{"id":241266,"date":"2025-05-14T10:27:38","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T10:27:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/adventure\/hiking-hygiene-tips-you-actually-need\/"},"modified":"2025-05-14T10:27:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T10:27:38","slug":"hiking-hygiene-tips-you-actually-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=241266","title":{"rendered":"Hiking Hygiene Tips You Actually Need"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n
\"10<\/p>\n

\n

Any time you\u2019re adventuring for more than a day, there\u2019s a pretty high chance you\u2019re gonna feel the call of nature \u2013 and I don\u2019t mean the wind rustling through the treetops. Kate\u2019s been there and done it all and she wants to share with you the right way to maintain hiking hygiene in the bush.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Hiking Hygiene Shouldn\u2019t be Taboo<\/h2>\n

My family has a way of having the most inappropriate conversations whilst eating. Tonight’s dinner topic was \u2018How to poo in the bush<\/a>\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u2018You what now?!\u2019, my brother asked, choking on a huge mouthful of food.<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t poo in the ACTUAL tube, I poo in a plastic bag and then put it IN the tube,\u2019 I explained casually.<\/p>\n

Hiking<\/a> hygiene is an important issue to consider when out exploring, not just in terms of personal care and health but also to protect the environment. However, for some reason, the \u2018Three Ps\u2019; Pooping, Peeing, and Periods are an unspoken topic, almost taboo to talk about in public.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re here to change that stigma, and start the conversation about keeping yourself and our parks clean when exploring in the wild. We\u2019ll try to keep the potty talk to a minimum but this is your official warning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Kalbarri<\/a><\/p>\n

@fungshuay<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Poo<\/h2>\n

When hiking in the wild you may be lucky enough to have a couple of backcountry huts or designated campgrounds with a drop dunny around (aka a pit toilet) along the way; this is not always the case.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to always have an \u2018emergency poo plan\u2019 for when nature calls unexpectedly on the trail. Pooing in a pile of leaves may work for the animals, but is unsuitable for human poo for many reasons.<\/p>\n

Firstly, it\u2019s pretty disgusting stumbling upon a pile of human faeces when out hiking, believe me, I speak from experience. Secondly, we want to avoid contaminating water, and spreading human diseases further. So, there are two main options for pooing in the wild:<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong> Best Products for Burying or Packing Out Poo in the Outdoors<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Illustration<\/a><\/p>\n

Illustration by @aidanmh<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Dig a hole<\/h3>\n

This is the most common option, although not always allowed in sensitive areas like the alpine region of Australia and narrow river canyons. Cat holes (as they\u2019re known in America) are the best way to maximise decomposition in a sanitary way by burying your poo in the ground.<\/p>\n

Ensure you\u2019re far away from any water source, trail or camp. \u2018Leave No Trace<\/a>\u2019 suggests 60 metres, or 70 adult paces away from these areas to avoid contamination. With a camp trowel, dig a hole 15-20cm deep and wide enough to fit everything in \u2013 use your judgement and personal experience here. When finished, cover it back up with soil.<\/p>\n

Remember! If you\u2019re digging a cat hole in areas where it snows, dig past the snow layer through to the soil, to avoid dung bombs from popping up when the snow melts away in spring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

Not exactly what we’re talking about | @wanderer_rachel<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Poo-tube<\/h3>\n

Yes, it\u2019s exactly what it sounds like; a tube for your poo. Although, you don\u2019t necessarily have to poo directly into the tube. Whilst there are many different types of poo-tubes, usually they\u2019re made from a PVC piping tube with a sealed lid at both ends, although I\u2019ve seen the use of washed-out SPC jars, or a designated poo-tube stuff sack. No matter the device, ensure the poo-tube is clearly labelled, and a very dark colour.<\/p>\n

If you ask any guide or poo-tube expert there\u2019s a number of techniques to using a poo-tube, including laying a plastic bag on the ground, or for the daring, catching it in the bag as it comes out (too much information? I warned you).<\/p>\n

