So, we discussed washing hands, other body parts, clothes washing and bodily functions. So what would be the minimum list of what to bring on the Trail.
Jason Stevenson (author of
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backpacking and Hiking) recommends this in a
Personal Hygiene Post.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Alcohol gel-based hand sanitizer
- Cotton bandanna or wash cloth
- Moist towelettes or baby wipes
- Biodegradable soap
- Absorbent pack towel
- Toilet paper in its own plastic bag
Toothpaste has a bit of controversy surrounding it. It's technically not required to clean your teeth, the toothbrush does the majority of the work. Bad breath, on the other hand, can be a real turn off to those you're hiking with. If you do bring Toothpaste, store it with your food on the bear pole, for critters will try to find it and eat it right out of your tent.
If you don't floss, it's still a good idea to bring Dental Floss. It can double for thread in mending clothes and backpacks, and in an extreme emergency, skin.
That, for some reason, reminds me of this post I had a fun time reading a week or two ago:
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