Backpacking can be a great adventure, but it can also be quite challenging. When you are out in the wilderness, you don’t have access to all the amenities of home, so it is important to take care of your basic hygiene needs. Washing yourself when backpacking is not difficult, but it does require some planning and preparation.
Gather Supplies. The first step in washing yourself while backpacking is to make sure you have all the supplies you need.
This includes soap or body wash, a washcloth or sponge, and a towel. You may also want to bring along shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring a small container of water for washing up.
Choose Your Spot. It is important to choose an appropriate spot for washing up when backpacking.
Ideally, you should select an area that is away from any sources of drinking water and not downstream from any campsites or trails. You should also choose an area that allows easy access to fresh water for rinsing off after washing.
Get Wet. Once you have selected your spot and gathered your supplies, it is time to get wet!
Start by pouring some clean water into your container and then use this water to wet the washcloth or sponge. For convenience, you can also fill up the container with warm water if possible.
Wash Yourself. Now that you are ready to start washing yourself, pour some soap or body wash onto the washcloth or sponge and begin scrubbing away dirt and sweat from your body.
Make sure that you cover all exposed areas of skin including underarms, groin area, feet and hands. Once finished with this step rinse off with clean water until all soap residue has disappeared from your skin.
Dry Off. Finally, once you have finished rinsing off with clean water towel dry yourself off as best as possible using a clean dry towel or cloth before dressing again in fresh clothes.
Conclusion: Washing yourself when backpacking can be done simply with some basic supplies and preparation. Start by gathering supplies such as soap or body wash as well as a washcloth or sponge and towel before selecting an appropriate spot away from sources of drinking water for cleaning up in privacy. Finally make sure to rinse off thoroughly after washing before drying off with a clean towel before dressing again in fresh clothes.