Camp Hygiene

A self-proclaimed travel hound with a gypsy soul, healthy hoohoo founder Stacy Lyon recalls this particularly un-fun backcountry hygiene issue, which inspired her company. “It was on a Himalayan trek to Kala Pattar, near the base camp of Everest,” Stacy says, “that I learned—the uncomfortable way—about bringing the correct wipes with you on a long, shower-less journey. Thinking that, if I used feminine wipes, I would feel clean and fresh enough to last almost two weeks without a shower, I unfortunately discovered that mass-marketed hygiene products are laden with harsh chemicals that can cause irritation.”

That led to what she calls “an annoying distraction from my most excellent adventure,” but she used that memory as motivation to create her brand of gentler feminine wipes.

Stacy’s funniest travel hygiene memory was made in Bhutan. “While trying to maneuver myself over a hole in the ground community ‘toilet,’ I dropped my sunglasses. I let out a howl that made my husband come running,” she remembers. “He had a good laugh while watching me ‘sanitize’ my Ray Bans!”

Our next camp hygiene expert, Rosielani Enos, co-owns an outdoor leadership and lightweight backpacking guide company called Roam the Woods (roamthewoods.com). While instructing a course on the Appalachian Trail last year, Rosie had her most unpleasant in-camp experience yet. “I had just gotten over the Norovirus [that wrecks havoc on your system like the flu or food poisoning would], which was spreading rapidly on the trail. Thankfully, I was reunited with my group and in high spirits,” she says. “That night, as I was setting up my tent, I stepped in human poop. It was right in the middle of camp and conveniently right where I had decided to set up my tent!” She wiped down her tent and shoes with some Clorox wipes she had on hand, which appeased her mentally, at least.

“Nothing feels better at the end of the day than soaking your feet in some cold creek water or taking a dip in a pond when your near water,” Rosie says, offering Women’s Adventure more camp hygiene tips, most of which she developed based on her own experiences.

What to consider when planning your outdoor hygiene routine

“I think it’s important to consider just how remote you’ll be and what time of the month it is for your cycle,” Stacy says. “If I’m headed for a wilderness adventure—no running water, toilets, or trash disposal—I’ll pack differently than if I’ll be near facilities. Also, if you’re traveling to a foreign country, I highly recommend bringing supplies from home. I call them ‘period packs,’” she says, suggesting you include applicator-free tampons or a menstrual cup, Advil, and chocolate.

“Hydration is key to staying healthy, even down there,” Stacy says, referring to your female parts, which is why she suggests drinking all day long.

Whether going out for one day or multiple days, be prepared to be use the bathroom in the outdoors. “Our body functions a little bit more efficiently with consistent exercise,” Rosie says, “so ensure you have some way to dig a cat hole and clean yourself. For example, on a multi-day cycling trip, you will probably decide to carry a couple chamois so you can change into a clean one each day; on a multi-day mountaineering trip, you may be required to carry a wag bag or a ‘blue’ bag, in which you carry your solid waste out of the backcountry; and, on a paddling trip, you may bring along a Go Girl—a brand of female urinary device—to make peeing a little bit easier and fun, too!” Female urinary devices (FUDs) help you pee standing up, which Rosie says can be very convenient on water-based trips.

Recommended hygiene practices when camping and backpacking

“It really makes for a much more enjoyable excursion if you get into a morning hygiene routine,” Stacy says. “No matter how cold, wet, or inconvenient, get into the habit of brushing your teeth, washing your face, and wiping your crotch. In the evenings, wipe your pits and rinse out your undies.”

“When traveling with a group, we women tend to put ourselves last so as not to inconvenience others, but make sure you make the time to take care of yourself,” Rosie says. “We had a participant once walk a mile with a toothbrush in her shoe, because she didn’t want to hold up the group. Definitely listen to your body; it’s the best present we can give ourselves.”

Become familiar with and practice Leave No Trace principles. “Not only will it help you with good hygiene in the wild, it will help you become a better outdoor steward,” Rosie says. “Disposing of your waste properly is a good principle to start with, because it’s paramount to good hygiene in the wild.

“There are no lines to the ladies room out here. Make sure you are away from the trail and water before you squat to pee,” Rosie instructs. “Leave No Trace can differ slightly depending on the environment and activity. For example, in a high-volume river while canoeing or kayaking, peeing in the river may be the best practice.”

Rosie suggests carrying what she calls a dab rag. Instead of drip-drying or using toilet paper, use and pack out a dab rag—a.k.a. the pee rag. “A cotton bandana works well as a dab rag, due to its absorbency, not to mention you have a multitude of color choices!” she says, making peeing sound way more exciting than anyone ever quoted in Women’s Adventure magazine ever has.

This method works best in dry environments because you should allow your dab rag to air-dry after every use. Tie it on the outside of your backpack while hiking so it will get direct sunlight, she suggests. “As long you are staying hydrated and drying out your rag, there will be no smell. You can also rinse it out daily and then air dry.”

Trimming your pubic hair will help you stay cleaner and cooler out in the woods, Rosie says. “This also makes tick checks easier.

“Although intimidating at first, pooping outside can be liberating, plus you can’t beat the views,” Rosie says. Find a nice spot 200 feet away from trails, camp, and water sources, then dig a cat hole that’s six to eight inches deep and “wide enough to aim properly.” Dig your cat hole with a sturdy trowel that packs down small.

