How To Stay Hygienic While Camping
The thought of taking a trip out into nature and leaving the hustle of bustle of working life behind is a very exciting one. As long as you have a camping tent equipped with a camping mattress and sleeping bag, mixed in with some good company, you’ll be well on your way to making memories which will last a lifetime.
There is, however, one vital thing which a camping trip can’t cater for, and that’s hot water and running showers. Although this isn’t too much of a problem for a short break away, it’s still nice to stay fresh while on your camping trip. Follow the helpful tips in this guide and you’ll be full of confidence for the whole duration of your trip, even if the closest thing you have to a toilet, is a hole in the ground…
Shower Shoes
You might think you’ve got lucky by having a communal shower on your camping site, but more times than not, these showers will just be waiting to give you a nasty foot infection. No matter how squeaky clean the public camping shower may be, put your hygiene in the driving seat and make sure you wear shoes at all times. This might seem weird at first, but popping on a pair of flip flops or sliders will keep any nasty infections at bay.
If your campsite doesn’t have a public shower, then there are many DIY solutions which involve bringing your own camping shower on your adventures. Some of these are pretty nifty and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how powerful they are! We’d still recommend wearing shower shoes though, as the feet are very sensitive and you’ll certainly feel the pain if they get an infection.
Small Shower Kit
Camping is all about finding a quick fix for things, and hygiene is no exception. Pack a small dopp kit for your travels which consists of travel sized body wash, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush. With these travel sized essentials in your shower kit, you’ll be able to keep fresh on a daily basis without lugging several different bottles around.
Dry Shampoo
Speaking of quick fixes, dry shampoo is the ultimate saviour for those who struggle with greasy hair. Washing your hair properly will be a huge task when on a camping trip, but a spruce up with dry shampoo each day will keep you looking sharp and feeling confident.
Wipes Fix Everything
Ask any enthusiastic camper about hygiene secrets and they’ll be sure to mention wet wipes. We really do mean it when we say wipes fix everything, from wiping away spillages to having a daily wash. And, don’t worry – you can get unscented body wipes if you’re afraid of smelling like lemons or flowers.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is a must-have for your camping backpack. The bottle may look small, but the ingredients are powerful, meaning a little squirt will give you a thorough hand wash. It’s unlikely that you will be near any sinks with soap while camping, so a dollop of hand sanitizer will suffice and kill 99% of bacteria.
Brave The Lakes
If you’re lucky enough to be camping near a river or a lake, why not go for a paddle? As long as the water is clean, you’ll be giving yourself a refreshing wash which doesn’t cost a penny. You’ll certainly perk up when you touch the cold water, but camping is all about chasing thrills, so a dip in the nearest lake will be sure to put a smile on your face. Just make sure that the lake is safe to swim in and doesn’t have strong currents.
Use Small Microfibre Towels
Lugging around large damp towels can be hard work, which is why it’s far more efficient to dry yourself with small microfibre towels after having a wash while camping. These towels will dry you in seconds, soaking up all the water without leaving any cold drips or damp-smelling aftermath.
Wear Synthetic Clothes
If you’ve been on a camping trip before and wondered why your clothes got smelly so quickly, then it might be time to start looking at the materials you’re purchasing. Bacteria absolutely loves to grow in moist conditions, meaning if you get sweaty in cotton clothing, your hygiene will go down the drain. Due to this, opt to wear synthetic clothes when camping. Synthetic clothing does a far better job of soaking up moisture, meaning it won’t leave your clothes damp and full of odour.
Keep Clothes Dry
As mentioned in our previous point, bacteria thrive in moist conditions. This is why, if you’re planning to re-wear an item of clothing, you need to keep everything dry. Whether it’s due to a change in weather or a dip in the lake, if your clothes get wet, hang them outside on a DIY washing line or dry them with a portable heater. It doesn’t really matter what tactic you use, just as long as your clothes have the chance to dry rather than being shoved in your bag while still wet. You’ll thank yourself for this later.
Clean Up After Yourself
Body hygiene isn’t the only thing you’ll be worrying about while camping; the cleanliness of your surroundings should be thought about it too. You wouldn’t completely trash your home, so you shouldn’t treat your campsite any differently, either! Have a communal rubbish bag to dispose of any unwanted items and keep on top of recycling when possible. Once your camping trip is over, simply take your rubbish with you and chuck it in a bin when you get to one. Camping in a dirty environment not only risks making you ill but will also dampen your spirits.
Stay Safe
Camping is all about stepping out of the ordinary and rekindling with your sense of adventure for a few days. Although hygiene is incredibly important, it shouldn’t be the sole focus of your camping trip, so just as long as you have these tips in mind, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime!
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