Introduction

Backpacking and travel experiences can be empowering for both men and women. Although most long-distance traveling and backpacking tips apply to both men and women, things are a little different when you start digging deeper, which is mainly because of the biological differences. Whether you are traveling or hiking solo or with a group, it’s important to carefully pick what you’ll be carrying during your long journeys. Pick the wrong items and you’ll be carrying extra weight for no good reason, while things can be even worse the other way around.

Picking Up the Right Stuff

Traveling and being able to carry the stuff you need on your back is inspiring and rewarding. But what’s important is to choose carefully to make sure you have everything you need out there. Although most backpacking tips and guides apply to both men and women, there are some tips that address the concerns of women. Let’s get started with the essentials every woman should have when backpacking for long journeys, especially hiking and mountaineering.

The Essentials

Regardless of the type of backpack you have, it must be comfortable and built to endure different climates and terrains. If you also plan on living for some time in the wild, knowing how to set up a tent and keeping a quality sleeping bag is a must.

Keeping repair supplies for these basic things can help a lot when things are not going as planned. You can also find many women-specific backpacks and sleeping bags, which are designed for more comfort and a better fit. It’s recommended to keep a portable sleeping bag with you even if you plan on living at a friend’s house or hotel during the trip.

Backpack

Size matters a lot when it comes to choosing the right backpack. For most women, a 40 liters backpack is enough to carry all the essentials plus a few extra items. We have already covered some of the best travel gear and anti-theft backpacks, which can help you choose the one that fits your needs and budget.

Clothing

Travelers have to prepare themselves according to the weather and climate of the destination. Items such as fast-drying underwear help avoid infections and yeast, while a pair of quality shoes can make your journey comfortable. There isn’t any formula for what types of clothing items you should carry as it mostly depends on your destination and for how long you plan on staying outside. It’s better to keep two pairs of shoes, one (preferably waterproof) for the daily walks and another for the remaining occasions. Make sure to leave high heels at home as you won’t need them anyway.

You can also consider carrying a large scarf or pashmina, which you can use to cover your head when traveling in conservative countries or protect yourself from the sun. They take less space than a hat and can also be used to lay down at places such as parks. A travel towel might not be on the top of everybody’s travel items list, but it is very useful in a variety of situations such as swimming and thermal bath.

Female-specific Items

In addition to common hygiene items such as a hand sanitizer and personal wipes, women also need to carry some gender-specific items including:

Menstrual supplies

Menstrual cups are a better choice as they reduce weight and help cut waste. It’s a good idea to keep two separate bags for that purpose i.e. one for keeping clean supplies and another for sealing waste.

Pee funnel and rag

There are situations when it’s not possible for women to pee in open such as in the rain or cold weather. Pee funnels are designed to help you keep your pants on when peeing, which means you can even use them inside a tent. A pee rag is essentially a cotton bandana that you can use as an alternative to the toilet paper. This allows you to use, dry, rinse and reuse them instead of carrying a bulk of toilet papers.

Safety items

Safety whistles can not only deter animals but can also help you call for help in the wild. Similarly, bear sprays can be used for multiple purposes, including defending against animal (and human) attacks. If you plan on being in the wild for a long period of time, it might be worth investing in a personal locator beacon.

PLBs along with satellite messaging allows you to send an ‘I am OK’ message once every day as well as an SOS message in case find yourself in an emergency and need immediate help. Make sure someone knows about your travel plan in advance and try to keep them updated of the latest happenings. A small first aid kit that includes the essentials like aspirin and bandages can be very useful when help is hours or even days away.

Physical Perpetration

It’s recommended to practice short trips ahead of your long journey and do some cardio workouts such as cycling before leaving for a long trip. Since you’d be carrying around quite some weight on all sorts of terrains (possibly for days), it makes sense to spend some days hauling 30 pound or more packs for some days. Good cardiovascular fitness and strength are essential for long trails and pre-trip training at least gives you an idea about where you stand on the fitness scale.

Be Mentally Prepared

Traveling is much more than just packing everything you need. You also have to be mentally prepared before leaving for the trip. Do as much research as possible for the whole trip and consider tiny details such as what to do if you encounter a wild animal or even a threatening human? While other humans who go out on long trails are usually helpful and friendly, things can go wrong sometimes.

That’s why it’s better to camp in well-known and established campsites and avoid camping too close to the road/trailhead or game trails (animals or hunters may run into you). Trust your guts and stride off confidently when you encounter someone you don’t feel easy about. A holstered knife at a place clearly visible to everyone would make troublemakers think twice before doing anything inappropriate. A can of pepper spray can be an effective first line of defense against humans as well as wild animals.

Keep a Topographic Map

We have already covered topographic maps in details, but don’t forget to carry one along with a compass and GPS, especially if you are not on a well-traveled trail.  Make sure you are aware of the escape routes to the nearest civilization when in the wild.

Conclusion

With endless options and newer and better products to choose from, deciding about which items to keep and which to leave can become overwhelming. However, the same decisions can also be interesting and fun when you start digging a little deeper. While most men’s traveling gear might work fine for most women, investing in women-specific products can make quite some difference.

Backpacking itself is an experience that can be inspiring, but a lot of research is needed as most of the backpacking content is targeted at males. Traveling isn’t just about picking the right items and packing smartly. You also have to stay vigilant, trust your gut instincts and be mentally and physically prepared for the unseen.