Hygiene for the outdoors (Winter edition)
Winter Camping Hygiene
As we transition from crisp fall days to much colder winter days, keeping up on skincare and basic maintenance such as washing your body can become difficult and even uncomfortable when camping. In this month’s article, we will go over some useful tips for keeping comfortable while keeping clean!
Avoid water in extreme cold
In very low temperatures, using water to wash your face or hands can cause rapid cooling of your skin, increasing the risk of frostbite. Instead, use alternatives like biodegradable unscented baby wipes. Another option, if conditions allow, is to warm up water and a reusable cloth. Dab your face with the towel soaked in the warm water and apply to your face. Follow up with a biodegradable, unscented soap like our Spellbound Mountain soap bars and wipe your face.
Be sure to quickly dry off to avoid any water freezing onto your skin. If washing up outdoors, it is important to avoid over exposing yourself to water. When washing, focus on key areas such as face, hands, and armpits. After cleaning up protect your skin apply a thin layer of moisturizer or barrier cream after washing to lock in hydration and shield your skin from the cold. However, make sure to use unscented moisturizer, coconut oil, or similar products on exposed areas. Keep extremities covered and immediately put on warm gloves or cover your face with a scarf to retain heat. Timing is important as well and it is good practice to perform washing during the warmest part of the day (usually mid-afternoon) when your body is less likely to experience a sudden temperature drop. Lastly, after cleaning, engage in a quick activity (like light exercise) to maintain circulation and body warmth.
Using the bathroom outside in the cold
The first step is to find a spot that offers some natural shelter from the wind, such as behind trees or rocks. Also make sure you are at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites to prevent contamination. The ground should be stable and flat to prevent slipping on ice or snow. Be sure to wear clothing in layers that can be easily removed and replaced. Avoid one-piece suits or overalls that are cumbersome to take off and consider wearing pants with full-length side zippers or drop seats designed for quick access. Gloves or mittens can be useful to allow some dexterity for handling zippers and buttons, but consider removing them briefly if necessary.
If you need to go number two then will need to dig a cat hole. We covered using a cat hole in our first part of the series “Staying Clean Outdoors” see that article here. If the ground is too hard, consider finding a spot where snow has accumulated and dig through to reach the soil. In deep snow, dig down as far as possible and if there is heavy snow or if the ground is hard consider bringing along a small spade shovel, like this one to help get through the hard snow pack. In deep snow, dig down as far as possible. Human waste will decompose faster when it reaches the soil layer after snowmelt.
Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade
Prepare everything you need beforehand to minimize the time spent exposed and keep your hat and upper layers on during the process to retain body heat. If digging a cat hole doesn’t sound appealing, an alternative is using a WAG (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) bag. These are kits that allow you to pack out human waste safely. This eliminates the need to bury waste and you can instead seal it inside of the bag.
Below is an equipment checklist:
- Trowel or Small Shovel
- WAG Bags (If desired)
- Biodegradable Toilet Paper or Wipes
- Hand Sanitizer
- Headlamp with Extra Batteries
- Warm, Accessible Clothing
Stay safe out there!
With Love,
The Phantosmia Scents Fam!