There is a product you can make at home, that will work for several things in the field. It’s easy to make, and keeps well. It’s lip balm. You can also use it as hair conditioner, skin lotion, fire starter, and all the many other things you can use lip balm for. If you make some and put it in a small size deodorant container, you can use it for tons of things! Here’s how to make it. You just need three items, and a fourth, if you desire. First, you want some beeswax, also some coconut oil, and the third element should be either cocoa butter, or Shea butter. You want equal portions of those, and I would start with about 1/2 Cup of each of these. The best way to blend them is in a double boiler. If you want it scented/flavored, you can add a Tablespoon of food-grade essential oil into it. That’s the fourth ingredient. It’s not necessary, but most people like SOME flavor in it! Here’s a secret: you can also add some citronella oil to make it a bug repellent, but it won’t taste very good. So, anyway, you just melt it in a double boiler, and then pour it into the container. You really need a twist-up type container, because it will be as solid as any lip balm you buy. In fact, the recipe is the same as the original Burt’s Bees lip balm. If you have a microwave, it not a double boiler, you can use the microwave oven to melt it, but to keep it from catching on fire, you have to do it in times of ten seconds each, never longer than 10 seconds at a time. Anyway, it ends up being super easy to make, last’s such a long time, and is really inexpensive.
My version is a piece of the most fragrant beeswax you can find, melted in a double boiler, with a teaspoon of pure pharmaceutica mineral oil, -The kind that is given to small babies when they have colic. This oil will neither go rancid, nor dry. Mix it up to a consistency that will just slightly load. A finger tip, without being liquid or sloppy. I originally mixed this to protect my carbon steel cutting tools from rusting during the very humid central Canadian summers. The mix is also perfect for very likely waxing your carbon steel knives, as well as using it as a lip balm at bedtime. For me a very small Tupperware container from the supermarket well last several years. I originally used a variety of supposedly drying oils, but they all ended up rather crusty! Just use enough of the wax to lightly coat the steel in a thin layer. Wipe on with your finger and then slightly wipe it with whatever you have.
I should have mentioned that a piece of wax about the size of a small egg is plenty big enough to make a long lasting amount. Sorry about any misspelling but I’m dictating to my iPad, which seems to be having a bad day
I hike in Western Australia where winter is often like a pommy summer. Saw someone using talc on their feet and gave it try on my next trip. Found it very helpful at the end of a long warm day on the feet and in the gooch. Definitely getting one of those kitchen sinks.
I bought one of those Kitchen Sink's (same size as yours) off the back of your recommendation and your video from about 10 months ago on "How to Pack your Bushcraft Camping Gear into A Rucksack. One of the best buys for a long time for collecting water during rain, washing up after meals, personal washing, collecting foods etc...brilliant bit of kit! Cheers and all the best!
A tenner will be a pretty reasonable buy indeed! Good luck with it! it is exactly that, almost made for it, and soooo useful its incredible! All the best!
Only thing I can add is a small 100 % cotton Turkish towel. It will fold up to the size of a burrito 🌯 🤭. It's paper thin,light weight regardless of size, air dry within hours. Maybe you'll find it at Ikea or other bath specialty shops using keyword Turkish Beach towel. In the US, its available at BED BATH & BEYOND. I bought mine while in Turkey last summer. I won't travel without it anymore
I carry a small bottle of Dr. Bronner's liquid soap. Very mild, vegetable-based biodegradable. Use it to clean anything. Cleans exceptionally well and just a few drops works up a nice lather. I clean cookware with it, bathe and shave with it. I've used it at home and in the woods for 25 years. I also use a micro fleece washcloth. Wring it out after use and it's nearly dry enough to use as a towel. And it's anti-microbial. In wet weather a flannel is going to take forever to dry. Collapsible dog bowls are cheap and make great basins. I know this because I always have my furkid with me. Her bowl doubles as a basin. She doesn't seem to mind;) The small, travel-size containers of Gold Bond powder are indispensable for feet and all those places that get damp and chaffed. I carry a few wet wipes in a Ziplock bag as well. Good for a quick clean up, I like to use them before I turn in.
I've got a pretty similar kit, except I use toothpaste tablets (you just bite one until it foams and then you brush your teeth), also paper soap it is actually pretty good and shampoo ( I need it, sorry). Also have my floss, comb and small towel and big one that are extremely compact and dry fast. I wear merino wool so the shirt can last me a few days without smelling. I also have the kitchen sink that I used to use for my dog's water bowl...lol
Blue Dawn dishsoap is all you need. It is a good body and hair cleanser and you already have it for cleaning your pan and utensils anyway. Dawn is the brand you want because it is the most effective dishsoap and their blue dishsoap is the best. That is what they use for cleaning oil off the wildlife who hit the beach covered in oil spill. It's also what they use for dry clean only clothing without going to the dry cleaner - blue dawn, a washer full of cold water, a long soak without using the agitator, a little hand shaking of the clothes in the water, and then letting the machine rinse and spin dry.
I simply cannot stay clean at camp. Specially when tending the campfire and trying to make dinner. When water is in short supply as is often the case in the Florida Everglades it can be a challenge to stay clean.
Baby wipes, nail clippers, alcohol hand gel, and toothpicks to get dirt from under your nails. Do your best to clean your hands before cooking and eating especially.
