[pct-l] Bathing on the trail

[Ellen Shopes]

All good ideas so far.  As a long time desert hiker, here's my .02.
1.  Water is for drinking, not washing.  Use anything that's already listed 
(baby wipes, baby powder, clean sleeping clothes, etc).  I carry a small 
sliver of cake deodorant in a baggie, and apply it with my finger when I 
feel really stinky.  Some clothes do hold odors more; experiment with ones 
you think you will wear and see if they do.
2.  When you do find water (except at a cache), fill a pot or other small 
container with a bit of water and wash (without soap) away from the water 
source.  You'll probably still stink, but you'll feel better!
3.  Take an air bath at the end of the day.  Strip down and dry out, and 
alot of the odors will decrease.
4.  Have a positive attitude about it...I mean, people deliberately get into 
saunas to sweat and 'clear out the toxins'.  Gosh, we get to do days of 
this!  (I sweat buckets.  Sweating is an important adaptation to the heat. 
Just be prepared for the chafing that all the salt deposits could cause.)
5.  We're all going to stink; I promise not to name you 'Stinky'!
Elderly Ellen

>
>
>
> ---- Gary Wright <gwtmp01 at mac.com> wrote:
>>
>> On Sep 1, 2009, at 1:04 AM, CRYSTAL NEZGODA wrote:
>>
>> > My trail buddy has decided not to hike with me because of bathing
>> > conserns... I really don't mind being dirty for long periods of time
>> > but for
>> > him its a deal breaker, what are some of your experiences with
>> > bathing on
>> > the pct, spcifically section 1 and 2
>>
>> I think a certain amount of tolerance for hiker 'funk' is required
>> on any multi-day backpack.  That being said, here are some strategies
>> for minimizing the funk:
>>
>> -- have sleeping clothes that are different than your hiking clothes
>> -- use a bag liner to keep your sleeping bag clean
>> -- take a 'sponge' bath when possible at the end of the day
>> -- use moist travel/baby wipes to clean up at the end of the day
>> -- jump in creeks and lakes when possible
>>
>> When I reach camp for the day, I try to switch out of my stinky
>> hiking clothes ASAP.  I carry a light pair of running shorts to
>> wear around camp and/or while sleeping. These are also useful when
>> doing laundry in town.  A pair of socks that are only used in camp
>> also helps.
>>
>> I carry gold bond foot power with me while hiking and use it on my
>> feet at most breaks. It doubles as a quick deodorant before trying
>> to yogi a ride into town.
>>
>>
>> Gary Wright (Radar)
>>
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