Managing hiker hygiene on the Appalachian Trail

[@FollowBigfoot]

**** I mentioned in the video about going 200 yards off trail to go #2. I meant 200 feet, sorry for the confusion. Thanks to those that caught that. ~Bigfoot

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Slippery Storm 😊

[@jmbent77]

200 yards is a good guideline. :)

[@GAMESURF714]

i need to practice pooping

[@newmanifest]

I thought it was 2 miles? ;-)

[@Eric-fx9xf]

Hey Bigfoot!? What is your opinion on trail bidets? I've watched a couple other KZbin hikers that have switched to this method. Me personally, I don't think that would work for me. ✌️

[@RANGERNJFUDD]

My Uncle told me to always put a little rubbing alcohol in a large zip loc with some water for washing/refreshing your feet. Obviously it's gonna "zing" if you've got any open areas, but it kills the bacteria and refreshes your feet. I really looked forward to this at the end of each day. I just used a small amount, when I resupplied I bought a regular size bottle and just refilled my little bottle. I'm only a section hiker but I do 28 days at a time, my whole vacation, but this was my personal pick me up.

[@KateGoldauthoress]

Very classy inclusion of feminine hygiene. Great video.

[@backpacker3421]

Common practice in some areas - when you go #2, find two small twigs and stick them into the loose dirt after you bury your waste. Leave them crossing in an X shape. This will let other hikers know what is under that loose dirt.

[@barbarapintinio4614]

Great idea!

[@s.mgreen9500]

I really like your theory on moral. Im with you on that, a few extra ounces to up your moral is absolutely worth it, IMO.

[@steveskidmore1018]

Just finished Georgia section hike into NC (118 miles). I completely agree on the second hiking shirt and boxers. I was able to wash mine nightly and clip to my pack to dry the next day. Socks too. Thanks for this. I know it is 5 years ago but still spot on.

[@imbradandyouarenot]

I've been pooping outside for a week, just for practice.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Im Brad 😂

[@hellasboy8243]

In San Francisco?

[@seanconnolly1154]

@@hellasboy8243 Kek.

[@threepercenter0371]

Bathroom time has become a pesky issue for me lately...so, hiking/bugging out/homelessness is a serious concern of mine. Field hygiene is one of my biggest areas for learning, yet rarely discussed in "survival/outdoor living" videos. TY

[@backpacker3421]

Sorry I'm blasting comments - this is a subject I think is more important than almost anything else. Most hikers that get sick on the trail don't get sick from unfiltered water - they get sick from their own poor hygiene. You put so many great tips in here, Thanks! I love what you say about lashing your dirty/wet clothes to the outside of your pack. I actually have DIY'd some shock cord loops just for this purpose. I turn the clothes inside out so the area most likely to be dirty with bacteria (i.e. the crotch of your shorts/boxers) is facing out to catch any sunshine. The UV will help to sanitize your stuff, assuming you get enough sun to make a difference.

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks and miss you brother agree with you 100percent we have unscented for summer and scented fall/spring it just takes common sense

[@thomash7573]

Congrats on 6K subs!! Thanks for being such a valuable resource to the hiking community. It's a selfless endeavour that is much appreciated.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Tom Henderson You are very welcome TOM and thank you for being a loyal supporter of our community here

[@trailbreeze3998]

Thank you for all the follow up and review posts, I am watching so many videos preparing for my February 1st start on the AT. This one was great, we camp and hunt often and getting cleaned up at night always, always, always makes an early start so much nicer. It makes a huge difference rolling out clean then still a mess from the day before. Be good, keep them coming, thanks. Breeze

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Trail Breeze I agree. I am probably more of a Diva than most on my hygiene and upkeep of it on the Trail. It's just too important

[@trailbreeze3998]

I have also figured out that when we are out, dig that cat hole you're going to need in the morning the night before. Ground always seems easier to dig at the end of the day then first thing in the morning, always nice to know the destination of my morning constitutional, lol

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Trail Breeze 😂

[@chuck7812]

Love the information on the BMT. I came off the AT as well this year. Also the Pinhoti is a goodd trail. Stay Strong!

[@neilbadger4262]

I cannot remember specifically when it was, some person was going for the North Pole speed record and keeping weight down, he drilled holes in the handle of the toothbrush. This is instead of cutting off the handle. Having a short handle can be strenuous on your fingers and thumb. The drilled holes option means you keep the full handle so you can use it normally but still has a reduced weight. You do however have to be careful so as not to effect the structural integrity of the handle by taking too much out. The drilled full length may be heavier than the short however the difference should not be too great. 20 gram toothbrush with drilled holes comes in at 10 grams. Removing the handle may be 5 or 6 grams. Total weight difference will therefore be 4 to 5 grams max or 0.14 to 0.17 ounce

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Neil Badger Hey Neil, I now remember you saying this before. I have to try this outs that is a pretty genius way of doing that. Thanks for sharing buddy!

