By Evelin Weiss
When it comes to camping, there’s one thing that we can’t fail to notice: it’s easier for men than it is for women. Women have different needs, different comfort levels – and while a man might feel perfectly comfortable in a certain camping zone, a woman might be counting the minutes until she gets home. And let’s not get started on the toilets.
However, with the right preparation, every woman should be able to enjoy camping to the fullest. She just needs to know what to take with her to increase her comfort. Here are the essentials for women camping you’ll need to add to your checklist.
Contents
Inflatable Sleeping Pad
Men tend to easily sleep on foam sleeping pads, as they are more heavily built. And let’s face it, their resistance to discomfort is generally higher (except for when they catch a cold; that’s when they usually call the priest). Jokes aside, women can’t always feel comfortable on a typical foam sleeping pad – not to mention that sleeping so close to the ground can cause problems to the ladies “down there.”
To prevent that, you might want to take an inflatable pad instead. Not only will it keep you above ground, preventing you from feeling cold, but it will also make you feel much more comfortable as you are sleeping. A good inflatable pad will make you feel like you are sleeping on an actual mattress.
Good Sleeping Bag
Most of the time, women find it uncomfortable to go camping simply because they feel very cold throughout the night. To prevent this from happening, you might want to make sure that you get a good sleeping bag. If you already know the travel dates, find out what the lowest temperature is – and then get a sleeping bag that keeps warm against a couple of degrees colder. A good sleeping bag is just fundamental to the essentials for women camping these days.
The better-fitting the sleeping bag, the better. You might be tempted to buy a larger-sized one just so that you may have more freedom of movement, but here’s the issue: the more space there is between you and the walls of the bag, the more heat is lost. This is why many campers recommend that you get a sarcophagus type of sleeping bag rather than a rectangular one – particularly if you are likely to get cold.
Hand and Feet Warmers
When it is freezing, not even a good sleeping bag may help you much. The problem with most sleeping bags is that they don’t necessarily warm you up – but instead, they keep the heat in. So, if you are already feeling very cold upon entering the sleeping bag, it won’t do much for you in that scenario – because there’s no warmth to be kept inside, in the first place.
This is why you might benefit from some hand and feet warmers. Ladies tend to often have a problem with poor blood circulation, which is why they feel cold during the night. However, if you warm your arms and legs beforehand (or, if warmers are non-electric, take them in the sleeping bag with you), then you will be able to warm up the space inside the sleeping bag.
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Portable Toilet
This is perhaps one of the greatest struggles that women have to go through when they are camping: heeding nature’s call. Unlike men that only need to unzip when they need to go (the only exception being when they do the big business), women have constant discomfort with that matter. Not to mention the dangers of getting your private areas too close to the ground when you don’t know what’s passing under there.
In that case, you’ll need to get a good portable toilet with you. Not only is it the more environmentally-friendly option, but it can also allow you to handle your business with much more comfort. Put up some tarp to create a private zone, and you’re done. Say goodbye to squatting in the woods, constantly looking over your shoulder.
Dry Shampoo
Let’s say that you aren’t bothering too much with hairstyles and so on – but at some point, your hair will start getting greasy, dirty, or smelly. For some women, this might happen sooner than later. And while this might not bother men much, it can bother the ladies – especially when they are used to the regular hair wash.
The problem is that when you go camping, you might not have access to a shower. Sure, certain campsites might give this option – still, not only is it on rare occasions, but you’ll also have to wait in line after other people. This is why you’ll need some dry shampoo to make the hair look less greasy. A real must-have when it comes to a list of essentials for women camping.
Toiletry Essentials
Even if you are camping, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep yourself clean. In case you come across a source of water (such as a campsite shower or even some running water), make sure that you have some basic toiletries on you (i.e. soap, shampoo, etc.).
You might want to go for the mini versions of these toiletries because your camping gear is going to be as difficult to carry as it is. If you’re hiking, the last thing you want is to be brought down by big bottles of shampoo and moisturizers. Also, rather than washing yourself straight in the flowing river, you might want to put that water in a container – you want to be protective of the environment, after all.
Your toiletry kit should also include plenty of wet wipes. Don’t take a small pack to save space, especially if you go for more than one or two days. If you don’t have access to running water, that will be the only way for you to clean yourself. Go for a pack of sensitive wipes as well, as they will be more suitable for certain body areas.
Final Thoughts
Women can be very comfortable when they are camping. They just need to pack the right things. If they have the basics down, they’ll certainly have no problems spending a few days under the stars.
What are your thoughts on the Essentials for Women Camping?
Do share your views or experiences in the comments area below.
Evelin is an avid traveler and overlander, having driven long distances over three continents with her partner, Ferenc. Through deserts, mountain landscapes and remote villages, Evelin is keen to camp in very remote areas as long as there is a campfire and a nice meal around.
