Camping essentials for women: 21 thing for best comfort

Essentially, the same camping checklist applies to every camper, regardless their gender. But women just need a couple of supplies more for maximum comfort. And no, we don’t have anything “camping isn’t that likable by women”-like in mind. We talk biology.

If you’re a lady, you’ve most likely been in a situation where – surrounded by all the peace and joy around the campfire – all you can think about is where and how far to go to take a leak. Especially if it’s that time of the month.

The good news is that every problem has a solution. Arming yourself with some helpful camping essentials for women will leave all the natural joy where it belongs – to you.

So, what are these special comfort and safety saviors every female camper should take on her next camping trip? Let’s cut right to them!

Things every female camper should get

We’ve gone through our personal experiences and the most frequent concerns from women in terms of camping. Our listed supplies clear up the difficulties related to sleep, urination, hygiene, and overall outdoor comfort. 

1. Urination device

One thing men have that comes exceptionally useful out in the wild is the ability to pee standing with their pants on. So many possibilities open up, huh? 

Well, females can enjoy this benefit, too, if only equipped with a proper urination device. 

Options are endless. Female urination tools come in different shapes and sizes – you can get either standalone devices or all-in-one solutions that come with urine cups of various capacities.

One of the most beloved female urination items is the Sunany Female Urination Device. It’s a reusable silicone funnel designed with female ergonomics in mind. It doesn’t irritate the skin and comes with long nozzles and extension tubes to avoid splashing around. The adorable tool that exempts from the constant pursuit of cars, trees, or rocks to squat behind. 

2. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer

While camping in the wild, especially if dispersed camping, huge chances are you won’t have access to running water. You’ll most likely bring some drinking water bottles, but you won’t want to waste them on your face, hands, or body. 

Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are your best friends that will keep your cleanliness level above zero. 

Remember to bring some feminine wipes for intimate hygiene, too. Choose the least harmful ones to your intimate microbiome without fragrances and preservatives. The same goes for face wipes. 

3. Toilet paper

Well, not a lot to explain here. You go to the toilet, do your business, and use toilet paper. 

Don’t forget to take a bag to pack it out (as well as all other disposables) if there’s no trash receptacle around you. 

4. Sunscreen

Sun’s UV rays damage our skin. It burns, reduces elasticity, and results in earlier aging. Not to mention the diseases that might come with irresponsible sunlight exposure. 

While it will take more time for those with darker skin to be harmed than lighter-skinned females, it’s better to be safe than sorry. When out to the wild, in particular. 

Choose eco-friendly products with SPF 50 to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Sun Bum Moisturizing SPF Lotion is our beloved option suitable for all skin types, oil-free, and water-resistant. 

Remember, what fits your body isn’t necessarily good for your face. Take a separate face sunscreen for your camping trip, like Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Lotion, which checks all the boxes for a more sensitive face skin – it’s weightless, quickly absorbent, and doesn’t put a visible mask on your face. 

5. Biodegradable soap

Whatever you do, the Leave No Trace principles should go with you. While doing dishes, too.

Biodegradable soaps like Campsuds are made from all-natural elements that degrade over time outdoors. When you dispose of it in the 6-to-8-inch hole, the bacteria in the soil safely consume Campsuds and return the nutrients to the soil.

These soaps come with light, natural scents and are suitable for washing dishes, hands, face, and hair. 

6. Dry shampoo

In the middle of the woods, your hair is not a big concern. Until the point it is. Dirt and heat help you reach that point faster.

Greasy hair – especially if you have a long one – can make you feel dirty, uncomfortable, and thus focused more on this issue than on the picturesque views around you. 

Dry shampoos are the quick solution here. Amika Perk Up will absorb the oil and add volume to your hair with a few 8-inch-away sprays without leaving any white residue on your scalp. 

7. Dry toothpaste

Toothpaste tablets are the ultimate winners in terms of how convenient they are to use. You don’t need any water or a toothpaste tube that is always at risk of spilling when thrown among the camping gear. 

The SuperBee Dentos Toothpaste Tablets are eco-friendly, fluoride-free tablets suitable for kids and have a nice spearmint flavor. Pop one of them into your mouth, chew until it foams, and then brush your teeth as usual. 

8. Moisturizer

Sun, heat, and frequent swims in the lake are a formula for dry, dehydrated skin – and even worse if your skin type is more problematic or drier by nature. Pack a moisturizer for your camping trip to avoid that unpleasant feeling of dryness. 

You might’ve already met that unique moisturizer that does miracles to your skin.

