The 16 Best Backpacking and Camping Hygiene Tips For Outdoorsy Women
One of the reasons why many people hesitate to camp or backpack is because they are iffy on cleanliness. I was hesitant as well, and it took me a few tries to get the hang of it, but now I am pretty good at managing my hygiene while outdoors. So check out some of my best backpacking and camping hygiene tips below! I promise you, getting outdoors will feel so much better after implementing these tips and tricks!
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Backpacking and Camping Hygiene Tips
Leave No Trace
Before we begin to talk about hygiene, please always remember to follow the 7 principles of leave no trace. You can click the link below to read more about it, but it is essentially guidelines on leaving everything as you saw it when you got there. Meaning you don’t leave trash, pick flowers, or disturb animals.
I know the thought of carrying around a tampon can feel quite gross; however, it must to done to protect our beautiful outdoors. We need to keep the park pristine so that future generations can enjoy them as we did.
READ MORE: What Are The 7 Principles Of Leave No Trace
Pooping Outdoors
Pooping outdoors can be challenging for some. My advice is to try not to think about it, find a hidden spot 200 feet away from water, dig a 6-8 inch cat hole, and do your business. You can also bury your toilet paper if it is not scented. Also, not all areas allow burying your poop, so make sure to check the rules in the area. A good example of this was when I went backpacking in Canyonlands National Park. >>>I Use This Shovel To Bury My Waste
Backpacking Or Camping On Your Period
Backpacking on your period can be annoying! You can always reschedule your trip, or you can always change the schedule of your period before hiking using your birth control(consult your doctor before you do this).
My solution is to just deal with it. I have backpacked many times on my period, and not once has it ruined my trip. Below are some suggestions on managing your period.
Tampons/Pads
This is how I manage my period. I use a tampon, but you can also use a pad. Whenever I am backpacking, I take out my tampon and put it in a doggy poop bag so you cannot see the contents inside. You can also use a trash only waterbottle, but that can get pretty heavy if you are backpacking.
If it is in bear country, make sure you put the tampon inside the bear canister. Triple bag it if you feel like it is too gross to store with food. Never bury a tampon or a pad. It is not as biodegradable as you think.
Menstrual Cups
A menstrual cup is a great way to reduce waste and weight when you are backpacking. I highly recommend trying this out at home before your trip. It would be terrible hiking around with a cup that does not fit.
When you do take the cup out, dig a hole as you would for poop, put the contents in the hole, and bury it. You can wash the cup afterward with soap. >>>Check Out This Menstrual Cup Here
IUD’s
IUDs are not an option for everyone, and it is definitely not for me. But I still wanted to lay it all out for you. IUDs can prevent periods, so you don’t have to worry about them. They are a form of birth control, though, and need to be put in by a doctor. Consult your doctor if you want to hear more about this option.
Peeing Outdoors
Peeing outdoors can be pretty intimidating for people that have never done it. After doing it for years, it doesn’t even worry me anymore. Below are some of my suggestions on dealing with it. Remember always to leave no trace behind! Also, try not to stray away from the trail! People have gotten lost this way.
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Drip Dry
This is my method. I squat and shake. I usually hide behind a bush and let my friends or husband look out for me. Some people have walked in on me peeing before, and it wasn’t the end of the world, and I never saw these people again. So, if you need to pee, just pee. Most strangers do understand and look away if they walk in on you.
Kula Cloth Or Toilet Paper
The Kula Cloth is so amazing! So many women carry this cloth to pee because it is so easy to use. You can reuse it and wash it when you get home as it has an antimicrobial side that won’t show stains. Please note that you can not use it for pooping >>>Buy Here
You can always use toilet paper when peeing; just make sure to either take the paper home (you can place it in a doggy poop bag) or follow leave no trace principles and bury it in a 6-8 inch deep cat-hole.
Pee Funnel
If you are scared of someone walking in on you while squatting, try out a pee funnel. You can pee as easily as men by standing up! If you do use a pee funnel, make sure you practice at home. There is nothing worse than hiking around with pee-soaked pants. >>>Buy A Pee Funnel Here
Keep Hands Clean
I always bring some hand sanitizer when I hike, backpack and camp. Some trailhead bathrooms do not have hand sanitizer or sinks, so I would rather not risk it! Trust me, some of these toilets are gross! >>>Buy Some Here
How To Keep Hair Untangled
I am not going to lie to you. My unruly hair is a pain to deal with in the backcountry. In seconds it can turn into a frizzy, tangled mess! When I am hiking, I usually put my hair in a ponytail and put it down when I take pictures. Since day hiking is only one day, it is not that big of a deal, but it can get a bit more complicated when it comes to backpacking and camping. My hair gets tangled to the extreme!