Great tips! I would be LOST without dry shampoo when we’re out and about for an extended period of time. Dry shampoo and a lake to swim in, and I’m good to go. Luckily for me, camping around the province here in Ontario, there is no shortage of lakes to take a dip and freshen up on those hot summer trips.
What a list! I never thought you’ll need this much but I am going to save this for when I am on the road long-term. I’m particularly picky with my sleeping arrangement/situation because of my bad back. I hope the sleeping bag you recommended will work for me – I’ve been looking for a good one for a long time. Thanks for sharing this helpful post, Evelin!
I haven’t tried dry shampoo and am always looking for more endorsements before I try it! I think I may give it a shot! We use a luggable loo so I think portable toilets are a must!
Very useful list on what to carry during camping. Inflatable beds with all comfort is highly required for a good sleep after a hectic day hikes. Also portable toilet is very useful to carry as it is the most essential stuff we need in morning. Carrying dry shampoo is good idea and I never used it before but now look for it. Thanks for all tips and information on all essentials for camping.
A practical and a good list of things for women. I totally agree about the foot warmers. I know how cosy they can help you get in your sleeping bags. The portable toilet is a good addition too, especially given how fussy we can get about doing it outdoors.
I went camping for the first time last week and I could have used a number of these things. I loved camping in the desert but I could have used a bit more comfort.
Great recommendations for women or anyone going camping. As an avid backpacker I never used to need a foam pad but as I get older, I have to say my back doesn’t appreciate the hard grounds of the mountains anymore. So that inflatable mattress sounds great cause it is still lightweight but can offer the right amount of support.
I would only add finding a really good pair of compression socks. Everyone always says get good boots which is true. But the socks is what saves most people from blisters!
Hahaha I love that bit about men calling the priest whenever they catch a cold. How true! On a more serious note, thank you for these pointers. I’m planning to go on a multiday hike and camp alone for the first time. Usually, I join organized hikes where everything is prepared for me. So these tips about what to bring will surely come in handy.
It’s good to know from others experience which products are best to have. I think many over pack and aren’t sure what they need.
definitely my list as well. We sometimes avoid taking portable toilet if we don’t camp for long but apart of that it’s a must for us (amen to dry shampoo esp during autumn and spring, when I don’t feel comfortable letting my hair airdry)
Such a great set of camping essentials. I use most of them. But I haven’t use the portable toilet tent so far. It seems perfect for a long road trip. I always pack a dry shampoo too.
I would for sure need that inflatable sleeping pad if I am ever going camping hah! Great roundup!
Yes on the dry shampoo! What an absolute lifesaver. I totally agree on the sleeping pad and a good bag, too. It’s no fun to be uncomfortable at night!
All these recommendations are useful and helpful for women planning to go on trek.
These are some great tips! Especially if you’re already cold, a sleeping bag won’t do much. I never considered that! I think my biggest takeaway is the portable toilet. I hate that nighttime camping anxiety of “do I need to pee now? Will I need to pee in the next hour, or in the middle of the night?” to then venture out into the dark & cold. A portable toilet would eliminate all of that! Thanks for sharing!
Of course, you could take everything with you 🙂 But eventually it will be a compromise, since it will depend on the mode of your transportation: backpacking or car camping (overlanding as we call it). But in either case, I never leave my dry shampoo at home!
Inflatable sleeping pad and warmers and portable potty…got it. Still, I’m more of a glamping kinda gal and prefer proper toilets, especially. That’s just the one drawback to camping for me.
I can’t deny, inflatable sleeping pad & sleeping bag sound like the perfect combination to sleep no matter what the weather is! While portable toilet is a good idea, my first preference would be female urinary device. Ofcourse a mini toiletry kit is indeed an essential.
Dry shampoo is a must! Great list of essentials for camping.
Dry shampoo is a life saver! I take it traveling, but taking it camping is an excellent idea too!
I haven’t camped very often, but I definitely need an inflatable sleeping pad when I do. I find it too uncomfortable sleeping just in a sleeping bag on the ground.
I never tried camping with my girls but this seems fun! I’ll take down notes these tips!
Camping is SO not my thing, but I definitely love dry shampoo! I was attached to it by the hip during high school haha. I’ve got my partner loving it now! I haven’t used it in ages because I’ve got to wear a hat to work so there’s not much point, but it’s still such a genius product.
DRY SHAMPOO!!! That is a definite must!! I hate when my hair is grease looking!
I love the portable toilet because It’s the biggest reason I don’t like camping. Although I’m not a camper, I can see why all of these are essentials!
The inflatable bed is vital for me. I have a bad back and just cannot make sleeping on the ground work without one.
I am a bit of a princess when sleeping. I would definitely be camping with a sleeping pad. But I toss and turn so much I can’t imagine sleeping in a sarcophagus style sleeping bag. And I do like the idea of a portable toilet!