One of the biggest challenges of living outside four walls is keeping yourself clean.

Keeping the stench down… My newest favorite way to refresh myself in the hot blazing sun is by what I call a “Shower in a Bottle.”  Find a little 4oz spray bottle at your local Whole Foods or health food store, fill it with water then add a few drops of your favorite essence oil.  Not only will this spray cool you down and smell good but its water, it’ll wash off the dirt, blood and chalk.

Second way to stay fresh is by keeping a baby wipe stash. Use these in your really stinky areas…  This is just a short term solution, putting off the inevitable   But the longer you can put it off, the better.

Keep water (5 galon jug) in you vehicle and some Dr. Bronner’s soap.  Always wash your hands when you live outside (and inside, for all that it matters). I try to keep the water-less antimicrobrial soap handy, but I really dont like that stuff.  But, its better than nothing. Super important to wash your hands before cooking and eating.

Finding Showers… is actually not as hard as it might seem.  A common spot for public showers might be a public pool, University, campground, laundromat, yoga studio, or a local climber’s house.  If you really dont know where to go, just ask the gear shop.  Most showers are pretty cheap, typically no more than five bucks.

Clean Clothes... ugh.  Going to the Laundromat is a pain in the ass, but can be a great rest day activity.

Certain fabrics will stay cleaner for longer though.  A lot of outdoor companies have picked up on the fact that we dont always wash our clothes on a regular basis, so they have found ways to minimize the stench.  Patagonia Capilene use to smell AWFUL!!!  I remember one of my favorite climbing shirts reeking all the time, even after I’d wash it. They have since changed their capilene… or maybe I just don’t smell as much????  Anyways, wool is a great smell reducer.  It has naturally occurring bacteria in the fabric that eats odors, or so they say. Some of my merino wool does end up stinking pretty bad.  You can just wash it by hand in some water though.  No need to pull out the detergent and cash. Gramicci also has a NPT line of clothing made with hemp that also reduces smell.

Another note about clothing.  I like to wear the same clothes, day after day after day after day.  I change my underwear and socks, but that’s it.  I tell myself this is ok because I was brought up watching cartoons, and they NEVER changed their clothes, so why should I?  Also, this makes sure that your clothes are actually really dirty before you through them in the stink bag.  Even with my street clothes, I like to wear them several times before I actually wash them.

Posing on a sweet block on top of Cathedral ledge in Tuolumne. Stinking is worth the views.

Ok, I hope that helps with some people on staying clean while playing hard in the outdoors.  Anyone else have any good suggestions?