OutdoorHer | Resources for outdoor leaders
The BMC and Mountain Training have put together resources leaders should take a look at and can use to educate and equip themselves when taking groups out into the outdoors and talking about topics including periods, menopause and nutrition in the outdoors.
We've gathered our list of resources for leaders supporting people who are menstruating in the outdoors.
Some people worry about doing outdoor activities whilst on their period. Where do you go? What do you do with used products? How do you stay clean and comfortable? As a leader, ensuring you can answer these questions so that group members are comfortable managing their period outside is essential.
Helping group members manage menstruation can bring the following benefits:
Everyone can enjoy the outdoors
Your group will enjoy their time much more if they know how to deal with periods. Anxiety caused by a lack of knowledge or experience can ruin an otherwise fun day out. Or even worse, it can stop people who menstruate from being active outdoors.
Confidence and respect
Knowing how to manage all toiletry needs will inspire your group to respect you and will help you feel confident as their leader. Respect that people who menstruate will have their own unique experience and also how they manage it, there is no one-size-fits-all approach so it is important to support participants individually.
Reduced impact on the environment and others
Knowing how to keep clean, pack out products and dig holes a safe distance from water reduces the impact on the environment, removes risks to human health and wildlife and is nicer for other outdoor users.
Leader Checklist
Educate yourself
If you’re not sure of best practice outdoors, read our How to Manage Your Period Outdoors guide and check out some other resources online to familiarise yourself so you can better inform your group.
Prepare
Pack some products in case people forget their own or start their period unexpectedly. Period pads are good as most people can use them and they double-up as a first aid kit item. Wet wipes, toilet roll, doggy bags/box and a trowel are necessary too. Pack everything in a kit so it can all be handed to a group member easily. Some instructors include chocolate too!
Talk to your group
Let your group know how to manage their period outdoors when you give them an activity brief. Consider showing a video or using other resources to demonstrate how.
Remind them that many factors such as activity and nutrition can cause changes in their cycle so even if they’re not expecting to come on their period, it’s worth preparing just in case.
Let the group know that they can ask you if they have any questions and that you are carrying some extra products in case they forget. Be approachable and let your group know they don’t need to be embarrassed!
It’s best to do this brief in front of everyone as this avoids singling people out. It can easily be included in your toilet talk alongside peeing and pooing. Remember trans and non-binary folks may have periods too.
If possible, it’s even better to do this brief in advance of the activity as this means group members can bring the period products they prefer. Where relevant, involve a staff member e.g. teacher who can mention this in advance of a trip and may have a closer relationship with group members.
Help out when outside
Do the following during activities to make managing periods as easy as possible for your group:
- Try and include a toilet stop just before setting off as this may mean no one needs to change outdoors
- Include enough breaks and give people time to deal with their period when necessary
- If you spot areas that are private, point these out where you can – especially if you know there will not be any for a while e.g. on an exposed ridge.
Remember it’s not just the period (time of bleeding) that can affect individuals who menstruate outdoors. Additional symptoms both physical such as stomach cramps and psychological such as increased anxiety could affect participants. Talking to your group can help manage and overcome some of these additional factors. Encouraging your participants to bring some paracetamol and ibuprofen (if there are no underlying medical conditions preventing use) just in case they start their period unexpectedly can be helpful and you may wish to introduce this within your preparation talk.
Sometimes participants may need extra support than usual or struggle more due to changes in their symptoms, everyone will be different and even the same person cycle to cycle can have a different experience of their symptoms. Try to be open to talking about this to make people feel more confident and comfortable.
More OutdoorHer articles
Hill Walking Articles
Planning outdoor adventures comes with lots of preparation and adding a period into the mix can be one more thing to think about. While not everyone will be up for a hike or a climb on their period, if you are preparing for your next trip in the good company of menstrual blood, here’s what to do.
Hill Walking Articles
When out for the day it is likely you will need to go to the toilet at some point. Whether it be for ones and twos or refreshing period products, we’ve got you covered with all you need to know to be prepared. Things can get tricky out there so we will run through the ideal options through to the less ideal, but sometimes necessary, options when it comes to toileting. Wherever you can try to focus on what will have the least impact and do as much as possible to leave no trace.