But let us give you a slight hint – Bioderma Atoderm Hydrating Moisturizer is something that won’t leave any female indifferent. It’s light in its consistency and smell, quickly softens and moisturizes, and doesn’t leave any unpleasant, heavy feeling on your skin.

9. Camping shower

You might find public showers in some designated campgrounds and just skip this kind of headache. But who told you can’t head remote into the middle of the woods and still have decent showers? 

Camping showers come in all shapes and types – you can choose from solar showers, hands-free designs, battery-powered options, and more. We covered all the pros and cons in our detailed camping shower review. But long story short – the Nemo Helio LX Pressure Shower is a winning choice that’s well-designed, super easy to use, and doesn’t need any batteries or electricity.

If privacy is something that concerns you, a shower tent is a homelike add-on that’ll make all the difference to your showering experience.

10. Camping towel

Often, towels take hours to dry, so you’re forced to reuse them while they’re still damp. And if there’s no sun – drying takes even longer, opening a good room for developing some “lovely” smells. 

Camping towels are different. They’re designed with fast outdoor use in mind. 

For example, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a fast-drying, highly-absorbent camping towel that’ll save you a lot of space among your camping gear. 

It’s a skin-friendly towel that maintains an exceptionally soft feel. For those who have issues keeping hotel-like gentleness in their towels, the Rainleaf should amaze you twice. 

11. Portable toilet

This one might be a little bit pricey for occasional campers, but if heading into the woods is (or is going to be) one of your top activities and you want to do your business comfortably – it’s well worth the investment.

Various options are available – from budget bucket-shaped ones like Camco Portable Toilet to more expensive, home-like alternatives such as Porta Potti White Thetford. 

Both are leak-proof and easy to clean, and the main differences lie in size, weight, and feature-richness. While certainly not the lightest tool you’d drop into your backpack, a portable toilet is a nice add-on for an RV camping or car camping trip.

12. Moisture-wicking clothes

The feeling of some cotton t-shirt sticking to your skin when you sweat is quite gross. After all, camping is an outdoor activity that includes many other outdoor activities, like hiking, setting up a tent or a campfire, or gathering firewood. Unless you come and sit under the tree during the whole camp, chances are sweat will go after you.

Bring breathable, moisture-wicking t-shirts, pants, and undies that keep you cool, dry, and comfy.

13. Feminine hygiene products

When the period kicks in, your bed might be the only place you want to be in the world. But it shouldn’t make your camping experience any less amazing. Don’t let it stop you from hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities you’d normally do. 

Sure, it all comes down to your personal preferences, but let us share some useful stuff that’ll make your camping trip no less comfortable while menstruating. 

Disposable products

Disposable products like pads and tampons are comfortable and sanitary. Make sure you pack enough for your camping trip and change them regularly to avoid toxic shocks or infections.

Be prepared to dispose of them properly. The solution is evident if there’s a nearby restroom or trash receptacle. Otherwise, you’ll want an opaque bag to store them for later disposal.

Menstrual cups

Menstrual cups are reusable and have an up to 12-hour shelf life. They may thus be more practical as you won’t need to bring and change pads or tampons that often. 

However, if you use a cup, you have to think about how you’ll get rid of the blood. Most likely, there won’t be any restrooms in the middle of the woods (unless you camp in a designated campground), so you’ll need to either bury it or take a container to dispose of it later. 

You’ll also need to keep it tidy. Use wet wipes, a hand sanitizer, or biodegradable soap for your hands. After use, wash the cup according to the manufacturer’s instructions – many advise putting the cup into boiling water for a couple of minutes.

Underwear

Another reusable alternative is period panties that can last up to 12 hours. If you’re up to using it, pack enough depending on how long your trip will last. 

Again, it might be the best option for camps in designated campgrounds, where restrooms are available to wash them. If not, think about the bag where you’re going to store your dirty underwear until you’re back home. 

14. Sleeping bag

Proper bedding is one of the common reasons that concern women when we think of camping. But that’s actually pretty easy to get with some useful tools we offer here. One is a sleeping bag that might give a more home-like feeling and retain heat while being well-ventilated.

Sleeping bags match different temperatures, so choose one depending on the season you’re off to the great outdoors. Other things to look for are size and shape. If you want to have extra room, choose one size larger. In terms of shape, the sarcophagus style is the most beloved among campers.

15. Inflatable pad

Another crucial add-on to your camp bedding is a pad. Roll-up sleeping bags won’t save you from rocks or patches stabbing into the back. Plus, they’ll take ample space among your gear. 

