5 Tips Your Male Guide Won't Tell You

Alejandra Garcés Pozo, a mountain guide with the American Alpine Institute, gives these fives tips for women adventuring in the backcountry.
Alejandra is wearing the Apollo Jacket: www.outdoorres...

[@12masjoan]

This is f'uckin' good. Finally someone exposed woman physiology. It's no shame in that. AND I always forget hair bins

[@mr2octavio]

Am I a climber? *No* Do I go outside? *No* Am I even a woman? *Not even close* Do I still watch the full video? *Yes, that's my duty*

[@humorlessclown]

frenchiveruti - Hehehe you said doody... but for real dats all me too. Watched this vid all the way through.

[@Andrea.1tree]

Props to you guys! It's def a good thing to know if you are ever around women in that environment. For multiple reasons lol.

[@aussiejubes]

Love it 😄

[@emilymartin5418]

This was fantastic, and no being squeamish about saying urine, period and tampon etc. Thanks!

[@sarajanewebster5321]

Top notch. My tip would be: be careful about the type of underwear you choose! If you go with a poly blend and not cotton, you’ll want to take extra care to wash the underwear/outer labia and make sure everything is regulated well. I imagine this would be a great intro for someone who’s interested in mountaineering/backpacking but hasn’t done it before: there are lots of people who want this info! LNT when dealing with menstruation/urination is important, and I love seeing instructors leave embarrassment at the door because it makes communication easier.

[@AmberLeighD]

This gave me the biggest smile! Great tips and great assistant!

[@Patrick_Nottingham]

I'm a dude and still watched. Was just talking about some of these - or rather being educated on - with my adult daughter just the other day 😁

[@iloveitgirlandR5]

The woman with the pink sleeves gave great tips, and the woman acting everything out in the green was way more entertaining than I would've thought. Awesome video!

[@jeffwrinkle575]

Looks like Penn & Teller have some competition. Not a girl but I use my empty dehydrated food pouches to haul out trash. They seal up nicely and the dehydrated food pouches are made to be odor free.

[@Whitney_Sews]

I don't even hike, but KZbin recommended and I watched. Good practical tips that could come in handy in emergency situations as well.

[@dianaarduinna1419]

Tip #6: choose a sleeping bag which is 5°C warmer than advised on the packaging. On estrogens, our metabolism is less heat-producing than with testosterone (I could experience this first hand since I am transgender, I have become much more sensitive to cold).

[@ThirrinDiamond]

Great tip!

[@Andrea.1tree]

I guess it matters what your body fat percentage is. I've always slept like a toaster oven lol. Thanks for the tip Diana!

[@Ciaradexy]

And your oestrogen levels are stable because its synthetic! Imagine how it is for us women as our hormones fluctuate and menstruate.

[@dianaarduinna1419]

ciara murphy I am a woman too, and even if I don't menstruate (as cis women without a womb don't menstruate neither), my hormone levels fluctuate too. Last, the hormones we take are synthesized, but they are the very same molecules that our bodies naturally produce.

[@Andrea.1tree]

@@dianaarduinna1419 Don't mind her. She spoke out of ignorance. *hugs*

[@2ndSummer]

Use a menstrual cup! No waste. Less to carry. :)

[@faye76000]

Is it fine to just dump that in a pit like you do with poop?

[@Bigotedechivo]

@@faye76000 menstrual blood is high in iron , I dilute it with water and use it as a "fertilizer" for my plants Disgusting? Yes But I have some beautiful plants. point is... It's good for the soil.

[@Quintinia]

Be mindful though that they must be cleaned very thoroughly between uses!

[@hayleymarse2853]

That isn’t the best idea for long hikes or backpacking trips as you won’t have a way to clean it and it takes a while to use meaning if it’s cold at all it’s going to be very uncomfortable

[@gandalfs-pants]

Okay...aside from dumping blood in the ground somewhere, how are you going to efficiently wash it every 12 hours? And then reinsert with clean fingers?

