Keeping clean in the woods (survival)

[gadgetgeek]

Bacteria shouldn't be a problem to your skin. However, on occasion you can get infested with bad bacteria (MRSA, necrotising faccitis), the ideal would be to keep only the good ones. Chaffing or scratches are a bigger problem. If you let dead skin build up, you can get fungus growth which your skin really doesn't like. But in general bacteria can't really build up, their waste products can, which leads to being a bit funky, but the bacteria themselves hit an equilibrium pretty quick.

I think a lot of the debate of cleaning gear actually comes down to the fact that people who clean gear tend to look after it, where as those who are of a more lase-fair mentality tend to also not treat their gear very well.

As for cleanliness and insulation, I've washed clothing and it was warmer after, but I suspect that was due to the mechanical washing process re-fluffing the insulation, rather than any actual removal of dirt. Same effect, different cause. unless you are living in a sleeping bag for weeks on end (which I have done) dirt and oil won't make that much of a difference, although it is nice to only have to wash a liner to get that clean bed feeling rather than the whole thing when there is no chance of drying out the bag.

 

[Sulaco]

There's a difference between being dirty and going without using soap or other sanitizers. Being dirty, you use water or sweat to get clean. Being in the woods long-term, your body gets used to not getting washed daily (or more often) and works like it was intended to. Sure you'll stink but you get used to that too. Teeth are a different story. You don't need toothpaste to get them clean. a toothpick and some way to remove tartar is all you need for the most part.

Keep your feet dry, your teeth clean and nature will do the rest.