The funk

[WebsterJ]

It's a weight penalty, but another solution is to carry a silk bag liner like this one:

http://www.rei.com/product/695429/se...liner-traveler

[kgbenson]

Did someone say Funk?

[Owl]

I don't hike as much as I camp...so I do tend to carry more than most hikers do.

With that said...if I'm going to be out more than three days, I carry a complete change of clothes. I normally carry a couple of trash bags with me as well, for various uses. One of which is to hold water I've either heated in a pot or warmed in the black trash bag in the sun all day. Warm water bath & rinse, and I'll use the same technique to clean my dirty clothes as well.

The only time I've had the funk was during high summer when all you could do was sweat. The best solution then was to remove the shoes & socks (maybe carry sandals?) and the undergarments and let the air get in to dry things out before the funk could start.

[dragon360]

I have separate sleep wear and wash up every night. When I get back after being out, I take a spray bottle of 1 part vodka and 3 parts water and spray all over my quilts in and out. Then I throw it in the dryer with 5 tennis balls and let it have at it. tends to work for me so far.

[JayS]

"Showers and subs" was a constant mantra of mine.

I thought that was "Showers, subs and suds".

Two years ago my son and I hiked down the Pinch In trail in the Linville Gorge in the midday heat in June. There was little cover due to fire damage and it was well over 100 degrees. When we got to a campsite by the river, I dropped my pack, waded out in the river and laid down. When my son asked why I didn't take my clothes off first, I replied, "They need washing as much as I do."
I did the same thing in the Merced River after climbing Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Those two nights I had no funk and my clothes were fresh the next morning.

I have a small sun shower that is great when I have a base camp. Other than that, a couple of cupfuls of warm water and a small square of camp towel really can refresh one and help with odors.

[SkyPainter]

Here's a good trail option I think ...just ordered two packs (20 towels) for the Jersey Hang, so I will let you know how they work out. Got 'em from WildernessLogics site.

1-2-3 Towels - instant, light, biodegradable.

towel2.jpg


Seems like a good idea to me!

~ Sky

[IT_Mike]

Sky -

Where did you pick those up?

[SkyPainter]

Sky -

Where did you pick those up?

===> From the WildernessLogics site. I was wondering if one could dehydrate baby wipes that way, but these look perfect!

http://www.wildernesslogics.com

~ Sky

[scottpash]

I always have seperate sleep clothes and wipe down everyday

I also am not a UL or SUL guy so I take soap and deoderant

It is amazing how a few thru hikers I met on my 12 day section hike were actually proud of the FUNK!!!!!!!

I showered 4 times on this trip and also sink bathed at least twice
sure I was not doing 25miles a day but I had fun and I did not stink or maybe I just was immune to it

[nothermark]

The other thing to keep in mind in cooler weather is that if you are sweating you are over dressed. It's amazing how little clothing is needed in cool/cold weather when doing a strenuous activity like hiking or XC skiing. The trick is to cover up when you stop before you get chilled. +1 on soap and sleep clothes.