[@Jesse-xu6wx]

Great video! I would like to add to Tip#1. It’s a good idea to find a bra or sports bra that does not have metal/hard plastic adjusters on the shoulder straps. A heavy pack and/or long miles can make those hard pieces dig and become very uncomfortable from what my Gf says. You can easy pin your correct size remove the hardwear and stitch the bra to your size. (Even easier if you date someone that sews, as my Gf says!)

[@ChristophersMum]

Jesse That Gf of yours.....knows a thing or two about life.....she's right you know

[@nyssac2914]

If hiking somewhere cold, consider a padded sports bra for warmth... learnt the hard way 😳

[@Feuch24]

'Ever wondered how to properly pee outside? Well, *urine* luck!' You tried to sneak it in subtly but I saw what you did!

[@jennyjewell5635]

I can add one! When peeing in the woods in the pitch dark, try not to squat over a sleeping pheasant. You will both do a vertical take off- trust me.

[@rivertam7827]

I need to hear the story behind this comment

[@jennyjewell5635]

That’s exactly what happened- I started to pee and the bird , which I couldn’t see- took off with a loud squawk and so did I. It was a damp night!

[@TXMEDRGR]

On behalf of the pheasant community, thanks for the tip.

[@brumbybailey6599]

Oh wow, thanks so much for sharing that, just made my day! As both a packer and a poultry keeper that gave me a right good cackle!

[@evercuriousmichelle]

I've never laughed so hard at a comment! :)

[@haxyquinn]

I used my menstrual cup for two cycles while in Pico Bolivar, pretty cold and humid climate, I had no problems almost 2 months in the Andes. I clean it in boiling water twice and the rest of the time i used neutral soap and water. I think taking tampons it's a bad idea for long backpacking trips because it's extra weight most often than not they are not compostable and carrying them around after using them is not quite nice. Pads are bulkier and they sometimes move when you walk too much. Of course this is just my personal preference. If something works for you just do it. But I really don't see any problems with using menstrual cups, or why people say it is bad. Maybe if you are in a place where finding water is a problem but I like taking all my garbage with me and pads have never been in that garbage bag. Great video

[@alzbetaponkova1383]

You know everywhere isnt water and care special water not for the drink but to wash hands and cup isnt that easy in cold weather you had maybe snow but they are also places where you go two or three days without water

[@lenbeaudry]

aside from being very informative for us male guides - this was so funny, you 2 are great

[@aprilstark8887]

Now you can pass on the info to the females you are guiding!! :)

[@lenbeaudry]

@@aprilstark8887 I already have and the info was very welcomed😃

[@aprilstark8887]

@@lenbeaudry Kudos to you!!

[@tangowhisky1092]

Realistic and informative presentation! Thanks!

[@eggasmonster101]

Thank you ladies! Actually a great help for those of us that backpack!

[@loripavlu9323]

Getting a FUD (female urinary diverter) was a game changer for me. I didn't like the funnel type but found one called a P Style on Amazon that was sooooo much easier to use. No more having to take off my pack and drop the drawers while praying no one looks my way!

[@encubed1]

Lori Pavlu @P-style FTW!

[@raraavis7782]

Lori Pavlu I just love the names of these things...P Style, Shewee, Tinkle Belle....they’re damn handy though!

[@montanerdz]

I love my P-styles and try to convince everyone I know they're worth the investment!

[@nicole5979]

Helpful and adorable! And I love the fancy hand motions.

[@Goddybag4Lee]

The hair bands can also be used for drying things in the tent or outside instead of hangers if you use them smartly.

[@devorahgarland4916]

This was so awesome. Thank you! Women advising women. Nothing better.

[@lesstraveledpath]

OMG! Christy *needs* her own channel! That was awesome.

[@olga159]

Agreed!

[@monikakrupicka8207]

For anyone that's looking for a reusable pee cloth (/a bandana alternative), there's Kula Cloths that a mountaineering woman has created for just that!

[@ellie9730]

Monika Krupicka yes! I've seen them on Instagram and they seem to be a great company

[@monikakrupicka8207]

@@ellie9730 I learnt about the Kulas through a podcast and decided to buy one myself. I haven't used it on any trips yet, but it looks thoughtfully made!