Hi Paul, Some very good tips and ideas there. I notice that you pack a "Kitchen Sink" in your billy can. What size billy do you use please? I'm going to get both items and want to make sure I'm getting the correct size. Thank you. Mark
The Body Shop [UK] also does tubs of 'Maca Root Shave Cream' and despite what the name suggests it's actually a solid soap. So no leaky bottle worries, you only need take as much or little as needed for the trip and good for washing all other pits & bits as well.
I’m about to go spend a few weeks at our camp n wait for the ice to melt.. which will be about 3-4 weeks 😅 so I am looking for way to stay clean out there.. btw thank you very much
Love this! I'm going to be adding a kitchen sink with zebra can to my kit list! I use a jetboil at the moment, which is great for flash boiling etc. But I want to be able to cook on the fire too!
Good vid Paul, all too often overlooked. One thing I have is Archtek toothpaste tablets which I keep in a small plastic vial. Crunch em up, brush and bobs your uncle. You can also make your own toothpaste "dots" by squirting small blobs of toothpaste on some greaseproof paper and sticking them in the dehydrator until they're solid. And they don't freeze in the Arctic
Mad Dave Delany Good extra tips Dave thanks. I've heard of the dehydrator tip before - just never seem to have the time to do that sort of thing between trips! :)
Use the same soap you wash your body with to clean your teeth. Toothpaste is toxic anyhow, I haven't had a cavity in over 10 years since I quit sodium fluoride toothpaste, and the small ones I was getting filled in after I quit.
Good tip is to carry "hand sanitizer" (alcohol based) and use it sparingly to clean your self, in your rear, between your legs and arm pits, keeps fungus and other skin nasties away specially in hot humid weather. If you pack a small deodorant helps if you camp with a partner or friends, Antiperspirant may chafe and inhibits normal sweating thus not letting your body thermoregulate.
Hi John, it's not on my list for a reason - I used to use Mycil while on extended hiking trips but I found it made my loopstitch socks crusty and my feet more prone to blistering. I find simply washing my feet with soap and water much more effective. Cheers, Paul
Hi Paul, very useful video. I have been using a product called "Pits & Bits" you don't need to use any water just massage it on and wipe dry with a towel. They do a body wash and a shampoo, I got mine from Military Mart (Marvellous place and people) for £1.99 a 65ml bottle, really refreshing. Regards Simon
simon cook Yes, I had some stuff on test from Pits and Bits. I quite liked the liquid but still did not feel as clean as a flannel wash with a small bowl of hot water. I like their expanding wipes though - featured in the vid above. Very handy in certain circumstances. Cheers, Paul
As always, very good information!! I tend to use an MSR Dromedary beverage bag of 6l capacity with a shower cap (Ortlieb) on . I hang it up in a tree so that I can shower! Works very well. I prefer that to the kitchen sink. :-)
got any tips for women? Just getting into camping - I have a head of thick hair half way down my back. Dry shampoo only gets me so far - at some point I have to wash it! I was lucky that on my first camping trip I had one night at a b&b half way through the week to avoid Storm Brian, but otherwise I would need to use a ton of water to get my barnet clean, and be stuck with wet hair for hours if I'm not able to use a hair dryer - not really my idea of fun in under 10'C, and also warm and damp environments are a lovely breeding ground.
Quick query after reading one of ur responses regards billy size - my 10L S2S collapsible sink refuses to fit into 12cm billy (after much arguing lol): do u have smaller S2S sink, or did u mean 14cm billy (as we used on ur elementary course last year)? Loved that course - people, get on it! Wish i had the £ for the intermed course.
GreencampRhodie Hi Craig, The 10L may fit into the 14cm, I don't know. It's the 5 litre Sea-To-Summit kitchen sink that I use with my 12cm billy. I hope this helps. ATB, Paul PS I'll be running the Intermediate Course next year too... ;-)
Love the video. Something allot of people don't think about until its to late. Just to let you know, I use bar soap to shave with and it works great. ( That's all I use at home also)
Thanks. Glad you like the video. I find I get a rash if I use just soap as a matter of course. It's fine occasionally but my skin tells me I need to use something more!
I have really enjoyed your videos and blog, since discovering your channel a few months ago. I like the detail you provide in terms of "nuts and bolts" of bushcraft. Thanks for the great work!JS
For me, unscented soap. It will not let animals aware you are near from the smell you have from the soap. Another tip from RM Commandos. They do not use insect repellent for midges. The use Nivea moisturiser. Apparently they found out midges do not like this. So for that evening out try that. As for washing, a drysac works well also. Not as good as the sink, but still does the same thing if on a very tight budget. Like the video. Reminds me of the time in the army of putting it all in the mess tin in a drawstring plastic bag to keep it together. May have to do that again sometime.
william northcote Hi there, good to hear from you. Thanks for the extra tips. Avon Skin-So-Soft is another Scottish midge repellant. It does work but I really dislike the residue it leaves on my skin. Cheers, Paul
Nothing you come across in the outdoors compares with baby poo! Worthwhile checking baby cleaning products for camp hygiene and they're often in travel size too. I take biodegradable baby wipes. Wet, tough and even dry are stronger than tissues. I buy large packs and decant into a small biodegradable snack size zip lock bags.
Hey nice video Paul. How do you go about packing the wet flannel again? Are there any ways to get it dry again without holding it over a fire or is it just a case of once it's wet it's wet?