[@sillllverback]

Bring baking soda (multipurpose) and tiny dropper of peppermint or mint oil. It's antibacterial, also multipurpose. Both are apart of my first aid kit as well, added a drop or two to a quarter teaspoon of baking soda to make toothpaste or mouth wash solution. Leaving your mouth feeling cleaner. No tooth pate taste in your mouth all night. Also in my first aid kit " Mediterranean Wild Oregano Oil" also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal. I use it on cuts, bites or sometimes as a spice. Look this stuff up. I discovered it when I had a tooth infection. Rubbed it on my gums, stopped the pain in one day and killed the infection in three. I also add a few drops to my homemade bug juice. Great stuff to have out there. Regular Oregano Oil is not as good. Brands that worked best for me "Enerex Black Oregano" and "hedd & Wyn"

[@mariawelling6988]

Thank you for that suggestion..I'm going yo check it out.

[@steveorino78]

I USED WET WIPES TO CLEAN UP. and I used a micro - pedi for dry skin on my feet before I go on my hikes.

[@jmbent77]

Great video. Hygiene is a big reason why people get sick and drop off trail.

[@jameshallford8656]

I have been living on the wet wipes for a while. It helps me feel "fresh" before bedtime.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+James Hallford They are an essential piece I carry with me. It's just so convenient and easy to clean up

[@33raineycat41]

Thank you for your videos. I use a product called laundry guard also before I go. I think it helps. I've also used a Ziploc to wash my clothes. I do carry a small amount of liquid soap.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Raineycat Hikes Thanks for sharing!

[@Eric-fx9xf]

It's nice when people have vlogging obsessions. ✌️👍

[@steveorino78]

portable mouth wash strips by listerin . and g.u.m soft-picks comes in a pack of 40. light weight.

[@tddurrin8902]

Great Video and thanks for all the information. Taking notes for my through hike when I retire soon.

[@kenntrch9259]

As a dentist, I give you props on #4!

[@FollowBigfoot]

Thanks Kenn!

[@backpacker3421]

Has anybody tried the Scrubba dry bag? It's a dry bag textured on the inside so you can throw in soap and water and knead it around until the clothes are ready to rinse clean. Seems like a great multitasker. Obviously a bit heavier than silnylon or cuben, but probably worth it if the thing works.

[@myogdenrow]

Nice job ... Very important and practical information.

[@slotortoise6166]

Lots of great tips that I KNOW that I'll use!!! Thank you, Bigfoot!

[@wadeschwartz4677]

I did a section hike and carried a folding bucket to wash up in cooled me off on the hot days and I could wash my clothes they would be wet in the morning but didn't smell

[@chinseng3056]

Seen quite a numbers of videos I seen is that inexperience hike get lost mostly is when they go off track 200 ft to do their nature of call. Will it be a good idea to carry a 200 ft thin and light rope/twine/paracot good to be orange or bright color. Tie it to a tree or their backpack and then go for their business

[@certaintraveler8284]

The Victoriax Swiss army knife scissors are so good I use them in regular times to cut my nails lol.

[@TheCondor300]

I would suggest using a 1 gallon bag of creek water to do a spit bath everyday. Wet your cloth with a small amount of soap and clean yourself from head to tow at the end of each day when its warmer out. Then rinse the rag out and use the clean water left in the bag and pour it over your head while standing. Then use the clean wet cloth one more time to ensure most of the soap is removed. You could heat some of the water on a stove, add it to the water in the bag to take the chill out of it or if its a good zip lock bag slip it into you clothes and within a short time your body will warm it. Whats your opinion on this?

[@leapintothewild]

Yep, this is what I do! Often the scrubbing action does more than the suds, so it only takes a drop of soap. I'm one of those who carries a teeny bottle of Dr. Bronner's peppermint on every trip.

[@TheCondor300]

It just makes perfect sense to me... wipes are OK but nothing like a good scrub down to make yourself fresh and clean before bed. Also, a 35 gallon compact trash bag would work well to do wash. Add water, small amount of soap then clothes... shake up, drain and ring up. Add more water for the rinse and hang overnight for drying. Of course hang on pack the next day till totally dry.

[@IntoTheWildOregon]

I do the same thing. Leave enough time to heat up a little water, pour into a water bag with a spigot, hang it and SHOWER. End of every day. Change into sleeping socks and a set of clean top and bottoms. Big morale booster. Kept the sleeping bag clean as well!

[@FollowBigfoot]

+George Adams I think it's a great idea if you have the extra time, which most hikers do. The reality of thru-hiking is.... Hikers (including myself) get really REALLY lazy. Having sound hygiene practices is really important and there is nothing like getting a full scrub down when it's warm out.