[@nataliebennett1924]

Hairgrips/bobbypins also double as v-threaders when you inevitably drop that annoying little bit of wire off your harness half way up the route!

[@Swimdeep]

I know it’s something we’re not used to but the best thing for a period is ➖the menstrual cup. No trash or waste to hike out. It’s very eco friendly and easy to deal with. 🌿

[@haveawonderfulday279]

I absolutely love mine!

[@toroveabout]

Yes, but how to clean it in the wild? Wondering about the hygiene...

[@Swimdeep]

To Rove About Good question. Using a biodegradable UNSCENTED soap is recommended when sterilization is unavailable. Sterilization can take place off trail. They are far more efficient and bio friendly than tampons or pads. Not to mention lighter. Guidelines need to be officially established within Leave No Trace principles for the use of menstrual cups. It will take women backpackers to do this➖it cannot be left to the guys. Anyone who is interested in collaborating on a project to do this➖let me know.

[@thedolcetto81]

@@toroveabout I think you can just rinse it with some water from a water bottle, the way you'd do in a public toilet for instance , and wash it/sterilise it later when you get home. Juju cup makes also a detergent that is so delicate one can use as a shower soap.

[@RegrettablyLongwinded]

@@toroveabout most folks only sterilize between cycles, and simply rinse with water during cycle days, so that's only a major concern for thru hikers and the like. This could be done with filtered water on trail, and if something happens and you need to sterilize, boiling it for a few minutes does the trick. I think it's important to dump the cup in a cathole, much like you'd dispose of other bodily waste on trail.

[@cathycotton9635]

This was so much fun, especially the enthusiastic mime :-D The tampon went up the nose really got to me. I hope you two do more videos!

[@nikahopper2178]

Omg can we have more please! That was awesome

[@Ludix147]

Very interesting as a man that sometimes interacts with women

[@sour_peckanmix]

Ludix147 lmao

[@bubblebubbleblip]

Okay, about peeing in a sunny spot so it’ll dry fast: usually when I pee in the outdoors I’m in the shade, surrounded by trees because I want privacy. I imagine it’ll be hard to find a place w/ sun *and* privacy...

[@megletable]

I use a menstrual cup which basically eliminates waste... Also curious if you considered talking about UTIs but I guess part of that is in the pee properly bit

[@Whiskey87221]

I use “boogie wipes” ( they are moist towelettes that are soaked in saline. They are used for kids runny noses) that way I don’t risk a uti from towelettes that have fragrance or chemicals.. and I also alway keep Imodium in my bag.. happened to me once and never again 😂

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

So just like packing out toilet paper/tampons, use the black color doggie poopie bags and pick up t.p./tampons and, tie a knot in it. Put in a Ziploc and then all your crap is hidden in the black baggies. Works for me.

[@samanthahart1811]

try using a menstrual cup, there amazing! i haven't had any experience with mountain hiking and i dont know if it would fit the lifestyle, but i seriously recommend giving it a go!

[@ЈеленаЈариќ]

Can I add one more: heat patch. If you have periods from hell (thanks Mother Nature), heat helps. Stick one over the uterus and one over your lower back. Depending on product, they can be worn for 8-12 hours. Helps with pain and cold, they are cheap and light to carry. Dunno about how bio-degradabld they are, though. I am not a hiker, but I have done lots of fieldwork and they work like magic.

[@ЈеленаЈариќ]

Also, if you have old injuries that act up in cold weather, heat patches help too!

[@Andrea.1tree]

@@ЈеленаЈариќ What a great idea! Thank you.

[@misschipskylark]

thank you ladies!!!! Absolutely love this

[@downbntout]

Good to mention FUDs, female urination devices. Wear a shirt around yr waist or just a long top garment so you can drop your pants a little.

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

There's tops you can buy that are short at the front and long at the back

[@ChristophersMum]

downbntout In the uk they are called Shewees......!!

[@downbntout]

ChristophersMum I tried the SheWee brand, hard plastic edges, couldn't make it seal to me to funnel away all the urine. Could not find Pstyle online. Am I spelling it wrong?

