When heading out for several days on trek, hygiene is not just a matter of comfort — it becomes a necessity for staying fit and avoiding the issues caused by microbes, chafing or poor sanitary conditions. Managing your personal and oral hygiene out in nature requires a little forward planning, common sense and the right kit. Here is a complete guide to staying clean and protecting your health, even far from any infrastructure.
Toiletries on trek
Access to conventional toilets is often non-existent in the wild or in the most remote regions. You therefore need to adapt your habits according to local conditions or the type of terrain.
When travelling in a country where sanitary conditions leave something to be desired, always carry a small hygiene kit including toilet paper, a bottle of hand sanitiser and some wipes. This allows you to clean your hands after each toilet visit — essential for preventing digestive infections.
In the wild, without proper facilities, dig a small hole 15 to 20 cm deep at a good distance from camp, a water source and the trail. This hole will serve as a dry toilet. Find a discreet spot, out of sight of other hikers. Use biodegradable paper or carry a dedicated bag to store waste if you are in a protected area.
Some trekkers burn their toilet paper and bury the ashes. This approach is tolerated in certain areas, provided the fire is fully extinguished and no fire hazard is created.
A roll of toilet paper in a waterproof plastic bag is always one of the backpack essentials. Also slip in a few freezer bags or biodegradable bags to wrap your waste if needed.
Washing on trek
On trek, you won't always find a shower — but staying clean is entirely possible, even without infrastructure. River water, springs or rainwater are often enough for a basic wash.
Use a washing glove or a small microfibre towel to rinse off. Do not wash directly in lakes or rivers — draw water with a bottle or container and move at least 50 metres from the banks to protect the ecosystem.
Choose a multi-purpose soap, such as Aleppo soap or solid soaps designed for outdoor use. They work equally well for the body, hair, and sometimes even for washing dishes or clothes. They help avoid pollution and take up very little space.
Sometimes options are limited and you need to wash without water. Biodegradable wipes then become a great alternative. Use them on the main areas (face, armpits, intimate areas, feet). Place them in a separate bag and dispose of them in an appropriate bin later.
Hand sanitiser remains essential for washing your hands after using the toilet, before eating or handling food. It does not replace proper handwashing, but it helps maintain good hygiene by reducing the risk of contamination.
Doing laundry on trek
Managing dirty clothes is part of the organisation when travelling on foot. The ideal approach is to bring lightweight garments that dry quickly and resist odours well. Merino wool or technical synthetic fibres are perfect for this. A merino t-shirt can be worn for several days without any odour.
If you need to wash a garment during the trek, use a small flexible basin or a dry bag as a container. Fill it with a little water and biodegradable soap. Wash gently, rinse thoroughly, then wring out carefully without over-twisting to avoid damaging the fibres.
Hang your wet clothes on your backpack during the day's walk. Sun and wind are often enough to dry them. Otherwise, set up a drying line at camp with a cord.
Prioritise washing at the end of the day, to allow clothes to dry overnight. Rotate your trek outfits so you always have a dry set to put on.
Contact lenses or sunglasses on trek
Glasses and contact lens wearers need to take a few basic precautions. Choose a stable, lightweight frame that is resistant to impact. For sunglasses, opt for a high protection rating, especially at altitude or on snow.
Contact lenses offer a wider field of vision and greater comfort, but they require discipline and cleanliness. Always clean your hands with biodegradable soap and clear water before handling them. Avoid putting them in or taking them out in dusty or windy environments. Opt for the inside of the tent or a sheltered spot.
Bring a small kit with a mirror, solution sachets, a few spare lenses and, if needed, artificial tears. Silicone hydrogel lenses are well suited to high altitudes thanks to their superior oxygen permeability.
How to brush your teeth on a multi-day hiking trip?
Dental hygiene must not be neglected, even out in nature. Brush your teeth twice a day with a lightweight toothbrush (foldable travel format or ultra-compact) and a suitable toothpaste.
Wash your hands with a little natural soap or use hand sanitiser before handling your toothbrush. Avoid spitting toothpaste directly into a river or lake — move at least 50 metres from any water source, and spit into a small hole you then cover with earth.
If you are going fully self-sufficient, there are solid toothpastes available in powder or tablet form, easy to carry and plastic-free. They are a great eco-friendly alternative to conventional tubes.
On trek, good oral hygiene helps prevent gum problems, mouth ulcers or pain that could disrupt the smooth running of your adventure.
The essentials of the toiletry bag for hygiene at the bivvy
For a multi-day trek, pack a lightweight but complete toiletry bag, including:
- biodegradable multi-purpose solid soap
- washing glove or microfibre cloth
- hand sanitiser
- toothbrush and solid or compact toothpaste
- mini laundry detergent or soap for clothes
- biodegradable wipes
- toilet paper + waste bags
- nail clippers
- pocket mirror (also handy for contact lenses)
- a few sachets of artificial tears if needed
Don't forget to adapt your toiletry kit to the climate, the length of the trek and your personal needs. Avoid excess to respect nature, but don't skip what guarantees your well-being and safety. In hiking as in everyday life, staying clean remains a priority.
