[pct-l] hygeine tips

[Tortoise]

Sure you are going to get dirty on the trail.
but lack of cleaning isn't just an appearance or comfort issue -- it is 
a health issues, and one that could interrupt or even end you hike.

One needs to clean with soap and water or other cleanser your hands 
after relieving yourself. If not you increase your chance of 
gastro-intestinal disease. On the trail I always put out my soap and 
water on a rock away from water sources before heading off to relieve 
myself. Then I use my left hand to pour water on my right (dirty) hand 
and add soap and then rub both hands together to clean them.

Similarly, you must keep your cooking and eating utensils clean or you 
risk food poisoning or other problems. Usually in the evening, I cleaned 
my utensils, then boiled a little water in my pot with the lid on and my 
other utensils in it to somewhat sterilize everything. It has always 
been enough to keep me from getting sick. Sometimes also I used the hot 
water for my evening coffee or tea.

Tortoise

<> He who finishes last, wins! <>



Moynihan wrote:
> Hi Kris,
> Hygiene on the trail:
> I highly recommend washing off at the end of the day with your 
> hankerchief or pack towel, with just water. Except in the extrememly 
> dry conditions along the trail, I was capable of cleaning off nearly 
> everyday. Streams make for good jump in spots, or you can put water in 
> a pan and rinse off like that. It makes such a big difference. Your 
> not sticky when you get into your bag. It also helps with getting 
> hitches, in my opinion(you know, not have brown swashes of dirt across 
> face, neck, legs and every other visible part of your body) and if 
> your not staying in town, you can hang out clean-enough without 
> distrupting the town.
> Baby wipes means more to pack out. Don't bother with soap, its extra 
> weight and your going to be dirty soon after.
>  
> Hope that helps.
> Speedstick
>
>  
> On 1/18/08, *Hiker97 at aol.com <mailto:Hiker97 at aol.com>* 
> <Hiker97 at aol.com <mailto:Hiker97 at aol.com>> wrote:
>
>     Say, I like the large ZipLock washer idea.  Pretty smart.  I am
>     now going to claim it as my own idea.
>      
>     Switchback the Patent/CopyRight Infringementer
>
>
>
>     ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>     Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape
>     <http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489>
>     in the new year.
>
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