At Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC), we send young adults into the backcountry to tackle everything from wildfire mitigation to trail restoration. Our crews hike long distances, camp for days at a time, and work in remote areas with limited access to bathrooms, running water, or basic supplies. For many of our Corpsmembers, especially those experiencing menstruation for the first time in the field, this can be one of the biggest barriers to full participation.
Menstrual inequity impacts our organization in real ways. Many of the youth we serve come from low-income or rural communities where access to period care is inconsistent or cost-prohibitive. Disposable products add up quickly—and they’re hard to manage on multi-day camping hitches, where leave no trace while on your period is not just a value, it’s a necessity. When someone’s basic hygiene needs aren’t met, it can mean missing out on opportunities for growth, service, and connection with the natural world.
That’s why we’re so grateful for the generous donation of Diva Cups to support our field crews. Reusable period care products like Diva Cup have helped eliminate one of the major obstacles to confidence in the field. They're discreet, effective, and easy to use once you're trained up.
Top 3 Challenges of Period Management in the Field:
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Limited Access to Facilities
There are no bathrooms or private spaces in the backcountry. Changing products, washing hands, and maintaining hygiene become a logistical challenge, especially for new campers. -
Carrying and Packing Out Waste
When you’re camping, how to go camping on your period often means figuring out how to safely pack out used products. Carrying used pads or tampons in a double-bagged ziplock for several days can feel uncomfortable or even embarrassing. -
Stigma and Lack of Experience
Many young people feel ashamed or unsure about managing their period while in a group. For some, it’s their first time away from home during their cycle, and they may not have the tools or language to ask for what they need.
Top 3 Period Must-Haves for Fieldwork:
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Reusable Period Cup (like Diva Cup!)
Lightweight, discreet, and long-lasting, menstrual cups are ideal for extended trips. With proper hygiene and instruction, many of our Corpsmembers have found them life-changing. -
Biodegradable Soap + Hand Sanitizer
Keeping clean is critical when inserting or removing a cup in the wild. Hand hygiene is step one for a safe and confident experience. -
Supportive Crew Culture
A period-positive environment, open conversation, and peer support are some of the most powerful tools we have. Normalizing menstruation on the trail builds trust and self-confidence.
Overcoming Menstrual Barriers in the Outdoors
Training is key.
We talk about how to camp and hike on your period during orientation, ensuring everyone feels equipped before they ever step into the field. We include sessions on using a menstrual cup, managing waste in remote settings, and practicing period care while camping with dignity and respect. Our leaders also carry extra supplies and provide ongoing support throughout the season.
For young people stepping into leadership, stewardship, and outdoor careers, overcoming period barriers is part of becoming trail-ready. Thanks to partners like Diva Cup, we’re proud to offer solutions that help create more inclusive and empowering outdoor experiences, where nobody gets left behind because of their period.