The lighter alternative that is more pleasant to lay on is an inflatable sleeping pad like Klymit Static V. It will protect you from the harsh ground and pack into a small 5 x 8 inches piece when deflated. 

16. Camp blanket

Sometimes nights can get so cold that your sleeping bag or clothing won’t warm you enough for a good night’s sleep. Camp blankets can make up for it. 

How are they different from the standard blankets you use at home? Usually, they’re designed for better heat retention and extra waterproofness. You should seek an all-season option for versatility, like the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Blanket. It’s a compact, lightweight blanket that doesn’t take up too much space among your gear. 

The Wise Owl Outfitters is an insulated choice that keeps you warm in cold winters and cools on summer nights.

17. Headlamp

Even if you have a campfire going, it won’t likely give you enough light to easily wander around the campsite or head away from it to pee at night. Needless to say, the light adds a lot to your safety feeling when out in the woods.

Of course, flashlights can do the job, but you have to hold them. All the time, even when you need both hands to fix the tent, for example. The go-to alternative with a hands-free design is a headlamp. Look for a water-resistant option with a long battery life and enough light (or adjustable light) for you to see.

The Victoper Rechargeable Headlamp is one of the great options made from waterproof materials. It has a lightweight design that does not tire your head and offers multiple light modes and functions with rechargeable batteries.

18. Bug spray

Bugs and mosquitoes don’t choose their targets based on gender, but women’s skin tends to be more sensitive. Thus, do yourself a favor and bring bug spray, so you don’t suffer later. 

Insect bites can be painful, including those from mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. It can be terrifying to be attacked by a cloud of bugs or blood-thirsty beasts. Carry bug spray or mosquito repellent in your backpack and keep those pesky insects out of your tent. 

Our favorite option on a tent camping trip is Murphy’s Naturals Insect Repellent Spray, made from natural ingredients, doesn’t have a chemical smell, and leaves no sticky residue on the body. 

There are some natural options, like peppermint oil, that you can add to your bag or body. But be careful – for some, it might be too harsh on the skin, or the smell might not satisfy you. 

19. Hair accessories

No matter how long your hair is, you’ll want to keep it from flying around or sticking to your face while camping. And keeping you cooler in hot weather. So, bring a hairbrush, hairbands, and hairpins (if you’re fighting stray hairs) to keep them comfy. 

Hats, headbands, or bandanas can pay off, too. Instead of dealing with your hairstyle, just put them on and get extra benefits like protection from the sun in the summertime or keeping your head warm in cold weather.

20. Female backpack

While it’s not a game changer in car camping, you’ll want to give extra thought to your backpack if you’re planning a backpacking trip, with some hiking included.

The best option isn’t universal; it depends on how far you will carry it and how many things to squeeze into it. Ultimately, you must try a backpack out and see how it feels. Is the backpack’s height suitable for your height?

Female-specific backpacks often have a different form and are a little bit lighter. How comfy it largely depends on the hip belt, torso length, and harness. The weight of a woman’s pack frequently rests on her hips and lower back than her shoulders. Such backpacks feature thinner shoulder straps and can fit shorter torsos.

If you’re up to getting one, check out this Osprey Renn 50 Women’s Backpack with an integrated removable rain cover, dual zippered hip belt pockets, internal hydration reservoir, and other features useful for backpacking.

Heads up: that doesn’t necessarily mean you need a women-specific backpack. Again, the main goal is to feel comfortable regardless of how it’s labeled. Gender-neutral backpacks or ones designed for men can fit you just fine. Try and see what works. 

21. Kitchenware

Every woman’s dish and cookware needs vary. If you’re serving a fancy 3-meal dinner for your camp companions, you’ll most likely want an extensive campfire cooking kit with all the nitty gritty tools to cook much like at home. Plus, a foldable camping table to prepare the meals and sit the group to eat your masterpieces comfortably.

But if the plan is to skip this outdoor cooking part and beat your hunger with just-add-water meals, a camping mess kit with some basic cooking tools like a pot, bowls, and camping utensils might be enough.

Bottom line

Of course, what annoys one doesn’t come naturally to another. So stick to how you feel about camping and fix parts that give you struggle. No camping trip is meant to be a survival, and it won’t be with the right supplies. 

Are there any other camping essentials for women that we didn’t mention? Drop the comment below!

Check out our other blog posts for more handy camping tips:

• Camping hacks
• Activities for camping
• Types of camping
• Camping gifts