So what I tend to do is braid my hair. I don’t really know how to do French Braids, so I ask friends to do them. Yes, I know it is crazy to ask other people to do your hair, but I am always grateful that my hair is manageable and looks amazing in pictures during my long trips.
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How To Prevent Feet Blisters
I know that preventing blisters doesn’t sound like good hygiene, but it actually is. Keeping your feet as fresh and as clean as possible really helps prevent getting those soul-sucking blisters.
When you are hiking, or backpacking try to wear wool socks. Yes, even in the summer. Wool is breathable and really does help prevent blisters. If you are backpacking, take off your shoes and socks right away. Let your feet breathe and dry out. Wearing sandals around the campsite is a great way to let your feet breathe. Also, hang up your socks to dry out or bring extra socks with you. The cleaner and dryer your socks are, the better.
You can also clean your feet at a creek or river. Trust me, it feels amazing! Doing all these will help enormously when hiking and backpacking!
READ MORE: How To Prevent And Treat Blisters When Hiking
What Underwear To Use
Using wool or sweat-wicking breathable panties is the best way to go when you are hiking, camping, or backpacking. I usually bring multiple pairs of underwear when I go backpacking because I love feeling clean down there. I am ok with splurging on the weight when it comes to underwear! >>>Buy Some Breathable Wool Underwear Here
Read All About Underwear: The 5 Best Hiking Underwear For Women
How To “Take A Shower” While Backpacking
Many people always ask me how I keep clean while backpacking, and the best answer I can give them is that I use wet wipes. Yup, pretty much every day that I am backpacking, I like to grab some wipes and clean myself everywhere (this includes my face). >>>Buy Some Wipes Here
I also recommend going commando for a bit if your tent while doing this. It feels amazing! Let your “lady bits” breath!
You can also take a bath in the lake or river but be careful with all the chemicals on your body (sunscreen, bug spray, etc.). It can hurt the environment. The best thing to do in these situations is to get a towel with water and wipe yourself off before entering the lake or river.
Do Not Use Scented Items
One of the worst experiences that has happened to me while camping has been getting attacked by bugs while sleeping. I used scented wipes, and they bit every single area where I used the wipes. My friend that did not use wipes was fine.
I had to take a hot bath for a week because I was in so much pain. I don’t recommend wearing anything with a floral scent. That includes perfumes, lotions, and wipes. It can be hard because, as women, we are so accustomed to beautiful scents in most of our products. But trust me, you will attract animals that you definitely don’t want anywhere near you.
Brushing Your Teeth
Just because you are backpacking does not mean you have to forget about dental hygiene. I always carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with me on these trips. I make sure they are smaller and compact. >>>Buy Compact Toothpaste and Toothbrush Here
Per Leave No Trace guidelines, you can get rid of the toothpaste by doing the eco spray. Watch the video below to get an idea of what an eco spray is. It is a little difficult to explain.
Clothes For Sleeping
If you are backpacking and can add more weight to your backpack, I recommend adding some clothes to sleep in. It really does make a difference in your comfort. I love changing out of my sweaty clothes and into my clean, soft PJs.
Washing Clothes When Backpacking Or Camping
I am not a long-term camper or backpacker, so I usually don’t need to wash my clothes in the wilderness, but if you do, you can definitely use a wash bag, pocket soap, and a clothesline to dry. You can always wash your clothes by the river, but it is best not to use any soap in the water, so the “washing machine” bag shown above works great.
How To Do The Dishes While Backpacking
When washing dishes, make sure to stay 200 feet away from any water sources. Use hot water and biodegradable soap to wash the dishes and, in the end, use a mesh strainer to pick up the small bits of food leftover. Scatter the water over the ground, hopefully away from the campsite, for bear safety reasons. >>>Buy Soap Here
Final Thoughts On Backpacking Hygiene
Thanks for reading all about the best hiking hygiene tips! Make sure to check out some of my other outdoor posts:
- Wildlife Safety Tips
- 13 Best Places To Buy Discounted Outdoor Gear
- 16 Best Hiking Apps You Need To Download
- 60 Amazing Tips On Camping For Beginners
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