Whatever the method, once finished place the toilet paper into the plastic bag, close it up and place in the lined poo-tube. I recommend using compostable doggy bags to reduce your impact further. Most people choose to store their poo-tube outside of their pack to reduce contamination and keep it on the outside of the tent overnight as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"hiking<\/a><\/p>\n

Cheers Wiki!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Urination<\/h2>\n

Thankfully, peeing in the wild is far less complicated. You don\u2019t need to catch your pee in a tube unless you really want to. As long as you\u2019re 60 metres away from the trail or small streams you\u2019re free to pee wherever you want. I like to choose a scenic spot, and make the most of the experience of releasing your wee and worries at the same time.<\/p>\n

The big issue with urinating is toilet paper. Unless you enjoy the \u2018drip-dry\u2019 method, toilet paper must be carried out, which is simple enough; just pop it in a zip lock bag.<\/p>\n

Girls, want to pee standing up?<\/strong> Try a sheewee<\/a>!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"10<\/a><\/p>\n

Photo thanks to TTNQ<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another option to maintain hiking hygiene is the pee-rag (check out the Kula reusable sanitary cloths<\/a>), which personally, I\u2019ve never tried. It\u2019s a small towel that you use to wipe after weeing as a substitute for toilet paper. It\u2019s rinsed with water immediately after use, then hikers will usually hang it on the outside of their bag to dry as they walk, and give it a good wash at the next available laundry.<\/p>\n

Periods<\/h2>\n

On a thru-hike, getting your period<\/a> on the trail is pretty much inevitable. It affects you in more ways than just the bleeding.<\/p>\n

For me, I was hungrier, less motivated, my legs felt like bricks, and of course, the backpack strap around my waist pressed in all the wrong places. But hey, we\u2019re menstruating folk, and we do this almost every month no matter what life is throwing at us, so of course we power through it.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t let your period hold you back from an overnight or multi day hike \u2013 there are plenty of methods to help manage the issue of menstrual bleeding on the trail.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong> Menstruation in the Wild \u2013 How Explorers Deal With Periods on Adventures<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Periods<\/a><\/p>\n

@hikertrashling<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Tampons<\/h3>\n

I find tampons the least practical method on the trail. Disposing of tampons on the trail can be difficult, with most backcountry toilets not allowing sanitary item disposal. Burying them in a cat hole is also not recommended due to decomposing difficulties.<\/p>\n

This leaves the only option to be carrying used tampons out in your poo-tube, which can add extra weight to your pack depending on the duration of your cycle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Tampons<\/p>\n

@natracare<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Menstrual Cups<\/h3>\n

This is my current go-to as they\u2019re lightweight, can be reused, and are very easy to clean. Menstrual cups are like using a tampon, but without the hassle of waste to pack out.<\/p>\n

Simply boil for the cup five minutes in your camp pot at the start and at the end of your period to ensure sterilisation.<\/p>\n

During your period on the trail empty out the contents of the cup in either your cat hole, poo tube or toilet, clean with water, wipe out with toilet paper if needed and reinsert.<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t used one before I highly recommend practicing at home, and reading the menstrual cup instructions for insertion and removal tips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"oana-cristina:<\/a><\/p>\n

@ocilie<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Period-proof Underwear<\/h3>\n

Period-proof underwear<\/a> is the newest period management kid on the block, and another great alternative to pads and tampons on the trail. Not only are period underwear super absorbent and comfortable, they\u2019re usually sweat wicking and odour reducing as well. Similar to a menstrual cup, they require rinsing into a cat hole to dispose of the blood properly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"https:\/\/www.modibodi.com\/products\/swimwear-recycled-hi-waist-bikini-brief-light-moderate\"<\/a><\/p>\n

@modibodi<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Showering<\/h2>\n

I cannot stress enough the importance of staying clean on the trail. When you see someone walking up to you and they start wrinkling up their nose, it\u2019s a solid indication that you\u2019re in need of a shower.<\/p>\n

Keeping your body, clothing, and camp kitchen clean also reduces the risk of infection and illness, as a festering cut on the trail will be the last thing you want when you\u2019re 300km from civilisation.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong> Our Favourite Camping Showers For Staying Fresh Outdoors<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Troopy<\/a><\/p>\n