[@ChristophersMum]

@@downbntout Yes you are spelling it right, however, it's saying you are going to buy a hoover....when you actually mean that you are going to buy a vacuum cleaner!!.....Sheewee was the first to be found in the uk...I think....so it has now taken on the product as a whole rather that just it's own make.....now I can't think what mine is....I've had it for a few years.....last time I used it was last year.....cleaned and packed away somewhere.....I think that I either got it from an outdoors and mountain shop.....or what is more probable for me is I got it from ebay.....sorry I can't be of any help to you.....I suppose it's like finding your favourite walking boot....have to try a few before eureka!!

[@preciousinfinity]

As someone who is never going to go hiking I find this very interesting.

[@treefloraken8263]

Your camera operator was laughing. Honestly, though, it’s so nice to see some of these tips!

[@easydoesit1962]

Love this! 👍 And thanks for making it entertaining at the same time! 😂

[@craftygirl261]

Gotta add that everyone should look at SheFly! Not gonna explain more other than it looks like it will revolutionize the female outdoor experience 😊

[@downbntout]

Soccersinger26 Ty, I'm on it

[@Andrea.1tree]

Thank you very much! I appreciate that information. Every outdoors woman should know about this.

[@downbntout]

I bought a Unigear because it's silicone, so it's flexible. Any comment on that one? Have you worked with it?

[@Andrea.1tree]

@@downbntout I haven't used it. Sorry. I'm very old school in my methods. But I looked up the She Fly, and half of the female bathroom problems just go away with these pants. I'm going to see if I can make my own.

[@downbntout]

Andréa Basically a very long zipper, rt? Yeah gotta get those

[@lecurvey]

The most amazing assistant ever!

[@zelenoye]

Thank you! Do more!

[@wildeone1636]

I have been hiking for 30 years and peeing downhill is the best advice I ever got!

[@motherintoronto]

I thought it was intuitive.

[@justalurkr]

You guys had a lot of fun with this! Very good tips.

[@cami-loo108]

You two are hilarious!!! Also very informative 😊

[@willnettles2051]

Great stuff. Couple of points. Hair ties are never as good as rubber bands for most non-hair uses. Silicone rubber bands are more expensive but won't dry out like the rubber ones so they're good for years. I took six of them on a three month trip last year and had most of them at the end. I buy orange ones so they're harder to lose. No clue how well they work on hair. After peeing, if you choose to use tissues (so this is more of a day hiker thing) don't leave it in your pants as a panty liner, it'll just fall out. They're all over popular hikes in Scotland. (I tried this a couple of times--were not all slobs-- they always fell out.) Bandanas. If you have a sewing machine or know someone who does, use the auto-button hole feature to sew a stitch reinforced button hole in the corner of your bandanas, then you can tie a string or hook it to a carabiner or even a button. It airs out and you won't lose it. (I can lose a wool cap just walking across a room. I like 6 inch loops of orange tent line on anything I might lose, like stakes. I can hang it, but mostly that bright string makes it impossible to lose ) I sewed button holes in my bath towels at home and hang them by the holes, all sides hang clear, my towel dries and it never slips off onto the floor.

[@nickf8028]

All I learned was not to touch any bandana I see.

[@PrimaDina]

Haha great tipps, i love hiking in the mountains :D

[@Aumness08]

So helpful! Thank you guys so much.

[@lisaremus8857]

The hiking female version of "Penn & Teller"!!!

[@emmamemma4162]

My tip: if you bring a change of clothes, make sure anything that might start to chafe is a different type than the one you are wearing. E.g. wear grannie panties but bring a comfortable thong. This way you might be able to stop the chafe by changing clothes.

[@hikingmarie9]

Love every minute of this!

[@DrgnMage2536]

Christy is hilarious. I don't understand how Alejandra was able to keep a straight face. I was laughing out loud. Great tips though. Thanks for the info.

[@tangifangledangle]

Thoughts on using a diva cup in the backcountry? Not sure if you can keep it clean/sanitary enough...

