Camping is a great way to escape the pressures of modern life so that you can take a breather and recenter yourself. Get it right and it can be life-changing. Get it wrong and you will remember your few miserable days outdoors forever.
Camping trips are synonymous with minimalism. And that same minimalism applies to your hygiene as well, which begs the question; how do you stay clean when you are out in nature? Whether you are out camping or backpacking/hiking on the trails, the term clean is subjective to every individual.
When you are out in the wild, some sacrifices have to be made. Instead of rocking clean, fresh underwear daily, you will have to rotate it. The three-second rule is a dangerous myth relating to germs, but it has to be thrown out of the window whenever you are out in the wild.
Toilet paper you ask? Well, there are at least 5 types of leaves that you can utilize in a pinch when you need to clean up. To stay clean on a camping trip, you will have to make a few compromises.
Why it is important to stay clean on camping trips
Camping is a lot of fun. When camping. or participating in any outdoor activity for that matter, you must do everything in your power to maintain good personal hygiene. Not staying clean can create a miserable camping experience for you and anyone else that has accompanied you on your camping escapades.
If you are going to be outdoors for more than one day, staying clean is even more important. Sure, camping may force you to compromise the way you approach cleanliness. But if you do not maintain good personal hygiene, it will pave way for bacteria, viruses and other nasties to attack.
Tips to help you stay clean on your camping trips
Ensure that you pack extra clothing
Having extra clothes and undergarments can be a lifesaver when you are camping. If space is a serious issue, make sure that you at least carry extra undergarments. After a long and exhausting day out in the woods, particularly if you intend on hiking or exploring, having an extra set of clothing to change into is priceless.
Even if you don’t have the chance to take a shower, simply changing into fresh, clean clothes can make you feel refreshed and dirt free. When packing, avoid packing cotton clothing as it tends to absorb sweat the fastest. Cotton also attracts dirt quickly and it can cause chafing.
Instead, opt for synthetic clothing that is lightweight and can absorb moisture. Since synthetic clothing is moisture-wicking, it will also help to limit the growth of bacteria and sweat buildup even after a tasking and grueling hike.
Always pack your hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is easily one of the best ways to kill germs when you are out camping. To avoid getting sick, you should wash your hands after using the bathroom and whenever you want to cook or eat. If you are in a campsite that has a water shortage, it may not always be possible to clean your hands with soap and clean water, which is why packing your hand sanitizer, is so important.
A lot of campers are usually very quick to blame camping illnesses on unclean or contaminated drinking water. However, infections that are caused by germs transferred from your hand to mouth are also well-known culprits. A small bottle of alcohol-based sanitizer contains ethyl alcohol that kills any germs it comes into contact with
Just use a pea-sized amount on your hands before rubbing your hands vigorously together, as though you are washing them under running water. The solution should dry within 20 t0 30 seconds. You can also use your sanitizer to disinfect any eating utensils and accessories that need to stay germ-free.
Take a shower in the woods
If there is a water source such as a stream or a lake near your campsite or trail, the best and easiest way to take a shower is to bath in nature. If there isn’t a water source close by or if it is too cold to bath in nature, the next best thing would be to use a portable solar shower to stay clean.
Investing in a quality solar shower is a luxurious option when you are out in the bush. The best solar showers are constructed using heat-locking materials that allow water to warm up when left out in the sun, even when it’s not sunny. Solar showers also come with a handy on and off shower head valve that makes it easy to use and conserve your water reservoir.
No deodorant? No problem
Despite what TV ads may tell you, deodorant isn’t one of those things that should be used when camping or hiking. As a matter of fact, most camping experts suggest that you leave it at home? Why do you ask?
This is because fragrant toiletries may help to mask your stench but they are notorious for attracting unwanted visitors, especially bears. As such, when you are outdoors, embrace your natural musk if you don’t want to attract bugs and other wildlife into your campsite.
Final Thoughts
Sleeping out in nature can be a magical thing. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to the rising sun and falling asleep surrounded by the warm glow of the moon and stars? But the long days of walking, assembling, and hiking in the hot sun, as well as an evening spent around a crackling campfire, can leave you smelling a little ripe.
When you are outdoors without a care in the world, the last thing on your mind is how you look or what you smell like. However, maintaining good hygiene when backpacking on the trail or at the campsite has a lot more to do with your health and wellbeing than your looks.
Rather than cause your fellow campers to feel uncomfortable as a result of your bush stench, these tips shared above can ensure that you stay clean and healthy throughout your outdoor escapades.
