Camping in the backcountry or a campground for a few days sounds like a fantastic idea to enjoy the natural surroundings, escaping from the world, spending the company of family members, and relaxing around an open fire. However, the idea of going for a long time without showering is a daunting thought. How do you deal with your oily hair? What about the general feeling of grime? Will everyone be soiled at the end of the third day?
While others may prefer to let nature run their course, below are important guidelines for keeping your personal hygiene for the sake of everyone else – when at the campground or on the trail:
Pack two outfits to alternate days. If you have two outfits, it is possible to wash one in extra drinking water (or water from an accessible water source) to hang for drying at night. Even even if you’re not able to get the water you require, it is recommended to hang it so that it can air out throughout the night.
Bring extra water to help with undergarment washing. If you aren’t able to get access to water, Bring extra water to ensure that you are able to, at a minimum, wash your socks, underwear, and bras on a regular basis.
If there’s a stream or lake on your path or near your camping spot, take a bath in the fresh air. Simply washing off with fresh water will wash away any excess dirt and oil.
If this isn’t your thing or there’s no water at hand, then bring some soap and water that is biodegradable for bathing yourself. Make sure to strip to a minimum distance of 200 feet from your campsite, and 200 feet from any source of water which may be in existence. Next, using soap and water, wash away, paying focus on the groin area as well as the underarms and face.
If there’s no stream or lake, but it’s freezing cold for bathing with detergent and water a good alternative is to take Biowipes, baby wipes, or even biowipesand wash yourself using this method. They are also helpful in those times when nature demands.
If you are in any of the above situations, you can use for any of the above scenarios, you can use a towels made of microfiber to dry quickly.
Make sure to use hand cleanser at the end of every bathroom break in addition to prior to cooking and eating.
If your hair is greasy and makes you feel stressed out, you can try using an dry shampoo that isn’t scented (unscented to stay clear of the B’s, bugs and bears) or incorporate baby powder into your hair’s roots to break up the grease.
Wear synthetic clothes that helps to wick moisture away. Bacteria thrive when it is humid; therefore, avoid wearing cotton clothing, which absorbs sweat. Choose more wicking clothing.
Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss as well as the above materials, but avoid deodorant, perfume, hairspray, shampoo, and any other scented and environmentally-unfriendly materials. Don’t forget to avoid brushing your teeth or swimming within 200 feet from the lake or campsite. It’s possible to be a welcomed visitor, but it’s the nature’s property and it would be extremely inconsiderate to cause harm by contaminating the environment.