How to stay clean when in the great outdoors?

This entry was posted on 26th October, 2023 by Anna Cooper

Freshwater fishing is a beloved pastime that beautifully complements camping and hiking, all while emphasizing the significance of nature preservation and eco-friendly practices, like incorporating a hiking hygiene kit into your outdoor adventures.

When venturing into the wild for hiking and camping, it becomes imperative to reconsider our approach to personal hygiene. Though it may be an uncommon topic of discussion, mastering wilderness hygiene is not only crucial for your own well-being but also plays a pivotal role in environmental conservation.

In this comprehensive guide, we will offer practical insights into maintaining cleanliness and upholding Leave No Trace principles while engaging in camping, fishing, and hiking pursuits.

Quick Navigation:

Why is camp hygiene important?

Maintaining proper hygiene practices while fishing is not only a matter of personal comfort but also a vital element for your well-being and the environment. Here's why hygiene should always be a priority when you're out on a fishing trip:

Health and Well-Being: Fishing demands extended exposure to various elements, making regular handwashing crucial to prevent illnesses, skin irritations, and discomfort during your fishing adventure.
Environmental Stewardship: Anglers should practice Leave No Trace hygiene to minimize harm to aquatic habitats and preserve fishing grounds for future generations.
Comfort and Enjoyment: Feeling fresh and clean allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.

Safety: Keeping your hands and equipment clean reduces the risk of accidents and infections.
Respect for Fellow Anglers: No one wants to share close quarters with someone who neglects their hygiene, especially on extended fishing trips.

What are the hygiene essentials for camping?

Biodegradable Soap: Use environmentally friendly, biodegradable soap to minimize the impact on aquatic ecosystems when washing dishes or yourself.
Hand Sanitizer: Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer for frequent hand cleaning, especially before meals or after handling fish.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Maintain oral hygiene with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Toilet Paper: Bring toilet paper in a waterproof bag, as not all camping spots provide facilities.

Fishing Towel: For wiping down your hands in between handling fish. Opt for a lightweight microfiber towel that dries quickly, saving space and weight in your pack.
Bandana: This versatile fabric can serve multiple purposes, from wiping sweat to acting as a napkin or even a makeshift bandage.
Baby Wipes: These are handy for quick cleanups when access to water is limited.

Toiletry Bag: Keep all your hygiene items organized and easily accessible.
Bin Bags: Pack out all your waste, including used toiletries, to leave no trace.
Menstrual Products (if needed): For female anglers, pack appropriate menstrual products and disposal bags.

Buckets: Useful for dishwashing and other campsite tasks.
Ziploc Bags: These are invaluable for managing waste, including food scraps and hygiene products. Ensure you seal them tightly to prevent odours and leaks.
First Aid Kit: In case of an injury, pack some plasters, antiseptic wipes and bandages.
Slip-On Shoes: Convenient footwear for quick trips outside the tent.

How do you wash when wild camping?

When practising outdoor hygiene, prioritize biodegradable and Leave-No-Trace-friendly soaps. Dispose of soapy water at a minimum distance of 200 feet from any water source, ensuring a wide dispersal.

Maintaining proper hand hygiene is crucial, involving handwashing after using the toilet and before handling food. Consider setting up a handwashing station with a Water Carrier and some pocket hand wash. Encourage everyone in your fishing group to use hand sanitiser after restroom breaks for a thorough cleanliness routine.

How to Wash Clothes when Camping

While it's advisable to pack light and avoid washing clothes during your camping and fishing trip, longer excursions might necessitate some laundry. Here's how to wash clothes while camping:

- Wash clothes only on hot, dry days when you can effectively dry them.
- Place your clothes in a plastic bag, pot, or bucket.
- Add water and a squirt of soap.
- Agitate the clothes vigorously in the soapy water.
- Dispose of the soapy water responsibly, away from water sources or campsites.
- Rinse the clothes in clean water.
- Wring them as dry as possible and let them air-dry on a hot rock or use a clothesline if available.

When Nature Calls When Fishing

Adhere to Leave No Trace principles when nature calls during your fishing excursions. With camping toilets like the RidgeMonkey CoZee Toilet Seat, you can have a convenient bankside toilet solution. However, please note that this portable option doesn't include a sewage system.

It's crucial to responsibly dispose of your waste when you're done. Be sure to pack biodegradable waste bags as part of your kit to minimize your environmental footprint, leaving the fishing grounds in the same pristine condition in which you discovered them.

Use wet wipes or toilet paper for cleaning, packing them out in a sealed bag. Properly dispose of feminine hygiene products.

