Backcountry Hygiene: How to Feel as Clean as you Can
Let’s be honest—you’re not getting a spa experience in the backcountry. But here’s what I’ve learned after years of solo and family trips: a few simple hygiene practices make a massive difference in how you feel and how well you sleep.
The biggest game-changer? Clean clothes at the end of the day. Even if you’re sticky, even if you’ve been sweating all day, putting on a fresh set of sleep clothes feels incredible. And here’s the practical reason: you’re way less sticky against your sleeping bag, which means you stay warmer and sleep better.
Curious what else I pack? I break down my full overnight kit here: What I Pack for One Night in the Backcountry
My End-of-Day Routine (What Actually Works)
Here’s exactly what I do when I get to camp:
1. Get Out of Your Boots Immediately
First thing at camp: boots off. I bring Crocs as camp shoes—lightweight, packable, and your feet will thank you. Airing out your feet after a day of hiking prevents blisters, reduces smell, and just feels amazing.
I also pack a fresh pair of socks specifically for camp. Never sleep in the socks you hiked in. Dry, clean socks = warmer feet = better sleep.
2. Wipe Down Before Changing
I use paper towel tablets with a few drops of Dr. Bronner’s lavender soap. Add water, they expand into actual towels, and I wipe down my face, underarms, feet, and anywhere else that feels gross. The lavender smell is a bonus—it’s calming and makes you feel way more human.
Sometimes I’ll use a bandana instead, get it wet with warm water and a drop of Dr. Bronner’s, wipe myself down, then hang it on my pack to dry while I hike the next day. Simple, reusable, works great.
3. Change Into Dedicated Sleep Clothes
I pack a complete set of clean clothes just for sleeping: base layer top and bottom, clean socks, clean underwear. I never hike in these. Ever.
Why this matters: dry, clean clothes = less clammy feeling against your sleeping bag = you stay warmer. Your body doesn’t have to work as hard to heat up damp, salty fabric.
Pro tip: Pack one pair of underwear for each day of your trip. Yes, it adds a tiny bit of weight. But the comfort is worth it, and you can rinse them out if needed.
4. Stash Everything in One Stuff Sack
I keep all my hygiene items—Dr. Bronner’s, paper towel tablets, hand sanitizer, Kula cloth, cathole supplies—in one small stuff sack. That way I’m not digging through my pack at the end of a long day.
Sun Protection (Don’t Skip This)
I always apply sunscreen in the morning and reapply throughout the day—especially at higher elevations where UV is stronger. Sunburned skin makes everything worse: sleeping is uncomfortable, your clothes chafe, and you’re miserable.
Pack a small sunscreen that fits in an accessible pocket so you actually use it. I also bring lip balm with SPF.
Bathroom Kit Essentials (What I Actually Carry)
Pee Setup:
I use a Kula Cloth. It’s a reusable pee cloth that snaps onto the outside of your pack to dry between uses. Game changer for women. No more carrying out wet TP, no squatting with toilet paper flapping in the wind.
Cathole Kit:
- Trowel – lightweight, folds flat
- Biodegradable toilet paper tablets – these dissolve quickly and completely, way better than regular TP
- Hand sanitizer in a small bottle
- Ziplock bag for packing out any non-biodegradable items (yes, you pack out regular TP and wipes if you use them)
The Process:
Dig your cathole 6-8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Do your business. Use the biodegradable tablets. Bury everything. Sanitize hands.
Some areas require wag bags—always check local regulations before your trip.
Water Source Etiquette
When you’re collecting water, be mindful of contamination. Stay back from the water’s edge when possible, never get soap near water sources, and be careful not to let dirty gear touch the water.
Filter away from the source so you’re not contaminating where others collect water.
Hand Hygiene (The Two Times That Matter)
Hand sanitizer goes in an accessible pocket. I use it:
- Before eating – every single time
- After using the bathroom – every single time
That’s it. You don’t need to sanitize after touching dirt, setting up camp, or handling gear. But those two times? Non-negotiable. Giardia and other backcountry illnesses are miserable, and they’re preventable.
I also carry that small bottle of Dr. Bronner’s for washing hands with water when I’m near a stream, and for doing dishes.
Keeping Your Sleeping Bag Fresh
I use a sleeping bag liner that I can wash when I get home. This keeps my actual sleeping bag way cleaner—the liner catches all the sweat, dirt, and body oils instead of the bag itself.
Plus, liners add warmth and can be washed between trips while your sleeping bag stays fresh longer.
What I Don’t Bring (And Why)
Baby wipes: I used to pack these, but the paper towel tablets + Dr. Bronner’s work better and weigh less. Plus, wipes have to be packed out, and they get gross in a ziplock after a few days.
Separate camp towel: The bandana does double duty—wipe down, then dries on my pack. One less thing.
Makeup or skincare routine: Sunscreen during the day, that’s it. Backcountry is not the time for a 10-step routine.
Why This Routine Works
After 15+ solo trips and countless family backpacking adventures, this system is dialed. It’s:
- Lightweight – everything fits in a small stuff sack
- Effective – I feel clean enough to sleep well
- Simple – no complicated steps when I’m tired
- Leave No Trace compliant – biodegradable, packable, responsible
The key is having dedicated sleep clothes and actually doing the wipe-down. Those two things make the biggest difference in comfort.
Ready to plan your first overnight trip? Start here: Planning Your First Backpacking Trip
Need help organizing your pack? How to Pack Your Backpack
Looking for beginner-friendly trails? 9 Best Easy Backpacking Trips for Kids in Washington
