The Outdoor Period Pledge: a commitment to menstrual equity in outdoor adventure spaces
Menstruation isn’t optional. So why is it still missing from outdoor education?
We’re building a new standard for outfitters, guides, and nonprofits leaders who give a damn.
Because everyone should be able to confidently manage their body outdoors - period.
Outdoor equity includes periods.
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Outdoor equity includes periods. 🌲
If people can’t confidently manage their bodies outside, they’re not fully included.
And no one should miss out on adventure because of their period.
The Outdoor Period Pledge is a commitment by guiding companies, outfitters, travel organizations, and outdoor brands to normalize and support menstrual health in outdoor spaces.
It's free, it’s flexible, and it signals that your trips are ready for every body.
Organizations who take the pledge agree to implement practical, inclusive policies and practices that empower all bodies to thrive outside, every day of the cycle.
It’s better for your business, the people you serve, and the planet!
Take action on 5 of 7 menstrual equity practices and earn your digital badge to display digitally or in print to the public to show that you’re an ally for menstruators outdoors.
Show the world you’re not just checking a box—you’re shifting outdoor culture to be more body-positive and inclusive.
Pledge Requirements: How to Earn the Badge
To earn and display the Outdoor Period Pledge badge, your organization commits to taking at least 5 of the following 7 actions:
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Accurately introduce period management and comfort tips in pre-trip emails, packing lists, or orientation materials.
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Ensure guides know how to talk about periods with empathy and practical know-how, including disposal options, gear tips, and supportive language.
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Provide education about reusable menstrual supplies like cups, discs, or period underwear, or include them in your gear shop or welcome kits.
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Offer guidance or provide kits for carrying out used period products (wag bags, ziplocks, odor-proof bags, etc.).
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Avoid gendered assumptions. Use terms like “menstruators” or “people who get periods” in your materials and training.
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Post about your pledge on your website or social media. Help reduce the stigma by talking about periods publicly.
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Normalize conversations about cycles on staff teams, allow flexible trip assignments, and equip menstruating staff with proper resources.
What Pledge Partners Receive:
A free set of digital resources delivered via email that you can use in your organization (yes, really, take ‘em!)
Once you meet 5+ of 7 requirements, a digital Outdoor Period Pledge badge for your website and materials
Optional public listing on www.itsangiemarie.com as a pledge partner
Priority consulting access with Angie for support and customization
Periodic tips and suggestions for developing menstrual equity in your work
“What Do I Need to Do?”:
My goal is to make this movement free and easy for you to join!
Don’t meet the requirements yet? My free resources will show you the way!
Ready to take the pledge? Simply fill out the application showing me how you meet at least 5 pledge requirements and I’ll take care of the rest (getting you your badge and giving you a shout-out!).
How the Outdoor Period Pledge Fosters an Inclusive Outdoors:
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Together, we ensure that menstruators can fully participate in outdoor experiences without added logistical, physical, or financial burdens due to their cycle.
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We acknowledge that not all women menstruate, and not all who menstruate are women. Use inclusive language and create welcoming, affirming environments for all genders.
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We equip staff, guides, and participants with the knowledge, gear, and systems to confidently handle menstruation in outdoor settings.
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Outdoor leaders treat menstruation as a normal, natural function—never a liability or inconvenience. They provide space for people to manage their periods without shame.
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Let’s promote low-waste, body-safe, and environmentally responsible menstrual products and disposal practices, in alignment with Leave No Trace or other low-impact environmental practices.
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It’s our duty to normalize talking about periods through ongoing training, transparent communication, and story-sharing, internal and external to our organizations.
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We can leverage your platform to reduce stigma, share resources, and lead industry-wide change toward menstrual equity.
As the founder of the Outdoor Period Pledge, I want every menstruator to feel confident in their body while outdoors.
Angie here! 👋 I’ve always loved the outdoors, but I ignored my menstrual cycle for most of my life.
It took a life-threatening experience with birth control for me to finally pay attention to this body experience that affects half the population (and is the reason for 100% of the population being here!).
After years of teaching fertility awareness to outdoor athletes, I wrote a book about the creative mindset side of the menstrual cycle, and now I work with outdoor brands to shape the future of women’s adventure, striving for equity outdoors and in. I want all people feel at home in their bodies—especially outside.
This pledge is one step toward that future. It’s not just about period products or policies; it’s also about access, dignity, and leadership for all bodies.
