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Mark J
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
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.
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.
Can anyone recommend good hiking trails in the Phoenix and/or Sedona areas?
stacy
The trails can be moderate in level, but something that would not require any climbing as we will have a 1 year old in a back-pack.
Answer
HI Stacy,
I've been hiking w/my kids on the AZ trails for a few years. There are so many great mountains here. My fav's in town are Usery Regional Park (Wind Cave Tunnel) that's east valley. South Mountain's Telegraph Pass Trail, and Squaw Peak and Camelback. (more difficult) I have hiked each of these with baby backpacks.
Sedona has TONS of trails to hike. Depends on what yOu're looking for. You should go to REI (or equivalent store) and buy a hiking book/guide. There are some awesome ones out there. Then you will have all the hikes at your fingertips, with pictures & explanations.
Enjoy,
Jessica
HI Stacy,
I've been hiking w/my kids on the AZ trails for a few years. There are so many great mountains here. My fav's in town are Usery Regional Park (Wind Cave Tunnel) that's east valley. South Mountain's Telegraph Pass Trail, and Squaw Peak and Camelback. (more difficult) I have hiked each of these with baby backpacks.
Sedona has TONS of trails to hike. Depends on what yOu're looking for. You should go to REI (or equivalent store) and buy a hiking book/guide. There are some awesome ones out there. Then you will have all the hikes at your fingertips, with pictures & explanations.
Enjoy,
Jessica
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Title Post: How should women best prepare to go backcountry camping?
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Rating: 96% based on 987 ratings. 4,7 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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