Camp Hygiene is the first and most important thing to consider. So many over look it in spite of kit and fancy ideas. Hygiene, Camp organisation and cleanliness comes first and is paramount in my book. I've never been in the army (despite being a current member of the SAS, LOL) but the services' teach hygiene and organisation first right ? There's a reason why. I've found that those who don't know basic hygiene are also the ones who don't know how to place a knife and fork when they're done. NB : The best road houses and highway restaurants are the ones with the cleanest and best smelling toilets. There's a parallel lesson there folks !
Ade Larsen Hi Ade, nice to hear from you. Good points and well made - hygiene is certainly a part of self-discipline in the outdoors and something that needs to be maintained. People worry about all sorts of survival situations. Infections and infestations are much more likely....
Baby wipes saves on water and toilet paper and can be disposed if in a fire toothbrush and paste yes you can also use charcoal for toothpaste comb is a nice touch shaving has disadvantages you could cut yourself leads to infection etc best to grow a beard then do it at home yes you can shave I learnt in the army but that was only really for a better seal for the respirator
Dehydrated coin wipes are great, HOWEVER, bring more than you need. The process of pressing them into coins can nip a hole in the corner…which is then multiplied like the holes in a child’s cutout paper snowflake. You don’t want to find out that the last one you’ve got looks like Swiss cheese if you can help it.
In the northern hemisphere there are no widespread pathogens or parasites in untreated water that can penetrate an intact healthy skin, so you don't always have to boil water for everything.
liam meakin I'm not a fan of the dry wash soaps as I don't feel particularly clean after using them. Biodegradable is highly recommended. Traditional soaps are just fat and wood tar remember...
Jason Ramler Do you mean drinking water? Typically boil but sometimes use a filter and/or chemicals. It depends on the circumstances. Here's an article that will help: paulkirtley.co.uk/2011/water-purification-5-contaminants-you-need-to-know-about/
Paul Kirtley Thanks for the great advice Paul. I guess to further clarify my question. For hand washing, can you get by with "clean" looking lake or stream water and soap or should washing water be treated ( and for drinking I read your article which was very helpful, although when boiling water, how long should water be left boiling before it's safe (even a ballpark estimate would be helpful just to be on the safe side) Thanks again
+Abraxis86 Yes, washing clothing with soap works very well. It's important to keep clothing clean to both maintain personal hygiene but also the function of the clothing.
Not a bad video, but it's about camping supplies, not about maintaining hygiene in a survival situation. I'm not trying to complain, but when I try to expand my survival knowledge, all I seem to find is basic camping information that any outdoorsman already knows. Anyone know where I can get real wilderness survival info?
Hi Paul. Honestly, you don't really need to tout yourself so much at the beginning of your vids. It comes off like an ad, which I find somewhat off-putting, and it's not really necessary. Your good vids speak for themselves. Many thanks.
Fair comment. This is one of my earliest vids. I've learned a lot since then. Thanks for the constructive criticism though - it's always appreciated. ATB, Paul
There was clearly no "hate" expressed, or do you understand the word that you flourish so readily,. Catching a ride on a popular bullshit utterance, are you? Fork Off.
Probably get lynched by someone lol but my personal care kit consists of, Simple (brand) non scented soap, straight (cut throat) razor, microfiber face cloth and towels, gerber mini suspension S, tea tree and mint shampoo in air travel bottles, toilet paper and sanitizer gel.
replace lotion with chapstick. can be used on all skin, is thicker so a little goes a long way and you just need a dab to the affected area. preferably burt's bees original flavor which (i believe) doesn't require constant re-application
camocarper24871 Thanks for your comment. My feet are in good shape! Foot powder is not on my personal list for a reason - I used to use Mycil while on extended hiking trips but I found it made my loopstitch socks crusty and my feet more prone to blistering. I find simply washing my feet with soap and water much more effective. ATB, Paul
no you do not want introduce soap into the water system the soap reduces surface tension and affects the eco system the leave no trace rule is 200 ft from a water source
Hi, im Paul Stormborn of House Kirtley Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons. Is that what you would have us hear?
So how would you manage it in a real survival situation? Like you know you could be stranded out there for at least a year. I know it's very unlikely but lets just say. Because I'm thinking looking for herbs with antiseptic properties like hedge wound wort and infusing them with hot water, for the teeth I'm unsure. My friend said that just swimming in a river is sufficient to wash I really said that is idiotic. There is different types of unseen bad bacteria that can stll get absorbed into the mouth and skin. He also doesn't really use soap. Now I tend to agree with him about the man made products, that is why I'm using herbal soaps and body washes, a company called faith in nature, but no soap at all is a bit stupid, because they even used an antibacterial herb in the bible times called hyssop, this is what The good Lord told me when I asked him.
