Female walkers - monthly issue

[ctlou]

I understand this is a public forum but, could anyone delicately tell me about how women have handled their monthly biological issue?
Are there supplies along the way? Discarding used supplies: Do they put them in a ziplock back and dispose of at the next town?
This practical info seems to be lacking and for me it is my most limiting issue.
Thanks

[aseranis]

This is a matter of personal preference, but it doesn't need to be limiting at all. Myself, I like to take a small nylon bag (sleeping bag stuff sack, for instance) and pack it with toilet paper, fresh hygiene products, and sandwich baggies. This way, everything stays together, and it's all demurely packed away. I don't bother with ziplocks, because they're more expensive and heavier plastic than the fold-over ones, and it seems wasteful for something that's going to be thrown out in short order. You could also put your trowel (for #2's) in the bag to keep everything together. Toss the sandwich baggies in a garbage can when you get the chance.

Never, ever leave your waste at the side of the trail, even if you bury it. Like toilet paper, feminine products will theoretically break down but, also like toilet paper, this is rarely what actually happens. More often it gets dug up and chewed on by small rodents -- and if you think the description is unpleasant, imagine seeing it on the roadside.

I like to go up one or two absorbancy levels, since I find it tidier all around. Another option to consider is a Diva Cup, which is a re-usable hygiene product. Some people like it, some find it a bit suspect. You can always buy your supplies along the road, but it may be difficult to find in smaller villages and they may not have what you like/are used to. It's probably not a bad idea to bring some spares from home in any case.

[ctlou]

Thank-you arsenais.
The information you provided was really helpful. It helped me frame up the topic in my own mind.