READERS COMMENTS

diva cup all the way. so much more comfortable, ultra lightweight (you'll only need one for the whole trip), super effective, almost no waste (comparable to what you would have to bury during a normal "privy break"), no risk of tss. it will be your new best friend.
Posted: Dec 03, 2011 chiara

I rub baking soda under my arms in place of deodorant. Works great. It sticks better if your armpits are a bit wet like right after a shower.
Thanks everyone for your tips, theres some great ones here that I'd like to try.
Posted: Nov 25, 2011 Laura

I personally replace soap, comb and toothpaste with a tiny tube of shampoo, my fingers, and baking soda.

You don't need soap unless you're absolutely grimy, water works fine and is healthier for your hair and skin. I shower with water and only wear deodorant, and I never smell.

If your hair isn't long enough to warrant a comb, just use your fingers.

Lastly, baking soda/peroxide is far better for your teeth, doesn't have a scent that attracts animals, and carrying the baking soda yields far alternative uses than toothpaste.
Posted: Jun 12, 2011 Anonymous

A little hand sanitizer goes a long way. Besides the obvious, it's a great way to kill armpit bacteria.
Posted: May 16, 2011 Bill

Add a small unbreakable mirror to the list. It should be in your survival kit anyway.
Posted: Mar 15, 2011 Charlie

Are you people serious? If you're carrying deodorant or antiperspirant into the back country, stay home.
Posted: Mar 02, 2011 Daniel

Totally second the 'diva cup', or any menstrual cup. WAY more environmentally friendly than disposables, and a lot less to pack: just one little cup, versus handfuls of tampons or pads.
Posted: Dec 20, 2010 KC

Instead of TP. I use paper towels. Yes, they are rougher, but hold up much better.
Posted: Oct 18, 2010 David D.

What about a trowel to dig a little hole?
Posted: Aug 02, 2010 JB

Hand sanatizer, Keep a small bottle with the TP, as for baby wipes use only if you intend to pack it out (animals will dig it up, just because you can not smell it does not mean they can't). Oh it also makes a good emergency fire starter.
Posted: Jun 28, 2010 Anonymous

Add: deodorant crystal- no perfume-prevents BO bacteria from growing= no smell. small ones are light-works for foot odor too.
Posted: Jun 14, 2010 df

Baby wipes are great, but now other types of wipes are available so you don't have to smell like a freshly changed baby.

Also, don't bring deodorant. That is just silly. Instead bring unscented anti-perspirant. It will do a lot to keep your body odor down without adding any smells of its own.
Posted: Jun 12, 2010 Jerry

Yes on the addition of baby wipes, no on the deodorant. Jump in every stream you can!
Posted: Mar 24, 2010 Mark

Be careful with deoderant - if you're in bear country the scents may attract unwanted visitors. Same goes with other "smelly" things: lotions, perfumes, etc.
Posted: Nov 12, 2009 Dan

i want to add deoderant to this list.
Posted: Nov 24, 2008 rwl

For back country hiking - when a shower isn't possible, baby wipes work great after tp.
Posted: May 27, 2008 JW

Also consider bringing the Divacup instead of sanitary pads/tampons. Supremely comfortable and way less hassle, I use mine even for everday use!
Posted: Apr 30, 2008 Adrianne

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