Camping Bathroom

This part of the list may be easier than some others.  Preparations for a bathroom scenario at camp can be as simple or as complex as you like.  There are many items that come in handy for the absolute comfort of you and your guests, or you can get by on a few things and spend more time being adventurous.  The outcome and planning are up to you. 

Bathroom:

Toilet paper: In our household, everyone gets one role, and they are responsible for that one role.  Just in case of a mishap, we always carry a couple of extras, however, (knock on wood) we haven't needed those extras so far.  If you are staying in a camp ground or improved and maintained area, you most likely will not need to take any extra.  I still recommend a couple, just in case.  You never know if your going to have that emergency stop.  In any case whether you are in a primitive camp or not consider how many people are in your party, how long you'll be camping and what kind of area your camping in. 

Tooth brush:  If you only camp one to two times a year, I recommend taking your old toothbrush just for camping, and starting with a new tooth brush once your home again.  If you camp more often, consider keeping a toothbrush with your camping gear at all times. 

Tooth paste:  Sample toothpastes are perfect for camping.  They are small and take up only a little space.  Through the course of camping through the summer you might just use all of the paste in one tube.  If you use more than that it isn't a problem to replace the first between trips or just pack a second tube.  (You can even find single use tooth brushes now loaded with toothpaste.  I don't recommend these due to the waste that they produce.  However if that is your speed that is up to you.)

Razor:  This is a take it or leave it item.  We always carry at least on disposable razor in our fist aid kit.  But unless not shaving absolutely drives you crazy, I recommend these only as a first aid item.

Floss:  Floss has a multi use quality.  Besides the obvious, floss can be used for things like repairing,  tying, snaring, and sewing. 

Towel:  I recommend one large beach towel per person.   Once used, the towel can be hung to dry and used again.  Beach towels are generally large, and designed to get dirty and be cleaned again.  Beach towels are also nicer to take on a trip than your household bathroom towels, (unless of course you have some your willing to give up for camping.)  A good dry beach towel also allows one more layer of warmth on cold tent nights. 

Washcloth:  Washcloths are small, compact and take up little space.  There is nothing like having the chance to wash your face first thing in the morning for a good start to the day.  They can easily be wrung out and hung to dry for use for the next day.  (Instead of taking our soap in a box, we will wrap the bar of soap in the washcloth and then pack it into our bathroom kits.  This removes a little bit of bulk from the kit or bag.

Hand soap:   One good sample sized bar of soap works great for camping.  Even if you are planning on several trips or a couple really long trips sample sizes will still take awhile to go through.  If you can't find your favorite brand in the sample sizes, you can always take your favorite, regular size bar and cut it in half. 

Port-a potty or sanitation kit:  Not everyone will put up with finding a bush, or digging a hole.  There are a wide range of products on the market that assist this very need.  From Cabellas to Emergency essentials there are toilet lids with buckets, to the sanitary needs of a mobile home or camper.  You can even find privacy screens and out house "tents".  Or you can choose the Boyscout method, a shovel and a roll.

Shovel:  This one is pretty self explanatory.  (For the above "hole")

Portable shower:  There are many different ways to accomplish showers in the wilderness.  There are commercial products available, and with a little imagination there are many ways to make a shower.  The commercial aspects can provide privacy and heated water.  When making a homemade "shower" unit, consider a container that can hold water and be tied up higher than your tallest camper.  Consider wrapping or painting the container in black. (this will heat the water).  You can add a hose and shower spout, or just use the drip method.  Then all you need is a privacy screen.  To make a privacy screen, consider the area you are in.  Are there stands of trees that you might be able to wrap a tarp around?  Or will you need to be a little more creative?  Perhaps there are trees, but the trees are standing to far apart.  In that case, you might need to use some ropes, and tie off a few tarps to make a screen.  There are several different ways to accomplish the same goal, think out of the box. 

Plastic wash basin:  This can be as simple as a large plastic bowl or any plastic container that will hold water. 

Mirror:  The size is up to you.  In the first aid kit we keep a small mirror.  For shaving this wouldn't do much good.  If you really needing a mirror for what ever reason you might have, it is up to you how large, and how to pack it.  There are mirrors that are plastic.  These are great, just because a non-breakable mirror is easier to pack and less to worry about. 

Privacy cover for port-a potty:  This can be a set of tarps wrapped around a "stand" to create a "blind", or there are plenty of manufactured "blinds" for sell through various stores.

Diapers or pull-ups for youngsters:  This one of course makes sense to anyone that has a child still in diapers.  It's still nice to see on the list just in case, especially if your not the one packing.  Chances are other kids aren't going to remember these when they're helping.

Contact lens cleaning solution:  Personally I wouldn't take contact lens's on a camping trip.  To me it would be too easy to scratch them, or lose them.  However, since I do not actually wear contacts, I can not make that call. 

Cloths for cleaning eye glasses:  Both this and the contact lens cleaning solution are something to be considered if these are items you use on a regular basis at home. 

Baby or hand wipes:  These are a great item, whether or not you have kids.  They make a quick clean-up, and are fairly compact and easy to carry.  (We also keep a box in the car, just in case)

Brush/Comb:  You can go an entire camping trip with out brushing your hair.  However, just like a warm blanket, or a fire on a cold night, brushing your hair is a comfort.  It is a way to clean up with out having to use resources like you might for taking a sponge bath or actually washing your hair.  It is a "feel good" step.

Hair bands:  This can be actual hairbands or even rubber bands, or string.  Something to tie your hair and get it out of your way. 

Lip balm or chap stick:  This I highly recommend for any trip, whether it's to the store or across the country.  When out camping, regardless of the time of year lip balm or chap stick can mean the difference between blistered lips and a comfortable trip.  If your going to be out in the sun, I recommend finding a chap stick that includes a sunscreen.  It doesn't matter if your susceptible to the sun or not, when your out in the sun all day you can and will, when not prepared, end up burned. 

Feminine products:  These of course are depending on your personal needs.  It is a good idea to include them on any list that requires some kind of preparedness.  (72 hour kits are and exceptional place to remember these, just in case)