When heading out on a multi-day trek, hygiene isn't just about comfort — it becomes a necessity to stay healthy and avoid issues caused by bacteria, chafing or poor sanitary conditions. Managing personal and oral hygiene in the wild takes 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.
Toilet hygiene on a trek
Access to standard toilet facilities is often non-existent in the wild or in the most remote regions. You need to adapt your habits to local conditions and the type of terrain.
When travelling in a country where toilet hygiene leaves something to be desired, always carry a small hygiene kit containing toilet paper, a bottle of hand sanitiser and a few wipes. This allows you to clean your hands after every toilet visit — essential for preventing digestive infections.
In the wild, without built toilet facilities, dig a small hole 15 to 20 cm deep, well away from your camp, any water source and the trail. This hole acts as a cat hole. 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 is tolerated in certain regions, provided the fire is properly extinguished and no fire risk is created.
A roll of toilet paper in a waterproof plastic bag is always one of the essentials in your pack. Tuck in a few freezer bags or biodegradable bags to wrap your waste if needed.
Washing on a trek
On a trek, you won't always find a shower — but staying clean is entirely possible, even without facilities. River water, springs or rainwater are often enough for a basic wash.
Use a wash mitt or a small microfibre towel to rinse yourself. Do not wash directly in lakes or rivers: draw water with a bottle or container and move at least 50 metres from the bank to protect the ecosystem.
Choose a multi-purpose soap, such as Aleppo soap or solid soaps designed for the outdoors. They work for body, hair, and sometimes even dishes or laundry. They help avoid pollution and take up very little space.
Sometimes options are limited and you have to wash without water. Biodegradable wipes then become a good alternative. Wipe down the key 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 cleaning your hands after using the toilet, before eating or handling food. It doesn't replace a proper wash, but it helps maintain good hygiene and limits the risk of contamination.
Doing laundry on a trek
Managing dirty clothes is part of the logistics of multi-day travel. The ideal approach is to pack lightweight garments that dry quickly and resist odours well. Merino wool and technical synthetic fibres are perfect for this. A merino t-shirt can be worn for several days without odour.
If you need to wash a garment during the trek, use a small soft basin or a dry bag as a container. Fill it with a little water and biodegradable soap. Wash gently, rinse thoroughly, then wring out without twisting too hard to avoid damaging the fibres.
Hang your wet clothes on your pack during the day's walk. Sun and wind are often enough to dry them. If not, set up a drying line at camp using a cord.
Prioritise washing at the end of the day to give clothes time to dry overnight. Rotate your trek outfits so you always have a dry set to change into.
Contact lenses or sunglasses on a trek
Spectacle wearers and contact lens users should take a few basic precautions. Choose a stable, lightweight, impact-resistant frame. For sunglasses, go 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 wash your hands with biodegradable soap and clean water before handling them. Avoid inserting or removing them in dusty or windy conditions. Opt for the inside of your tent or a sheltered spot.
Bring a small kit with a mirror, solution pods, a few spare lenses and, if needed, artificial tears. Silicone hydrogel lenses are well suited to high altitudes thanks to their better oxygen permeability.
How to brush your teeth on a multi-day hiking trip?
Dental hygiene must not be neglected, even in the wild. 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 away from any water source, spit into a small hole and cover it with soil.
If you're going fully self-sufficient, there are solid toothpastes in powder or tablet form — easy to carry and plastic-free. They're a solid ecological alternative to standard tubes.
On a trek, good oral hygiene prevents gum problems, mouth ulcers and pain that could disrupt your adventure.
Essential toiletry kit items for bivvy hygiene
For a multi-day trek, prepare a light but complete toiletry kit, including:
- biodegradable multi-purpose solid soap
- wash mitt or microfibre cloth
- hand sanitiser
- toothbrush and solid or compact toothpaste
- mini bottle of laundry detergent or soap for clothes
- biodegradable wipes
- toilet paper + waste bags
- nail clippers
- pocket mirror (also useful for contact lenses)
- a few single-dose artificial tear drops if needed
Don't forget to tailor your kit to the climate, the length of the trek and your personal needs. Avoid excess out of respect for nature, but don't skip anything that safeguards your wellbeing and safety. In hiking as elsewhere, staying clean remains a priority.
