Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Spaces are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Camping body wipes are a must-have for your next outdoor trip.
With all of the wonderful things that come with exploring the outdoors, there are some modern inconveniences you lose that can take some getting used to. From spotty cell phone service to unfettered exposure to the elements, you have to be tough and you have to be prepared. Even if you can survive just fine without a coffee shop every half mile of your hike (and we're more than okay with that!), there are some things that you might actually miss when you don't have them. A shower is definitely one of those things. Sure, portable showers exist, and many camping grounds have access to showers, but if you're going off the grid or don't feel the need to carry extra equipment around, you don't have to take cleanliness off the table. Enter camping body wipes.
These body wipes are made for the outdoors — and they're not baby wipes, either, which do little to nothing for backpackers and campers who are covered in sweat and dirt. These are specifically made for rugged adventures, and will make you feel as close to clean you can be without access to water or soap. Next time you're yearning for a shower halfway through your trek, pull out these biodegradable full body wipes. They're a great solution to unexpected messes on a hike or a fishing trip — or a life-saver for short camping trips. They won't make you as clean as a portable shower, but they'll make you feel cleaner and more comfortable than you did before using one — and since most are made with essential oils, you can even smell a little better, too. We love these wipes for outdoor trips, so check out our top picks below:
1. Our Top Pick
Combat Wipes Active Outdoor Wet Wipes (4-Pack) - Amazon, $20.99
Combat Wipes are our top pick for camping body wipes for a number of reasons: they're developed by military soldiers, they're biodegradable, and the extra-thick wipes come in resealable travel packs for your next adventure. Made with vitamin E and Aloe Vera, they won't dry out your skin and will help you feel refreshed. You can use them everywhere and anywhere — even as a substitute for toilet paper — and plenty of reviewers say they take away irritation where sweat can gather and cause discomfort. One writes: "I will never go camping without having a fresh pack of these in my bag." Since aloe is also an ingredient that helps calm skin down, this is great for soothing irritation around scraps or sunburns, too.
2. The Best Large Wet Wipes
Surviveware Biodegradable Large Wet Wipes - Amazon, $8.89
Surviveware's shower wipes are perfect for bigger jobs. These unscented wipes are ideal for hikers who need to wipe down their whole body — the extra-large size makes them perfect for a one-wipe job. They're compostable in 28 days, unscented, and also contain aloe vera and Vitamin E. They're hypoallergenic and safe to use on equipment, kids, and even pets! One reviewer writes: "Because of you, I survived 8 days with no shower and was not killed by my tent mate."
3. Best Septic-Safe Flushable Wipes
Good Wipes Shea-Coco Biodegradable Wipes (3-Pack) - Amazon, $15.99
If you're on a campsite that has real bathrooms, or are taking a road trip that allows for rest stops at gas stations along the way, these septic-safe biodegradable wipes will help you feel clean on the road, especially if you're using public restrooms or have an, ahem, sensitive stomach issue. They have lots of good ingredients like shea butter to keep you soft and comfortable, and even provide a cooling sensation when you use them. This is great to keep around for long car or RV trips, and they're also hypoallergenic and made from plant-based fibers.
4. Best Deodorant Wipes
Lume Natural Deodorant Wipes (3-Pack) - Amazon, $15.99
These biodegradable, septic-safe wipes can be used all over the body if you so choose, but what these are really made for are the underarms. If you find yourself getting body odor quickly and you want to tackle that first - in addition to the standard cleansing properties of other wipes — these wipes from Lume will be your go-to. They're water-based and smell like cotton, and won't get your armpits sticky or leave a residue like regular deodorants can sometimes do.
5. Best Individually Wrapped Wipes
Venture Wipes Individual Body Wipes (10-Pack) - Amazon, $13.95
If you're not an avid camper or hiker but plan to go on a few trips this summer, try out these individually-wrapped body wipes — we bet they'll come in handy if you throw one or two in your backpack. Made with aloe vera, vitamin E, and cooling tea tree oil, these wipes are large in size and have a textured side to help you feel extra-clean. They are made from plant fibers and can be used for your pets, too.
This post was originally published on February 20, 2020 and updated by Alida Nugent.
NEXT: FEEL REFRESHED FOR YOUR NEXT CAMPING TRIP WITH THIS PORTABLE SHOWER SYSTEM