Periods are just one part of my work encompassed by “BLOOD, SWEAT, AND FEAR.” <— I lean into tough topics affecting women today through brand campaigns, creative consulting, live events, and more. Poke around my services if ya wish.
Thanks for being here. You're part of a movement that’s long overdue!
What Outdoor Leaders Should Take The Pledge?
If you lead or coordinate trips outside, you belong here.
From small volunteer clubs to global outfitters, the pledge flexes to fit your structure. We support outdoor guiding companies, outdoor travel groups, volunteer-led organizations, and more.
Menstrual equity can look different depending on your structure. Here's how the pledge might play out across different types of programs:
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1: Include reusable and disposable menstrual products on the suggested packing list from trip leaders.
2: Share menstrual training materials in your volunteer portal.
3: Explain to trip participants which period products work well in the trip environment.
4: Teach trip participants how to dispose of menstrual blood/products in the trip environment.
5: Offer a short language guide in volunteer onboarding to normalize menstrual cycles and help all participants feel welcomed.
6: Add a paragraph or blog post to your website explaining why menstrual equity matters to your organization.
7: Ask volunteers where they could use more education when supporting menstruators on trips.
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1: Add a note about reusable and disposable menstrual products to pre-trip packing lists and client welcome emails.
2: Include menstrual health support in guide training: how to respond to questions, what to carry, and how to assist in the field.
3: Brief clients during orientation on which period products are best suited to the terrain, duration, and remoteness of the trip.
4: Teach clients how to pack out used products while on the trip.
5: Train guides to use inclusive, non-gendered language when discussing periods (e.g. “If anyone is menstruating on this trip…”).
6: List FAQs on your website about managing periods in the backcountry.
7: Ask guides in post-trip debriefs if they encountered menstruation-related questions or challenges, and update your materials accordingly.
Need Support Implementing the Pledge? Let’s Build it Together.
It’s hard to openly take a stance on what’s traditionally been a taboo topic, even though half the world experiences menstrual cycles!
As the creator of the Outdoor Period Pledge, I offer consulting and custom materials to help you meet the requirements with ease and integrity to your organization’s values.
Whether you need:
Pre-trip communication templates
Packing lists and printable guides for low-impact period management
Blog posts or public education pieces to build trust and visibility
Guide/volunteer manuals or talking points
Scripts and modules for your internal trainings or courses
Live virtual or in person trainings and workshops by a menstrual educator herself
…I’ve got you covered.
Let’s co-create a culture of menstrual equity in the outdoors (without adding a million things to your plate).
Learn more about how we can create resources for your participants →
You May Be Wondering…
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Nothing! Taking the Outdoor Period Pledge is completely free. This is a culture-shifting movement. If you want support implementing the requirements or customizing materials, you can hire me for that—but simply pledging and getting the badge is no-cost.
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The pledge is for any outdoor organization that leads, guides, or gathers people outside, whether you're a volunteer-run club, a professional guiding company, a travel outfitter, or an outdoor education nonprofit. If you take people outside, and you want to support them fully, this is for you to serve your people.
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Nope! You only need to commit to at least 5 out of 7 to earn the badge. The idea isn’t perfection, but progress. Many orgs already do one or two of these things and just need a little guidance to level up the rest.
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Yes! This pledge is designed to help you move from silent support to visible action. If you’re already doing some of the work behind the scenes, this is a great opportunity to formalize that commitment and share it with your audience. (And if you need help crafting that messaging, I’m here for that too.)
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You don’t need a big budget to support menstruators. The pledge offers low-cost, high-impact ideas (like updating your trip emails or sharing a resource guide) that anyone can implement. I'm also happy to point you toward free resources or trainings.
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The pledge is for any organization that wants to create a more inclusive, body-literate, and accessible outdoor experience for all genders and sexes. We recognize that not all women menstruate, and not all who menstruate are women.
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We work mostly on the honor system, and I’m here to support you. Once you fill out the pledge form and describe which actions you’re implementing, I’ll follow up with resources or consulting options (if you need help meeting the reqs). If you'd like a custom audit or review of your materials, we can set that up too.
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Yes! I offer:
Staff/volunteer training (live or pre-recorded)
Custom pre-trip language + packing list support
Menstrual health kit + guide design
Website or blog content
Internal audits or reviews of your materials
Check out itsangiemarie.com/periods to learn more about how we can collaborate.
