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Post by drevil3264 on Nov 4, 2016 4:56:52 GMT -8
I'm new so sorry if I'm bringing to life old threads haha. I can relate to the OP in the sense that when I did my first multi day trek (Incan trail) I was terrified at the fact of not having access to a shower, I'm definitely the kind of person who likes to shower often, hell if I sweat at all and I have some downtime at home I'll take a quick 2 minute shower just to feel clean.
Anyway once you get over not showering while hiking for multiple days you honestly just get use to it. It's pretty liberating or at least it was for me to completely go against your normal routine and like others said not showering for 24 hrs is nothing but I'm no expert, the longest I've gone is about 5 days when I did a long loop last summer in the smokies. Just my 2 cents
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davesenesac
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Our precious life is short within eternity, don't waste it!
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Post by davesenesac on Dec 12, 2016 13:53:25 GMT -8
Thread a wee stale.
What Rebecca related. There are whole lot of backpackers especially in mixed groups of strangers that almost never get into backcountry waters thus just wash their hands and face at most. In fact many tend to revel as a badge of honor how they are able to tolerate and withstand with a smile being dirty, smelly, grubby. Yukkk!
Well I very much dislike being dirty, smelly, grubby. Also prefer to keep my expensive down sleeping bag nylon surfaces clean. We are rather notorious for always jumping into lakes and or creeks each day regardless of how chilly waters are. The trick with cold water is to jump in suddenly and then back out in a second like a jack-in-the-box. Although I often have a little soap along on backpacks, I usually only use it on my face especially if I've used sunscreen and or DEET repellent. Also if one wears full body clothing as in long pants and long sleeve shirt/shell, shin high socks, one is less likely to get actual dirt on one's body.
In any case, there are people that sweat profusely and or tend to have strong body odors that may require more effort.
David
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Post by swimswithtrout on Dec 12, 2016 18:22:28 GMT -8
If it's only a 7-10 trip, I don't even worry about it. Once you get into 15-30 day range, then I do feel the need for at least 1 if not 2 bucket baths, even if it's glacial snowmelt water, 1 mile from the source. But not in it of course !! That's what a "bucket", cooking kettle is for. I usually do laundry at the same time. When you're out for 30 days and only have the clothes on your back and one spare pair of socks, it does get necessary.
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rebeccad
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Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 12, 2016 20:20:19 GMT -8
Once in 15 days or so, SWT? I rinse shirt, socks, and undies daily, unless conditions are too wet for drying. All that swimming and laundry and I still get dirty enough to get back-country cred
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RumiDude
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Post by RumiDude on Dec 15, 2016 20:08:13 GMT -8
Once in 15 days or so, SWT? I rinse shirt, socks, and undies daily, unless conditions are too wet for drying. All that swimming and laundry and I still get dirty enough to get back-country cred I wear clean socks and skivies every day. I rinse them in a stream or something. And I am usually able to sponge bathe every day. I hate being coated in salt. Hygiene doesn't have to be sacrificed to backpack. Rumi <~~~~~dirty mind
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crawford
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Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.--Edison
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Post by crawford on Dec 16, 2016 6:59:44 GMT -8
I kinda have a different view on this subject than most. I think it is important to get clean, even in the winter I like your view. In cold weather survival training, one point that was stressed was to keep as clean as possible, and keep clothing as clean as possible. Unmatted clothing does a better job of keeping one warm, as do unclogged pores and such. HYOH, but mine includes hygiene every evening with at least a cloth wipe down.
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