Trail Hygiene, Confidence, and the Story Behind Trail Cloth
- Verity Jackson
- Sep 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 4
Spending time in the backcountry has always been where I find clarity, resilience, and joy. But since May 2025, hiking has also become part of my healing journey. Living with lichen sclerosus and facing a vulvar cancer diagnosis has made me deeply aware of how important hygiene and comfort are when you’re out on the trail.
Living with Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the vulva, although it can also occur on other parts of the body. It’s rare. Lifelong. Not contagious — but absolutely life-altering.
The skin becomes thin, pale, almost paper-like. Fragile to the point of tearing from everyday friction. It can scar, fuse, itch relentlessly, and make the simple act of being in your body a source of anxiety or pain. It’s a condition that interrupts intimacy, sleep, hiking, confidence. You begin to distrust your own skin. You second-guess every sensation.
And the most dangerous thing? Lichen sclerosus significantly increases your risk of vulvar cancer — particularly a rare form of precancer called differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN). Unlike other precancerous conditions, dVIN doesn’t follow a slow, predictable path. It can appear quietly and escalate quickly, if not treated. And it almost always occurs in the context of long-term lichen sclerosus.
The Unspoken Diagnosis
Vulvar cancer doesn’t come with branded awareness campaigns. It’s not pink-ribboned. It’s not spoken about publicly or worn on badges in solidarity. It lives in the shadows, obscured by silence and social discomfort.
People don’t even like talking about vulvas — let alone how to talk about its cancers.
Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of vulvar cancer, and it most often develops in older women. But not always.
Hygiene with Trail Cloth
For women especially, a trail cloth is not just a “nice-to-have”—they’re essential for feeling confident, safe, and at ease in the outdoors.
Traditional options like toilet paper or “just making do” aren’t always practical or eco-friendly. They can leave you feeling less than fresh, and for those of us with sensitive conditions, that can quickly turn a beautiful tramp into something stressful.
I wanted a solution that was discreet, sustainable, and made specifically with trail life in mind.
That’s why I created Trail Cloth: a reusable, quick-drying hygiene cloth designed for trampers, hikers, and outdoor explorers. It’s lightweight, eco-friendly, and available in two sizes to suit different adventures. But most importantly, it helps women (and anyone with specific hygiene needs) feel more comfortable and confident out in the wild places we love.
For me, Trail Cloth is more than gear—it’s about reclaiming joy and agency on the trail. It’s about knowing that even with health challenges, I can keep exploring New Zealand’s tracks and huts without compromise.
If this resonates with you, or if you’d like to support a small, women-led outdoor product, you can purchase a Trail Cloth directly. Every sale helps me continue this journey, and helps more women feel empowered and confident in the backcountry.
👉 Stay fresh, tread lightly, and never let anything hold you back from the trails.
Head on over to my shop and purchase your Trail Cloth today 👉
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