When heading out for several days on a trek, hygiene is not just a matter of comfort — it becomes a necessity for staying fit and avoiding the problems caused by germs, chafing, or poor sanitary conditions. Managing your personal and oral hygiene in the wild 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.
Toilet facilities on a trek
Access to standard toilet facilities is often non-existent in the wild or in the most remote regions. You therefore need to adapt your habits to local conditions and terrain type.
When travelling in a country where sanitary conditions are poor, always carry a small hygiene kit containing toilet paper, a bottle of hand sanitiser and some wipes. This allows you to clean your hands after each toilet visit, which is essential for preventing digestive infections.
In the wild, without proper toilet facilities, dig a small hole 15 to 20 cm deep, well away from your camp, any water source, and the trail. This hole will serve as a dry toilet. Find a discreet spot, respecting other hikers. Use biodegradable paper or carry a specific 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 part of the backpack essentials. Slip in a few freezer bags or biodegradable bags for wrapping your waste if needed.
Washing yourself on a trek
On a trek, you will not always find a shower, but staying clean is entirely possible even without infrastructure. River water, springs, or rainwater are often sufficient 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 banks 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 for dishes or laundry. 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 good alternative. Use them on 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 does not replace a proper wash, but it helps maintain good hygiene by reducing the risk of contamination.
Doing your laundry on a trek
Managing dirty clothes is part of multi-day trip organisation. The ideal approach is to pack 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 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 backpack during the day's walk. Sun and wind are often enough to dry them. Otherwise, set up a washing line at camp using a length of cord.
Do your washing at the end of the day to allow clothes to dry overnight. Alternate your trek outfits so you always have a dry set to put on.
Contact lenses or glasses on a trek
Glasses and contact lens wearers should take a few basic precautions. Choose a stable, lightweight, impact-resistant frame. 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 demand discipline and cleanliness. Always clean your hands with biodegradable soap and clear water before handling them. Avoid inserting or removing them in dusty or windy conditions. Prefer the inside of the tent or a sheltered spot.
Bring a small case with a mirror, contact lens solution pods, 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 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 and spit into a small hole that you cover with soil.
If you are heading out fully self-sufficient, there are solid toothpastes — in powder or tablet form — that are easy to carry and come without plastic packaging. They are a good eco-friendly alternative to standard tubes.
On a trek, good oral hygiene prevents gum problems, mouth ulcers, or pain that could disrupt your adventure.
The essentials of the toiletry bag for bivvy hygiene
For a multi-day trek, prepare a light but complete toiletry bag, 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 artificial tear pods if needed
Remember to adapt your kit to the climate, the length of the trek, and your personal needs. Avoid excess to respect nature, but do not skip what ensures your well-being and safety. On a hike as anywhere else, staying clean remains a priority.