Great video, Its a topic that isn't covered much, I mostly use those hotel bars of soap, and the shower gels when the bottles are empty, I refill them with my own shampoo, each of the bottles I have hold 30ml, and enough for a couple of washes, (but I do have long hair), Once again for a great informative video, Ady WorldWide Bushcraft , com
Paranoid092 Hi Ady, good to hear from you. Yes those little single-use/hotel portions of soap and shampoo are very handy, particularly the little plastic bottles which can be reused with your own preferred products. ATB, Paul
way too much for a backpack hike! Small bottle of dr. bronners for everything, short handle toothbrush,dried out dabs of toothpaste(no tubes!),no shaving stuff, small knife=yes!,
Video is okay but it's really outdated in some regards: Standard soap or shampoo outdoors? Big nono. You need to use 100% biodegradable soap for all of it and even that one should be used very very very moderately and away from water sources. Shaving can be done with that stuff as well. No need for extra shaving creams that will pollute water and soil. Also you don't burn toilet paper (or any other garbage for that matter) outside. You put it in a zip-lock bag and carry that stuff out. Especially if you're only on a few days short trip.
Samurailord Old fashioned soap is biodegradable as it is a very simple recipe based on natural materials. I agree you don't burn toilet paper if there is fire risk but otherwise putting it into a plastic bag (more waste both in production and disposal) to go into garbage at home (which goes to landfill) is hypocritical. Better to burn it in the bush.
Paul Kirtley Old fashioned soap is not biodegradable. Just because it's made out of natural materials doesn't mean that those materials just magically disappear once they are in the water / ground. Most of them don't and have a negative impact on the environment. Also there is no such thing as "old fashioned" shampoo that is made out of natural ingredients. And in your case.. a "medicated" shampoo is even more harmful to the environment. I'm not trying to be a dick here but just adding some information because i love nature and the outdoors. You seem like a great guy and i've enjoyed your video.
Paul. That razor is an abomination! Have you looked at using a double edge (DE) safety razor. Vastly superior shave. 5p a blade if you buy in bulk. I have a lovely Merkur razor that collapses into a tiny little leather pouch (literally 40mm square by 10mm). 10 new blades (say Derby Extra) in a small plastic cartridge might last you three months in the bush and weigh almost nothing. Way more bushcraft savvy than a cartridge razor!
Love that English blackbird singing in the background !
Yes, and nice that you noticed :-)
There is a product you can make at home, that will work for several things in the field. It’s easy to make, and keeps well. It’s lip balm. You can also use it as hair conditioner, skin lotion, fire starter, and all the many other things you can use lip balm for. If you make some and put it in a small size deodorant container, you can use it for tons of things!
Here’s how to make it. You just need three items, and a fourth, if you desire. First, you want some beeswax, also some coconut oil, and the third element should be either cocoa butter, or Shea butter.
You want equal portions of those, and I would start with about 1/2 Cup of each of these.
The best way to blend them is in a double boiler.
If you want it scented/flavored, you can add a Tablespoon of food-grade essential oil into it. That’s the fourth ingredient. It’s not necessary, but most people like SOME flavor in it!
Here’s a secret: you can also add some citronella oil to make it a bug repellent, but it won’t taste very good.
So, anyway, you just melt it in a double boiler, and then pour it into the container. You really need a twist-up type container, because it will be as solid as any lip balm you buy. In fact, the recipe is the same as the original Burt’s Bees lip balm.
If you have a microwave, it not a double boiler, you can use the microwave oven to melt it, but to keep it from catching on fire, you have to do it in times of ten seconds each, never longer than 10 seconds at a time. Anyway, it ends up being super easy to make, last’s such a long time, and is really inexpensive.
So its basically vaslin
My version is a piece of the most fragrant beeswax you can find, melted in a double boiler, with a teaspoon of pure pharmaceutica mineral oil, -The kind that is given to small babies when they have colic. This oil will neither go rancid, nor dry. Mix it up to a consistency that will just slightly load. A finger tip, without being liquid or sloppy. I originally mixed this to protect my carbon steel cutting tools from rusting during the very humid central Canadian summers. The mix is also perfect for very likely waxing your carbon steel knives, as well as using it as a lip balm at bedtime. For me a very small Tupperware container from the supermarket well last several years. I originally used a variety of supposedly drying oils, but they all ended up rather crusty! Just use enough of the wax to lightly coat the steel in a thin layer. Wipe on with your finger and then slightly wipe it with whatever you have.
I should have mentioned that a piece of wax about the size of a small egg is plenty big enough to make a long lasting amount. Sorry about any misspelling but I’m dictating to my iPad, which seems to be having a bad day
I hike in Western Australia where winter is often like a pommy summer. Saw someone using talc on their feet and gave it try on my next trip. Found it very helpful at the end of a long warm day on the feet and in the gooch. Definitely getting one of those kitchen sinks.
If you're a young to mid age adult, do NOT put talc near your reproductive organs. You can research this yourself.
What size Billy can does the kitchen sink nest in?
That's a Victorinox Classic --great on a key chain or travelling anywhere. Manicure set in a compact package.
A very handy multi tool. I lost mine several days a go.
I bought one of those Kitchen Sink's (same size as yours) off the back of your recommendation and your video from about 10 months ago on "How to Pack your Bushcraft Camping Gear into A Rucksack. One of the best buys for a long time for collecting water during rain, washing up after meals, personal washing, collecting foods etc...brilliant bit of kit! Cheers and all the best!
jediknightofthewoods Great stuff - I'm glad you've found it as useful as I do! ;)
Mad Jack Tramper Good stuff, was just about to have a look for you, its the Sea to Summit one but shop around for a deal on it!
A tenner will be a pretty reasonable buy indeed! Good luck with it! it is exactly that, almost made for it, and soooo useful its incredible! All the best!