Hill Walking Articles
Menopause is a significant and transformative phase of life. It is a natural biological process during which ovulation stops and periods end. The experience of menopause can be different for each individual and often comes with a wave of physical and emotional changes. In this guide, we will explore the different phases of menopause, common symptoms, and the power of regular movement and exercise to manage symptoms and support good health.
Related Content
Hill Walking Events
BMC members are invited to join a peer-led walk, hosted by BMC Peak Area volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Bev England guiding the route. This social walk will explore Baslow Edge and Curbar Edge, returning alongside the River Derwent. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!
Article
When it comes to gift-giving, we know the best things in life aren't always 'things'! Team BMC have been hard at work putting together a list of really great Christmas gift ideas that are a bit ‘outside the box’...
Hill Walking Events
BMC members are invited to join a Social Hike in the High Peak delivered by Members of the Rucksack Club on Saturday 30th November 2024
Mynydda Dysgwch Sgiliau
Here’s your heads-up to some of the most common winter walking mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
A series of guides to some of the most popular scrambles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Mynediad Newyddion
Proposals to make ordinary trespass a criminal offence have alarmed outdoor groups, including the BMC. Ahead of a debate in Parliament on the issue and the possibility of Government publishing the Police Powers and Protections Bill, Ed Douglas calls for the Government to think again.
Mynediad Newyddion
There are concerns that government are considering moves to turn trespass from a civil offence to a criminal one. In a public consultation that is currently out for comment, it has been suggested that police powers could be strengthened to force people to move on from unauthorised encampments. The BMC is concerned however, that there could be unintentional consequences of the proposals around issues such as wild camping.
Hillwalking Destinations
It's no easy feat, but with a little advice, organisation, knowledge and determination, climbing the Wainwrights is doable for almost anyone. This beginner-friendly guide aims to teach you about the fells and how to plan for and complete them.
Hill Walking Articles
Chris Townsend's top tips on getting the most out of a long-distance adventure, plus three week-long route ideas for beginners, offering a mix of nature, history, solitude and challenge.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Are you a hill walker wanting to tackle steeper terrain, but nervous about heights? Don’t panic – there are steps you can take to fight the fear.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
In this guide, we share tips to help you navigate your way back to safety in the event of a whiteout.
Hill Walking Articles
The health and well being benefits of physical activity are numerous. Apart from the obvious physical benefits, there are many mental health and social perks to hillwalking and climbing too.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
The know-how, top tips and gear you'll need for scrambling safely.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
The mountains at night can be hazardous, but also wonderful. Here are a handful of helpful tips for exploring the dark side.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Camping ‘wild’ is a different way of spending the night outdoors but it isn't allowed everywhere - with a responsible approach however, there are many remote areas where you can still rest your weary head under a star-filled sky.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
When should you use crampons? Our guide explains the 'when', 'where' and 'how' of deploying your spiky winter gear.
Article
Here are a few of the most gruelling, exhausting, rewarding and brilliant challenge walks Britain has to offer.
Hillwalking Destinations
Sarah Stirling lists five of the easiest Munros for beginner hikers to bag!
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Friction blisters on the feet are a common and potentially serious complication of hiking or hillwalking and other outdoor activities. This guide explains how to prevent and treat blisters accordingly.
Article
We've totted up a few fun facts and some trail trivia about this iconic route, including some surprising statistics that are guaranteed to earn you points at the next pub quiz. Read on for everything you need to know about this pioneering path...
Hill Walking Articles
Having a duvet day or a quiet night in? We've got you covered. There's nothing better than a day in the hills - but we think planning a day in the hills comes in pretty close second. If you're looking for inspiration for your next on-foot adventure, check out our lineup of ten of the best mountaineering, hiking and hillwalking films from the BMC TV YouTube channel.
Cerdded Bryniau
Forget ghost stories and horror movies - a simple walk in the story-stuffed British wilds is the best way to get your skin crawling.
Mynydda Dysgwch Gêr
Do you carry a first aid kit in the mountains? We take a look at the essentials for any mountaineering first aid kit and how to use them.
Mountaineering Destinations
Mountains have always meant more to humanity than just lumps of rock. We take a look at five summits with mysterious, magical or mythological significance.
