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How to brush your teeth like a backpacking pro. If you’re going to go off the beaten track on a trip, whether you are camping in the wild, staying in hostels, or exploring well away from the much-trodden path, it is crucial that you keep looking after your teeth, and this might require a little bit of planning as you will be away from your home comforts.

Take Clean Water With You

Of course, this is a tip that is about far more than dental care. You need to make sure you have a good supply of clean water. If you can’t verify the source of water then you need to make sure you are taking bottled water on your trips with you, so you know it is free of contaminants.

Use the Water You’d Drink

When it is time to brush your teeth, use the water that you would drink. Some people think that it doesn’t matter if the water is particularly clean as it will be spat out, this isn’t necessarily true, and it is easy for parasites and contaminants to get left behind in your mouth and swallowed by mistake.

If this means using bottled water to brush your teeth then so be it. It is way better than taking any chances on the source of your water.

Consider Some Natural Alternatives To Toothpaste

Did you know that the most crucial thing about brushing is removing the plaque from the mouth and while some toothpaste helps with this, brushing, even without paste, does a pretty good job too.

Toothpaste does add protection for your mouth, and freshens the breath, but it is not always essential, and you could just use clean water to brush if you are in a pinch. You might find that you would rather take some herbal toothpaste with you, as this is less harmful to the environment if you do have to spit it out on the ground. Some people use mint, but this will potentially attract creatures to a campsite.

Swallow Your Toothpaste (Adults Only)

Ideally, campers should leave the location as they found it, and this means not spitting toothpaste and leaving it where animals could potentially ingest it. As an adult, it is pretty harmless to swallow small amounts of toothpaste after brushing, and much better than leaving it in the woods or to disturb the flora or fauna.

We don’t advise that children do this, but you may have a bin or other container for waste where your kids can spit their toothpaste out. Make sure you take it with you at the end of your trip and follow the rule of leaving the place as you found it.

Keep the Sugar on the Down Low

Brushing is vital for helping to neutralize the impact of the sugar you are consuming. If you’re going to forego your usual brushing habits for a few days then it is a good idea to try and stay away from the sugar that can accelerate some of the potential dental issues you might experience. Not consuming sugar will have a big impact.

Replace Your Toothbrush When You’re Back

When you are camping or out and about backpacking then you may not always have the cleanliness standards of your home. If you can’t be 100% certain that your toothbrush hasn’t come into contact with any kinds of contaminants while you were on your trip, replace your toothbrush when you are back. You can also buy an environmentally-friendly toothbrush to ensure that you aren’t contributing to too much waste.

Summarizing

A lot of people love the life of backpackers, and the excitement of visiting somewhere new and being unshackled, free to go where you want. But you will have to forego some of your home comforts and think about things like dental care. Just because your habits may have to change, backpackers have plenty of hacks that can be used to help to keep you clean and healthy.

Brushing your teeth is absolutely crucial, but you might be required to make a few changes in your usual routine and be more friendly to the environment in the process.

Read These Camping Articles

• What is Hammocking
• Perfecting Your Car Camping Kitchen Setup
• Tips for Camping in Bear Country

What could be cozier than hammocking for two? Sharing a hammocking experience with someone else can turn a regular camping trip into an opportunity to take togetherness to new heights — literally! Nevertheless, the key to making two-person hammock camping work is having the right equipment.
Why not just sleep in the same hammock? Although the thought is cozy, it can be logistically unfeasible. Hammocking with another person all night in a single hammock can lead to overcrowding, physical discomfort, and, for some people, claustrophobia.

But there’s a fast workaround to these challenges: A double hammock containing two spacious, independently stable hammocks.

Could a Two-Person Hammock Fit Into Your Next Camping Trip?

Two-person hammocks offer you the opportunity to rest and relax next to a buddy or loved one without cramping anyone’s style. With a 2 person hammock setup, you’re able to get all the advantages of enjoying nature with someone by your side, day and night.
What are some of the benefits of double hammocking?

First, you can travel light. Many high-quality brands like Clark make super-lightweight double hammocks. They’re engineered to hang side by side but offer separate sleeping compartments. At the same time, they’re not too bulky to take on a long trek.
Second, you can get a hammocking newbie to finally take a weekend (or longer!) trip with you. Many people hesitate to camp out in a hammock if they’re unfamiliar with the experience. Maybe they’re even a little worried that they won’t know how to set up their hammock. A 2 person hammock setup allows you to help your friend adjust to sleeping in a hammock. After all, you’re right there to answer any questions — and show just how convenient it is to rig up a hammock in minutes.
As a final upshot to double hammocking, you may be able to store your stuff next to you if you purchase a double hammock that includes an extra compartment. It’s a relief knowing that everything you brought along is only an arm’s length away, whether you need a drink of water or an extra layer.

Overcoming Potential Hammock-Sharing Issues

So are there any reasons not to try hammocking for two?

Honestly, it’s hard to come up with one. As long as you’re prepared upfront with a 2 person hammock setup, you shouldn’t have too much trouble. With that said, you’ll want to make certain you order a two-person hammocking package designed to provide breathability and, if possible, three-season comfort.
Don’t be surprised if you find out that you get so accustomed to your two-person hammock that you end up using it on solo backpacking excursions, too. Some campers appreciate being able to stretch out along two hammocks.

Alternatives to Sharing a Hammock

At this point, you might be eager to buy a two-person hammock. However, until your new 2 person hammock arrives, you can replicate some aspects of the double hammocking experience by setting up single hammocks side by side or by hanging one lower than the other. Though it’s not the same as being bundled together in one mosquito net-protected compartment, it can definitely work in a pinch.
What if that’s not realistic based on where you’re camping? If one of you doesn’t mind sleeping on the ground, you can always rig up a tented hammock stretched above a tented sleeper. You won’t have the intimacy of a double hammock, but you’ll be close all evening.

Getting a Great Sleep in the Great Outdoors

The next time you’re seeking to recharge and refresh with a camping companion, consider two-person hammocking. It’s a blast, as well as an opportunity to try something new. Be sure to check out all of our DutchWare hammocks to find the right one for you.
Not sure which of the most comfortable hammocks to pick from our site? Contact us anytime for expert feedback and answers to all of your hammock technique and gear questions.