My Hygiene Routine on the PCT

Where do you poop? How do you keep clean? How do you take care of your feet? What do you do about your period? In this video I take you through my entire hygiene routine from the time I wake up until I go to sleep so hopefully any questions you have about hygiene on the PCT will be answered! Thank you for watching!
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[@Noluna92]

These are the TMI conversations that need to be had for newbies that are learning. Thank you!

[@carolewarner101]

Another thing. When I thru-hiked the AT back in '08 I used a menstrual cup and LOVED it! It was SO much easier (and far cheaper as I used it for the rest of my menstruating life) than using pads or tampons, although I did occasionally use a panty liner if my flow was really heavy just in case. But all I had to do was wash my hands, empty out the cup, rinse the cup and myself clean with water using my water bladder hose, put it back in place, and I was on my way again. No muss, no fuss, and NO garbage to stow or pack out! When I was done each month I'd give it a thorough washing with Bronner's soap and water and then dried and stowed it in the clean cotton bag it came with in my toiletry zip lock until the next month. It was thoroughly hygienic and worked beautifully. As I said, no waste to pack out, and the plants that received my rinse water gift got some excellent nutrition/fertilizer! While I never felt I needed to boil it out there (a thorough washing with soap and water kept it perfectly clean and sanitary), why would it gross anyone out to wash it and then boil it in some water in their pot for a couple of minutes just to totally kill any possible living thing still clinging to it? Something I've never understood is how phobic people are about their own bodily fluids and wastes. It's funny to me that people eat meat, especially non-organic (that has blood in it and is full of all sorts of hormones, antibiotics and pesticides) without a second thought and they eat food that has been fertilized with all sorts of animal poo and even human sewage sludge (which is full of their prescription drugs and all sorts of toxic stuff that people put down their drains) yet they are grossed out by their own blood and/or poo. We've been brainwashed by marketing to believe so many things that aren't true about so many things... Anyway, whatever. And finally, I'm in the medical profession and though I follow all the protocols for legal reasons, I wash with soap and water too because hand sanitizer aint all its cracked up to be. Studies show that plain soap and water is actually far more effective at keeping hands free of pathogens than hand sanitizer because it actually sanitizes AND rinses off stuff while hand sanitizer attempts to just kill stuff and leaves it sitting there on your hands. Pathogens that are particularly tough to kill (clostridium spores & other spores in particular), are often NOT killed/destroyed by hand sanitizer and then can then be ingested and lead to an infection. Soap with kill/neutralize pretty much the same stuff the hand sanitizer will, but the water you use to rinse it off with will carry off whatever is still there and viable, leaving your hands clean and free of spores or pathogens that survived the soap...another reason NOT to wash/bathe directly in a water source. JUST DON'T DO IT! While I agree that often just plain water (and sometimes a little sand to use as a scrub) can do a great job of cleaning off the sweat and dirt of the day and even your pots, keeping one's hands, butt, nethers, menstrual cups, etc. clean and sanitary on the trail is most effective with a few drops of concentrated bronner's (or other biodegradable) soap and water. I always carry a small plastic squirt bottle of the stuff and even used a drop on my toothbrush instead of packing toothpaste which is NOT biodegradable at all in comparison (I prefer the peppermint Bronner's as it tastes minty vs soapy). The only thing is, do not be fooled by the "biodegradable" part and use it directly in a water source. Find a patch of grass or dirt to let it fall on when you're rinsing it off as it is actually a pollutant in water, while soil flora breaks it down pretty quickly.

[@NearlyNativeNursery]

Brilliant idea for my wife thanks for posting your experiance.

[@MissTrixie29]

Interesting about the menstrual cup. I have one and my flow is apparently too heavy. I was needing to empty it every 3-4 hours. So true about the blood thing. It's ok to have the blood from a dead animal in your pot but heaven forbid you use it for something like your menstrual cup. I don't think it's a marketing brainwashing thing, our bodies and bathroom functions/habits/etc. have been taboo topics for generations.

[@ronaldstarkey4336]

Might effect your top ramen... lol

[@michelleespino9814]

Yeah in the medical field we know that even bleach won’t kill clostridium difficile gotta be washed off!!!

[@idamedby4193]

Yes, menstrual cups are a MUST for me when hiking - it's just so much more practical, and space efficient, than any of the current alternatives. I tend to use them generally too, but once you're out there, far from civilisation, they really come into their own, and one realizes just how brilliant they actually are..

[@clarefriend1376]

You are an amazing woman, I’m 70 and did my very 1st thru hike.. the TMB when I was 65. It was awesome and I’ve hiking ever since. Thanks for this info. Good advice for camping too.

[@janetipper2509]

How did you achieve this and prepare ?

[@Duuk_the_Dog]

@@janetipper2509 go over there and walk it :)

[@khadijagwen]

You are the only one that had the chutzpah to talk about your menstrual routine. Good on ya.