Cerdded Bryniau Newyddion
Many people will have visited the summit of Great Gable in the Lake District and looked at the bronze plaque close to the summit commemorating FRCC members killed in World War One. This plaque was unveiled 100 years ago this year, on 8 June 1924, so this year, the FRCC held a commemorative meet with members staying at their huts in Wasdale, Borrowdale and Buttermere. This was attended by the BMC’s Hill Walking Rep Steve Charles and Lakes Area Rep Ron Kenyon, who sent this fascinating report of the day’s events and the history of the plaque.
Cerdded Bryniau
It helps you cope at work, 'heals' your brain, makes you more creative and it could even be better for you than running. Here are six ways walking could be more powerful than you realise.
Hill Walking Articles
Diversity conversations in the outdoors can’t leave anyone out. At ESEA Outdoors UK we’re celebrating the fact that East and Southeast Asian people go outdoors too, in spite of historical erasure and lack of representation in outdoors media. Here’s what you need to know:
Hillwalking Destinations
Watch five great walks in the Lake District, including family inspiration, lesser-known routes to popular summits and dog-friendly fell walking.
Mynediad & Chadwraeth
In the week that sees the Dartmoor wild camping case return to the Court of Appeal, the BMC clearly sets out its position on wild camping.
Hill Walking Articles
Planning outdoor adventures comes with lots of preparation and adding a period into the mix can be one more thing to think about. While not everyone will be up for a hike or a climb on their period, if you are preparing for your next trip in the good company of menstrual blood, here’s what to do.
Hill Walking Articles
When out for the day it is likely you will need to go to the toilet at some point. Whether it be for ones and twos or refreshing period products, we’ve got you covered with all you need to know to be prepared. Things can get tricky out there so we will run through the ideal options through to the less ideal, but sometimes necessary, options when it comes to toileting. Wherever you can try to focus on what will have the least impact and do as much as possible to leave no trace.
Hill Walking Articles
Menopause is a significant and transformative phase of life. It is a natural biological process during which ovulation stops and periods end. The experience of menopause can be different for each individual and often comes with a wave of physical and emotional changes. In this guide, we will explore the different phases of menopause, common symptoms, and the power of regular movement and exercise to manage symptoms and support good health.
Hill Walking Articles
Christine Cornock shares how she managed her period along the South West Coastal Path multi-day hike.
Hill Walking Articles
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Hill walking in winter covers a spectrum of difficulty and technicality, take a look at winter walking options, and what you’ll need to consider when choosing a route.
Hillwalking Qualification Training
Whether you want a career in the outdoors, or to improve your own personal skills, there are a number of training providers offering courses and instruction.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
This article helps you decide what sort of crampons are suitable for your winter walk, or whether micro-spikes could be an option, as well as discussing the compatibility of crampons to walking boots.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
A look at some of the benefits of poles and how to use them for hill walking.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Walking boots can be expensive and should last a long time, so this article looks at factors to consider before you buy.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Points to consider if you're wondering ‘Do I need crampons for walking in winter?’
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Being able to read a map and find your way around the hills is an essential skill for all hill walkers, and practice is the real key.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
A look at types of small, lightweight stoves suitable for hill walking and backpacking trips.
Article
What should you look for when choosing down products? Some factors to consider when investing in new down gear.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
If you’ve enjoyed walking in summer and want to continue through the winter, here are ten things you need to know before you go.
Hill Walking Articles
Clean out your kit cupboard and put a spring in your step knowing that you’re making greener choices throughout the lifecycle of your outdoor products.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Hill walking doesn’t require as much specialist equipment as many other outdoor activities, but is important to have the appropriate equipment for the route and activity you have chosen and the weather forecasted. In this article we outline the basic equipment every hill walker needs:
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
In this article we’ve listed the ideal range of hill walking items so you can head out with everything you might need.
Article
What’s better than a day in the hills? Easy – several days! Here are our tips for walkers looking to take their first steps into walking far and sleeping enroute.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
We take a look at what clothing to wear when hill walking, and how to layer it to stay warm, dry and comfortable in cold and wet conditions.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
This article outlines a few navigation techniques you can practise to stack the odds in your favour in poor visibility and severe weather.