How Do You Do Dishes While Backpacking?

By Michael Ferguson

Backpacking is a great way to explore the outdoors, but it can also be a challenge to keep up with everyday tasks like doing dishes. After all, you’re not only dealing with limited space and resources but also trying to be respectful of your environment. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks to make the dishwashing process easier while on the go.

Choose the Right Dishes:

The first step in making dishwashing while backpacking easier is to choose lightweight and durable dishes and utensils that are easy to clean. A plastic plate or bowl is much easier to clean than a metal one. Be sure to bring items that you can easily wash by hand with biodegradable soap.

Use a Wash Basin:

A simple wash basin is a must-have item for backcountry adventurers who need to do dishes on the go. These basins are made of lightweight materials and they’re big enough to hold all your dirty dishes without taking up too much space in your pack. You can find these basins at most outdoor stores.

Set Up a Washing Station:

Once you’ve found the perfect spot for your camp, set up a washing station that includes your wash basin, biodegradable soap, and an area for rinsing off dishes. Make sure that you’re washing far away from any water sources so that you don’t contaminate them with soap or food particles.

Scrape Off Food Particles:

Before washing your dishes, make sure that you scrape off as much food as possible using a plastic scraper or spoon. This will help reduce the amount of soap and water needed for cleaning and make the process much faster.

Don’t Soak Dishes:

When doing dishes outdoors, it’s important not to let them sit in soapy water or else they could attract wildlife like bears or other animals. Instead, scrub them quickly with biodegradable soap and rinse them off immediately before disposing of the used water.

Pack Out Your Trash:

Finally, don’t forget to pack out all your trash when you leave. That includes any food scraps left on plates or bowls as well as used dishwashing liquid bottles.

















Conclusion: How Do You Do Dishes While Backpacking? Doing dishes while backpacking requires careful planning ahead of time. Choose lightweight yet durable items that are easy to clean without relying on too much water or soap.

Set up a washing station away from water sources and remember not to soak dishes prior to cleaning them; instead, use a plastic scraper or spoon first before scrubbing them with biodegradable soap. Finally, don’t forget to pack out all your trash when you leave!