No showers

[Lovefall]

My husband thinks that I’m going to go 3 days without a shower. Gross, I know right! He wants to go backpacking and camping and I love this idea but I don’t like the idea of no shower. I can’t figure out why we can’t do this somewhere that has showers. Am I asking too much?

[pastywhite]

There are no showers when you backpack. Depending on the weather, there's a few options from swimming in a lake/river to sponge bath with a wet wipe. Normally I just keep my hands clean and let the rest go. I'll get in the water to cool off in the summer but not for the specific purpose of getting clean. Never use soap in a lake/river/stream.

If you are just getting started with camping and want to car camp then getting a campground with a hot shower sounds like a plan. When you progress on to actual backpacking you need to be able to let this go.

[Tubby]

It's really impossible to find a good shower in the back country. The outdoors are really inconsiderate that way. I don't know why it couldn't have developed some shower facilities as well as all of those rocks and dirt. Really.

[IndianaHiker]

Yes you are asking to much unless you want to car camp. However there are things that have been mentioned here that you can do. I use wet wipes, and wash up in streams without soap as stated before. But I can tell you this it wont kill you or even have any long term effects.

[firedancer]

After the 3rd day, you really don't notice If you really wanted to, they make solar showers - I wouldn't lug the extra weight, but it's basically just a reflective water bag that gets hot in the sun....otherwise, yeah, you're stuck car camping and frankly....some of those campground showers make not showering look pretty good!

[Judy Ann]

That was a big gross spot for me, but Others suggested solar showers, wet wipes, collapsable sinks so it really hasn't been a big deal over the last year. When basecamping I fill a gallon container with water in the am and set it in the sun to warm. Enough to wash hair and shower. Just don't strip down to birthday suit in a public area! Luckily I didn't get caught!

[Theo]

But being without a shower for several days makes that first shower at home one of the most wonderful experiences you will ever have.

I keep some wet wipes, deodorant and a change of clothes in my vehicle so when I get back, I can venture into public without someone trying to direct me to a homeless shelter.

[ejdixon]

It wouldn't be really backpacking if you're very close to many of the luxuries like having showers nearby. IndianaHiker is right. Three days without a shower may sound a bit gross, but it won't kill you.

[Grandpa]

I'll skip posting a pic of a hot spring this time. Not only a good way to get clean but sure helps tired and sore muscles.

[Judy Ann]

Grandpa hot springs will forever be on my radar because of you!