What a result mate! Nice one! lol! Its a great little addition to the kit four seasons round! All the best!
@@PaulKirtleyIs your billycan the 12cm or 14cm model?
Only thing I can add is a small 100 % cotton Turkish towel. It will fold up to the size of a burrito 🌯 🤭. It's paper thin,light weight regardless of size, air dry within hours. Maybe you'll find it at Ikea or other bath specialty shops using keyword Turkish Beach towel. In the US, its available at BED BATH & BEYOND. I bought mine while in Turkey last summer. I won't travel without it anymore
I got a lil tip for the toothpaste tube: grab one those chip clips and put it on the end of it to keep from unrolling.
I carry a small bottle of Dr. Bronner's liquid soap. Very mild, vegetable-based biodegradable. Use it to clean anything. Cleans exceptionally well and just a few drops works up a nice lather. I clean cookware with it, bathe and shave with it. I've used it at home and in the woods for 25 years. I also use a micro fleece washcloth. Wring it out after use and it's nearly dry enough to use as a towel. And it's anti-microbial. In wet weather a flannel is going to take forever to dry. Collapsible dog bowls are cheap and make great basins. I know this because I always have my furkid with me. Her bowl doubles as a basin. She doesn't seem to mind;)
The small, travel-size containers of Gold Bond powder are indispensable for feet and all those places that get damp and chaffed. I carry a few wet wipes in a Ziplock bag as well. Good for a quick clean up, I like to use them before I turn in.
I've got a pretty similar kit, except I use toothpaste tablets (you just bite one until it foams and then you brush your teeth), also paper soap it is actually pretty good and shampoo ( I need it, sorry). Also have my floss, comb and small towel and big one that are extremely compact and dry fast. I wear merino wool so the shirt can last me a few days without smelling. I also have the kitchen sink that I used to use for my dog's water bowl...lol
Blue Dawn dishsoap is all you need. It is a good body and hair cleanser and you already have it for cleaning your pan and utensils anyway. Dawn is the brand you want because it is the most effective dishsoap and their blue dishsoap is the best. That is what they use for cleaning oil off the wildlife who hit the beach covered in oil spill. It's also what they use for dry clean only clothing without going to the dry cleaner - blue dawn, a washer full of cold water, a long soak without using the agitator, a little hand shaking of the clothes in the water, and then letting the machine rinse and spin dry.
two flannels
one for the face and hand
the second for the neather regions and drying feet
Make certain they have different colors!
Yes, yes, yes! Or just use your hands for your face, that's what I do now. Do not use the flannel you wash your bum with on your face!
I simply cannot stay clean at camp. Specially when tending the campfire and trying to make dinner. When water is in short supply as is often the case in the Florida Everglades it can be a challenge to stay clean.
Baby wipes, nail clippers, alcohol hand gel, and toothpicks to get dirt from under your nails.
Do your best to clean your hands before cooking and eating especially.
Hi Paul, Some very good tips and ideas there. I notice that you pack a "Kitchen Sink" in your billy can. What size billy do you use please? I'm going to get both items and want to make sure I'm getting the correct size. Thank you. Mark
+Mark Ninnim Hi Mark, it's the 12cm Zebra billy in use here. The 5 litre Kitchen Sink fits in it perfectly ;-) Warm regards, Paul
The Body Shop [UK] also does tubs of 'Maca Root Shave Cream' and despite what the name suggests it's actually a solid soap. So no leaky bottle worries, you only need take as much or little as needed for the trip and good for washing all other pits & bits as well.
Bishop Howells Another good tip. Thanks.
I’m about to go spend a few weeks at our camp n wait for the ice to melt.. which will be about 3-4 weeks 😅 so I am looking for way to stay clean out there.. btw thank you very much
Love this! I'm going to be adding a kitchen sink with zebra can to my kit list! I use a jetboil at the moment, which is great for flash boiling etc. But I want to be able to cook on the fire too!
Good vid Paul, all too often overlooked. One thing I have is Archtek toothpaste tablets which I keep in a small plastic vial. Crunch em up, brush and bobs your uncle. You can also make your own toothpaste "dots" by squirting small blobs of toothpaste on some greaseproof paper and sticking them in the dehydrator until they're solid. And they don't freeze in the Arctic
Mad Dave Delany Good extra tips Dave thanks. I've heard of the dehydrator tip before - just never seem to have the time to do that sort of thing between trips! :)
Use the same soap you wash your body with to clean your teeth. Toothpaste is toxic anyhow, I haven't had a cavity in over 10 years since I quit sodium fluoride toothpaste, and the small ones I was getting filled in after I quit.
i'd replace flannel with microfiber cleaning cloth because it doubles as a towel (after washing you just wring it out and use it to dry yourself)
Good tip is to carry "hand sanitizer" (alcohol based) and use it sparingly to clean your self, in your rear, between your legs and arm pits, keeps fungus and other skin nasties away specially in hot humid weather. If you pack a small deodorant helps if you camp with a partner or friends, Antiperspirant may chafe and inhibits normal sweating thus not letting your body thermoregulate.
***** Yes, indeed that is a good tip. There is hand sanitiser in the toilet pack, often referred to as alco-gel.
Thankyou. Appreciate it.
Flannel =terrycloth. I like alcohol wipes best for cleaning up they're pretty useful getting a fire started when it's wet out too!