[@WillN2Go1]

Hey Dixie, I just got back from three months in England, Scotland and Ireland. I am usually one of the stinkiest backpackers. I can look at a piece of synthetic fabric and it will begin to reek. This trip my main base layers were: merino smart wool: 2 boxer briefs, 2-ts and 2 long sleeve 't's' (most of this stuff Icebreaker brand). And of course smart wool socks and liners. I also switched to Gold Bond powder for deodorant (my son said all the soldiers on long deployments swore by it). And this guy who has always stunk after 8 hours of doing not much, did not stink (mostly) for the whole trip. I often wore the same base layer for 2-3 days. It would pick up some body smell, but if I could air it out or let it 'rest' (clumped in my bag) it took took careful sniffs to tell it from a completely fresh item. Usually it had a slight lanolin scent. I also bought a Patagonia Nano Puff jacket for the trip. It got stinky even while the layers between it and me didn't; also it stayed stinky until I washed it. I'm going to replace it with a zip up merino wool sweater first chance I get. I also had a pair of Sealskinz waterproof socks. Absolutely brilliant gear. I wore them about a dozen days, aired them inside-out at night, never washed them, still haven't washed them--they are fresh enough. I got the tall ones, but this was over kill.They never got hot, my feet never got cold. I will never wear another synthetic base layer again. I've even tried the new silver treated stuff--stinks as fast as anything. When I was traveling in Japan two years ago after the first month I could not get the stink out of my clothes or my body. Now? I probably haven't smelled this consistently swee....acceptable since I was a baby. Give it a shot I think you'll be amazed.

[@jessemiller209]

WillN2Go1 THANK YOU

[@idamedby4193]

Omg yes I will never understand all the hype around synthetic base layers! Wool is just so much simpler, it doesn't smell and it keeps you relatively warm even when wet - just air it out once a day, and you'll be good for at least a week or so in my experience.

[@wolveshowling26]

Natural fibers getting the job DONE! 👍 This should be part of every day fashion as well, but people don't want to learn from the history of fashion and deem their ancestors uncivilized people because they didn't clean their clothes as much😐

[@user-xh1kz7rm4j]

As a older male, it really was helpful for me to listen to the section on menstruation on the trail as a reminder of the challenges that women have to deal with on the trail. Also, I am finding Dixie's videos to be very thorough - Great job.

[@michaelb1761]

One toiletry item that you left out that I can't go hiking without is a high SPF lip balm. I guess you could use the skin lotion for your lips too, but I prefer lip balm.

[@jmz1736]

Nat Gordon regular sunscreen works on your lips too, I’m glad people are thinking about it though, my grandma lost much of her bottom lip to skin cancer, people forget that it’s still susceptible

[@loiscassels8966]

I can’t live without lip balm.

[@duckmeat4674]

Use Vaseline instead. It doesn't dry out nearly as quick as lip balm, cheap as chips, and won't need sunscreen to it.

[@vickie8235]

I have a tip for night, which I learned from another female hiker & have much appreciated over the years, especially on cold or rainy nights. I use a wide mouth pee bottle so I don't have to get out of the tent. She used nalgene bottles, but the lightest bottle I have found is a small kroger marshallow puff jar (1.6oz). It holds enough liquid to get me through the night and has a wide bottom for stability (how nice of them to think of that). I've used this method for the past 5 or so years and have never had any issues of spilage. I keep it just outside the tent once I've used it and rinse it out, away from the water source once a day. My husband & I just got our PCT permits for 3/21/18 & can't wait. Thanks for all of your videos and the well put realism particularly on topics most women are shy about.

[@FlashGeiger]

Important safety tip I learned from a friend's experience... If you're going to use leaves as toilet paper, first learn how to identify poison ivy.

[@thefearinyoureye]

lol!

[@Suzifully]

Oh gosh... That sounds like a great time! 😂

[@adventure_hannah3841]

Yep, once I've seen poison ivy leaves the size of my hand. It's not always small leaves xD.

[@GuntharWest]

Poison oak on the PCT

[@JollyJoel]

from "a friend" LOL

[@sig415]

What I've found out by accident is if you leave open the wipes bag they all eventually dehydrate and basically become an ultralight handful of napkins. I just have to pour a splash of water on one to rehydrate it back to normal. That could be another simple way to save an ounce or a few by drying them before a hike.

[@rachelm5478]

Thanks for that informative video Dixie! Just to expand on why you shouldn't use soap or detergent in or near a water source. The teeny water critters that skate on the surface of the water do so by utilising the surface tension. Soaps and detergents break down that surface tension. So if you use soaps/detergent in a water source you're causing the teeny critters to drown and starving the larger animals that eat those critters.

[@krick2065]

I really appreciate you going into such detailed yet modest descriptions. This is a very helpful video. Where is the location shown at the very end of the movie with all the flowers? It's beautiful.

[@Greyandgreenfeathers]

Deficating to the sunrise... Downright magnificent

[@WaitWhat99]

Greyandgreenfeathers Damn straight. Did that in Himalayas, open air drop loo overlooking snow covered mountains, downright breathtaking.

[@ayonbiswas4186]

@@WaitWhat99 ...and now you know why still a tinee-tiny percent of Indians still think this is the 'more hygienic' option!!!

[@VikingPreparedness]

Great job on a sensetive subject.

