Boondocking and Staying Clean Doing it
01-25-2018
Author: in We Wander Wherever
Boondocking is an amazing way to see some of the most beautiful parts of our country without breaking the bank. It allows adventurers to explore further off the beaten path and gives them a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
Unfortunately, this opportunity to see some of the country’s most gorgeous scenery does come at a price—and no, we aren’t talking about money. After all, boondocking, when done right, is completely free of charge. Instead, we’re talking about the conveniences you give up when choosing dry camping over a campground.
When boondocking, you must be willing to live with less electricity, less cell coverage, and perhaps hardest of all, less water. Of course, limited water means fewer showers, and fewer showers mean you probably won't be smelling like a spring flower when you return from your journey into the wilderness.
Fortunately, there are ways to ensure you don’t get too smelly while boondocking. Here are our top tips for keeping clean while conserving water.
Sponge Baths — No, sponge baths are not just for bedridden individuals. In fact, a quick scrub-down with a sponge or washcloth might help you look, smell, and feel cleaner than you would think. While you can’t exactly wash your hair with a cloth, you can get the rest of your body, and this can make a world of difference. So go ahead, pull out the washcloth, get it a bit wet, and wash away.
Biodegradable Soap — Obviously, a sponge bath won't always cut it, especially if you’ve been out working or exploring in the sun and dirt. In these cases, a biodegradable soap can be a lifesaver. By using a soap that is safe for plants and animals, you can feel okay about washing in a nearby stream or river. If you’re staying on someone’s private property, you could even let your gray tank run out onto the ground. Just make sure you get permission from the landowner first, and don’t forget to use only 100% biodegradable soap.
Dry Shampoo — No stream available? You might just be stuck with sponge baths for a few days. If this is the case, you'd going to need some way to freshen up your hair. Dry shampoo is the perfect product for these scenarios. That said, not all dry shampoos are created equal; I much prefer this particular product over other brands.
Schedule Change — If you’re accustomed to showering every single day, going several days without a shower is going to feel even worse than it really is. This is because those who shower every day train their bodies to overcompensate for the natural oils lost during bathing. This means your skin will be making much more oil than it would otherwise, leaving you feeling greasy after just one day of boondocking. Try changing your usual shower schedule to see if you can make skipping showers a bit more comfortable for yourself.
I hope these tips help you feel a bit more comfortable in your own skin during your next dry camping adventure. Try to keep in mind that we all stink a little while camping, but it’s well worth the fun you’re sure to have.
Unfortunately, this opportunity to see some of the country’s most gorgeous scenery does come at a price—and no, we aren’t talking about money. After all, boondocking, when done right, is completely free of charge. Instead, we’re talking about the conveniences you give up when choosing dry camping over a campground.
When boondocking, you must be willing to live with less electricity, less cell coverage, and perhaps hardest of all, less water. Of course, limited water means fewer showers, and fewer showers mean you probably won't be smelling like a spring flower when you return from your journey into the wilderness.
Fortunately, there are ways to ensure you don’t get too smelly while boondocking. Here are our top tips for keeping clean while conserving water.
Sponge Baths — No, sponge baths are not just for bedridden individuals. In fact, a quick scrub-down with a sponge or washcloth might help you look, smell, and feel cleaner than you would think. While you can’t exactly wash your hair with a cloth, you can get the rest of your body, and this can make a world of difference. So go ahead, pull out the washcloth, get it a bit wet, and wash away.
Biodegradable Soap — Obviously, a sponge bath won't always cut it, especially if you’ve been out working or exploring in the sun and dirt. In these cases, a biodegradable soap can be a lifesaver. By using a soap that is safe for plants and animals, you can feel okay about washing in a nearby stream or river. If you’re staying on someone’s private property, you could even let your gray tank run out onto the ground. Just make sure you get permission from the landowner first, and don’t forget to use only 100% biodegradable soap.
Dry Shampoo — No stream available? You might just be stuck with sponge baths for a few days. If this is the case, you'd going to need some way to freshen up your hair. Dry shampoo is the perfect product for these scenarios. That said, not all dry shampoos are created equal; I much prefer this particular product over other brands.
Schedule Change — If you’re accustomed to showering every single day, going several days without a shower is going to feel even worse than it really is. This is because those who shower every day train their bodies to overcompensate for the natural oils lost during bathing. This means your skin will be making much more oil than it would otherwise, leaving you feeling greasy after just one day of boondocking. Try changing your usual shower schedule to see if you can make skipping showers a bit more comfortable for yourself.
I hope these tips help you feel a bit more comfortable in your own skin during your next dry camping adventure. Try to keep in mind that we all stink a little while camping, but it’s well worth the fun you’re sure to have.
Related Tags:Chelsea Barron
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Author: Chelsea Barron