Hi Paul, Mike from NZ (originally from Leeds), Just subd and really like you videos and help in them, cheers Mike
Cheers Paul. Yes, looking at the comments below a decent foot powder should definitely be on your kit list.
John
Hi John, it's not on my list for a reason - I used to use Mycil while on extended hiking trips but I found it made my loopstitch socks crusty and my feet more prone to blistering. I find simply washing my feet with soap and water much more effective. Cheers, Paul
Fair comment Paul
Thanks for making this video Paul!
Aaron L You're very welcome Aaron.
Awesome kit!
+William Lee Glad you like it :-)
Nice! What size Billy can is that?
+Paul Kirtley Where is theis video you mention about going to the bathroom in the woods? you mentioned it at 6:30
Hi Paul, very useful video. I have been using a product called "Pits & Bits" you don't need to use any water just massage it on and wipe dry with a towel. They do a body wash and a shampoo, I got mine from Military Mart (Marvellous place and people) for £1.99 a 65ml bottle, really refreshing.
Regards
Simon
simon cook Yes, I had some stuff on test from Pits and Bits. I quite liked the liquid but still did not feel as clean as a flannel wash with a small bowl of hot water. I like their expanding wipes though - featured in the vid above. Very handy in certain circumstances. Cheers, Paul
As always, very good information!! I tend to use an MSR Dromedary beverage bag of 6l capacity with a shower cap (Ortlieb) on . I hang it up in a tree so that I can shower! Works very well. I prefer that to the kitchen sink. :-)
Patrick GEVAERT Thanks and good tip re the Dromedary/shower combo. ATB, Paul
Thank you Paul
got any tips for women? Just getting into camping - I have a head of thick hair half way down my back. Dry shampoo only gets me so far - at some point I have to wash it! I was lucky that on my first camping trip I had one night at a b&b half way through the week to avoid Storm Brian, but otherwise I would need to use a ton of water to get my barnet clean, and be stuck with wet hair for hours if I'm not able to use a hair dryer - not really my idea of fun in under 10'C, and also warm and damp environments are a lovely breeding ground.
Quick query after reading one of ur responses regards billy size - my 10L S2S collapsible sink refuses to fit into 12cm billy (after much arguing lol): do u have smaller S2S sink, or did u mean 14cm billy (as we used on ur elementary course last year)? Loved that course - people, get on it! Wish i had the £ for the intermed course.
GreencampRhodie Hi Craig, The 10L may fit into the 14cm, I don't know. It's the 5 litre Sea-To-Summit kitchen sink that I use with my 12cm billy. I hope this helps. ATB, Paul PS I'll be running the Intermediate Course next year too... ;-)
Where can I get medicare shampoo? What brand pf lotion are u using?
Love the video. Something allot of people don't think about until its to late. Just to let you know, I use bar soap to shave with and it works great. ( That's all I use at home also)
Thanks. Glad you like the video. I find I get a rash if I use just soap as a matter of course. It's fine occasionally but my skin tells me I need to use something more!
I have really enjoyed your videos and blog, since discovering your channel a few months ago. I like the detail you provide in terms of "nuts and bolts" of bushcraft. Thanks for the great work!JS
For me, unscented soap. It will not let animals aware you are near from the smell you have from the soap.
Another tip from RM Commandos. They do not use insect repellent for midges. The use Nivea moisturiser. Apparently they found out midges do not like this. So for that evening out try that.
As for washing, a drysac works well also. Not as good as the sink, but still does the same thing if on a very tight budget.
Like the video. Reminds me of the time in the army of putting it all in the mess tin in a drawstring plastic bag to keep it together. May have to do that again sometime.
william northcote Hi there, good to hear from you. Thanks for the extra tips. Avon Skin-So-Soft is another Scottish midge repellant. It does work but I really dislike the residue it leaves on my skin. Cheers, Paul
Nothing you come across in the outdoors compares with baby poo! Worthwhile checking baby cleaning products for camp hygiene and they're often in travel size too. I take biodegradable baby wipes. Wet, tough and even dry are stronger than tissues. I buy large packs and decant into a small biodegradable snack size zip lock bags.
Hey nice video Paul. How do you go about packing the wet flannel again? Are there any ways to get it dry again without holding it over a fire or is it just a case of once it's wet it's wet?
This is amazing. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing.
that is a great video paul . that helps alot i wont take so much stuff with me now. and i learned from it aswell. thank you atb mo
mobile1959 Thanks Mo!
Camp Hygiene is the first and most important thing to consider. So many over look it in spite of kit and fancy ideas.
Hygiene, Camp organisation and cleanliness comes first and is paramount in my book.
I've never been in the army (despite being a current member of the SAS, LOL) but the services' teach hygiene and organisation first right ? There's a reason why.
I've found that those who don't know basic hygiene are also the ones who don't know how to place a knife and fork when they're done.
NB : The best road houses and highway restaurants are the ones with the cleanest and best smelling toilets. There's a parallel lesson there folks !
Ade Larsen Hi Ade, nice to hear from you. Good points and well made - hygiene is certainly a part of self-discipline in the outdoors and something that needs to be maintained. People worry about all sorts of survival situations. Infections and infestations are much more likely....
