Keeping it Clean

One of the most frequently asked questions about expedition travel is about hygiene.

“How do you keep clean?”

There are a few different answers. Depending on your trip, and what mountain you’re climbing, there can be minimal options available.

For an expedition to Denali (Mt. McKinley), Alaska, for example, it’s simple. You don’t really keep it that clean. Since minimizing the weight of your load is of utmost importance, self-cleaning products are at a bare minimum. With this type of climb, you move camps up permanently as you head up the mountain. So, one typically reverts to the very basic alpine technique of the snow bath- cold but effective. Our all-women’s team that climbed and skied Denali in 2009 opted not. A snow scrub seemed unnecessary based on both the lack of privacy at our camps as well as the cold temps higher on the mountain that prevented truly offensive odor from being an issue.

On expeditions where you have an established basecamp i.e. the Himalayas, things can get deluxe. On my most recent expedition to Shisha Pangma in Tibet, we managed three rejuvenating hot water showers in our four weeks on the mountain. Now that is pure luxury.

The set-up is simple but divine. One tall tent with two vestibules, a changing vestibule and a shower vestibule (see photo - yellow tent), which is propped up in the middle of camp. Within the shower compartment, there is an extra nylon floor so that one can avoid standing on yak dung while lathering.
The shower system itself is also simple but effective. Roughly two gallons of water are hauled from the nearest water source, heated over a stove, and then poured into a plastic bucket with spigot. The bucket is then tied with some cord to a rod at the top of the tent, and you are free to enjoy the warm stream as fast or slow as you desire; And, it actually goes a long way in getting yourself washed sufficiently. Nothing is quite as invigorating as feeling fresh for your next push on the mountain.

When showers are intermittent or lacking, the best day-to-day solution is the use of wet/bath wipes like those made by Adventure Medical Kits, one of the best providers of innovative products for safety and hygiene in the outdoors. These handy packages provide a quick rinse-free option for keeping it clean.

To check out this product:
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/products.php?catname=HYGIENE&cat=17

Other choices during mountain travel adventure can also include bathing in lakes, washing in streams and rivers, and/or finding creative solutions with roadside bathrooms or RV parks. But, when you are in the big mountains, sometimes it just boils down to the basics. And, sometimes, it may just be better to play dirty.