Essential Hygiene Tips for Anglers in the UK

Quick Dry Clothing: Change clothes regularly. Clothes made from synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are ideal as they dry quickly and are durable.
Footwear Care: Keep your feet clean and dry. Air out fishing footwear, clean and waterproof them as needed, and use suitable socks, like Merino Wool, to prevent odours and blisters.

Use Soap Away from Water Sources: Soap should never be used near lakes or rivers. Even a small amount of soap can disrupt aquatic ecosystems by altering the water's pH.

Implement a Sink System for Dishwashing: Collapsible camping sinks or buckets are practical for washing up your cooking equipment when at the bank.
Camping Guidelines in the UK

Organise your Shelter: Sweep it out and ensure it's clean before arranging your sleeping gear inside. Keep essentials like a fishing light, bite alarm receiver, or footwear within easy reach.

Keeping Your Sleep System Clean: Extend the life of your sleeping bag with a machine-washable sleeping liner, especially when borrowing or renting one.

Embrace Leave No Trace Principles: Following these principles ensures a clean camping experience while minimizing your environmental impact by reducing waste and using efficient cooking methods. If you discover trash left by others, take the initiative to pick it up and dispose of it properly.

Pack a Comprehensive Hygiene Kit: A well-organized hygiene kit is crucial for anglers and should include liquid soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser, toilet paper (stored in a zip-lock bag for backpacking), unscented baby wipes or moist towelettes, feminine hygiene products, and a camp towel with a washcloth or bandana.

Camping in the United Kingdom is subject to regulations, particularly in freshwater fishing zones. While campgrounds are often well-equipped, wild camping should be approached with care. It's essential to obtain permission to camp on private land and adhere to the "leave no trace" principles.

Whether you're an avid freshwater angler or simply looking to immerse yourself in nature, the crucial factor is to stay prepared and conscious of your hygiene and environmental influence.

Hygiene for Women

For female anglers, dealing with menstruation during mobile angling trips requires special consideration. The most eco-friendly option is using a washable, silicone menstrual cup, which needs proper and regular emptying.

Alternatively, you can carry disposable products like pads and tampons, but remember to pack up used items when you're done. You can pop used sanitary items into a ziplock bag.

Eco-Friendly Considerations for Hygiene

As outdoor enthusiasts, embracing eco-friendly practices for personal hygiene is a responsibility we should all undertake. Opt for biodegradable camping toothpaste to prevent harmful chemicals in local water bodies during activities like freshwater fishing. Solid soaps and shampoos are eco-friendly, lasting longer and reducing plastic waste while being gentle on the skin and the environment.

Biodegradable wet wipes offer convenience without harming the planet, and natural, long-lasting deodorants keep you fresh without leaving a chemical footprint. For menstrual protection during camping or fishing, choose eco-friendly options like reusable cups and biodegradable pads to minimize waste and pollution, preserving natural spaces for future generations.

Leave No Trace

When you're out fishing overnight in a bivvy by the water, it becomes even more crucial to embrace Leave No Trace principles.

Plan ahead and prepare: Research the specific regulations and guidelines for the fishing area.
Pitch your bivvy on durable surfaces: Avoid trampling on fragile vegetation or disturbing wildlife habitats along the water's edge.
Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all your trash, including fishing line, bait containers, and food wrappers.
Leave what you find: Resist disturbing natural features. Leave rocks, plants, and wildlife as you find them to preserve the ecosystem's balance.

Be considerate of traditional landowners and other visitors: Follow any specific guidelines or requests from local authorities or fishery management.

Whether you're a novice angler or an experienced fishing enthusiast, prioritizing personal hygiene and embracing environmental responsibility is paramount in the world of angling. Seek guidance from seasoned anglers and continuously expand your knowledge to guarantee a safe and gratifying fishing adventure, all while leaving minimal impact on the pristine aquatic ecosystems you cherish.

FAQs on Fishing & Hygiene

How often do you shower when camping?

The frequency of showering while camping or fishing varies depending on factors like personal preference, trip duration, facility availability, and environmental concerns. When water access is limited, alternatives like wet wipes, sponge baths, or camping showers can help maintain hygiene.

How do you dispose of waste when camping?

In the wilderness, there are no sewage treatment plants or trash collection services. You must educate yourself on the correct disposal of human waste and personal care products:

a. Use biodegradable products whenever possible.
b. Carry out used toilet paper in a sealed bag.
c. For short day hikes, consider using a bag for waste disposal.

Are portable camping showers worth it?

Some anglers opt for a portable shower system, like a pocket shower. Although not a standard backpacking tool, small pocket showers can be filled with nearby water, hung, and used for a legitimate shower experience while mobile fishing.