The idea of backpacking is always exciting. Whether you are out hiking the mountains or camping at the grasslands, what could be more refreshing than taking a shower to stimulate oneself? All that dirt, muck, and sweat that your body accumulates from that hectic expedition does need a good rinse. But the challenge is to access showers as they could from your trail. It’s best to keep a few goodwipes shower on the go for a no-rinse quick rejuvenated look.
Bathing while traveling or trekking can become a concern, especially when there’s no access to water. Well, that wouldn’t stop you from camping at unexplored locations. Here are a few tips that can come in handy regardless of your journey of communion with nature.
A few household things to the rescue when water is only a mirage
If you are packing your bags for the camp, the first thing you can nab out of your kitchen is baking soda. This simple kitchen ingredient can effectively tame your ruffled nest on the head formed after a day or two’s walk under the scorching sun. Simply, work that powder down through your hair and it can work as the best waterless shampoo.
Don’t forget to grab that bottle of apple cider vinegar before you head out camping. A little of it can be used to remove the dead skin on your armpits in the absence of water. It is the acid compound in it that can kill the bacteria responsible for causing bad odor. Also, keep some olive oil handy to moisturize your skin daily. Grapeseed oil also works well and is rich in antioxidants.
Bathe in the flowing river
Does that sound unrealistic? Then this camping trip you might want to try it out. A tried and tested method, it couldn’t be more invigorating than taking a dip in the fresh river water. Just keep a pair of shorts on maybe slip into your swimsuit, if you’re carrying one and plunge into the arms of the meandering beauty. That’s probably the best way to beat the fatigue of a hot day at camping. If the river is your go-to zone, preferably keep that soap away as it will only end up in the waterway.
Settle for a sponge bath
Access to a flowing water body could be a luxury for many hikers, hence sponge bath can be a functional idea. Halt by a waterfall if there’s one around and use your towel to wash up. You can use a biodegradable soap if required.
A pot of water collected from any source should be enough to mop the grime and grit your body would have accumulated throughout the day. If you can warm up the water on a stove consider yourself fortunate. You can use the sponge bath method to clean your full body. Make sure to focus on areas like the neck, under the arms, back of knees, and groin.
For a complete guide on maintaining personal hygiene when showering while camping, read this post.
Carry your backpacking shower
Now you can’t be carrying your real shower but opt for portable water bags that can be filled up water to work as mini water tanks. Such devices can be appended from a tree or any such tall object to create water pressure and connected with a sprinkler device to shower.
Design your solar shower for camping needs
A solar shower can be designed in several ways. Here’s one simple way to build one. Take a bucket that can hold around 5 gallons of water. Now drill a hole measuring ¾” at about ¼” from the bottom edge of the bucket.
This becomes your channel for fitting in a small sprinkler device. You can use any of those faucet valves or water seal tape from your garden hose. These parts are easily available at the local hardware store. Set it up and you carry this portable shower whenever you go trekking.
You can always rely on your DIY solar camping shower. For more, check out this video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUyQ4fH_NiM.
Dos and Don’ts of showering at a camp
Here are some things you can do when showering while trekking
– Use a loofah to scrub the extra grime on your body
– Use an eco-friendly soap
– Carry your towel
– Keep a few babies wipes on hand
– Carry your undies and flip flops
Things that you rather not do when showering while camping include:
– Avoid showering barefoot (instead, carry your bath mats)
– Don’t ingest the water from any public shower source
– Trash the deodorants as it can attract animals
– Don’t stay wet for long
– Avoid using any product that’s not biodegradable as it will pollute the campsite
With these showering suggestions on your fingertips, all you need is to pack your bags and head out camping! Whether you bathe in the lake, use foot showers, battery showers, or any DIY devices, its best to keep the consumption minimal as you unite with Mother Nature.