the door because a caribou scared him out of his wits.
Its nothing to be ashamed of; you cant expect some one who lived in a major city all their life to understand an environment alien to them.

So I would have to say it all depends on the lady’s outdoor experience. Why she could be an expert survivalist.

Answer 6

Well, looks like the guys know more about all this than me! Growing up in a family where hunting, fishing and camping was basically a lifestyle (my dad & brother are pro hunters in Tanzania now), I guess I have never really thought this out too much! I mean when you gotta go you just gotta go!

Best tip: we ladies use much more paper than you for a number of reason! Antibacterial wipes are a good investment (I like Purell).

Oh and by the way, the best part of hiking/camping for us gals? NO make-up!
Have fun!!!

Answer 7

Just dig a super deep hole and bury the toilet paper. There is special biodegradable toilet tissue.

http://www.basegear.com/toiletpaper.html

It is not hygienic to carry around human waste. Before the 1900' in the US and even in many third world countries today people have outhouses, which are basically just deep holes in the ground. Digging a really deep hole out on a hike is the same practice.

Answer 8

Ask her nicely to suck it up and think like a guy. Camping means roughing it. You "go" behind a bush. Forget about make-up; you'll be lucky if you don't get bug bites, frostbite or sunburn. Your clothing should be functional and protect you from the elements -- layers work well. If you're back-packing, you need to travel light. This means minimal amounts of liquids (they weigh a ton), cans, etc. Take little tubes of shampoo, insect repellant, sunblock, antibiotic ointment (for cuts & scrapes). Be prepared for all kinds of weather. This is about getting in touch with Mother Nature, and she doesn't care one bit about creature comforts.

Answer 9

You're only shot at getting your ex back is to follow the right steps that will make her ask you to get back together. Learn here https://tr.im/FT7kf
Maybe if you broke up with her, then you might be able to be the one who brings up the subject of getting back together. But if you can do it without, it would be much better. But how do you get someone back without seeming desperate? In order to get your ex girlfriend attention, you have to show value without telegraphing your interest in her, while at the same time initiating interaction. So don't ignore your ex texts and calls when they break up with you. It screams that you are so devastated by the breakup that you can't even handle talking to her. You want to respond to her, but do it in the right way. You can even initiate communication if you do it in the right way. You have to maintain a strong frame of confidence, and show your ex girlfriend that your happiness isn't dependent on being with her

Answer 10

Look it's not a big deal . With the exception of particular "feminine " supplies , of which she will know better than you if they are needed , they pack what we pack . Today's woman is not as naive and if I may risk the word , not as prissy as their predecessors . Quit patronizing the girl and take her camping!