Shave oil is intended to be used with a shave cream/soap on top of it. So be careful. 🧐🇬🇧
Baby wipes saves on water and toilet paper and can be disposed if in a fire toothbrush and paste yes you can also use charcoal for toothpaste comb is a nice touch shaving has disadvantages you could cut yourself leads to infection etc best to grow a beard then do it at home yes you can shave I learnt in the army but that was only really for a better seal for the respirator
sod carrying a GSR
Tienes artículos muy interesantes
Gracias!
why not use the soap for shaving foam? and i have never snapped a plastic razor whilst camping ever
A well warn wash cloth would be good, I don't remember who said hand sanitizer, but they are tougher then I am.
brenda alexander Wash cloths are good. Some hot water and a good flannel wash makes you feel new again :-)
👍
Good ideas. Thank you. Keep up the good work.
Thanks William
Thank you Paul! Another great video! All the Best!
Dehydrated coin wipes are great, HOWEVER, bring more than you need. The process of pressing them into coins can nip a hole in the corner…which is then multiplied like the holes in a child’s cutout paper snowflake. You don’t want to find out that the last one you’ve got looks like Swiss cheese if you can help it.
Great videos Paul, re; moisturiser have you used climb on bar? Made for rock climbers it's fantastic on dry skin, callouses, scabs etc
Thanks for the tip. Will have to give it a go.
should be water boiled or somehow treated before wash your body, particularly ears, eyes, mouth?
In the northern hemisphere there are no widespread pathogens or parasites in untreated water that can penetrate an intact healthy skin, so you don't always have to boil water for everything.
+wojtekimbier skin yes,but there is a chance to get infection through eyes, ears or just rinsing your mouth for example. that s what i meant
+wojtekimbier skin yes,but there is a chance to get infection through eyes, ears or just rinsing your mouth for example. that s what i meant
Hey! And where is your hair gel?
Great vid paul what do you think about these biodegradable camping soaps on the market and dry wash soaps
liam meakin I'm not a fan of the dry wash soaps as I don't feel particularly clean after using them. Biodegradable is highly recommended. Traditional soaps are just fat and wood tar remember...
Do you pack your dental floss out with you or have you managed to find some that's biodegradable/burn able? If so what brand is it please?
Hi Paul. How do you get a clean source of cold water when you're out for days.
Jason Ramler Do you mean drinking water? Typically boil but sometimes use a filter and/or chemicals. It depends on the circumstances. Here's an article that will help: paulkirtley.co.uk/2011/water-purification-5-contaminants-you-need-to-know-about/
Paul Kirtley Thanks for the great advice Paul. I guess to further clarify my question. For hand washing, can you get by with "clean" looking lake or stream water and soap or should washing water be treated ( and for drinking I read your article which was very helpful, although when boiling water, how long should water be left boiling before it's safe (even a ballpark estimate would be helpful just to be on the safe side)
Thanks again
What about keeping clothes clean on longer trips? Just wash them with soap?
+Abraxis86 Yes, washing clothing with soap works very well. It's important to keep clothing clean to both maintain personal hygiene but also the function of the clothing.
Thanks Paul. Really appreciated this video! I'll go on a wild camping trip this month ;)
*Takes notes. Subscribes.*
Not a bad video, but it's about camping supplies, not about maintaining hygiene in a survival situation. I'm not trying to complain, but when I try to expand my survival knowledge, all I seem to find is basic camping information that any outdoorsman already knows. Anyone know where I can get real wilderness survival info?
Hi Paul. Honestly, you don't really need to tout yourself so much at the beginning of your vids. It comes off like an ad, which I find somewhat off-putting, and it's not really necessary. Your good vids speak for themselves. Many thanks.
Fair comment. This is one of my earliest vids. I've learned a lot since then. Thanks for the constructive criticism though - it's always appreciated. ATB, Paul
All the best, Paul. Look forward to more interesting vids.
Dont worry about the hater. u do u.
There was clearly no "hate" expressed, or do you understand the word that you flourish so readily,. Catching a ride on a popular bullshit utterance, are you? Fork Off.
Why do people find fault and judgement when its just as easy to not respond in a neg. Way??
Wilderness ASMR with actual tips instead of bullshite thanks Paul!
Probably get lynched by someone lol but my personal care kit consists of, Simple (brand) non scented soap, straight (cut throat) razor, microfiber face cloth and towels, gerber mini suspension S, tea tree and mint shampoo in air travel bottles, toilet paper and sanitizer gel.
Why are we shaving in the wild?
+Beau LaForge Why are we shaving at all?
Very well thought out and outfitted bit of kit there. Would love to see more videos like this. Maybe go over the different first aid kits you carry?
replace lotion with chapstick. can be used on all skin, is thicker so a little goes a long way and you just need a dab to the affected area. preferably burt's bees original flavor which (i believe) doesn't require constant re-application
Where is your foot powder? Keep your feet in good shape too.
camocarper24871 Thanks for your comment. My feet are in good shape! Foot powder is not on my personal list for a reason - I used to use Mycil while on extended hiking trips but I found it made my loopstitch socks crusty and my feet more prone to blistering. I find simply washing my feet with soap and water much more effective. ATB, Paul
Just find a fast flowing river some soap and a flannel job done !
You don't even need soap, some campfire ash will do (once it's cooled obviously).
no you do not want introduce soap into the water system
the soap reduces surface tension and affects the eco system
the leave no trace rule is 200 ft from a water source
That's a good bit of stuff. Just go hairy! Shave when you get home.
sound vid i can save a bit more space i don't need a comb
*****
That's fair enough!