[@kookiemoose]

George Adams another option that is similar to yours is to just not bathe at all, even when a shower is available. Just stay filthy and occasionally splash water on your junk when crossing a stream.

[@diannegoudin2986]

Very thorough with your videos! Keep 'em coming!

[@backpacker3421]

Last one, I swear! Body Glide now makes lotion versions of their products. It goes on smoother and more evenly, and you wind up using less to get the same job done. I use the stuff for hiking, running, and biking. The lotion works better for me, for sure.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Christopher Cornette I like the lotion. The two reasons why I didn't use lotion on the trail 1) hard to find on the trail but the stick was everywhere 2) one area I had to put it to prevent terrible chaffing was in an area I would want to stick my hand(butt checks haha) and the stick was better for that.

[@backpacker3421]

I get ya, haha! For me it's pretty much only inner thighs and then only until I drop close my lean and mean weight and then even that goes away. I should definitely count my blessings on that!

[@FollowBigfoot]

Christopher Cornette I just do my inner thighs if I go running or a 10 mile or less hike. When I hit the 15-20 I will get some mad rash if I don't use in on the monkey butt

[@nickkanakis3469]

Body glide saved my backpacking trips!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Great video. I carry proxy brushes not floss. I know not multi functional.

[@markvincent719]

Great information, thank you I'm pretty sure LNT is 200 feet from a water source (not 200 yards).

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Mark Vincent Yep, it is, 200 ft, i said yards for reasons unknown haha

[@mtpstv94]

I think a lot of people don't realize that they will be able to buy special things while at home but once they are hiking they aren't going to be able to resupply those things.

[@crowman5936]

One thing that really helps to keep the smell down with guys is shave the hair off under your arms. Just hit it with the hair trimmer on your electric shaver or beard trimmer makes a big difference.

[@suemcfarlane4199]

Have you seen the toilet paper tablets when they are rehydrated they becomes wet paper. Towel and they don't take a lot of water

[@antoniabaker7770]

I love the fact that your so clean. Im the same. I found bio degradable towels the size of a breath mint so nothing to carry. Amazon $9.99 for 100. Just add water and its the size of a face washer.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Antonia Baker those are great. I don't think you have to smell like a thru hiker to be a thru hiker. I tried to keep my hygiene practices as high as the clouds during my hikes

[@antoniabaker7770]

Follow Bigfoot . Exactly. im definately no princess. I havent worn makeup in 6 years but to be somewhat clean ans brush your hair and teeth. Feeling better about yourself has to have an effect on your mental health.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Antonia Baker Yes. I just hate the feeling of being all sticky and smelling like a outhouse. Most hikers thought I was crazy for bringing some of the things I did to keep clean

[@justonemori]

For Laundry I purchased a Scrubba Alurette bag. Its only 4oz, 1 oz less than the regular Scrubba. It does decent job at keeping my clothes fresh with a few drops of Dr Bonners hippietastic soap. It's also a stuff sack to separate out my dirty clothes. I know its not ultralight but I don't give a F, its worth the weight to not stank like a bum.

[@ablueizzpulley]

Thanks.....great tips for everyone!

[@larryanderson753]

Consider tooth paste tablets. Very light weight and a half a tablet is good for one application. You can buy them or make your own.

[@acemurphy2]

On your 100 day thru hike of the A.T. how many of the miles were you able to slack pack ? 🌲🌲🌲

[@FollowBigfoot]

+AceMurphy2 I slack packed one day, which was the first 20 miles of the SNP. My family was meeting me up that day so I just left my stuff with the Germans that day in Waynesboro.

[@acemurphy2]

Follow Bigfoot Wow. And still did it in only 100 days. 🌲🌲🌲

[@FollowBigfoot]

+AceMurphy2 Yeah, i was very determined

[@HappyHikers]

Great video!

[@zoodidwa]

Hi Bigfoot...great vids. Any thoughts on health insurance coverage and the potential for needed professional medical care while on the trail?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+zoodidwa Well, I am not sure that anyone needs something above what their current plans are. If you are bringing a GPS, they do offer plans that you can get that will cover all costs if they had to come get you and airlift you out or give medical attention on the Trail. I didn't get it but thought about it. Just from a piece of mind stand point could be worth it if that worries you. With how close the Trail is most of the time to a road that, if needed, would be able to get you somewhere to seek medical attention, I don't think it's something you should worry about. I think the best aid is having a GPS or PLB is your best deterrent in the event an emergency happened on the Trail. I use the Delorme inTeach explorer.

[@zoodidwa]

Follow Bigfoot Thanks for the insights.

[@Toyon95]

I use unscented anti-antiperspirant deodorant!

[@ScottHaneyHello]

I feel you on the extra shirt/boxers and Body Glide. Great video all around!

[@alexo1909]

Is toothpaste and toothbrush something that attracts bears and should be kept in a bear bag or is it safe to keep in your tent at night? Just curious for 2021 AT thru hike!