[@ValkyrieFlight]

I've used it a few times no problem! Just use a cat hole like usual. To clean it out, bring your water bottle full of clean water with you and wash it out. Every day or so, bring it to your hand washing station after that and wash it with soap too. It's safe to leave in for ~12 hours so it can be 2x a day! Hope that helps!

[@miklos220]

Charming,charming,charming

[@nooki6411]

I have used sanitary pads as emergency bandages + electric tape!!

[@darkangelcl4]

Well done girls, thank you!!

[@christinegerard4974]

Very nice and funny .Thank you !

[@tiffanyannlama2708]

i was a guide in the Pacific NW and Peru. I always hated starting my period on the day I had to guide like 5 dudes up a mountain. lots of times I just bleed like a wounded animal till I got back to base camp. blah. i do love the diva cup for all activities!

[@ashleydice4795]

I love them so funny and amazing tips

[@WarGrrl3]

Hi, this vid is why I a new subscriber. Please, where can I get a wool or good hiking/camping sports bra. I've been looking n I can't spend $100 on a bra. Thanks for this vid, stay safe, Be Blessed.

[@odessawinter4714]

Period cups are where its at!

[@largeformatlandscape]

Odessa Winter my wife agrees!

[@Mike-oz4cv]

How do you take them out with no possibility to wash your hands (and the cup)?

[@odessawinter4714]

You can bring sanitizing wipes and they make wipes specifically for the cup. I generally rinse my hands in a river and then use a hand sanitizer. I also rinse the cup with filtered water

[@Lioralon1]

they are amazing for hiking!! it is a little more of a hassle than tampons or pads changing it, but you only have to do that twice a day so it's worth it. also a lot more comfortable!! if used correctly you don't feel it at all.

[@cindygiesbrecht3146]

@@Mike-oz4cv Use your water bottle. Also, the cup doesn't need to be cleaned before being inserted again, just emptied.

[@ohwhattheheckin8014]

I have no f#$king idea why the hell this was in my recommendation feed... DAMN YOU KZbin ALGARITHEMS!!!

[@stevenvicino8687]

My friend and I would always try to find back-packing hacks. I came up with nasal inhalers and ...feminine napkins. What a perfect light-weight bandage. I got my first from the cleaning lady while she was loading the dispensers. She thought I was weird. My friend thought it was genius. I'm inclined to agree with both.

[@norman9274]

Ok, the pee demonstration was hilarious.

[@samanthasandstrom9836]

I thought she said "the bat clasp" and I felt really out of the loop for a moment.

[@advocacynaccountablity]

lol. awesome.

[@tticusFinch]

Once women go out into the wilderness, their bat wings which are usually kept in check by a simple clasp, have a natural tendency to expand. Most survival videos don't mention this. Good tip.

[@viviranses]

Thank you. this is very useful!

[@starwarfan8342]

I'm so glad I have an inbuilt hose.

[@Toyon95]

All people should come with those....

[@LoveDat65]

This was actually really cute. Thanks for the tips.

[@Gingermchippie]

2:15 I always carry extra tampons in my first aid kit for that purpose!

[@paigemcnaughton6171]

hair ties and bobby pins can also double as a easy grab handle if your zipper strap breaks!

[@NOIRTHIRTEEN]

You ladies rock!

[@nicofournier]

Awesome vid and super handy for us boys too! Thanks!

[@kathifoynm]

Great tips and presentation

[@m8trxd]

When you’re partying all night in the woods, make sure your squat spot isn’t over poison oak. Learned this one the hard way.

[@azemrau]

id also add that when roped up on a popular glacier route have the others of your rope team form a barrier so you can pee in relative private from other glacier travelers. Especially helpful if you don't have a pee spout.

[@Andrea.1tree]

Soccersinger26 made a comment to check out SheFly etc. I looked it up, and I'm very impressed. Check it out. No more pulling your pants down, or hiding, or time waste. Hiking pants designed by women, for women! Haha, I should get paid for advertising. But seriously, I think I'll sew my own now.

[@mitzidayball549]

Love the info. Funny ladies.

[@mandisaeteun9251]

This is awesome!

[@stacysemborski3519]

Kula cloth is a great option for peeing outside for ladies and more sustainable!

