Boundary Waters Canoe Trip Hygiene
We have all heard that cleanliness is next to Godliness. Yet, how do you maintain this cleanliness during a week-long Boundary Waters canoe trip? People ask us this all the time.
Well, truthfully, you will probably be a little dirty and smelly by the time your trip is over. Those last nights in a tent with someone else can get a little dicey. However, there are ways to maintain a level of cleanliness that is necessary to maintain your personal health, the health of others in your group, and everyone’s personal sanity, while also maintaining our natural resources.
Bathing in Canoe Country
Let’s start with bathing. The good news about any BWCA canoe trip is that you are never far from water. You canoe on it and you camp next to it.
And, you can swim in it. Taking a daily swim is the best way to wash the grime and grit off from a day of paddling and fishing. Just remember not to take any soap or shampoo into the lake with you.
If you really feel the need to use a little soap, use only biodegradable soap. However, even biodegradable soap pollutes. Make sure you are at least 200 feet from the shoreline when using soap. Use a bandana or other type of cloth to give yourself a sponge bath of sorts.
Try to avoid any use of shampoo while on your trip. A cap or bandana does wonders to cover up unwashed hair.
You can also choose to carry in and use wipes to do a little personal cleanup. Just remember to carry the used wipes out with you.
Even if you decide to not go for a swim, consider giving your feet a good washing. Many people swear that clean feet before bed is a ticket to a good night’s sleep in canoe country.
Keeping Your Hands Clean
If the coronavirus has taught us one thing, it is the benefit of hand washing. Hand washing is particularly important when in the wilderness because if you get sick, you can’t just go upstairs to bed. You are in the wilderness.
Always wash your hands after going to the bathroom. Use biodegradable soap and water, or use a quality waterless sanitizer. Keeping a bottle of sanitizer in your pocket is a good idea.
If you are touching food, make sure your hands are clean. Whether you are cooking or just grabbing a handful of trail mix, clean hands are crucial.
Dirty hands not only can get you sick, but also the other members of the paddling group. Also, remember that there are few things worse for the other members of your group when they realize you cooked them dinner without washing up, or that you contaminated the group’s bag of trail mix. Hand washing is a form of campsite courtesy.
Brushing Your Teeth
I suggest trying to brush your teeth once per day. This keeps your mouth fresh, but limits the amount of toothpaste you are using. You can always brush more times a day with just water.
Before brushing your teeth, move 200 feet away from the shoreline, as well as away from the campsite. Dig a shallow hole.
Apply a small amount of toothpaste to your brush and brush those teeth. Spit into the hole you have made, then backfill the hole and cover with pine needles and leaves.
You may also want to bring dental floss on your trip. Just remember to bring the used floss out of the wilderness with you.
Personal Trash
Finalize, plan to pack out personal trash. Bring a personal small trash bag (or bags) for any trash that you prefer not to put into the group’s trash bag. A roll of pet waste bags can work well. They are small and compact.
Healthy Paddlers Makes Happy Paddlers
Wilderness canoe trips are wonderful experiences. The beauty, combined with a sense of accomplishment, create great memories. Practicing basic hygiene will keep everyone healthy and happy on your BWCA canoe trip.
Paddle On. Be Free.
