In the wild, your daily routine definitely isn’t the same as it would be at home; not the same at all. That’s right — bye-bye morning shower. Additionally, you won’t find an outlet to plug in your hair dryer, no tiny ring-lit mirror to do your makeup.
And deodorant? Forget about it. So, what’s a girl to do? Whether you’re experiencing nature for the first time or hundredth time, here are a few beauty and style hacks you can use on your next outdoor adventure.
1. Sock It to Me
Keeping your feet happy on the trail should be priority No. 1; after all, hiking socks and shoes are designed to perform — and there are plenty of options out there from which to choose, so choose wisely, my friends.
In particular, Merino wool socks are static-resistant, quick-drying, breathable and antimicrobial, which means these foot accessories won’t hold odor like their cotton and polyester counterparts. Merino is also much softer than standard wool.
2. The Deodorant Debate
Deodorant attracts bugs, sometimes even bears, which can lead to some serious problems on the trail. And while you may be dreading foregoing deodorant, just remember there is a good chance everyone else out there is doing the same thing.
To keep your armpits fresh, bring along and use biodegradable soap. After a long day on the trail, you have a few options to get clean:
- Take a trail shower with a couple liters of water and your biodegradable soap.
- Go for a refreshing swim in a lake or a river sans soap.
- Opt for a sponge bath if it’s too cold or you find the first two options to be impractical.
3. Caring for Clothes
You won’t be able to bring your entire closet on your trip, but you should make it a point to pack a few alternating outfits if you’re spending multiple days on the trail. And as a rule, for trips one day or longer, rotate your outfits each night at your campsite. You may also want to keep in mind certain types of fabrics are easier to care for than others when spending time outdoors.
As such, look for synthetic fabrics such as moisture-wicking options that dry fast, as well as wools that won’t hold odor and will keep you warm when it’s wet out. Light fabrics such as nylon and spandex are also ideal.
There are a variety of stylish outdoor jackets that offer sun protection and are constructed with moisture-wicking materials to keep you comfortable out on the trail.
4. Keeping Up with Your Contacts
While eye health and safety is essential at all times, wearing contacts on your hike can pose some challenges. There are a few things you can do, however, to keep your contacts clean and your eyes healthy.
First, always wash your hands before touching your contact case or lenses. It seems obvious, but it’s more challenging to put this into practice in the great outdoors than it is at home. Additionally, keep a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your backpack to use in place of washing your hand, and let it dry for roughly 20 to 30 seconds before touching anything.
It’s also smart to keep your contact lens case clean. Try storing it inside of another case in a section of your backpack that will not be exposed to dirt and other gunk.
Helping You Look and Feel Your Best
Making a fashion statement is easy. But whether you make it a good one is the tricky part. These health and style hacks can keep you looking and feeling your best next time that you’re out on the trail.