When I made the decision to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, I was bombarded with questions relating to fears. “What about bears?” “You are really going to hike alone?” “What do you eat?” “You hitchhike???”
While these are acceptable questions and yes, many of them need to be addressed, it wasn’t my biggest fear.
My biggest fear ... hiking on my period.
First of all, I have no idea why people are so “disgusted” or embarrassed to talk about female menstruation. My friends know I have never been the one to shy away from a “period” conversation. So, I think it’s appropriate that my first blogging post on prepping for the A.T. is on just that...periods (if you are offended, you probably shouldn’t continue reading).
While diving head first into the best of the best: water filtration systems, shelters, sleeping bags, packs, stoves, food, clothing...the list goes on...the most helpful article I found: High Five’s "How to Be a Diva Hiker (Gear Review: The Diva Cup).
I have always been the girl that struggled with her period. Spending endless amounts of money and time “dealing” with it. Ladies, you know what I am talking about. For those that have a heavy flow (and even those that don’t), you know how big of a pain it is to have to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, or worry about leaks, or having to miss out on Girl’s Night Out because it’s just too much of a hassle having to lug around 40 tampons and 20 pads.
So, I knew that I was going to have to come up with a plan when it came to my Period and The Appalachian Trail. After all, what you bring in, you pack out--and I wasn’t about to have 40 used tampons in a plastic baggy in my pack for a week. So, here it is, my first attempt at The Diva Cup.
A dear friend of mine, and fellow hiker, shared with me this YouTube video, which is perfect for a detailed review of the cup.
I ran out and bought The Diva Cup instantly. All I know, is that with a little research and understanding, it is not that hard to put in! And so far, feels great and is working amazingly! I have a panty liner on until I know for sure I worked out the kinks...but you guys... total game changer. I am not going to go into details because the amazing sources above say it all- but what I will say is this:
Ladies (and gentleman), stop being embarrassed or uncomfortable in talking about periods!!! I know one thing for certain, I don’t want anyone feeling ashamed of their bodies in any way! Not allowing women to talk about this natural monthly gift is only one form of body shaming and needs to be put to rest (period).
With that being said... I should probably go figure out how to use the Platypus GravityWorks and tie a decent knot.
