Camping is an amazing way to experience nature, but staying clean without the comforts of running water can be a challenge, especially if you’re new to the hobby.
While overland camping isn’t typically thought of as the most sanitary experience to begin with, a few camping hygiene hacks can help you stay fresh, comfortable, and prepared for any adventure that comes your way.
These tried, and true methods are great tips for all campers and overlanders; whether you’re on a weekend trip or a week-long backcountry trek, these hygiene tricks make it easy to feel clean and confident outdoors.
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1. Start Fresh: Shower and Exfoliate Before You Go
Preparing at home is one of the best camping hygiene hacks to keep you fresh as long as possible. Take a thorough shower the morning before you leave, focusing on a full-body scrub to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliating creates a clean surface that often lasts longer than just a rinse with soap, helping you feel cleaner in the absence of showers.
Shampoo and condition your hair thoroughly and consider using a light leave-in conditioner. This routine can keep you feeling refreshed for days, and if you use a dry shampoo (see below), your hair will stay manageable for even longer. This is an important first step for anyone looking to utilize the rest of our camping hygiene hacks.
2. Pack Biodegradable Body Wipes for Daily Freshness
When you’re without a shower, body wipes are a must-have camping hygiene hack to stay fresh. Look for biodegradable, unscented wipes that are safe for both your skin and the environment.
Use them daily on areas like your face, neck, armpits, and feet to keep odors at bay and stay comfortable. They’re especially useful for wiping down at night before bed, leaving you with that “just-cleaned” feeling even if there’s no water source around.
Be sure to pack used wipes in a resealable bag, keeping waste secure until you can dispose of it properly when back in civilization. The last thing you want to do is clean yourself while leaving a mess at your campsite! Always practice Leave No Trace principles!
3. Create a Simple Hand-Washing Station
Hand hygiene is extremely important for your health and long-term well-being, especially when camping where food is involved. A makeshift hand-washing station is one of the most practical camping hygiene hacks you can set up.
Start with a water jug equipped with a spigot, add a small bottle of biodegradable soap, and keep a collapsible sink nearby to catch rinse water. You can also place hand sanitizer near your station for quick cleaning after bathroom breaks.
This setup enables you to wash your hands effectively, which is important for preventing bacteria and germs that can build up from hiking, cooking, or other camp activities.
4. Dry Shampoo Is Your Best Friend
This hack is perfect for our longer haired overlanders! Keeping your hair clean in the wilderness doesn’t have to be done with water; dry shampoo does the job wonderfully and is a top camping hygiene hack for keeping hair fresh. Apply it at the roots, let it sit for a minute, and massage or brush it through to absorb oils and odors. Not only will your hair look less greasy, but it will feel fresher, too.
For a bit of extra protection from dirt, keep a bandana or hat handy. These accessories keep hair tamed while also shielding you from sun and debris, helping you feel and look your best outdoors and maybe hiding the bed head.
5. Change into Fresh Clothes Every Day
A fresh set of clothes can do wonders for your comfort while overland camping. Pack enough undergarments, socks, and shirts to change daily, as sweat and grime from hiking and other outdoor activities can make you feel uncomfortable.
Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal for camping because they dry quickly if you choose to rinse them out, and they minimize odor buildup.
Keeping dirty clothes in a separate, sealable bag will help prevent them from contaminating your clean gear. This simple habit can make a huge difference in maintaining your hygiene on the trail.
6. Keep Up with Your Dental Hygiene
Brushing your teeth is one camping hygiene hack that’s easy to maintain and just as important in the wilderness as at home. Pack a travel toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste, and some biodegradable floss for easy maintenance of dental hygiene.
Brush at least twice a day—morning and night—and if you want extra freshness, consider bringing mint-flavored mouthwash strips or a small bottle of mouthwash. Just be sure to spit toothpaste or mouthwash waste into a hole away from campsites and water sources, keeping the environment clean.
7. Handle Bathroom Needs Properly with a Trowel and Pack-Out Kit
Nature’s call doesn’t stop just because you’re in the backcountry, so it’s vital to manage bathroom needs properly. One of the most important camping hygiene hacks is using a trowel to dig a cat hole for burying waste, a key part of Leave No Trace principles.
Pack toilet paper in a waterproof bag, and consider bringing a waste disposal kit for areas that don’t allow cat holes. For those looking for a more sustainable solution, consider a Kula cloth or antimicrobial pee cloth for urination, which is designed to dry quickly and limit odor, allowing you to stay fresh while also respecting the environment.
8. Multi-Purpose Biodegradable Soap: A Multi Must-Have
When it comes to camping hygiene hacks, a bottle of multi-purpose biodegradable soap is a versatile tool. Choose an eco-friendly, unscented option to use for hands, dishes, body, and even laundry.
A few drops go a long way and allow you to wash up without needing separate products for each task. Just remember to keep all washing activities at least 200 feet away from water sources, minimizing environmental impact.
The convenience and simplicity of a multi-purpose soap make it easy to stay clean without carrying too much gear.
Without a reliable biodegradable soap, it becomes difficult to simulate in-home freshness when out in the wilderness. Make sure you prepare for your journey by picking up a brand you can trust, like Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap or Sierra Dawn Campsuds.
9. Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry
Caring for your feet is crucial when you’re outdoors, especially if you’re covering lots of ground on foot. One of the simplest but most essential camping hygiene hacks is to keep your feet as clean and dry as possible.
Each night, wipe your feet down with a body wipe and let them air out to prevent sweat and bacteria buildup. Pack extra pairs of socks to change into each day and consider using foot powder or baby powder to reduce moisture and odor.
By caring for your feet, you’ll ensure comfort on the trail and prevent blisters or infections that could slow you down.
10. Pack a Travel Mirror for Personal Care
Though often overlooked, a small travel mirror can be one of the handiest hygiene hacks you bring along. Not only does it make it easier to check for ticks or other insects on your skin, but it also simplifies personal grooming, whether you’re adjusting your hair or applying sunscreen evenly.
Choose a lightweight, shatterproof mirror that can be safely stashed in your pack. It’s a small addition to your kit that can significantly improve your hygiene routine and peace of mind in the wilderness.
Stay Clean!
Hygiene might not be the first thing on your mind while camping, but with these camping hygiene hacks, it’s easy to stay clean, fresh, and comfortable. From setting up a hand-washing station to using biodegradable body wipes, these tips help you maintain a healthy routine even in remote settings.
With a little preparation and the right gear, you can enjoy every moment in nature, feeling your best without needing a shower or bathroom nearby.
Keeping up with these simple habits ensures that you’re ready for whatever the day brings and makes camping a much more pleasant experience.
So, pack up your hygiene kit, head out into nature, and enjoy your next camping trip feeling fresher and more prepared than ever!
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