Do you know why keeping yourself clean while on a hiking trail is essential? Of course, yes. I think most people would say yes when asked if they knew why staying healthy and maintaining good hygiene habits are crucial for living well with a happy mind.
But did you know that your actions can also significantly impact the environment? Again some of you will say yes. But do you know that even if you think you are doing it right, you are not? Here are a few critical things you should keep practicing while heading on a hiking adventure.
Selection of Soap (It’s Just not soap)
One of our most important responsibilities is to understand and use environment and nature friendly biodegradable soap in the wild. Of course, we don’t want anyone ruining the nature for generations to come. One way is to use biodegradable soap when we are outdoors.
There are also other products that are made from natural ingredients that will not harm the environment. We should all do our part to help protect the environment. We can start by using biodegradable soap when we are outdoors.
There are many reasons to love biodegradable soap. For one, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use it for everything from bathing and laundry to washing your hiking gear and shampooing your hair. Additionally, you can use it as toothpaste as well. Biodegradable soap is made from natural ingredients that break down quickly and naturally in the environment. This means that it doesn’t pollute waterways or contribute to plastic pollution. It’s also more gentle on your skin, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
If You Are Camping
Campers should take care to keep their sleeping gear and sleeping area clean. This way, they will reduce the amount of time spent washing their gear, and minimize the impact on the environment. Sleeping bags and blankets can be kept clean by using a blanket liner or sleeping bag cover. These products will protect the inner fabric from dirt and body oils.
When camping, be sure to choose a campsite that is clean and free of debris. Otherwise, you may end up spending more time cleaning up your sleeping area than enjoying the great outdoors.
I will suggest packing a pair of camp shoes. These shoes are different from your hiking shoes in that they are lighter and more comfortable. They’re also easier to clean, so you don’t have to worry about bringing dirt and mud into your sleeping area. Camp shoes are also essential for taking baths and relaxing after a long day on the trail.
When to keep extra clothes in your backpack?
It’s always a good idea to keep extra clothes in your backpack while going on a hike. You never know when you might need them, and it’s better to be prepared than sorry. While you may not need them often, they could come in handy if you get caught in a sudden rainstorm or end up slipping and falling into a river. In addition, extra clothes can help keep you warm if the temperature drops unexpectedly.
And if your clothes are dirty, you will screw up other hiking gears and have to wash them again and again. That will create more pollution for nature.
You should always pack light and avoid bringing anything that you don’t absolutely need. This will not only save you some space in your backpack, but it will also reduce the amount of laundry that you’ll have to do, especially if you are on multi-day hike.
Secondly, be sure to wear clothing that is made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool. These materials are much more effective at wicking away sweat and moisture than synthetic fabrics, and they’re also less likely to hold onto dirt and grime.
Finally, take some time to learn how to wash your clothes properly. Spot-cleaning where necessary and hand-washing in a basin are both good options that will minimize the impact on the environment.
Hand Sanitizer
I was hiking through the woods when I started to feel ill. At first, I blamed the water I had been drinking, but after further reflection, I realized that it was not the water that was making me sick. Instead, it was due to lack of sanitization. I had been playing with stones and my hands were dirty. When I went for poo, I washed my hands with soap, but with cold water, it’s not always easy to get them completely clean.
Sanitizer is an excellent option to take with you on a hike. Not only are they compact, but you don’t need to worry about the weight.
Sanitizer is usually filled with chemicals that can kill bacteria, and it doesn’t require water to work effectively. Additionally, this makes it an ideal choice for cleaning your hands when you’re hiking in remote areas where running water isn’t available.
But what if water is not easily accessible?
If you’re planning to hike in an area where water is not easily accessible, it’s best to take wet wipes or biodegradable wipes with you. After using them, be sure to pack them up and keep them with you. Remember that you wouldn’t want to find used wipes on the ground, and other hikers feel the same way.
Even biodegradable wipes can take some time to degrade, so it’s important to be mindful of where you dispose of them. Biodegradable wipes are made of natural materials like wood pulp or cotton that can be broken down by bacteria and other microorganisms. While this process is much faster than the decomposition of traditional wipes, it can still take several months for biodegradable wipes to degrade completely. That’s why it’s important to dispose of them in the proper way.
Summary
Hiking is an amazing experience that can take you to some beautiful and pristine locations, but it’s important to be mindful of the environment while you’re enjoying it. Hopefully, this post has helped clarify how to keep yourself clean and healthy without harming nature in the process. Have you tried any of these tips on your hiking adventure? Let us know in the comments below!