[@iamaliseya]

Sticks and rocks?? 😬 YIKES..Lol Also, I'm planning on thru hiking the AT next year and there's no way I'm not bringing Dr. Bronners. The weight and the effort is definitely worth it for me to have the greatest experience on the trail. I roadtripped around the US for about nine months in 2016, often slept in my car and hiked local trails along the way. Going days without a shower is definitely manageable, but having some sort of soap with me helped me feel like a totally different person after days of sweat and grime along the way. Two squirts of that stuff for your dirty laundry or smelly armpits and it makes the experience a thousand times better in my opinion..lol Great and informative video as always!! ❤️

[@VetericusNoire]

Excellent! same routine here. Oh, a little trick I discovered on PCT for shaving is-- the men's Fusion razors have a good design where you can hold the head without the handle. So I just pop the handle off and use the head. It works great.

[@michislady25]

I use the heads only at home, the ones my hubby’s discarded, save money.

[@eugeniajohnson4996]

Sunscreen!! I am 64 and still hiking. You will thank yourself later for regularly protecting your skin. Also, a good sun hat

[@1zyashadow]

While you are technically right - this is not suitable for long distance hikes. It is disgusting enough to not shower for a couple weeks and hop into your sleeping bag at night - but if you add sunscreen to the dirt for 9 days without a shower, you gonna have a bad time.

[@Gorrest]

I work for a skin cancer center, I think the sunscreen and regular protective measures are ideal. I’m 22 and just realized the importance of protection for your skin.

[@Godisfirst21]

sunscreen is so toxic. Take some St.John's wort if it's around and break it down a bit with some water to make it easier to rub on the skin.

[@Michlerish]

@@Godisfirst21 There are many different kinds of sunscreen, but skin cancer is always toxic

[@Oldtimecarpenter]

Thanks Dix for being so “ down to earth” and keeping it real! Appreciated...Pete

[@emc5807]

When I was on the AT, I NEEDED soap. I don’t want to eat out of a dirty pot. I HAVE to wash my hands after I poop. Purell doesn’t cut it for me. And the peppermint dr bronners can also be toothpaste! I also have to wash my feet at the end of every day (downstream of course)

[@ucimyy4u]

THIS^ As a person who has showered twice a day since the age of 17, once in the morning and once at night before going to bed, I fully agree!

[@lostgirladventures]

You guys would hate where I go lol...very few water sources

[@cherylotinyhousecellist]

I keep a baggie with some peppermint ( or lavender ) dr bronner’s and a small washcloth, and another one with tea tree for disinfecting ; you can go a long way with adding water to a small cloth in a baggie. I did this for the Camino and also with my baby when camping ( and in the city) you don’t need much water to feel clean !

[@icegypsy99]

I know this is an old video, but just wanted to say this is so helpful. You answered so many questions for me. A note on Baby Powder; here in Canada Talc has a lot of restrictions. Baby Powder is now just made from finely milled cornstarch...sometimes with additives like aloe etc. I find it works way better than the old Talc-based powders. Especially great for preventing chafing. Worth looking into if you haven't seen or tried it.

[@pattenonlife483]

Hey Dixie, I like using an empty coffee bag for my lady waste. It’s not see thoughts and the coffee smell help with some of the odors. Have you tried or heard of this idea? Thanks for everything. 💕

[@amberdawn2594]

That's a great idea!! We use coffee grounds in the hospital to mask an exceptionally unpleasant smelling room...that would work for all waste bags.

[@circuh1981]

I use baking soda in my ziplock bag for this reason

[@simonfraser1624]

Just make sure you don't try and make coffee with it.

[@michaelk.elkins5035]

Candace Patten hello

[@MissKristiLee]

@@simonfraser1624 vampire tea bags hahaha

[@snewcomer22]

Oh yeah! Hair conditioner helps with chafing. It’s smooth and allows less friction. If you shower wash with conditioner in places you have issues with chaffing. Rinse but don’t scrub away.

[@hakanscoutgogar4997]

Feet. Ah those feet... Being a scout since 73 - I've found that vaseline or cold cream (type Nivea) and nothing but pure wool socks help keeping your feet fresh and fit for fight. Apply generous amounts of vaseline or similar on your feet and in between your toes and put on wool socks (thin or thick ones - today they make them as liners). It feels like standing in butter but your feet absorbs most of it and the socks are not sticky or oily when you take them off. Your feet will thank you.

[@woodstrekker6345]

Wood ash can be used for anything baking soda can be used for and more. I love that stuff.

[@mirandaariel3445]

corn starch or arrowroot powder is really great for a more all-purpose powder that is also scentless and a little more comfortable on your skin than talc. Also divacups and other similar models are really great for periods, just gotta dump it out in a cathole and rinse and you don't have to carry used pads/tamps--plus less garbage!

[@ronaldstarkey4336]

Try kitty litter... lol

[@marknorris3769]

a friend of mine walked around india for a year solo around 2000 when she was 39 , she has amazing stories , wonderful presentation thank you

[@carysw8967]

Wish I could hear her stories

[@sdnalyam]

mark norris , does she have a blog, website, thanks.

[@marknorris3769]

unfortunately not , however she is an extraordinary story teller , having worked as a professional comedian in los angeles , she is the real deal , i'll pass on your interest , thanks

[@deanban]

That's a lot of pooping in public..

