Personal Care and Bathing in the Outdoors

Now you can make your camping experience as enjoyable as possible by bringing along a few of the creature comforts from home. After a long day of hiking or mountain biking, you're hot, tired and want nothing more than to clean up and relax by the campfire to discuss the days events. With todays technology you can take your camping experience to a new level. Here are a few tips you should consider on your next camping trip.

Bathing-

If you are palnning a short trip, focus on three very important areas to keep as clean as possible to ensure you stay comfortable and avoid infections.
Be sure to wash your hands before every meal. This reduces the risk or transferring germs to your food and mouth.

Don't be lazy, bring along your toothbrush and toothpaste. Everyone sleeping in that little tent will appreciate it.

Keep your feet clean. This will help reduce the chance of blisters and fungal growth. Bring extra socks along on your trip and when you have a chance, let your feet and boots air out as much as possible.

Respect your enviroment and use biadegradable soap. Use the soap as sparingly as possible and remember to alsway do your washing at least 200 feet away from your fresh water supply.

Washing Dishes and Clothes-

Unless you have hiked deep into the back country, the chances of you having to wash clothes while camping are slim. However, should the need arise, follow a few simple rules before diving into your wash or dishes.
Make sure you rinse your pots, pans and cooking utensils thoroughly after each meal. Set them in a high place to air dry.

Have a little food left over? After you wash your dishes, strain the dishwater to collect all the excess food particles. You can pack the food waste out or bury it in a shallow hole 4-6 inches deep.

Use a little soap as possible and make sure you wash dishes and clothes at least 200 feet from your fresh water supply.