Varuste.net x Retkironski: 4 myths about outdoor hygiene

This article was created in collaboration with Retkironski. Original source: Ronja Berlin / @retkironski.

There are plenty of myths about hiking, and hygiene is no exception. Together with Ronja from Retkironski, we want to bust the most common misconceptions and share practical tips for spending time outdoors. Read below for 4 common myths and grab our tips to help you take care of yourself—and nature—when you head outside.

1. “It’s okay to wash yourself in a lake with biodegradable soap.”

False.

Biodegradable soap only breaks down on land, not in water. That’s why you should never wash yourself or your dishes directly in natural bodies of water. Most soap labels recommend washing at least 100 meters away from water sources. So, fill a bottle or bowl with water and wash yourself away from the shore—this way you’ll protect the waterways and nature will thank you.

2. “You can leave used toilet paper in the wild.”

False.

Toilet paper is litter, and it easily gets blown around by the wind. If you use toilet paper, bury it in a hole so it decomposes faster. Toilet paper stays clean and takes up little space if you keep it in a resealable bag, like a ziplock. That way, you can also collect used paper in the same bag and carry your trash out easily, keeping nature clean. An even better option is to use a pee cloth. An antibacterial, washable cloth is easy to carry on the outside of your pack and leaves no trace in nature.

3. “You can’t go hiking during your period.”

False.

Your period is not a reason to skip hiking—it just takes a bit of planning. Use whatever protection works best for you—a menstrual cup, tampon, or pad—and pack a dark, sealable trash bag for used products and a small water bottle for a “trail bidet.” 

The menstrual cup is a favorite among many hikers for its convenience and eco-friendliness. The benefit is you don’t have to carry around lots of used and unused disposable products. You can empty the cup directly into nature. Clean it by wiping with toilet paper and disinfecting with a cup wipe or rinsing with clean water.

With the right preparation, hiking during your period is totally doable, and being in nature can bring much-needed peace and well-being.

4. “You can’t be clean without a shower.”

False.

You can easily go a week on the trail without a shower. Staying fresh is all about taking care of the essentials: hands, feet, face, and intimate areas. A small wet wipe and hand sanitizer are easy to carry and make you feel instantly fresher. Keep your hiking clothes separate from your camp clothes. When you change into dry, clean clothes at camp, you’ll stay warm and feel much more comfortable after a long day outdoors. 

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If you do want a shower, a portable camp shower makes it easy. Camp showers are handy, easy to carry, and pack down small. They let you stay fresh even on longer trips, and you can use them anywhere as long as you have water.

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