[@williambranham6249]

One observation about backpacking (this has been documented by the AT Conference and of course the medical profession) is that outbreaks of GI type infections occur often when hikers group up and share food (usually food like GORP from plastic bags. I have never been sick on hikes, I think in part because I don't take food from other hikers unless it is in original package and I don't share food (as GORP), which I am happy to do, unless I pour it in their hand. Never let another hiker reach into your food bag. I call it STRANGER DANGER.

[@youreviewer]

You are REALLY good at this! Making videos so concise and to the point while including all options subject to personal preference is difficult for most of us. But it seems to come naturally to you. Thanks for all your answers and guidance and keep up the good times. The memories are wonderful treasures when you finally get past the age where overnight hiking and camping is no longer possible.

[@Sheltonism]

I could listen to you say “oil” and “boil” ALL day! Great videos - keep it up!

[@shirleycarpenter3795]

Just a FYI I use my umbrella as a shield to kinda hide behind . Good video without the ugly talk .One of the reasons I love your videos! So thank you.

[@williambranham6249]

What is ugly talk? I'm confused.

[@chocolatemafia4303]

@@williambranham6249 cussing

[@williambranham6249]

@@chocolatemafia4303 That's what I thought. I think my grandmother(65 years ago) used the term"ugly talk". Hadn't heard it since.It's a southern term I think.

[@2smart2baliberal]

Great video, personality, and sense of humor! How you can sit in that position for almost 25 minutes without moving or tipping over is beyond me. haha

[@47CarolAnne]

I use a Pstyle when I hike and love it. It's in its own case with a clip and hangs from my pack so I don't have to take the pack off. I love that I don't have to expose myself or squat to pee. It's ridiculously easy when you're wearing shorts especially and you use the edge of the pstyle to gently scrape off the excess.

[@EHiir-hm3uu]

Good tips! I prefer pantyliners to turning my undies inside out. They're lightweight and give a fresh start. I used the privacy of my tent to deal with sanitary pads. They sell rolls of bags for baby diapers which I believe are cheaper than dog poop bags.

[@Lyn4817]

I use pant liners all the time,I think they are a wonderful invention. Wearing trousers (pants/slacks) all the time, it means you can go longer in between washing them and don't need to carry as many pairs. Especially when travelling overseas. I have even convinced my husband into using men's incontinence pads while travelling as men's trousers are heavy to carry and take so long to dry. One trip we travelled with three others and while swapping I ideas, I passed this one on. It wasn't received well. Mind I also passed on finding a pair of walking shoes that closed with Velcro and stretched across the foot, so no more trouble with swollen feet or rubbed toes (sheer bliss as we age). This too was skoffed at, informing me that his tennis shoes would be just fine compared to my rather expensive walking shoes. Well guess who threw his walking shoes out before the end of our first week. This happened to be a man who everyone was expected to listened too but refused to listen to anyone else. Needless to say, that friendship didn't last much past that trip.

[@faviolaandaya1079]

@@Lyn4817 Hi Lyn, What brand name (for those walking shoes, velcro, stretch across the foot ) thank you Lyn for your help. Very much appreciate it. 😊

[@Lyn4817]

@@faviolaandaya1079 They are called Propet style Olivia. They were expensive at AU$200, made in China and purchased in 2015, still available today. If you live in America they are available from healthyfeetstore.com current for about U$124. They were available prior to Skechers. I haven't seen Skechers with a Velcro over the foot fastening and haven't tried them. The Propets are classified as an orthopaedic shoe. Truly if you have broad feet, hard to fit foot, trouble with toes rubbing and feet swelling, you can't go wrong. There are a couple of other styles for walking also but I can't wear a Mary Jane style shoe unfortunately. I wouldn't say they are a hiking shoe but a good Urban walking shoe. An excellent sandal for problem feet are Fit flops, they are available on eBay and an online store, just Google Fitflops. They too are expensive but worth it. If you have a high instep, I recommend getting the style with the adjustable buckle. I wear these all the time at home, they do take breaking in with their wobbleboard sole. Great for the muscles. My physio loves the fact that I wear an orthopaedic sandal. These are the only two styles of shies I gave worn since 2013 for the Fitflops and 2015 for the Propets. I found on my last overseas trip to South Asia that my feet remained swollen the entire trip, making it impossible to wear my Fitflops but my Propet 'Olivia' never let me down. Good luck, I hope this helps you out.

[@faviolaandaya1079]

@@Lyn4817 Lyn Hello, Thank you so very much for replying, I appreciate all the information you give me. I'm in Anaheim, California in the United States. I'm going to look for this shoes and sandals. Thank you again, Lyn have a great weekend. 😊💕💞💟👍

[@Lyn4817]

@@faviolaandaya1079 Your very welcome, so please to help at least one person out. This is the style of Fitflops I find the most suitable. SKINNY™ TOE-THONG SANDALS BLACK. It is tge style with the buckle that I mentioned. A few style have this buckle. Search around on the internet and if you are smaller size than my size US10, then hopefully you can get them a lot cheaper. I find the more in demand an item is, the higher the price. Good luck.

