Toiletries for Hiking: Keeping It Simple, Clean & Sustainable
Whether you’re heading out for a few hours or a few days, your toiletry kit doesn’t need to be complicated. Out on the trail, it’s all about striking a balance — staying fresh and hygienic while keeping weight down and minimising impact on the environment.
Here’s what to pack (and what to skip), plus a few clever tricks to keep you comfortable on any hike — including one small piece of gear that makes a big difference: the Trail Cloth.
🪶 The Golden Rule: Keep It Simple
When it comes to toiletries in the backcountry, less really is more. You’re not trying to recreate your bathroom at home — just the basics to stay clean, dry, and comfortable.
Start by thinking about the essentials:
Hygiene (hands, face, and bathroom breaks)
Oral care
Skin care (sun, wind, and bug protection)
Everything else is optional — and usually unnecessary weight.
🚻 Bathroom Basics
The first thing most people wonder is: how do I manage going to the toilet out there?
If you’re near huts, use the long drop. If you’re camping or between huts, follow Leave No Trace principles — 50 metres away from water, dig a small hole if necessary, and pack out what you need to.
This is where the Trail Cloth comes in — a reusable, washable alternative to toilet paper for pee breaks (you'll still need toilet papert for bowel movements).
It’s made with a water-resistant outer (nylon or PUL) and a soft faux suede inner, designed to dry quickly and clip to your pack between uses.
Why it’s worth packing:
✅ Reduces waste — no paper to pack out
✅ Hygienic and comfortable
✅ Dries fast, easy to clean
✅ Saves space in your pack
Use it for pee only, and wash or rinse at the end of each day. If you prefer, keep a spare section for washing your face or hands.
Tip: Choose a bright colour so it’s easy to spot on your pack line, and keep it clipped where it can dry in the sun.
🧼 Hygiene Essentials
A small toiletry kit can go a long way. Aim for lightweight and multipurpose:
Item | Why it earns a spot | Notes |
Biodegradable soap | For washing hands or body | Use away from waterways |
Mini hand sanitiser | Quick clean-ups | Must-have for food prep |
Small face cloth / Trail Cloth (spare) | For face or body | Fast drying is key |
Toothbrush + tiny toothpaste | Oral hygiene | Cut the handle if you’re gram-counting |
Lip balm | Prevents cracked lips | SPF version ideal |
Sunscreen | Year-round essential | Reapply often |
Insect repellent | Especially in summer | Wipes or roll-on save space |
Deodorant (optional) | If you must | Solid stick > spray for weight and waste |
Leave behind: makeup, hairbrushes, heavy bottles, and anything scented that attracts insects or animals.
💧 Laundry & Freshen-Up Tricks
Even on a multi-day trip, you don’t need a full change of clothes every day.
Here’s how to stay fresh without overpacking:
Rinse socks and underwear with a drop of biodegradable soap, then hang to dry on your pack.
Use your Trail Cloth or a spare microfibre cloth to wipe down your face and neck at the end of the day.
Keep a tiny ziplock bag of wet wipes for emergencies (pack them out).
In alpine or cold conditions, skip the wet washing — just air things out and change into your dry hut clothes.
🧺 Packing & Organisation
Keep your toiletry kit compact and contained.
Use a lightweight zip pouch or small dry bag (2–3L is plenty).
Store soap and toothpaste in separate tiny containers or wrap them in paper to avoid leaks.
Keep your Trail Cloth clipped outside your pack or in an outer mesh pocket for easy access and airflow.
Pro tip: Keep your hand sanitiser and lip balm in a hip belt or bum bag pocket — you’ll actually use them if they’re within reach.
🏕️ Different Hike, Different Setup
Trip Type | Essentials Only | Optional Extras |
Day Hike | Trail Cloth, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, lip balm | Small deodorant, wet wipes |
Overnight | Add toothbrush/paste, mini soap, spare Trail Cloth | Insect repellent, tiny face cloth |
Multi-Day | Full basic kit above | Small ziplock for rubbish or used wipes |
🌿 Final Thoughts
Toiletries aren’t glamorous, but they make all the difference to how you feel on the trail.
A lightweight, thought-out kit helps you stay comfortable, reduces waste, and keeps your pack organised.
Your Trail Cloth replaces bulky toilet paper and makes backcountry hygiene simple, sustainable, and even a bit stylish.
It’s one of those small pieces of gear you’ll quickly wonder how you ever managed without.
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