TOILETRIES....yes toiletries!

[ULWalkingPhil]

I use Dr Bronner's Magic Soap. 18 in 1 Hemp Peppermint pure-castile soap, I also use it in place of toothpaste, just one to two drops on a toothbrush leaves your mouth refreshed and clean.

Dr Bronner's soap is highly concentrated a drop goes a long way. I carry the soap in a eye drop bottle, full it weighs 17 grams including the bottle. This bottle lasts me a week.

Kathmandu Toothbrush (15g) and a small PackTowl (35g)
The toilet paper I picked up at BCF, they had a sale $1.00 per roll, so I purchased about 7 rolls, that was over a year ago. I still have about 5 rolls left. Each full roll is 35grams.

I have also started collecting those wipes you can get from KFC etc.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I also always keep a Cleanspray hand sanitiser in my front pocket.

[DannyS]

Just had a look online and there are a few different types there, which one are you using and how is it as a toothpaste?

[ULWalkingPhil]

Just had a look online and there are a few different types there, which one are you using and how is it as a toothpaste?

If your reffering to Dr Bronner's Soap I use the Peppermint Soap I also have the Lavender soap, I mostly use the peppermint soap, I love how fresh it leaves my mouth.

[Picaro]

Two items I like to take, apart from the usual suspects....Dove BeautyBar does the bod and hair, doesnt really improve my weather beaten mug though.
And alum spray. I use the crystal at home for deodorant, but the spray can be used on the feet to inhibit bacterial growth as well.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I use Sportslick, it helps to prevent blisters and chafing and is also a Antifungal and Antibacterial cream.

[TerraMer]

small wilderness wash
small tube toothpaste at least half empty already
toothbrush without case, sometimes with the handle snapped off
small soft pack dry tissues x 4 (for 10 days)
small soft pack wet tissues x 2 (") the dry and wet tissues are stored separately because the wet tissues usually ooze if squished after being opened.
biodegradable composting plastic bag for waste that can't be buried
small micro fibre towel
tweezers used with mirror out of 1st aid/survival kit (yes I am a middle aged woman and now have a few rouge chin whiskers that, left unplucked, drive me mad)
nail clippers
sometimes stick deodorant (usually one that is already half used) smelling pretty isn't a priority when walking solo
sometimes teatree oil for insect bites on my face depending on whether I expect lots of mozzies
All squashed in a smallish S2S water proof bag in case anything inside leaks.
S2S bucket, cooking pot and mug used as wash basin, hot water and water scoop.

[Orion]

Absolute minimum would be nothing, wouldn't it? You don't need toiletries to survive.

I take a toothbrush, toothpaste, and t.p., about 50g total, most of which is t.p.
I'm not being obsessive about weight here. I really don't need anything else.

I once considered taking a 5g sliver of soap instead of toilet paper, just to save 35g.
But at the last minute I imagined vividly what I'd be doing each morning and packed the t.p.

[DannyS]

Absolute minimum would be nothing, wouldn't it? You don't need toiletries to survive.

I take a toothbrush, toothpaste, and t.p., about 50g total, most of which is t.p.
I'm not being obsessive about weight here. I really don't need anything else.

I once considered taking a 5g sliver of soap instead of toilet paper, just to save 35g.
But at the last minute I imagined vividly what I'd be doing each morning and packed the t.p.

Indians have done without toilet paper for thousands of years, I've travelled through India for the last 9 years and always washed they way they wash, I actually prefer it when I'm there. Not so handy though if your caught without water?

[matagi]

Steve,
I use the absolute minimum in toiletries. My whole reason to post was to show the UL style..

Not even close to UL style - try .... a small bottle of eucalyptus oil, chammy, toothbrush and floss. You can maintain your hygiene and smell nice with that lot. It only requires a cup of water.

Matagi what do you use the eucalyptus oil for?

Ok, here's how it works ..... you put several drops of eucalyptus oil in a cup of water, use that to brush your teeth. Then you dip a chammy in the water and wipe down your body, then you wet your comb and comb your hair. Then throw out water and clean cup. Done! It works surprisingly well and the eucalyptus oil is considered non-polluting (unlike soaps/shampoos/etc).

