How to Deal with Body Odor Effectively while Trekking?
How you can minimize body odor while trekking is both an interesting and a wide spoken topic. There are many ways that people use to control body odor while hiking or trekking and each person swears by a different method.
The most important thing you can do when it comes to controlling your body odor while hiking is wearing the right clothes and shoes. Choosing synthetic materials over natural materials will help to keep you cooler and less sweaty. You should also avoid wearing cotton clothing, as it will absorb your sweat and make you even more stinky.
This article will take you through some of the most popular methods used to control body odor while trekking, so that you can choose the one that works best for you.
What Causes Heinous Hiker Syndrome?
This is a condition when your body odor becomes the most potent while you are hiking or trekking. The reason for this is that your sweat glands are working overtime to cool your body down, and the bacteria on your skin break down the sweat into acids that create a terrible smell.
There are many ways to deal with body odor while hiking, but before we get into that, let’s take a look at some of the causes of this condition.
Many things can cause your body odor to become more potent while hiking, such as:
Wearing the Wrong Clothes
As we mentioned before, wearing synthetic materials instead of natural materials will help to keep you cooler and less sweaty. You should also avoid wearing cotton clothing, as it will absorb your sweat and make you even more stinky.
Not Drinking Enough Water
When you are hiking or trekking, you need to make sure that you are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you do not drink enough water, your body will start to produce more sweat as a way to cool down, which will increase your body odor.
Eating Spicy Foods
If you are eating foods that are high in spices, it will cause your sweat to smell more potent.
Being Overweight
If you are overweight, your body will produce more sweat as it tries to cool itself down, which will increase your body odor. Trying a bodyweight workout prior to your trip can help you manage sweat while keeping you fit.
Not Showering Enough
If you do not shower regularly, the sweat on your skin will mix with the bacteria on your skin and create an unpleasant smell.
Is Body Odor a Disease?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people believe that body odor is a disease, while others believe that it is simply a result of poor hygiene. Further, body odor can be a symptom of certain diseases, such as diabetes or liver disease.
If you are concerned that you may have a medical condition that is causing your body odor, it is important to speak with your doctor.
12 Tips for Reducing Body Odor
1. Clean the Pits and Loins
Pits are the areas where the sweat glands are most concentrated, so it is important to clean them regularly. You can do this by using a mild soap and water, or you can use a commercial deodorant. Loins are also a common area for body odor, so it is important to clean them regularly as well.
2. Keep Yourself Squeaky Clean
It is important to shower regularly, especially if you are going to be hiking or trekking. Make sure to wash all of your body, including your armpits, groin, and feet. This way, you will remove the sweat and bacteria that can cause body odor. Click here to read more on backpacking hygiene tips.
3. Use Antibacterial Soap
If you are prone to body odor, it is a good idea to use antibacterial soap. This will help to kill the bacteria on your skin that can cause body odor. Moreover, antibacterial soap can also help to prevent skin infection.
4. Use Towel Off Well
When you are done showering, make sure to towel off well. This will help to remove any excess sweat or bacteria from your skin. Try to avoid rubbing your skin too hard, as this can irritate your skin and make body odor worse.
5. Use a Strong Antiperspirant on Your Underarms
If you are prone to sweating, it is a good idea to use a strong antiperspirant on your underarms. This will help to reduce the amount of sweat that is produced leading to minimize body odor while trekking. Degree Men Original Antiperspirant is a good option, as it has a coverage of 48 hours.
6. Wash Your Hands Regularly
It is important to wash your hands regularly, especially before you eat. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause body odor. Additionally, you can carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer as PURELL with you to help kill any bacteria that may be on your hands.
7. Avoid Eating Spicy Foods
As we mentioned earlier, spicy foods can make your sweat smell more potent. So if you are prone to body odor, it is a good idea to avoid eating spicy foods. Try packing some good hiking food options like fruits, sandwiches, and granola bars. Findout the best brands of hiking and camping food here.
8. Bring Multiple Pairs of Socks, and Use Them
Socks are a common breeding ground for bacteria, so it is important to change them often. You should also try to bring multiple pairs of socks, and rotate them between each wear. Use them to wick away the sweat and keep your feet dry. This may help to minimize body odor while trekking to a great extent.
9. Brush Your Teeth Frequently
Brushing your teeth regularly will help to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth, which will help to reduce bad breath. This is a great best hygiene practice to adopt whether you are trekking or not.
10. Take a Backwoods Bath
If your concern is to minimize body odor while trekking, you may want to take a backwoods bath. This is a process where you gather leaves and other plants that have a strong odor and use them to scrub your body.
11. Beat The Heat
If you are struggling with body odor because of the heat, there are a few things that you can do to cool down. You can drink cold water or sports drinks, and you can also try to wear light-colored clothing.
12. Air Out Your Mattress or Sleeping Bag
If you are struggling to minimize body odor while trekking, it may be a good idea to air out your mattress. This will help to reduce the amount of moisture that is present, and it will also help to get rid of any bacteria.