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

I’m a guy but I do hike,ski ,etc with my wife and female friends. On my check list I hand-out I added, tinkle kit (pee) and curse kit (period) items. Also on peeing outdoors, I was teasing my friend Beth, who is a serious outdoors woman and who I greatly respect, about when women pee they spray all over the place. She quickly corrected me. “No, you squat down then spread your labia with your fingers so you have an unobstructed flow” I hope this helps.

[@rhianwatkins6582]

There's no need to call it a "curse" kit that's archaic, just call it a period kit.

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Rhian Watkins that’s what some of my women friends called it, Ironic humor on their part , so I used it.

[@Andrea.1tree]

@@oxxnarrdflame8865 That's ok lol. I curse like a sailor when I'm hiking or camping and get surprised by my period. Curse kit sounds just right. I believe I'll use that from now on lol.

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Andréa 😊, one of my backpacking friends got her period about every two weeks, for her it definitely was a curse. On the old ‘All in the Family’ TV show the character Edith said a catholic friend of hers called it “The Blessing” Happy trails.

[@Andrea.1tree]

@@oxxnarrdflame8865 Haha! Thanks, happy trails to you and your wife as well.

[@PatDooley50]

Thank you for great tips

[@Derokas]

So funny. Definitely a new subscriber! 😊

[@JSOwens]

Oh, and don't forget the crushed Aspirin in that bag, makes daily use so much more pleasant.

[@havelockv728]

Please explain

[@JSOwens]

@@havelockv728 The crushed Aspirin somehow is a magical odor absorber. Classic NOLS trick.

[@havelockv728]

@@JSOwens Thank you, that's pretty useful info

[@Kangakool]

Why did KZbin suggest this to me? I don’t hike

[@katbercar]

Thanks 👍

[@pcs3576]

It’s so sad that Christie suffers from the inability to speak. You can tell from her expressions that she has so much to say.....so 😔

[@pcs3576]

Total joke....she absolutely has the ability to speak. It’s just these crazy cats havin fun in the hills. Air must be thin or something

[@oceandrew]

OMG those dimples... best smile on the Tubes.

[@ThePotato131]

What is a wag bag ? Thank you for the video

[@adde9506]

A wag bag is... sort of like a hand held toilet. You do your business in the bag and close it up. The bags contain a desiccant powder to prevent odor or leakage. Many of them can be used multiple times before they are full. When you're done with the bag, you pack it out to the nearest trashcan. They work great.

[@ThePotato131]

@Add E thank you !!

[@adde9506]

@@ThePotato131 You are welcome. :D

[@nsbhater]

Good job gurls! 💪😊

[@bossbaby4733]

love these tips!

[@Jennamb007]

Using a menstrual cup instead of tampons might be easier and less waste to carry on the go.

[@alzbetaponkova1383]

Not for virgins (too young -there are girls who get it in 10-11 or religious women) Also for those who arent you must take with you water not just for drinking but also for washing cup and hands and also you must find special place when you will insert it in and there arent always those

[@devonmiller636]

Very helpful. I work at a northface (I know it’s probably competition :P) and this information is super helpful!

[@TheBigBadWolf85]

I'm a dude, still watch cuz knowledge is power. And this helps me know what others might need. One odd question.. chick in green.. is she mute?

[@ankyfire]

Contraceptive poll = you choose when you have your period. It also means you can’t get pregnant which is eco friendly as hell.

[@knuffelbeer193]

Anna Jaszczolt yeah sure lets just load up the environment with hormones instead of having a natural period. You do realize you pee out most of the hormones they put in birth control right? Water treatment plants have a hard time filtering them out. Not that eco friendly now is it?

[@ankyfire]

Knuffelbeer fewer pads/tampons. Fewer condoms. Fewer babies made. I still think the extra hormones are a small price to pay.

[@jamiebennett3764]

Ripper tips well done.

[@jenisse1000]

Damn girl 2:19 I love you! Great video

[@MsCeci2007]

Loved it. Useful and funny

[@melissafranklin6436]

Or use a menstrual cup! 12 hrs without changing. Highly recommend

[@mkultramann1798]

well done!