9 Essentials for Personal Hygiene in the Backcountry with Alpine Provisions
Let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite sustainable brands to take with me into the backcountry – Alpine Provisions! They’re on a plastic-free mission to upgrade your daily routine with 100% plastic-free packaging that with products that are:
- 100% Plastic-Free Packaging
- Organic
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Sustainable Production and Distribution
Alpine Provisions not only cares about their impact on the planet, but they also care about YOU too! They only use premium, organic ingredients that are free of harsh chemicals so that you can do good and feel good about your impact to the planet and the the health and well-being of yourself. It’s truly a win-win!
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Why is personal hygiene important?
Not only do you not want to smell like a hot, sweaty, stinky mess in the backcountry – personal hygiene is important for your overall health! Stay clean and healthy while camping or in the backcountry to avoid health issues so you can have the best camping experience possible. Below, I’m sharing my favorite personal hygiene products that will keep you happy, healthy, and smelling extra fresh while out in nature while also lessening your impact by supporting a brand that is 100% plastic-free and better for the environment.
Bathing in the Backcountry
Always remember if you are going to bathe, you should do so at least 200 feet away from any water source according to LNT principles. If you are going to bring bar soap or body wash – we recommend using Alpine Provisions sustainable and organic products that are made with essential oils that will not be harsh to your body or the environment. For best practices, we recommend Alpine Provisions Body Wipes! Simply wipe off your body with their soothing Aloe Vera wipes and remove dirt, grime, and sweat! They are biodegradable, but we ALWAYS recommend that you pack them out and leave nature even better than you found it.
When Nature Calls
When nature calls, we have to answer it! When you got to go you got to go! And poop…happens. Typically backpacking trails have toilets (which basically is a trail that leads you to a more secluded spot that has a large cat-hole dug into the ground by Park Rangers). They typically include a nice wooden lid on top of the toilet that opens and closes and are actually not bad! If you are not near a trail toilet, then you need to also have a trowel (or you can use a rock or a stick – just might be harder to make a hole).
Move at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) away from any water sources, trails, and campsites. Use a trowel, rock, or stick to dig a hole 4-6” wide and 6-8” deep. Fill hole with dirt and pack your toilet paper or wipes in a ziplock bag with you. Pro-tip – reuse one of your backpacking meal bags that are not see-through. When you’re done doing your business – hand sanitizer is crucial! Not sanitizing your hands after going to the bathroom helps the transmission of an E. coli superbug – so just make it easy on yourself and everyone and bring hand sanitizer! Alpine Provisions Lavender+ Juniper Hand Sanitizer smells incredible with natural essential oils (way better than standard brands) and works like a charm! Also perfect for when your hands get gritty and dirty on the trail.
Deodorant
I’ve always been a fan of aluminum-free deodorant and ones that do not have harsh chemicals that get absorbed into your skin. What sets Alpine Provisions Deodorant apart from all the other ones I have tried – they have no aluminum, no synthetic fragrances, no chemicals, and no alcohol! It makes me feel so good to support a company that not only cares about the planet, but they truly care about the health and well-being of you too!
Lip Balm
One of the worst things to have in the backcountry is chapped lips! Believe me, it has happened to me with no chapstick in sight and it is no fun! Especially when trying to sleep at night and all you can think about is how chapped your lips are. Alpine Provisions super moisturizing lip balm is free from plastic packaging and adventure-ready. Stash one in your bag or pocket, and enjoy supreme kissability in the mountains, on the sea, and everywhere in-between. The rosemary + mint combination is…chefs kiss!
Dental Hygiene
No one likes backcountry morning breath, right? Packing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss are essential while camping or backpacking. Not only for bad breath, but for overall healthy teeth and gums! We love Alpine Provisions’ lightweight and portable Bamboo Toothbrush along with their Toothpaste Tabs! They’re 100% sustainable and waterless option and we feel like they’re even more portable and easy to use than bringing toothpaste. And plastic-free! They’re like mints – simply bite down, brush, and rinse! Also – don’t forget to floss. How adorable is Alpine Provisions vegan Dental Floss? All so perfectly portable to throw into a toiletry bag and you’re ready to have extra fresh breath. Almost as fresh as that alpine air!
Leave no Trace
It is so important to respect these beautiful places and leave them even better than you found them! To brush up on how to leave no trace and learn about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace – head over to Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics website! To help ensure everything you pack in, you pack out – bring a cleanup bag or trash bag with you! Be a good steward and leave no trace and leave it even better than you found it! Happy trails and happy hygiene!
