I’ve never used this product and have been contemplating using this for the thru hike. At first glance, this seems to be easier, but from what I read, i would also need to carry wet wipes and some special type of cleaning product. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
Stylin
Used Diva on my thru in 2008. I just rinsed it with filtered water while on the trail and then used the motel soap to wash it when in town. I use it all the time now, regardless of whether on the trail or at home.
Royalusa
Highly recommend the diva cup. I first bought it for my thru hike of the AT in 07 and have continued to use it ever since, including thru hike of PCT this year. I would just make sure to clean it out with soap and water in towns. On trail, I rinsed it with clean water when needed. I would sometimes carry wet wipes and it would help keep myself cleaner overall. This can always be substituted by a bandanna wet with filtered water if you didn’t want the extra weight of wet wipes. I suggest buying the diva cup a few months before you take it on a long hike and that way you can get used to before you’re out in the woods. I think it makes things simpler, not having to pack out used tampons.
Pony
An alternative for the Diva cup is a disposable version called “Instead.” They recommend using a different one each time like a tampon. Personally I think this is silly. I use it more like the Diva Cup (reusing it for the entire cycle) but at the end of the month toss it. I like this better because there is no chance of bacteria growing throughout the month. I found the Diva Cup got a bit smelly and this takes that away.
Stacy