Outdoor survival can be rough. Not only do you have to deal with the elements and use survival skills like finding shelter, building fire, and hunting or searching for food, but everyday things like hygiene and using the restroom become much more difficult.
Too often, situations occur when a properly packed outdoor toiletry kit is truly needed. These times mostly occur when we're outdoors, far away from the comfort of home, or during desperate scenarios commonly labeled as emergencies. In short, everybody knows about that uncomfortable and vulnerable feeling of having to use an unfamiliar latrine or simply having to go outside.
Fortunately, though, there is a way to beat such a terrible dilemma by keeping properly prepared toiletry kits in the car, at home, and even with various outdoor gear in case such an emergency arises.
Outdoor Toiletry Kit: Oral Hygiene
Some of the first absolute necessities worth mentioning are products pertaining to proper oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is highly important to your overall health, as it prevents gum disease and other infections that can have drastic consequences for your health. Be sure to pack products such as:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss and mouthwash
- Toothpicks and baking soda
Outdoor Toiletry Kit: Facial and Hair Hygiene
It is necessary to keep pores free from dirt, germs, and excess oils in order to prevent the possibility of an outbreak of acne or cold sores while outdoors. These skin problems can become infected and lead to larger issues. Also, items such as Vaseline and chapstick will prove useful against dry skin during the cold winter months.
It is also important to keep hair, especially long hair, free of pests such as gnats and even lice while camping and hiking. For maintaining both facial and hair hygiene while outdoors be sure to pack products such as:
- Face soap and/or face wash
- Sanitary wipes
- Shaving kit including blades and cream
- Q-tips, Vaseline, hair brush and/or comb, hair bands, and chapstick
- Small shatterproof mirror
Outdoor Toiletry Kit: Body Hygiene
When it comes to packing an toiletry kit, body hygiene is of the utmost importance. Thoroughly washing your entire body without the ease and comfort provided by modern lavatories can be somewhat difficult. However, with the right products washing outdoors, whether it is during the summer or winter months, can be much easier.
Also, preparing toilet paper alternatives in case of a shortage will help to ensure thorough personal hygiene and prevent the spread of disease and infection. Be sure to pack the following products:
- Soap, soap holder, and/or body wash
- Shampoo, conditioner, baking soda, and deodorant
- Body sponge, sunscreen, clippers and tweezers
- Toilet paper and alternatives e.g. sanitary wipes and/or coffee filters
- Tampons and/or pads for feminine hygiene
Make room in your bug-out bag for all of these items as you will definitely want to have them if you have to bug out for an extended period. Outdoor survival is hard enough already without having to worry about hygiene on top of everything else. Taking care of your hygiene is the first step to taking care of your overall health, so never take on the great outdoors without some toiletry essentials.
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Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 3, 2015, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Don’t forget a small folding shovel for eliminating a bio hazard.
TAKE A 5 GALLON PLASTIC BUCKET AND REMOVE THE BOTTOM. TAKE THE LID AND CUT THE CENTER OUT.
DIG A HOLE SMALLER THAN THE DIAMETER OF THE BUCKET ABOUT 5FT DEEP. USE COMET BLEACH POWDER AND AFTER YOUR DONE. SPRINKLE IT ON YOUR POOP AND THE USE THE CENTER OF THE LID AS A TOP. THAT SHOULD LAST YOU A COULPLE WEEKS, BEFORE YOU NEED TO DIG A NEW LOCATION. JUST MAKE SURE THAT IS DOES NOT PILE UP MORE THAN 2 FT. MUST BE AT LEAST A MINUMUM OF 16 FEET FROM YOUR CAMP SITE. I’VE SEEN THEM FOR SALE WITH A TOILET SEAT AND BAGS.