[DannyS]

Thanks!

[Miyata610]

Ok, here's how it works ..... you put several drops of eucalyptus oil in a cup of water, use that to brush your teeth. Then you dip a chammy in the water and wipe down your body, then you wet your comb and comb your hair. Then throw out water and clean cup. Done! It works surprisingly well and the eucalyptus oil is considered non-polluting (unlike soaps/shampoos/etc).

This is my routine. Actually I use tea tree oil. The concentrated stuff. And my cup is a 900ml ti mug. Sometimes I'll use warm water, but its not really necessary. You can actually comb enough through your hair using a dipped in brush to clean it quite well. I usually shave too. I tend to just throw the remaining water over me at the end. If I can, I'll then go for a dip in a nearby lake/river.

This is the routine I use for my regular 6 day walks. Atleast every second day, e.g. Windermere and Kia Ora if I'm doing the OT. A subset can be done every evening. It keeps your sleeping bag liner nicer, and drier because you remove body salts.

Obviously you need a bit of privacy to do this, and it's important to stay away from any waterways. Until you're clean.

[Orion]

Indians have done without toilet paper for thousands of years, I've travelled through India for the last 9 years and always washed they way they wash, I actually prefer it when I'm there. Not so handy though if your caught without water?

I've done my share of that in India and Nepal and elsehwere, and even made doo without water on a couple of occasions. In many ways the squat toilet and bidet method is superior to what we have in the west, although I haven't tried the Japanese computerized toilets yet. But on the trip I was talking about I had no stove and was imagining trying to lathering up with the cold, cold water at 3500m at dawn. Remember, I was trying to save 35g. What would you have done?

[KANANGRABOYD]

Steve,
I use the absolute minimum in toiletries. My whole reason to post was to show the UL style..

Not even close to UL style - try .... a small bottle of eucalyptus oil, chammy, toothbrush and floss. You can maintain your hygiene and smell nice with that lot. It only requires a cup of water.

Ok Well my friend, give me a rundown of UL style in grams.
All the items are pretty light - the deodorant are the 11gm single use style items. I take mouthwash because dental hygiene is paramount to me- sure you can take nothing, but there will always be a balance between what you NEED and what you DON'T NEED. I choose what I showed. 175gms for a 14 day+ hike is not exactly heavyweight. I could if I really wanted to, to maybe shed another 30gms, but I'm not obsessed and wearing a cuben kilt and walking in ccf foam sandals with spectra cord.
I was just wanting to see what everyone else uses.
Actually my set up, is UL....your call mate.
Anyway, I'm packing for my 14 day trip, heading out in the morning to Dunphy's, then 14 days in Kanangra Boyd NP - can't wait.
Ohhhhhh, and I will smell and taste great!

[DannyS]

Indians have done without toilet paper for thousands of years, I've travelled through India for the last 9 years and always washed they way they wash, I actually prefer it when I'm there. Not so handy though if your caught without water?

I've done my share of that in India and Nepal and elsehwere, and even made doo without water on a couple of occasions. In many ways the squat toilet and bidet method is superior to what we have in the west, although I haven't tried the Japanese computerized toilets yet. But on the trip I was talking about I had no stove and was imagining trying to lathering up with the cold, cold water at 3500m at dawn. Remember, I was trying to save 35g. What would you have done?

Yeah there is no doubt that the squat toilets are by far much healthier for the body, funniest thing is when some Indians or Tibetans come across a western toilet, they will try to stand on the seat and squat I've had one tell me that he just can't go on a western toilet, he said it felt like he was sitting on a chair, very unnatural he reckons
I think the washing process is by far better than the western way also, I like it!
Lathering up at 3500m!, cold cold water! I don't know? Sitting in my lounge right now and it's not a very appealing thought. But when your out there and amongst it all! who knows anything is possible!? . But I'm not gonna to pretend I'm brave here

[stepbystep]

Here's a tip.