[@Davethe56]

You should give more thought to hand sanitizer. At the end of the day, I wipe my feet down to help prevent athlete's foot and other maladies. I also don't smell as much by wiping down the vital areas (underarms etc.) with hand sanitizer. I agree about the campfire smoke too, it does keep the sweat smell way down -- it's what the native americans used to do. Carrying conditioner is a good idea, too, because you can shave or wash your hair with conditioner. And about privacy-- I think there is a social adjustment for most people when they do extended hikes. On most areas of the AT and other trails, you will have some privacy, but I don't think people should go into a hike have any expectations of privacy. While I did my sections hikes there was occasional nudity (not intentional or open, it was just there) and I figured well, we're all adults and should put all our prudish assumptions and reactions aside and just get over it. We are there to hike our own hike and so is everyone else.

[@MissTrixie29]

I once walked down the beach in San Francisco. No one told me it was accepted and unwritten as a nude beach at the far end. The Golden Gate Bridge was covered in fog and we thought if we got closer we could get a better picture. We walked and walked and saw some fishermen staring at us while they were shore fishing. Kept walking and then all of a sudden, my 11 year old daughter announces that there's a naked man over there. Yep, naked people were everywhere. I had brought my kids (ages 6, 9 and 11) to a nude beach. Yep, now I know why those fishermen were staring at the family walking the beach. 😂

[@vikkinicholson2300]

I agree that she needs bigger btl of hand sanitizer. However, hikers do take breaks to shower off the trail.

[@javaman2883]

I mix some Tea Tree and peppermint essential oils into my hand sanitizer. They are both naturally anti-microbial and remain on the skin to continue to reduce microbes after the sanitizer has evaporated. It also smells better than most scented hand sanitizers.

[@chuckborghoff8443]

Excellent,candid video. All hikers should watch this video. Thanks,Dixie. Hey, first to thumbs up for this one.

[@pierreetchebarne1843]

I'm listening to your precious advices, but can't stop myself thinking how much it would hurt me to be sitted the way you do for so long.

[@candacewinchell4468]

I use a urinary diversion device and love it. The brand is called Freshette. No need to take off the pack as you said. BUT... practice before going out on the trail!

[@india239]

Candace Winchell I’d be too worried about getting it wrong even with practice.

[@ronaldstarkey4336]

Stop trying to write your name in the snow bank... lol

[@cherylotinyhousecellist]

Where do you pack it, and does it start to smell after a while?

[@SuperOptiman]

Suggestion: Try dampening a corner of a cloth with isopropyl alcohol (70% solution) and wiping over your skin and scalp instead of a shower/bath. This should dramatically reduce the "stink" factor, and does a good job of cleaning the skin. Then under arms and other odorous areas use a bit of baking soda to help with the BO through the day. This requires very little additional weight and is healthy for you and the environment. It should add less than 3 oz to your pack.

[@ericinman4819]

Dixie you are awesome and I love how you just stay so candid and down to earth. I always wondered about your feet. A few times when you would show your feet I was like "ohhhh" that's gotta hurt lol. Thanks for answering the how to about your feet.

[@nicadube]

This is awesome. Thank you for all these tips! I love hearing from other hiker women! I'm going to watch all your videos. Quarantine watchlist.

[@musa2775]

Thank you for putting this together. I'm brand new to camping and a little obsessive about cleanliness. These tips help a lot.

[@sharonmarks7192]

When you finally got home, what was the first thing you did to pamper yourself?

[@meghanf2012]

Sharon Marks Yes! This would be an interesting video- what you did in the days right after finishing the PCT.

[@wjennin1]

I'm pretty sure her and mayor got pedicures lol

[@thewildmanjoeburns]

I'm sure she did the same thing

[@professorsogol5824]

Well, you know it had been a long time since I'd seen the love of my life. So well, know now how it is. I understand. OK so what did you do second? Took off my boots and changed my socks.

[@vikkinicholson2300]

can't imagine it wasn't a hot shower or bath soak.

[@koningbolo4700]

Next time save a little tube of toothpaste, rinse it out and fill it again with a 2 to 1 (by volume) mixture of coco fat and baking soda. You can squeeze some on your finger and rub it under your armpit ( 1 pea sized bit per armpit should suffice) Works very well and keeps your armpits at least odour-low... Same goes for the hair treatment...this too can be done with baking soda...

[@aharlowrn]

I also find a sleeping bag liner very useful and maybe a tad refreshing. It Might not fall under hygiene but when you are stinky after a long day of hiking and can't clean up it's nice to have the sleeping bag liner. So much easier to clean the liner then your down sleeping bag if it gets smelly. Can just throw it in with the other items when you get to a town and do laundry. Nothing better then a fresh smelling liner to make you feel cozy in your sleeping bag even if you don't feel so clean.

[@servicedogchopper7613]

Wisy wipes I think its called is dry small pill sized TP that you put a tad of water on and it like grows really large. They have several sizes all the way up to a puck size that grows to a towel size. Its huge in the emergency preparedness group but thought it could help here as its way, way, WAY smaller and lighter then TP but can be a wet towel or even dry out to be a dry towel. And its really, REALLY strong. Soooo much stronger then TP! So multi functional too!