[@dustinvannoy2183]

great video man. thanks for sharing. it's always funny to hear the ridiculous things you mention that people will do to cut weight....dry out wet wipes, short themselves on a proper toothbrush, use a stake as a shovel....geez....risking hygiene to save weight just doesn't sound like a good tradeoff

[@williamburton307]

good tips, thank you!

[@roebucksadventure]

What type of deodorant did you use? In bear country would you be able to use the deodorant that you used?

[@thehailmaryproject8949]

Have you tried Action Wipes? They are very good.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Ted Staples I haven't, I'll check them out. How do they compare to say wet wipes?

[@thehailmaryproject8949]

Follow Bigfoot I'm not familiar with Wet Wipes, but I really like the Action Wipes. I believe they have aloe and the ones I have are individually wrapped. Don't quote me on this but I think they are larger than a typical wipe. The only other wipes I know are baby wipes...

[@welcometoreality3450]

look into coconut oil for MANY diff uses...its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral

[@GreetersThru-Hike]

Deodorant is nice! Makes me happy!

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Greeter's 2017 Thru-Hike Yep, I don't think I'll ever give that little guy up

[@firemarshaldil]

I know this is an old video and kind of a strange or " uncomfortable" topic. What about sexual " relief" while on the trail. Most humans do it more often than you said you were in towns. Any advice there?

[@Rinuzzi]

very informative, good content

[@standingonmountain3975]

Deodorant stone works amazing.

[@james24799700]

You're right about moral, all my years in the military we excelled in field hygiene...go for deodorant gel (Gillette clear gel) no residue to cause chaffing...add a little of the gel to the wet wipes.... Great content though🎖️

[@trollsteadent.72]

Oh!!! One more tea tree benefit. Insects hate it. It won't act like a full chemical repellent, but free extra layer of protection. Every little bit helps. :)

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Where did you go to get your showers in town? Did you rent a motel room for a night?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Daniel Berry Yes, I stayed at a lot of motels/hotels to shower but also to have reliable internet to upload my KZbin videos

[@Virus2.0-c5z]

use baking soda, for deodorant, brushteet ect

[@clarkansas6590]

Good information

[@MstrRo]

Did you pack out the used wet wipes?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+MRo Of course I did

[@MstrRo]

It is good for folks to know as some may unknowingly bury them like they do their TP.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+MRo You are absolutely right. Good point. Only toilet paper can be buried or put into the privys. Thanks for calling that out MRo

[@brandonfoley7519]

Thanks for the video bigfoot I actually have a little anxiety, because I won't be able to shower every day like I do at home I'm not stranger to gross, Im a veggy farmer But I always shower when I get home I think I'll be ok

[@threeicys]

Some people will smell more than others and it has nothing to do with hygiene but their genetics and diet. My son has hyperhidrosis and never smells but my neighbor smells to high heaven just trimmming his lawn. I work with kids and have found hygene habits are taught early in life or the lack there of. Regardless of all, that your video on hygiene is so important and valueable for many hikers.

[@tashuwamustgray7220]

Body glide... Amen!!!!!

[@backpacker3421]

For toothpaste, one option I've seen but not tried yet (planning to) is to take wax paper and squeeze out little dabs of toothpaste. Let the toothpaste dry out into solid blobs. Each one is now a single serving of toothpaste that will dissolve on a wet toothbrush. Again --- disclaimer --- I have not personally tried this yet.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Christopher Cornette I have heard t works well. Unless you are sending yourself mail drops with them, i think it's unlikely that hikers will take the time to do this in town. I at least was pretty lazy when it came to doing things like this while I was on the trail to save a oz here and there.

[@nadronnocojr]

Thank mr foot

[@elh305]

Now, how do we get the bears, deer, raccoons, porcupine and every freaking other animal, to not take a Pooh near water sources...🤔

[@melissatodd4616]

Ur awwsom

[@imout671]

I've never dug a hole. I get off trail pull the leaves away to the ground. then cover it with leaves, limbs, rocks, rotten logs and cover it good. always thought it was good and much easier than digging.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Russ Cherry I used to think the same think until I understand why it's important to bury... makes sense now 😊

[@Dddaaavvviiiddd3]

Clean freak

[@bronxbomber0079]

Trowel? That’s a shoe horn my guy.

[@commonconservative7551]

i will bet that the bears love the smell of that flavored hand sanitizers.............i have a deodorant that you will love......just DO NOT rub it in...use baking soda......it works so well even if you smell like underarm onion smell you will lose the smell completely ....and you have to "fluff/puff the soda into your underarms but do not rub or it will burn

[@Jdub365]

Dirty Thirty!

[@slotortoise6166]

Lots of great tips that I KNOW that I'll use!!! Thank you, Bigfoot!

[@triathlon5555555555]

great info , thanks