The human body is not designed to use deodorant, shampoo or soaps. Stop using them at home and after a few months the body will restore it's natural cleaning systems and you will have no need to use any of these items in the bush, just a bit of a splash with clean water to get rid of detritus/sweat and wear natural undergarments.

I have no b.o. problems and haven't used deodorant in over 8 years, I only use a basic natural body wash very occasionally at home and the same with washing my hair. all the natural oils have returned, it's a marketing ploy we've all been sucked into. Don't believe me? Come have a sniff

I do however carry the Red Seal brand herbal toothpaste(no flouride, your diet should give you plenty of that), a toothbrush and carry a chux.

EDIT: And don't stay in huts, they're filthy. I do take a hand sanitiser if I am doing that.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Absolute minimum would be nothing, wouldn't it? You don't need toiletries to survive.

I take a toothbrush, toothpaste, and t.p., about 50g total, most of which is t.p.
I'm not being obsessive about weight here. I really don't need anything else.

I once considered taking a 5g sliver of soap instead of toilet paper, just to save 35g.
But at the last minute I imagined vividly what I'd be doing each morning and packed the t.p.

Indians have done without toilet paper for thousands of years, I've travelled through India for the last 9 years and always washed they way they wash, I actually prefer it when I'm there. Not so handy though if your caught without water?

Now I'm intrigued, how does the indian do this? If it's safe to post here.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Eucalyptus oil
I'm even more intrigued with this. Must try this, thanks for the tip. I could probably do the same with the Dr Bronner's Soap, I like the idea of wetting your comb and brush your hair with the solution, one thing that bothers me out in the bush is not able to wash my hair everyday like I do at home. I found a solution that works fairly well, before a long hike, that is to get a hair cut. A very short hair cut.

[DannyS]

Absolute minimum would be nothing, wouldn't it? You don't need toiletries to survive.

I take a toothbrush, toothpaste, and t.p., about 50g total, most of which is t.p.
I'm not being obsessive about weight here. I really don't need anything else.

I once considered taking a 5g sliver of soap instead of toilet paper, just to save 35g.
But at the last minute I imagined vividly what I'd be doing each morning and packed the t.p.

Indians have done without toilet paper for thousands of years, I've travelled through India for the last 9 years and always washed they way they wash, I actually prefer it when I'm there. Not so handy though if your caught without water?

Now I'm intrigued, how does the indian do this? If it's safe to post here.

They go out into the fields with a small metal water vessel(a little like a shapely squat vase) they do what they have to do and then, remaining in the squat position, they run a slow trickle of water from behind with one hand and reach underneath to clean their bums with the other. They then use the remaining water to clean their hands. Very efficient, in the mornings you'll see loads of Indians squatting out in the fields doing their thing. And they're very skilful, you won't see anything exposed.

[matagi]

I have no b.o. problems and haven't used deodorant in over 8 years,

I remember causing a great deal of consternation amongst my tute group when I was at uni by announcing I hadn't used anti-perspirant for 10 years. They couldn't quite get their heads around the fact that I clearly didn't reek of BO yet didn't use anti-perspirant (which they had been indoctrinated to believe was obviously essential to good hygiene).

They got even more confused when I pointed out I could see no need to interfere with the function of a perfectly good sweat gland.

I will confess to using a spritz of perfume in the 'pits as a deodorant however.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Oh my. I prefer to use toilet paper. I can't help but think your hands would still have some residue left if only using water to clean your hands.

[DannyS]

:shock: Oh my. I prefer to use toilet paper. I can't help but think your hands would still have some residue left if only using water to clean your hands.

Yeah definitely, you have to wash your hands with soap after, water isn't enough.

[matagi]

Steve,
I use the absolute minimum in toiletries. My whole reason to post was to show the UL style..

Not even close to UL style - try .... a small bottle of eucalyptus oil, chammy, toothbrush and floss. You can maintain your hygiene and smell nice with that lot. It only requires a cup of water.

