Washing clothes while backpacking typically involves a simple, manual process using minimal supplies and following Leave No Trace principles for wastewater disposal.
Keeping your clothes clean on the trail helps maintain hygiene and comfort, especially on longer trips. While you won't have access to a traditional washing machine, a simple method using a sturdy bag can get the job done.
The Backpacking Laundry Method
This process breaks down washing your clothes into manageable steps, ensuring you get them clean while being mindful of the environment.
Step 1: The Wash Basin
Start by preparing your washing vessel.
- Fill your bag part way with warmer-than-tepid water. A durable, waterproof bag (like a dry bag or even a large zip-top bag) works well as a portable washing machine. The amount of water depends on how many clothes you are washing.
Step 2: Add Clothes and Soap
Now it's time to add the dirty laundry and cleaning agent.
- Add clothes and detergent, leaving enough room for the contents to shuffle about. Use biodegradable soap specifically designed for outdoor use. Don't overcrowd the bag; the clothes need space to move around for proper cleaning.
Step 3: Agitate ("Spin Cycle")
Simulate the washing machine action manually.
- Time for the spin cycle. Seal the bag securely and gently agitate it by shaking, squeezing, or kneading it. This helps the water and detergent work into the fabric and lift the dirt. Do this for several minutes until you feel the clothes are clean.
Step 4: Proper Wastewater Disposal
This is a crucial step for environmental protection.
- Dispose of your used water at least 200 feet away from any water source. This ensures that soap and dirt do not contaminate streams, lakes, or other sensitive aquatic ecosystems. Digging a small cathole for greywater dispersal can also help it filter through soil.
Step 5: Rinse Cycle
Remove the soap and dirt.
- Now, the rinse cycle. Refill the bag with clean water (again, warmer-than-tepid is helpful if available) and add your clothes back in. Agitate the bag again, similar to the wash cycle, to remove the soap residue. You may need to repeat this step with fresh water until the water runs clear and no suds remain.
Step 6: Wring and Dry
Finish the process by preparing clothes for drying.
- Wring the clothes out, and hang them somewhere to dry. Squeeze out as much water as possible. Hang clothes on a clothesline, a trekking pole setup, or draped over branches in a sunny, breezy spot. Ensure they are fully dry before packing them away to prevent mildew.
Here's a summary of the steps:
| Step | Action | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prepare Basin | Fill a bag with water | Warmer-than-tepid water is best. |
| 2. Wash | Add clothes & biodegradable detergent | Leave room to agitate. |
| 3. Agitate | Seal bag and shuffle contents | Simulate a wash cycle. |
| 4. Dispose of Wash Water | Pour used water far from water sources | At least 200 feet away. |
| 5. Rinse | Refill bag with clean water, add clothes, agitate | Repeat until soap is gone. |
| 6. Dry | Wring out excess water and hang clothes | Ensure full drying before packing. |
Following these steps allows you to keep essential items clean and fresh during your backpacking adventures while minimizing your environmental impact.