@aliceforrest<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The simplest way of cleaning your body is swimming in a river or stream whenever it\u2019s available, however it\u2019s important to not introduce any type of soap or shampoo directly into freshwater.<\/p>\n

If you do want to clean yourself with soap, boil up a little water in your camp pot and wash yourself down with a cloth and a little soap at least 60 metres away from any water source. I typically use an \u2018Enjo\u2019 wipe and castille soap as it has so many different uses; body soap, laundry soap, and dishwashing liquid.<\/p>\n

Now it\u2019s your turn to continue the conversation about hiking hygiene and the \u2018Three Ps\u2019. Start chatting about your own toileting techniques and swap tips on period control around the campfire. Every conversation you have about hygiene in the wild may help someone to have a better experience and aid in protecting our national parks.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Hut-to-Hut<\/a><\/p>\n

@zac_desilva<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

FAQs Hiking Hygiene<\/h2>\n

How do you go to the toilet while hiking?<\/h3>\n

When hiking, you\u2019ll either dig a \u2018cat hole\u2019 or use a poo tube to safely do your business \u2013 just make sure you\u2019re at least 60m from water, trails, or campsites. No one wants a rogue log on the trail.<\/p>\n

What is a poo tube and do I really need one for hiking hygiene?<\/h3>\n

A poo tube is a sealed container (often DIY\u2019d from PVC pipe – see our instructions and supplies list to make your own<\/a>) used to carry out your number twos in sensitive wilderness areas. Gross? Doesn’t have to be. Necessary for Leave No Trace<\/a> hiking? Absolutely.<\/p>\n

Can you bury toilet paper when bushwalking?<\/h3>\n

Preferably not. Even biodegradable TP takes ages to break down so always aim to pack it out in a Ziplock or dry bag. If you want to avoid it altogether, try a pee rag<\/a> instead.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best way to maintain hiking hygiene on trail?<\/h3>\n

Give yourself a bush bath! Use a cloth and a splash of water at least 60m from streams \u2013 bonus points for using eco-friendly soap.<\/p>\n

How do I manage my period on a multi-day hike?<\/h3>\n

Menstrual cups are a crowd favourite \u2013 reusable, light, and easy to clean. Period undies also go the distance. Just make sure to rinse and bury or carry out any waste responsibly.<\/p>\n

Is it okay to swim in rivers to wash off on a hike?<\/h3>\n

Yes, but skip the soap unless you want to poison the platypus. Swim to your heart\u2019s content, then lather up with biodegradable soap away from the water.<\/p>\n

Do I need to bring hand sanitiser hiking?<\/h3>\n

Yes! After pooping, before cooking, when filtering water \u2013 basically, it\u2019s your trail MVP to avoid germs and getting sick.<\/p>\n

What are the Leave No Trace hygiene rules?<\/h3>\n

Simple: Dig deep (15-20cm cat hole), stay 60m from water sources, pack out all TP and sanitary items, and keep your soap away from streams. Your future self (and the environment) will thank you.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the deal with pee rags for hiking?<\/h3>\n

Pee rags<\/a> are reusable cloths used to wipe after weeing. They\u2019re eco-friendly, reduce TP waste, and clip onto your pack like a proud little hygiene flag. Just rinse and dry as you go.<\/p>\n

What should I pack in my hiking hygiene kit?<\/h3>\n

Essentials include: trowel, TP or pee rag, hand sanitiser, Ziplock bags, castille soap, a quick-dry pee cloth<\/a>, and your weapon of choice for period care.<\/p>\n

\"WATCH:<\/a><\/p>\n

Stay clean out there! | Shot by @onelifewild<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Keeping Clean Outside Isn’t As Hard As You Might Think<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • 5 Natural Ways to Keep Clean in the Bush<\/a><\/li>\n
  • Why You Should Pack a Clean-Up Kit (and How To Use It)<\/a><\/li>\n
  • How To Clean Water Bottles, Flasks, and Hydration Bladders<\/a><\/li>\n
  • Tackling Rubbish In Our Wild Places \u2013 It Starts With Us<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Feature photo by @rubyclaireee<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Table of contents photo by Melanie White<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n