Combs are handy if you have hair. Helps keep things from growing in your hair/scalp! ;-)
If you are going to mention these products, why not include the links for your readers? Excellent suggestions.
Does anyone know what Tarp that is?
Thanks in advanced.
+05Rudey Hilleberg I think
*****
Cool, Thanks. Looks a good'n.
yeah its one that keeps water off.. hope that helps 😀
No deodorant?
+Rich Ellis Why ?? Your in a forest not a night club !
Anyone else just shave with water? Don't need a mirror to shave, just feel where you've shaved
Hi, im Paul Stormborn of House Kirtley
Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons.
Is that what you would have us hear?
So how would you manage it in a real survival situation? Like you know you could be stranded out there for at least a year. I know it's very unlikely but lets just say. Because I'm thinking looking for herbs with antiseptic properties like hedge wound wort and infusing them with hot water, for the teeth I'm unsure. My friend said that just swimming in a river is sufficient to wash I really said that is idiotic. There is different types of unseen bad bacteria that can stll get absorbed into the mouth and skin. He also doesn't really use soap. Now I tend to agree with him about the man made products, that is why I'm using herbal soaps and body washes, a company called faith in nature, but no soap at all is a bit stupid, because they even used an antibacterial herb in the bible times called hyssop, this is what The good Lord told me when I asked him.
I dont even use these items at home. Hygiene, pfffftttt...
Great video, Its a topic that isn't covered much, I mostly use those hotel bars of soap, and the shower gels when the bottles are empty, I refill them with my own shampoo, each of the bottles I have hold 30ml, and enough for a couple of washes, (but I do have long hair), Once again for a great informative video,
Ady WorldWide Bushcraft , com
Paranoid092 Hi Ady, good to hear from you. Yes those little single-use/hotel portions of soap and shampoo are very handy, particularly the little plastic bottles which can be reused with your own preferred products. ATB, Paul
way too much for a backpack hike! Small bottle of dr. bronners for everything, short handle toothbrush,dried out dabs of toothpaste(no tubes!),no shaving stuff, small knife=yes!,
Only an Englishman would shave while in the woods, don't want to look native.
Chowder Stevens *soldiers in the military too
great stuff paul im pleased to say my rat packs are not far short of yours lol
+Tony Cheetham Thanks Tony
Needed this to prepare for a zombie apocalypse- 👍🤠
I know it's puerile and silly and I should be ashamed of myself but I did a lol at the smut inherent in this video title.
Never heard of this guy.
instead of washing your balls all the time just knock them off with a sharp hatchet and store them in a jar.. saves washing on camping trips.
+Daniel Stevens I'll watch your video on this once you've made it ;-)
Please don't burn your toilet paper. Many fires are started that way. It's just toilet paper. Don't risk it.
This is not what I looked for when I searched how to trim your bush
Ok, aber warum zeigst du da eine fck plastik zahnbürste , statt einer biologisch abbaubaren aus bambus oder holz ???
He obviously does not go out in bear country.
I don't believe bears live in england
You're a genius
Thanks m8
And self promoting. Have I told you how marvellous I think I am?
You never mentioned washing your arse and how to keep it clean.
Ha , Ha , Ha, good answer. I have been in a situation in the woods with no paper, boy those stinging nettles are no fun to wipe with.
Video is okay but it's really outdated in some regards:
Standard soap or shampoo outdoors? Big nono. You need to use 100% biodegradable soap for all of it and even that one should be used very very very moderately and away from water sources. Shaving can be done with that stuff as well. No need for extra shaving creams that will pollute water and soil.
Also you don't burn toilet paper (or any other garbage for that matter) outside. You put it in a zip-lock bag and carry that stuff out. Especially if you're only on a few days short trip.
Samurailord Old fashioned soap is biodegradable as it is a very simple recipe based on natural materials. I agree you don't burn toilet paper if there is fire risk but otherwise putting it into a plastic bag (more waste both in production and disposal) to go into garbage at home (which goes to landfill) is hypocritical. Better to burn it in the bush.
Paul Kirtley Old fashioned soap is not biodegradable. Just because it's made out of natural materials doesn't mean that those materials just magically disappear once they are in the water / ground. Most of them don't and have a negative impact on the environment. Also there is no such thing as "old fashioned" shampoo that is made out of natural ingredients. And in your case.. a "medicated" shampoo is even more harmful to the environment.
I'm not trying to be a dick here but just adding some information because i love nature and the outdoors. You seem like a great guy and i've enjoyed your video.
EarlGrey If it makes you feel better people are burning tires in 3rd worlds everyday.
Paul. That razor is an abomination! Have you looked at using a double edge (DE) safety razor. Vastly superior shave. 5p a blade if you buy in bulk. I have a lovely Merkur razor that collapses into a tiny little leather pouch (literally 40mm square by 10mm). 10 new blades (say Derby Extra) in a small plastic cartridge might last you three months in the bush and weigh almost nothing. Way more bushcraft savvy than a cartridge razor!
Talks way toooo much. Give us the how and why in three minutes. Thanks.
Why bother with shaving ?
i would definitely add a deodorant. :)
Tsss. Never seen such a crap. Really. I am not sure what you are searching in woods.
Crap.