[@katebernard4611]

Thank you for being so open!! So helpful! My question is, what about going potty through some of those passes in the sierras where there’s lots of snow and you seemed to be with lots of people? Was it hard to find a spot or get privacy?

[@mary.peacefulhikesn.j.3350]

Great video, thanks Dixie!!! Any facial care? Washing, moisturizer, sunscreen, etc.

[@caitieohoro4009]

I have the p-style and I love it! I made a terry cloth lined storage sleeve with a loop and it clips on the outside of my pack. So easy! It also eliminates the pee rag/shaking issues just in the way it's designed.

[@Lyn4817]

I have used the She Wee while travelling in China, best invention ever, especially if you have crook knees and can't crouch. At the end of that trip I ended up fracturing my femur. It was two days before I confessed I was in big trouble and went to a hospital, even though I couldn't walk. I had been hoping it was more shock and bruising than any real trouble. So I survived using my new best friend and a small plastic rubbish bin, that was in our room. Fortunately I was travelling with my wonderful husband and a small mobility scooter, it was the only way I made it home for surgery. That, plus knowing and having it confirmed in a hospital that there was no circulation issues and it was indeed a distal femur fracture. I swear by travel insurance.

[@annacleghorn8482]

Thank you Dixie! Again, you have excellent advice for some not so fun things to deal with on trail. :) Thank you for your hard work on getting all these videos out! So appreciate your positive perspective! Well done!

[@haraldthi]

One thing I learned about soap from Far North Bushcraft And Survival: It's pretty easy to make your own soap as you go. What you need is some of the white, burned out ash from a wood fire, and some oil or fat. So what you do is start out with your greasy pan after lunch or dinner, add water and some ash from your last campfire (or what you have), let it boil up, then wash both the pan and the rest of your dishes. And give it a good rinse. All natural! For a cleaner soap, you can start with food oil or butter in a pan and filter the ash. I guess it works with a loose cotton rag, type cheesecloth or something (but I haven't tried).

[@ThirteenKidsLater]

Harald Thingelstad the ash needs to be hardwood

[@haraldthi]

mommybrown4 It’s not really an effort to make that quality of lye - or soap - as it’s only meant to make enough soap to clean out the rest of the dishes. Normal ash works for soap making as you don’t really need the strongest kind of lye.

[@dawnthompson1002]

Thanks Dixie. Enjoy every video. And watch them while treadmilling. ;-). Feel like I was there with y'all.

[@JRGV_828]

Hey Dixie, I just stumbled onto your channel. You have to have the most realistic down to earth advice. Thank you. Keep doing what ur doing.

[@robiny1823]

Well done video, thanks! I'd especially love to know where you were hiking in the last few seconds of the video amid all the beautiful crimson wildflowers.

[@trippingonrocks1165]

Great tips. Baking soda can be used as a deodorant too and to clean your petrels so to speak. We have big problems here where you know what the previous explorers had for breakfast. It's so bad. Thank you, it's nice to see compassion for the surroundings.

[@MWoodslore]

"A butt,with deodorant on it"😂😂😂

[@gregparrott]

With Dixie's extensive experience, I wonder why she elects to NOT use gators. As shown at 14:57, Dixie's feet can become encased in dirt. A proper gator setup virtually eliminates this issue. I find my socks and feet stay much cleaner and less abraded. It also reduces the need to take shoes off during the day to remove pesky rocks or thorns.

[@mair815]

a little tip - you can use the lotion or moisturizer you brought to condition your hair - one less bottle.

[@madlenox]

For a tooth paste you should try Ajona (its a toothpaste concentrate). You use a tiniest drop of it and it expands and foams really well. 6ml is said to last you 2 weeks.

[@mindygeist7157]

Question.. this may be obvious buuuut… does it matter where you spit your toothpaste and rinse water?

[@Commander_HW]

And here i am thinking about packing my sonic toothbrush and charge it with the solar panel that i bought..... how high maintenance i am.

[@jimt4906]

Like you I carry one spare pair of underwear. Two pairs of Darn Tough socks and three pair of Coolmax liner socks. For nighttime I use a pair of Down socks. Super light and takes no room in the pack. With regard to bathroom duties I buy a large container of Bleach wipes and then put them in a ziplock bag. I carry 4-5 per day. You can use them to clean hands and follow the toilet paper routine Never had any harsh rashes on parts of my body and dont have to take alcohol with me . When possible and hot enough I rinse off in a stream with my shorts on. Clean and refreshing..... I also pack a pair of disposable rubber gloves for cleaning wounds and other duties related to infection. Hope this helps.

[@maiakenney2559]

My hiker trash LPT: you can refill travel-sized toothpaste tubes - I always did that from huge tubes in hiker boxes :D just create a sort of vacuum btwn the two bottles and squeeze!

[@markl2815]

Best tip I got years back from a mate was regarding talc … I was taking anti bacterial talc but no matter how calm it is when used it always blows about. Matt said “get a bit of wife’s stockings and double as a packet till they hold and distribute the right amount per dab the keep that in a zip lock In his own words …. “Makes it easier, you don’t need as much stuff and it stops the camp site looking like a rock stars bedroom” I can attest to his overall accuracy

[@12scot-koreanlikeinskittle25]

Working in Alaska you learn real quick that there is such a thing as Baby Wipe bathing. We call it fisherman showers. The weight and space is a nice trade off as you can get 10 good "showers" with a pack of 100. I know it's not possible for the ultra minimalists but for everyone else it's a great option.

