What You Should Have In Your Survival Hygiene Kit

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Whether you're camping or in a bug out situation, you're going to want to make sure you have a survival hygiene kit ready to go. 

This little kit is going to help you stay clean and healthy. Here is a list of the 16 things I recommend putting in your hygiene kit. 

Survival Hygiene Kit Item #1 - Waterproof Toiletry Bag

Your hygiene kit is going to get a lot of use. This is why you're going to want a tough bag, like this one from Nite Ize. 

It's going to keep the contents of your hygiene kit safe from water, dust, and sand. 

2. Toothpaste

It's important to brush and floss so that your teeth will be healthy. The last thing you're going to want is to have tooth decay or gum disease. 

Having that said, it's important to leave no trace while you're out in nature. One of the best ways to do this is to use a toothpaste that contains natural ingredients and is biodegradable.

Many toothpastes have fluoride in them, but Dr. Bronner's does not. Pick up some of this toothpaste here. After you brush your teeth, bury it after you spit to give it time for the soil to break it down. 

3. Toothbrush

Honestly, any toothbrush would do the trick. If you're like me, you probably have a million of them that you haven't used from all of your dental cleaning visits over the years. 

If you do use a toothbrush you've got lying around, make sure to put it in a Ziploc bag to keep the brush from getting dirty.

Another alternative is to buy a folding toothbrush. I love this one from Colgate because it folds and becomes very compact. The brush head folds into the handle which keeps it clean. 

4. Comb and/or Brush

Brushing and combing our hair is often overlooked. It's mainly done to detangle our hair. Consider putting a comb and/or a brush in your survival hygiene kit to keep your hair healthy.

According to Healthline, hair brushing helps to remove loose hair, stimulate your scalp, keep your hair healthy, and give it its natural shine.

Rather than packing the big fancy combs and brushes you have at home, buy this inexpensive folding comb and brush to maximize space in your hygiene bag. 

5. Mirror

There are two types of mirrors you should have. One is a signal mirror and the other is a personal mirror. 

A hand mirror is going to be great for seeing yourself while you shave, and being able to look at yourself in hard to reach areas. This 3"x4" stainless steel mirror is perfect!

6. Toenail Clippers

Your fingernails and toenails are going to get really dirty. You'll want to make sure you keep them well groomed. 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, well groomed nails are "less likely to harbor dirt and bacteria, which can lead to an infection."

I suggest packing toenail clippers because they can clip both fingernails and toenails. Kohm makes a great set of clippers that are heavy duty, stainless steel, and come with a built in nail file. 

7. Chapstick

Don't overlook having Chapstick in your kit. Those of your who've had their lips sunburned know what I'm talking about. 

Chapstick with SPF 15 will keep your lips safe from wind and cold temperatures as well. 

8. Trowel

Whenever you take a poop, it's best practice to dig a cathole. This will help the poop biodegrade and not bother others that come across it. 

Rather than packing a heavy shovel, a trowel is perfect for digging and burying poop. The Tent Lab makes a phenomenal lightweight trowel that only weighs .45 ounces. 

9. Toilet Paper

You're going to poop and you're going to need something to wipe it with. If you prefer to use toilet paper, then I'd recommend packing some toilet paper tablets. 

To make sure that your toilet paper tablets stay dry and usable, store them in a waterproof match box. 

As an alternative to toilet paper that's even more environmentally friendly, consider using a travel bidet that is compatible with a water bottle. 

10. Floss

Flossing is another big part of our dental hygiene. By flossing, you'll reduce and remove plaque, and prevent gingivitis. 

I recommend the unwaxed floss from Ora MD because it's free of chemical waxes, fragrances, synthetic and artificial flavorings. 

You'll be glad you have floss because there are tons of other things you can do with it that will come in handy. Check out this list of 30 things you can do with it. 

11. Soap

This is an absolute must have. There are so many things that need to be clean that directly affect our health. 

You'll want to be able to wash your face, body, hair, dishes, clothes, and dishes. Believe it or not, there's a soap made by Dr. Bronner's that can do this and so much more. 

This soap is biodegradable as well. Many preppers and backpackers swear by it. Add it to your kit today. 

Since the soap comes in a 32 ounce container and is concentrated, you should pour some it into smaller bottles to make it fit within your survival bag. 

12. Towel

There are many uses of a towel. Some of these include: diaper, hot/cold insulation, first aid, washcloth, mask, fire starter, and more! 

I love Lightload towels. They're super absorbent, wickable, reusable, and lightweight. 

13. Razor

Shaving and survival do not really belong in the same sentence. However, if you don't want to grow a beard, then you're probably going to want to learn how to shave without using a typical disposable razor. 

A straight razor is going to be your best friend. Along with this, you'll want to learn how to strop and hone your blade as well. 

For stropping, you'll need a hanging strop. This is a strip of leather that is used after sharpening the blade to remove blade inconsistencies to create a razor sharp edge. 

Honing is process of sharpening your blade. For honing your blade, you'll need a whetstone. I recommend purchasing a carbon steel straight razor because they're nearly indestructible. 

14. Feminine Hygiene Products

This is for the female preppers here. There are two routes you can go - one, you can use cloth pads; two, you can use a reusable menstrual cup. 

You can either purchase cloth pads or make them yourself. The brand Phogary makes great menstrual pads. 

The Diva cup and the Blossom cup are great because they're reusable and they reduce environmental waste. 

15. Diapers & Wipes 

This is for the preppers with children. Unfortunately, diapers and wipes will take up a lot of room. 

Traditional disposable diapers are quite frankly the easiest to use, but they aren't environmentally friendly. You can, however, opt for these biodegradable diapers made from bamboo. 

Cloth diapers on the other hand are great for the environment, but they require a lot of water and some skill to use. You'll also want to consider purchasing a wet bag and diaper liners as well. 

For baby wipes, I recommend Clean Trek Towels. They smell great, thick, durable, and can clean a large male body. 

16. Sunscreen

According to the Mahoney Dermatology Specialists, we wear sunscreen to reduce the risk of sunburn, prevent the signs of aging, reduce risk of skin cancer, prevent skin discoloration, and reduce inflammation. 

I recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF factor of 30 or more. Banana Boat makes a great travel sunscreen that does just that. 

Conclusion

Including all of these items in my hygiene kit is what works for me. I'm a firm believer that ideas are tools. 

You know your situation best. Feel free to adjust it as you see fit. What is in your survival hygiene kit? I'd love to hear from you!

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