Maintaining strict hand hygiene is fundamental, becoming especially important when camping or backpacking far from modern facilities. The wilderness presents unique challenges, such as rapid bacterial growth after handling raw food and the absence of plumbing to manage waste safely. Effective cleaning methods protect human health and uphold environmental preservation principles. Successfully navigating handwashing outdoors requires intentional preparation and adapting standard home techniques to a finite water supply and sensitive ecosystems.
Essential Supplies and Setup
Achieving hygienic and environmentally responsible handwashing outdoors begins with gathering the correct gear and selecting a wash location. Necessary supplies include certified biodegradable soap, a portable water container with a spigot or gravity-feed system, and a small catch basin or wash bucket. Biodegradable soap is formulated to break down quickly in soil, but it still requires proper disposal to prevent environmental harm.
Setting up the wash station requires strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles to protect natural water sources. The designated washing area must be located a minimum of 200 feet from all natural water bodies, including streams, lakes, and rivers. This distance ensures that runoff is naturally filtered by the soil before reaching the aquatic system. The station should also be situated at least 200 feet from trails and the main camp area to prevent attracting wildlife or creating unsanitary conditions.
The water source should be positioned to allow for hands-free operation, conserving water and maintaining sanitation. A gravity-fed system, such as a water bladder hung from a tree branch, works well, providing a manageable flow. Positioning the catch basin beneath the water flow collects all used water, known as gray water, before it touches the ground. This deliberate setup ensures the environment is protected and the process is efficient given the limited resources.
The Full Water-Based Washing Process
The most effective method for deep cleaning hands uses the prepared water-based system to ensure hygiene and minimal environmental impact. Begin by wetting the hands using minimal water from the gravity-fed source, then apply a small amount of biodegradable soap. Since concentrated formulas are common in camping soaps, only a few drops are needed to generate a sufficient lather.
The physical action of scrubbing is necessary to lift dirt, oils, and microbes from the skin’s surface. Hands should be rubbed together vigorously for a minimum of 20 seconds. Pay close attention to the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the fingernails. This duration is recommended to mechanically dislodge and suspend pathogens within the soap lather.
After scrubbing, rinse the hands completely, using the minimum amount of water necessary to remove all soap residue. The used, soapy water must be entirely contained within the catch basin for proper gray water management. Preventing this water from pooling or running off in a concentrated stream is crucial, as even biodegradable soap can harm aquatic life if it enters a water source directly.
Proper gray water disposal involves two separate steps to protect the ecosystem.
Solid Debris Removal
First, inspect the catch basin and strain out any solid debris, such as food particles, hair, or large bits of dirt, using a fine mesh strainer or bandana. These solids must be packed out with other trash. Leaving them behind can attract animals and disrupt their natural foraging behaviors.
Liquid Broadcasting
The remaining liquid gray water must then be dispersed across a wide area at the designated 200-foot distance from water, camp, and trails. This technique, known as broadcasting, involves scattering the water in a broad arc rather than dumping it in one spot. Spreading the water thinly over the soil allows sunlight and the soil’s natural microbial community to break down the organic components of the soap quickly and effectively.
Waterless Alternatives for Quick Clean-Up
While soap and water are the superior choice for thorough hand cleaning, waterless alternatives offer a convenient option for quick sanitization when deep cleaning is impractical. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol rapidly reduce the number of germs on hands. These products work by chemically killing microbes, offering a fast way to clean hands before handling a snack or performing a simple task.
Sanitizers have limitations, particularly when hands are visibly dirty or greasy from activities like cooking or handling gear. Dirt or grease can prevent the alcohol from effectively reaching and killing the germs. Furthermore, alcohol-based sanitizers are not effective against all types of pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium or norovirus, which require the physical removal action of soap and water.
Disposable sanitizing wipes also serve as a temporary solution for light cleaning but must be used judiciously. Nearly all wipes, even those labeled as “natural,” are not designed to break down quickly in the environment. Therefore, every used wipe must be placed in a sealed bag and packed out with other trash to maintain the integrity of the wilderness area.