[@Cheriahdoll]

I watched Elsa Rhaes 42 miles in 4 days hike video and thought I need to do that! This video took the romance out of it. I have no business hiking. Thank you :)

[@margaridaferreira8029]

Good to know I am not the only one. I love to hike but... I really cant live without a proper bathroom

[@davidstark3312]

Dixie, I looked through your videos looking for this info but could not find it discussed so here is a question for possible inclusion in a future video or answer here. Anyway... what is the typical day schedule like? Do you hit the trail early morning in the dark? Finish after dark? How long a lunch break? Other breaks? And what is the typical distance or pace - do you hike 10 hours exclusive of breaks at 3 mph (I understand it is terrain dependent?) Thanks

[@kellymoran8128]

I really dig your southern Alabama accent!! It's really awesome that you share such intimate and taboo subjects such as personal bodily functions that not a lot of people would really share. I am not trying to be vulgar but when you said you hated body hair.. do you recommend shaving your pubic hair (male or female) to prevent chafing and also for hygienic purposes? Anyway, thanks for the great info and stay safe out there and please keep the great videos coming.

[@lisapaine1733]

Another thru-hiker Ingrid used a resealable beef jerky bag for her used feminine products. She said it helped mask the smell and also because the bag was not see through it worked well

[@Westernwilson]

Wonderful presentation, very nicely presented...well done! But where did you get that most excellent tee shirt??! We have really enjoyed your videos, Dixie!

[@mmozell]

For me, peeing several times a night is pretty routine. I have found a "GoGirl" and a few thick Ziplock (with a zipper) sandwich bags (CLEARLY ID'd with a permanent marker!) work great inside my tent. I just place the full bags outside my tent door until I pour them out them in the morning. I've tried several similar devices and "GoGirl" is the best.

[@jaydavee]

you can soap up under the arms and go without rinsing it. It's an option. I won't track you down and inspect :D You can use baking soda in there and in the shoes too. Baking soda in shoes is great even in regular life. The half-sized toothbrush is dangerous. It depends too much on your fingers to keep it out of your throat, and your fingers are getting slick in the process of brushing teeth with it.

[@kristenbradley7040]

Thanks!! This was very informative. I was wondering what your hygiene routine was like especially because you have such beautiful long hair!

[@wadewilliams8110]

Very informative! I have a few more questions. How often do you stay in a hotel/motel. You mention "in town" a lot but I was wondering how frequently that occurs, and with long hair, how often you actually wash it? I saw your maintenance routine with baby powder. Good idea. And obviously summer weather you can bathe in a stream. On colder sections of hikes, how do you manage that? I assume strictly baby wipe "baths" and wait until you get to civilization. How do you handle extreme heat? Humidity in the south will have you soaked with sweat.

[@TDSudduth]

Tour de force video, very informative, and updated from your AT video on the same topic, thanks, Dixie. So I've been "playing along at home" here since your AT video, and use baking soda and corn starch mixed one to one on all "problem areas," i.e. scent cells, with great success, i.e. days and days of neutral, "go to church," foot/body smell. Learned via internet; quite amazing. Practice is the key.

[@MKDonline]

Excellent! Finally a video that gets into the nitty gritty.

[@soilmanted]

Much baby powder is now made from corn starch, rather than talc. I take some baking soda AND some food grade corn starch (without added fragrance) with me. I put a little bit of each on my feet, and into my hiking shoes to help prevent blisters and smells.

[@eggasmonster101]

Buy cornstarch baby powder!!! Then you can use it anywhere!

[@BlondeGranny70]

I agree , you can buy it at the Dollar tree for $1.

[@charlottehuebner161]

Great advice! I like to put used toilet paper in a black doggy poop bag, they are covered in baby powder and are made to mask the smell :)

[@dantheman1624]

As mostly a day hiker I always wondered about the hygiene subject as I think of doing more...so thanks for sharing....very helpful

[@loves40dogs35]

I use baby powder to freshen my scalp/hair as well. However, I use baby powder Cornstarch. That way, it’s not Talc, so I can also use it all over my body also, incl a light dusting of my lady-parts safely 🦋 ps, loved ur video, lots of great info!

[@americanaxetoolco2076]

I just love you to pieces! Straight up woman!

[@jtodd6253]

"Love you to pieces" from American Axe & Tool! Perfectly innocent, l'm sure but, it did make me look twice...sorry folks. We really enjoy following your efforts down here in Mobile, Dixie. All tastefully done.

[@kimschultz2203]

John Todd Made you look twice? And it’s your business how? You got the hots for Jessica? You come off like a nosy little bitch!

[@jtodd6253]

Kim Schultz Calm yourself. I certainly never meant to pitch any hateful thoughts toward anyone; just voiced that I found simple (albiet off topic) coincidental humor in the comment then, praised our host for doing a stellar job keeping us so well entertained...end of story. Hope that helps.