Ok Well my friend, give me a rundown of UL style in grams.
All the items are pretty light - the deodorant are the 11gm single use style items. I take mouthwash because dental hygiene is paramount to me- sure you can take nothing, but there will always be a balance between what you NEED and what you DON'T NEED. I choose what I showed. 175gms for a 14 day+ hike is not exactly heavyweight. I could if I really wanted to, to maybe shed another 30gms, but I'm not obsessed and wearing a cuben kilt and walking in ccf foam sandals with spectra cord.
I was just wanting to see what everyone else uses.
Actually my set up, is UL....your call mate.
Anyway, I'm packing for my 14 day trip, heading out in the morning to Dunphy's, then 14 days in Kanangra Boyd NP - can't wait.
Ohhhhhh, and I will smell and taste great!

I seem to have hit a nerve. I'm not at home to weigh my stuff, so I will let you know tomorrow.

See here for explanation of how my setup works:
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=14533&p=193572#p193527

[Orion]

:shock: Oh my. I prefer to use toilet paper. I can't help but think your hands would still have some residue left if only using water to clean your hands.

Yeah definitely, you have to wash your hands with soap after, water isn't enough.

And maybe a fingernail brush if you're going to be licking stuff off of your fingers later.

In Nepal traditionally you eat with your hand, using it as a scoop for the rice, lentils, etc. And you use only your right hand for this as the left one is reserved for the other purpose, soap and water notwithstanding.

[Orion]

I have no b.o. problems...

Are you sure? Ha ha. You can't always count on your friends to tell you.

Seriously, I don't think what you're saying is true for everybody.

I remember reading that Steve Jobs of Apple believed that he didn't need deodorant.
But according to co-workers and friends he was quite wrong about this.

[stepbystep]

:shock: Oh my. I prefer to use toilet paper. I can't help but think your hands would still have some residue left if only using water to clean your hands.

Yeah definitely, you have to wash your hands with soap after, water isn't enough.

Actually not true, it's been in your body for a cpl days already the only danger this bacteria has is to others and even then you're far more likely to give people germs by breathing near them, and yes of course I use bog roll. But don't let me stop you wasting money and resources

PS Orion come have a sniff anytime!!

[Orion]

:shock: Oh my. I prefer to use toilet paper. I can't help but think your hands would still have some residue left if only using water to clean your hands.

Yeah definitely, you have to wash your hands with soap after, water isn't enough.

Actually not true, it's been in your body for a cpl days already the only danger this bacteria has is to others and even then you're far more likely to give people germs by breathing near them, and yes of course I use bog roll. But don't let me stop you wasting money and resources

PS Orion come have a sniff anytime!!

I'm less interested in sniffing you than I am in watching you eat some of your own poo.

[Happy Pirate]

Ohhhhhh, and I will smell and taste great!

Personally whenever I smell the contrived whiff of artificial petrochemical perfume on a trail I go:
"PHEW!" There's someone who's more at home in a Gym than in the bush.
You will stand out like Poodle's Masculine Appendages more than some natural male pheromones.
And good luck with the "nubiles"
Steve

[Joomy]

:shock: Oh my. I prefer to use toilet paper. I can't help but think your hands would still have some residue left if only using water to clean your hands.

Hey Phil, I'm sure you have a BPL subscription, so check this out: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin ... _free.html

The Indians are certainly not the only ones He is almost convincing. Almost.

[MartyGwynne]

I take toothbrush in ziplock bag (holes drilled in the handle to save weight )
Toothpaste decanted into small (tiny) nalgene tub/pot depending upon how many days as to how full it is.
micro fibre towel (though i have forgotten this and used a chucks wipe)
Small chunk of sards wonder soap (it has eucalyptus oil in it) to wash hair/body/bum if a little bit of a lather up is required otherwise just water does the trick.
Tea tree oil as deodorant insect bite insect repellant tick flea leach and vampire bite treatment all purpose treatment (could also be used the same as eucalyptus oil as body wash).
I will stink a bit after a few days but so do all of us.
toilet paper and matches to burn the paper. depending upon how long Im out for depends upon if I take a new roll or partly used one - funny how little you use if you are nearly running out of it...
Lately I have started to use the sanitising hand wipes - handy for the lower end use too as it feels a little fresher sometimes.