Long Hikes with an Ostomy

There is so much to enjoy about the Spring and Fall Seasons. For me, I really enjoy getting into long walks or hikes in the great outdoors. This to me is the perfect time because you can enjoy the cooling weather while getting hotter from your outdoor hike. I have always enjoyed the great outdoors and having an ostomy surgery hadn't changed what I enjoy doing. IT did however change how I did it and do it. The fact is that I learned to be adaptive and to learn new skills in order to enjoy the long outdoor hikes I like to do. So I didn't simply give up and decide that since I had a stoma my outdoor activities needed to stop. Instead, I dived deep into learning how to compromise and still enjoy my favorite hobby without being unsafe.

The first thing that I learned how to do was to pack my bags wisely. I know that sounds a little strange, but learning how to pack is a big deal and what really matters when going on that long hike or backpacking trip. I researched a whole lot in the realm of ultralight backpacking in order to accomplish what I wanted. Since I had an ostomy there was simply no way of going out into the woods or on a trail without the ability to take extra gear with me. it was a no questions sort of thing and in order to be safe, I knew that I would need to have to carry more weight than the average person.

What I found was that there is an entire world of ultralight and also ultratough gear created for people who want to travel light. The materials were all very cool and most of them were super high tech. The material of the backpack I use now is called dinema. It is incredible because the backpack only weighs 20 ounces and it 100% waterproof. This was important to me because when it comes to keeping my ostomy gear safe waterproofing is a must. Now I still use extra protection for my long hikes. I keep one whole days worth of ostomy bags, seels, and cleaning supplies and put it in a waterproof bag or box. That takes up some extra weight and space, but to me it is worth it to feel safe and to not have to worry about it if something goes wrong with my daily setup on the trail.

But what really matters is that not only you feel safe, but you're comfortable as well. Having a stoma can make backpacks difficult and if you are going a long distance being comfortable is very important. It can be the difference between a happy hike and a terrible time. I have done long hikes with a bad backpack. I spent 4 days with a 60lb backpack that did not fit me and it was a horrible time. I suggest getting a back that fits you and going to a local REI or backpacking store to find your torso size and find something that fits your stoma location or a bag without a hipbelt if you must! Those are really my mane tips to getting into hiking. The rest is finding a fun trail and someone to do it with. That is more important to me!