[@rdoody2067]

Dr. Bronner’s bar soap and a washcloth works for me. Also pocket size singles Wet Ones which also work in winter and when a washcloth and bar is not desirable.

[@katiepangborn1990]

You genuinely have the best one liners... “sometimes you just gotta pop a zit” LMAO

[@ellenrosenberg1146]

When I had braces and had to change rubber bands, I purchased a very tiny signal mirror. Serves double purpose if you are really wandering...hopefully never need the signal function. Many compasses have the mirror sighting piece, that could work.

[@wimpiefan]

Ahahah yeah, I also "shake it off" very often. Thanks for the informative video! Now the big question: where did you get that super cool shirt? I am in love with it

I think a spray for your bottle is great for some water pressure for bushing teeth, or washing yourself, or cleaning dishes, etc. Plus they're really cheep. You just need a water source!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Dixie, thank you for sharing. You handled the delicate restroom topics quite well. If you temporarily run out of tissue, do not use poison oak or poison ivy. So, know your plants. As always, take care, be safe and have fun. 🤗

[@lauraborealisastro]

I’m 31 so the chin hair mention really got me. 😂😂😂

[@ZeldaFeb]

Marking the spot where you take a dump with an X seems a little backwards 😂 I would think something special is under there

[@grappolidipalma]

"EMBRACE YOUR STINK..." You really should make a T-SHIRT with that motto...

[@fromgreentogray]

On the back it could say, "Hike your own hike"

[@grappolidipalma]

Or... "Keep The Safety Distance"

[@vikkinicholson2300]

@ ewwwwwww

[@Misterydwn]

And then maybe followed with use deodorant and you smell like butt with deodorant 😂

[@triseanamy]

Misti Felts 😅😂🤣

[@johntedonneraipasmonnom713]

Getting rid of pubic hair is also very helpful eliminating odors and enhancing general hygiene. Something I learnt the hard way.

[@MissNikkor]

I have a question: I will use cleaning wipes for # 2. I know it is not recommended to bury the wipes, I will have to dispose otherwise. Putting everything in a Ziploc bag. But when night comes, when I'm ready to sleep, what do I do? I leave the Ziploc away from my tent to pick it up the next day doing so until I can throw it in a trash bin? Is there a danger that an animal tries to open the Ziploc and then scatters all the contents around at night? I do not really want to pick up that kind of disgusting thing ...

[@jackmehoff6302]

i followed your vids the whole way through. awesome job. you looks like sweet dee from "its always sunny in philadelphia" in this video

[@EmelietheBoss]

I always pack (plastic case, never glass) deodorant stick and those sea-to-summit shampoo(combined with conditioner) "leaves" that weigh nothing and that you just put in a bit of water, it helps me be almost as fresh as in "real life" and it takes up pretty much no space. The leaves are actually really nice on the hair believe it or not. I use a small dust-cloth(because they are incredibly fast to dry) to wash with so I don't have to stick my head into a glacial lake, I can just use the cloth. Also takes up no space and I use it for cleaning feet, drying my pot and so much other stuff. But now I have two rags, one for face and body and one for feet and more dirty stuff. And it costs nothing. I never bring anything liquid on the trail and the razor I use doesn't have a handle and has that soapy stuff on it so it takes up no space and can be used directly with water. Love it. Baby powder was a great advice! I have always used mini-dry schampoo bottles but it is more weight than baby powder!

[@kimbasciano_]

Love your videos so much Dixie!! You should have a meet up one day! Hope you’re doing well!

[@jessibertic5084]

Thank you for making such an in depth video! Well done! How exactly did you wash your underwear on trail? Did you just go out 200ft and use a water bottle to pour water on them and that's it? Or did you use the river?

[@yvette3123]

If you need to go number 2 and there is lots of snow, would you hold it until you saw a place where you could start digging, or would you dig in the snow until the ground and then make a cat hole?

[@SoulDevoured]

Probably well past the time you'd care to get an answer but on the AT you can often find less snow under big branchy trees. Much less digging through snow, often less than an inch if you can find a fat pine. It's good since most people prefer to do their business by a tree anyway. Though needles are a big of a pain under pines you generally just dig out a little wider so you can just scrape the needles away. There are other places where snow tends to be shallower. It depends on the type of storm it was, whether there was a lot of wind, and how warm it's been since it snowed. Snow in some places melts quicker (and becomes shallower) than in others. Basically if you just keep an eye out you'll learn which places to do your potty hole and still meet the basic sanitation requirements.

[@lailingngan8231]

Thank you for a clear and instructive video. This will help me plan for long trip.

[@kentgwyn3230]

you are beautiful even when there is dirt on your face! I'm a witness. love your outlook and your videos. don't ever stop hiking.

[@skatersanonymous682]

You could use corn starch for your hair and such that way if you do need it for your nether regions to prevent chafing you can and not worry about possible cancer.

[@randyhill2646]

I use loksak opsak odor proof bags (think zip lock with an extra lock groove) for storing smelly items like toilet paper, food, and toiletries. No smells escape them so neither you nor animals can smell the stuff. Available in many sizes - example pricing a set of two bags 9"x10" would be $11.