Popular Brands of TOOL KIT while Trekking
Albatross Camping Multipurpose Tool
About this Item
This is a great outdoor camping tool that includes a hammer, saw, pliers, screwdriver, knife, and more. It is perfect for trekking and camping, and it comes with a pouch for easy storage.
Item Specifications:
- Brand – Albatross
- Weight – 14 Ounces
- Dimension – 8.03 x 5.55 x 1.14 inches
- Number of Pieces – 16
- Material – Stainless Steel
PROS
- Heavy Duty
- Stainless Steel
- Multifunctional
- Oxidation for the Handle
- Strong enough to open fire hydrant
CONS
None
Price – $30.00
Available on – Amazon
Zune Lotoo Survival Camping Shovel
This is an amazing camping shovel that is perfect for trekking and other outdoor activities. It is made of durable stainless steel, and it includes a serrated edge for sawing.
Item Specifications:
- Brand – Zune
- Weight – 3.97 pounds
- Dimension – 11.8 x 8.7 x 3.9 inches
- Material – Aluminum
PROS
- Ease of assembly
- Ease of storage
- Widesprad use
- Stong
- High grade material
CONS
- Too heavy
- Overpriced
- Screws loosen up easily
- No bag included
Price – $ 199.99
Available on – Amazon
Liantral Survival Hatchet
This survival kit hatchet is perfect for trekking and other outdoor activities. It is made of durable stainless steel, and it includes a serrated edge for sawing.
Item Specifications:
- Brand – Liantral
- Weight – 2.16 pounds
- Material – Alluminum Alloy
- Dimension – 13.19 x 7.36 x 1.57 inches
PROS
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Quality material
- Adjustable length
- Easy to carry
CONS
- Breakable
- Quality Issues
- Not fitting key piece
- Plastic knife base
Price – $ 24.00
Available on – Amazon
Eiliks 20 in 1 Survival Kit
This is a top gadget that can meet your outdoor needs. It is a 20-in-1 multitool that includes a knife, saw, screwdriver, and more.
Item Specifications:
- Brand – Eiliks
- Weight – 1.3 Kgs
- Dimension – 5.51 x 2.36 x 8.66 inches
- Number of Pieces – 20
PROS
- 20 in 1 Multitool
- Compact and lightweight
- Ideal for any emergency
- SOS whistle
- Easily portable
CONS
- Not for beginers
Price – $ 32.59
Available on – Amazon
Sheffield Multipurpose Tool for Emergency
This camping gear is perfect for emergency use. It is a multipurpose tool that includes a knife, saw, screwdriver, and more.
Item Specifications:
- Brand – Sheffield
- Weight – 0.7 pounds
- Dimension – 1 x 1 x 1 inches
- Number of Pieces – 14-in-1
- Material – Aluminum and Stainless Steel
PROS
- Sturdy
- Lasting
- Military grade
- Aluminum handle
- Kid friendly
CONS
- Suitable for simple cutting
- Overlaps easily
Price – $ 16. 99
Available on – Amazon
Gerber Mini Multitool Keychain
This keychain multitool is perfect for trekking and other outdoor activities. It includes a knife, screwdriver, and more.
Item Specifications:
- Brand – Gerber
- Weight – 0.14 Pounds
- Dimension – 2.75 x 4 x 0.6 inches
- Number of Pieces – 10
- Material – Stainless Steel
PROS
- Compact and lightweight
- Fine edge blade
- Butterfly opening for ease
- Suitable for any task
CONS
- Poor finish
- Unreliable
- Useless Pliers
Price – $ 25.00
Available on – Amazon
FAQs Related to “How to Minimize Body Odor while Trekking?”
Where Can I Find an Effective Deodorant to Reduce Body Odor?
There are many types of deodorants on the market, and you can find one that is effective for you. You may need to try a few different brands before you find one that works well.
Can I Use Perfume to Reduce Body Odor?
You can use perfume to reduce body odor, but you may need to reapply it often. It is also important to choose a perfume that does not contain any strong fragrances that can irritate.
What Can I Eat to Reduce Body Odor?
Some foods can help reduce body odor. Foods that are high in fiber can help to reduce the amount of sweat produced, and foods that are high in probiotics can help to improve gut health.
What Can I Do to Reduce Excessive Sweating?
There are some things you can do to reduce excessive sweating. You may need to try a few different things before you find something that works well for you. Some of the things you can try include using an antiperspirant, avoiding spicy foods, and drinking plenty of water.
When Should I See a Doctor About My Body Odor?
If you have a body odor that does not improve with home remedies, you may need to see a doctor. Some medical conditions can cause body odor, and it is important to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.
How Can I Improve My Gut Health to Reduce Body Odor?
There are some things you can do to improve your gut health and reduce body odor. Some of the things you can try include eating probiotic-rich foods, avoiding processed foods, and reducing stress levels.
Conclusion
Hiker’s questions on how to minimize body odor while trekking is best answered with prevention and pre-trip priming. It’s important to pack light and bring clothing that is made of quality, moisture-wicking material. Moreover, try carrying lightweight multipurpose tools that can help in case of emergencies. And finally, eat healthily and exercise to reduce sweating, the root cause of body odor.
