Backcountry Hygiene and Sanitation
Keep Hands and Fingers Clean
Much (and probably most) intestinal illness experienced during or after an extended outdoor adventure is due
to poor hygiene, particularly unwashed hands.
Solution:
Carry a hand sanitizer (available as a gel or as wipes; always pack out wipes). Use them after bowel
movements and before handling food. Very handy for use when you’re on the move or water is not
nearby.
Soap and water are considered by some experts to be a most through hand-cleansing option because
the act physically rubs and rinses away everything from dirt to unseen microorganisms. But the rubbing
action involved with sanitizers may accomplish the same result.
Important: Never use soap directly in a water source.
Clostridium difficile, a spore-forming bacterium sometimes found in fecal matter, is resistant to
sanitizers and requires hand washing for removal.
Keep Soap Far from Lakes and Streams
Soap residue contains nutriments that can spur algae growth in otherwise pristine water, and algae can spawn
populations of disease-causing microorganisms. It’s a problem that’s on the increase, according to backcountry
water researcher.
Solution:
Bring a lightweight portable sink and carry bathing water far (at least 200 feet, preferably more) from
a water source.
Sanitizers (gels or wipes) offer an alternative to soap. (Again, always pack out wipes.)
If you prefer soap, use mild, basic or biodegradable style.
NEVER lather up directly in a lake or stream.
Pour gray water on dirt; soap residue can potentially interfere with lichen growth on rocks.
Microorganisms in soil, meanwhile, effectively combat soap residue.
Considering carrying a lightweight, fast-drying, made-for-the-trail pack towel.
Soap versus Sanitizers
Scrubbing with soap and water is your best choice for cleanliness. When speed and convenience are vital,
sanitizers offer a handy option.
The mechanical action of scrubbing with soap and water, including rinsing, flushes material off your
skin.
Sanitizers (disinfectants) kill microorganisms on skin, though they don’t necessarily rinse them off
skin. Their effectiveness as a disinfectant may be tied to the quantity used or a length of contact time.
Follow instructions on individual products.
As stated previously, dispose of soapy water on soil or lichen-free rock far from any lake, river or
stream, at least 200 feet away, preferably more.
Evaluate Water Sources
Any adventurer should always be equipped with a treatment method for any situation where water is viewed
with suspicion.
Some danger signs:
Water (particularly lower-elevation water) near meadows or pastures where animals have grazed.
Evidence of pack animal traffic or other domesticated animal activity.
Sing of sloppy human behavior or a prolonged human visit.
Dispose of Human Waste in Accordance with Local Guidelines
It’s not a popular chore, but after one run-through most people find that it’s a manageable task. Here’s the
typical process:
Move 200 feet (at least) from a trail, campsite or water source.
Find a patch of organic soil (darker soil where plants and trees flourish); use a trowel to dig a hole 6 to
8 inches deep.
Pack out toilet paper in a sealable plastic bag if required.
Cover the feces with dirt and refill the hole. Place a rock or large branches atop the space to discourage
critters from digging it up.
Some high-elevation or heavily traveled areas require people to pack out solid human waste. Often
people are instructed to use sealed, double-layer containers known as WAG bags to transport waste.
Always check with rangers for regulations regarding waste disposal in areas you explore.
How to properly urinate? Standard advice suggests aiming for bare rock and avoiding vegetation,
keeping plants free of urine’s salt content (which appeals to marmots and other animals). Other options
point out that urine is sterile, and that fauna indiscriminately urinate on backcountry vegetation. Thus,
other than doing well away from a trail or campsite, urine merit no special treatment. But it is not
appropriate to urinate into a stream, lake or landlocked body of rater.
Maintain a Clean Camp
Ideally, a campsite should be a previously impacted area with the following attributes:
The sleeping surface should be on mineral (inorganic) soil 200 feet (or more) from a water source.
Human waste and wastewater should be deposited at least 200 feet from the campsite (preferably in
different locations) and even father from the water source.
(Recipe of the month)
Capellini Caprese – Serves 4
1 lb. capellini, thin spaghetti, or angel hair, uncooked
3/4 cup Italian dressing
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup fresh basil, finely sliced
Cook pasta as directed. (Al dente – Do not over cook !!!)
Heat dressing in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic, cook and stir 2 minutes. Add
tomatoes; cook few minutes.
Drain pasta. Add to tomato mixture; mix lightly. Sprinkle with cheese and basil.
Serve with Baguette.
Special Extra
Add 12 oz. Deli Fresh Grilled Chicken Breast Strips with the tomatoes.