Ideally, toilet paper should be packed out. “Double-bag it in Ziploc freezer bags or substitute one of the freezer bags for a dog waste bag for more privacy,” Rosie suggests. “Per Leave No Trace, if this is not possible, use as little toilet paper as possible and bury it deep in the cat hole to avoid the toilet paper from surfacing.”

When done, cover your deposit well to ensure no one finds any hidden surprises. “These are not good surprises!” Rosie would know.

“Always bring something to deal with your period, even if you are not expecting your period,” Rosie says. “From my experience, our bodies can sync with other women’s cycles, throwing your normal schedule off.”

When you’re on your period in the woods, handle it as you normally would. “First, forget about the bears being attracted to menstruating women,” Rosie says. “It is just a myth. Following standard bear precautions are a must, though, as bears could be pre-disposed to viewing your period trash as food if it’s not stored properly.”

Be mindful of your hygienic footprint, too, Stacy says. “Please do not leave applicators or non-biodegradable products behind.” Pack out all menstrual trash. The menstrual cup is also a good option for day trips or extended backpacking trips. It can be worn for longer (up to 12 hours) and is less messy than conventional pads and tampons. The menstrual waste from a cup should be disposed of in a cat hole.

Wash your hands often—after using the bathroom and before eating. “Bring hand sanitizer at the very least,” Rosie says. “Having a small amount of biodegradable soap to get some proper hand washing can be important as well.”

To that note, avoid sharing food that others have touched. “Although the gal with the candy bar may be your best friend, sanitation may not be as important to her, and that mint dark chocolate may not be worth a long night of uncontrollable vomiting and/or diarrhea.”

No matter how long you’re in the woods, always bring a way to treat your water. “Even if you are out on a day-long adventure, it may be a good idea to have some way to make your water potable.”
Another good idea is hiking in a skirt. “Try it! You might love it,” Rosie says. “Skirts are great because they allow everything to breathe. They also get bonus points for providing some extra coverage when you pee and when you need to change!” She suggests wearing a compression-style short in lieu of underwear under your skirt to help prevent chafing.

Almost everyone encounters chafing at some point, especially on the thighs, around the underwear line, under the arms, and around your sports bra. So carry a small amount of anti-chafing product. Body Glide is a great preventive product, while diaper rash care products like Desitin and Butt Paste can be used in the same fashion and are also good to use once chafing has begun. “They also work well for ‘cookie butt’ or ‘itchy butt,’” Rosie says. “Both can stem from sweating a lot or being wet for days on end.”

If you do chafe, keep the area clean and apply triple antibiotic ointment to speed the healing process.

Products or ingredients to avoid

“Something we always get questions about is Dr. Bronner’s Soap,” Rosie says. “People think that, because it’s biodegradable, it’s okay to wash with the soap in a creek or stream. It’s always a good practice to wash 200 feet away from these sources when using soap. Even something biodegradable will change the ecosystem of your waterway.”

Avoid products with alcohol in them to clean your private parts, as it can kill both the good and bad bacteria.

“Less is more!” Stacy says. “Your vagina is truly a self-cleaning oven. You only need to wash the vulvular area where sweat and bacteria accumulate.”

Give your skin a vacation and avoid bringing loads of beauty products, Stacy suggests. “Drink plenty of water, eat well, wash with mild products, wear natural fiber underwear, and don’t forget your sunscreen.”

The pros’ favorite beauty and hygiene routines in the wild

“When backpacking and paddling, I have a little morning routine that helps me stay clean and healthy,” Stacy says. “After breakfast, I use a small towel and some hot water to wash my face then wipe my vulva—the outside bits that contain sweat glands. I rinse the cloth with remaining hot water, wring-out, and store in a little Ziploc bag. If can find a warm, dry spot, I lay the cloth out in the sun to let it dry during the day.”

Stacy uses this same cloth to wipe her armpits after a long day. “But be prepared to wash your cloth with a little soap and super hot water or you’ll have one nasty washcloth after a few days!”

Rosie gives herself a sponge bath every night. “The build-up of salt from sweating all day will increase the likelihood of chafing,” she says. “Salt plus dirt plus friction equals chafing. Make sure to wipe the places where you sweat the most. If you want an extra pick-me-up, use some warm water for this process. After a long day, this will feel luxurious.”

Rosie discourages Roam the Woods backpackers from carrying makeup kits. “We encourage our participants to embrace everything the outdoors has to offer,” she says. “Sometimes the dirt brings a lot more confidence than makeup ever could!”

Products We Love

healthy hoohoo Natural Feminine Wipes. “For shorter journeys, when I can carry more, I use healthy hoohoo biodegradable natural wipes!” $4.79 (10-pack); healthyhoohoo.com

Action Wipes 30-Sheet Soft Pack. Pre-moistened, all-natural body wipes (9 by 10-inches) with tea tree and eucalyptus oils and other plant-derived ingredients. $24.99; ActionWipes.com

The V Book, by Elizabeth G. Stewart and Paula Spencer. “It’s on my reading list in 2014,” Rosie says, “and was recommended to me by other female long-distance backpackers. It helps you understand your body, specifically your ‘V,’ and will help you spot abnormalities early on, preventing bigger problems.” thevbook.com

The Scrubba Wash Bag. Toss your filthy clothes in with a little soap and water, swish them around for a few minutes, and pull out clothes as clean as they would be after a cycle in the machine at home. $64.95; thescrubba.com

This article was originally published in Women’s Adventure magazine‘s Spring 2014 issue.

Category: Body, Health