As a women who hikes, camps, backpacks, etc. I have run into some situations that I haven’t seen discussed about much on the internet! So because of that, I decided to make my own blog post about it.
In todays blog post, I will touch on topics of:
- Best bras for hiking
- What to do if you get your period on the trail
- Going to the bathroom in the wilderness
- Best underwear for hiking
Bras for Hiking
I’m currently still breastfeeding, so bras are something I think about quite often. Since breastfeeding, my breasts have changed a lot and finding a supportive, yet comfortable bra has been a priority for me.
I’m going to recommend some bras that I have tried. There are so many bras out there and they all range in styles, price, durability, and so on; in other words, it is easy to be overwhelmed. But, I am hoping to help guide you in the right direction!
What I look for in a good hiking bra:
- Medium impact support
- Usually thicker straps (I have a heavier chest *especially* since breastfeeding)
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- No underwire (I hate when they break and poke me!)
- Quick dry
When you see that brands name, I know it sounds expensive..but I scored this bra during an online sale for $19! This bra is my go-to bra; it’s lightweight, sweat-wicking, seamless and keeps its shape.
I’m so happy this bra came into my life. I don’t normally go for “strappy” or thin straps, but this one I can actually get away with. Now remember I titled this post with TMI, because I know I am sharing a lot so if you don’t want to know, stop reading now. I was breastfeeding both my kids and then weaned my toddler off, and now my baby boy only nurses twice a day and at night so I don’t have the milk supply I once did, so my breasts have shrunk a lot recently. With full milk I was a 32F, and I wouldn’t have been able to wear this bra.
If you have bigger breasts, don’t push it! Be comfortable! Big breasts have cute bras too, I promise! Strappy bras tend to be better fitting on smaller chests. This post is going to include a bra for every chest size!
This bra is incredible. I have it in multiple sizes because I purchased it through so many points of my breastfeeding journey. The support it offers is like no other bra I have tried and it is so breathable. MusesOnly is one of those brands that I just keep coming back to because I love all of their products.
Getting Your Period On The Trail
This happened to me on my very first backpacking trip! I never read up on this prior to it happening, so hopefully I can help someone be more prepared than I was if this situation were to arise.
To begin I recommend a reusable menstrual cup! It’s basically a cup made out of silicone (a flexible material) and you insert it with your fingers, it catches your blood, you dump it out, clean it, reuse it. When it isn’t in use, you can store it in the container/baggy it comes with. To clean it, you rinse it and boil it in water for 10 minutes.
They’re light, easy to carry and very handy! I dumped mine in the thunder bucket at our campsite. If you need a backup, there is period underwear which is a great backup to wear when cleaning your menstrual cup in the woods! I’ve used my menstrual cup for almost 10 years now, it has made my period so much easier to manage just in general.
If you prefer pads or like to have them on as a back up, these are the ones I have used. Biodegradable and unscented!
Going To The Bathroom On The Trail
Oh great. You’re in the middle of the woods with no bathrooms around, and you need to go to the washroom. Now what?
Well, make yourself at home girl… Ok I’m going to get a little specific here, since this is a TMI post. You have some options with how to go about this; portable toilet (which I personally haven’t tried and don’t want to), digging a hole, or packing it out. What the heck am I talking about? Let’s get into it.
Dig a hole?! Yep! This is the best method, I personally think. Make sure you’re off the trail, away from campsites and not near any water resources, then start digging! Just dig a deep enough hole to completely cover your business. Please don’t make it too shallow, or it can be stepped on! Afterwards, cover your hole with the dirt you dug out. This can be done with your foot, a shovel, or your hand. The dig-a-hole method is my go-to move, and I have done it on a lot of trails. I even did it today.
Pack it out? It is what it sounds like, bring out of the park/trail what you dispense out of your system. Yuck. I hate the sound of this (I haven’t done it), but some places require it so I’ve read.
If you don’t remember any of that, remember this! Bring a baggy to pack your toilet paper to take out of the park/trail with you. Even if your toilet paper is biodegradable. If you use pads or tampons, pack those out too and do not bury them!
Finally, wash your hands! I bring wet wipes with me everywhere (I am a mom, after all) so that is what I generally use after doing my business off a trail.
Best Underwear For Hiking
Underwear is something that can easily get overlooked when prepping for a hike, but your base layers are so important; and this includes underwear!
Now you can totally go commando or purchase base layers with underwear built in, but I haven’t tried either of those because I, well I feel most comfortable in underwear, and comfort is key! So try what makes you feel most comfortable.
What I look for in hiking underwear:
- Quick dry (so important!)
- My favourite style (I love thongs, I live in thongs, I sleep in thongs, I adore thongs…but I know many people don’t, so choose what is comfortable for you!)
- A comfortable waistband
- Perfect sizing
Again, all of my recommendations are underwear I wear regularly and have for a while! These are based off my preferences and experience.
Active Sports Thong by Sexy Basics
These are my go to! I will probably wear these my entire life. I ask for these every Christmas and birthday, and probably always will.
The waistband is so comfortable, the material is so smooth, they are quick dry, breathable, and I love black underwear. What more can I say?
If you’re into seamless underwear, this is definitely the best I have ever tried. They’re breathable, lightweight, and quick dry! Not many seamless underwear is actually quick dry, so these are pretty unique.
Well thanks for sticking with me through this TMI blog post, I hope you find these tips and recommendations helpful. I personally haven’t seen enough of these topics being discussed!
Until next time…
Keep on trekking,
Kate 🥾🌼
Save this blog on your Pinterest!
yourmatiekatie 