Maintaining personal hygiene is essential when camping, trekking, or surviving off-grid. Without access to clean water and sanitation facilities, it can be challenging to maintain proper hygiene, which can lead to health problems. It is crucial to bring a personal hygiene kit that includes wet wipes, hand sanitizer, soap, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Make sure to wash your hands regularly, especially before and after preparing food or using the restroom. Use wet wipes to clean your body when taking a bath is not an option. It’s also essential to keep your clothing and gear clean to avoid the buildup of bacteria and odors. Dispose of waste properly and follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. By taking these simple steps, you can maintain personal hygiene and stay healthy while enjoying the great outdoors. Here is a list of items I always carry:
Multi-purpose soap: (body, hair, dishes, laundry and even toothbrushing): my favorite is Coleman Camp Soap Sheets or Concentrated CAMPSUDS Outdoor Soap which both are environmentally conscious and biodegradable.
Small, Lightweight tooth care: I have tried chewable lozenges and they have worked great. I also like small travel size toothbrush and toothpaste kits. Both are perfect choices to pack for a long hike.
A travel size solid deodorant: It takes up less space and is often entirely organic. I recommend a travel size deodorant of 0.5 oz.
Hand Sanitizer: To disinfect your hands before eating or after defecating, I recommend carrying a travel size hand sanitizer or a hand sanitizing lotion.
Biodegradable wipes: To wash in areas without water point. Serving in the Army for over 20 years, I have spent many months training in the field and have gone weeks at a time with no access to showers. Wipes are a great alternative to keep your body clean. Surviveware Biodegradable Wet Wipes or combat wipes are lightweight and environmental conscious and can be buried after doing your business. If you want to go even lighter, Portawipes Coin Tissues are a great alternative however, they will require water.
Biodegradable toilet paper: RV Toilet Paper is perfect for camping or trekking. They are biodegradable however, take up a little more space than packs of wet wipes.
Natural mosquito repellent. Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Mosquito Repellent is my choice to pack in my kit. It’s natural, deet-free, and weighs only 4-oz.
A filter bottle: A good filter bottle will provide safe water for cleaning, washing, brushing teeth, and drinking. I use the GRAYL UltraPress 16.9 oz Water Purifier & Filter Bottle. It filters virus, bacteria, protozoa, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS, chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, bad flavors, and odors.
A microfiber towel: I pack a lightweight microfiber towel that can be used for wiping your body or equipment. They come in different sizes so you can pick the best to suit your needs. There are also compressed towels the weigh a little to nothing and take up very little space but require water to aid in unpacking.
Rope: For hanging your wet clothes, towels, or equipment out to dry. 550 cord is my choice because it is lightweight and multiuse. There are also alternatives such as camping lanyards which may weigh a little more and not as multiuse.
Disclosures: All opinions are my own. Sponsors are acknowledged. Some links in the description are affiliate links that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Optimize Your Vehicle EDC: Essential Guide for On-the-Road Preparedness
An EDC, or everyday carry, is a collection of essential items that an individual carries with them on a daily basis. These items are meant […]
