Basic Hygiene for Bicycle Touring and Bike Packing

Epic Wipes Massive Towel Review

Excellent product for bicycle touring when you need a shower substitute.

Epic wipes are a regular towel size, very nice.

While preparing for a two to three month bike tour and thoroughly going over my blogging and photography work flow methods, pack weight, pack size and space and considering varying scenarios of getting my work done while traveling by bike.  You know, the fun guy stuff and then Lisa reminds me "how about keeping the stink off when there isn't a shower available"?

Ah yes, it's not that I'm a habitual slob that doesn't consider hygiene basics while camping and traveling but I do tend to blow off some of the niceties and Lisa is good at reminding me to be a bit more self considerate, particularly when we share a tent.  

Basic hygiene while bicycle touring or bike packing is a somewhat popular topic and varies greatly by individual preferences, needs or habits.  Some folks insist on having a fresh pair of bike shorts each day, another fella insists on getting ten to twelve days out of the same pair of riding shorts but then again some folks don't bother with brushing their teeth either.  

Baby wipes and sanitary wipes are a popular option with many outdoor enthusiasts but many of parabens and sulfates are toxic, harsh and tend to dry out a lot of folks skin.  Some folks make their own body wipes or sponge bath concoctions that meet their personal skin or allergy sensitivities.  I have found many such methods to me too bulky and heavy or tedious to bother with.  

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Primitive or wild camping, hygiene?

Anyhow, the folks at epic wipes couldn't have timed their product better.  Just as I was discussing and going over my bike travel plans I received an email asking me if I would be interested in reviewing their product.  Wow!  Excellent, of course I would, send me a case of the stuff and I love this product for the following reasons.

• Naturally scented
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• Biodegradable 
• 100% bamboo fiber
• Paraben and toxin free

Packaged in a small two by three inch shape that can fit in a pocket but unfolds to a large thirty one and a half inch long by nineteen and three quarter inch width (photo above).  Because the bamboo fiber seems to be pretty darn durable I plan on reusing them as often as I can until the towel disintegrates.  Here's my method.  After initial use I will reseal the towel in a large ziploc freezer bag with Thayer's Witch Hazel due to its organic essential oil ingredients mixed with a bit of Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap.  This is an excellent blend for reusing or making your own towel wipes in a ziploc bag but the towel wipes available from epic wipes are by far the best available and are an excellent reusable product.  Yep, adding these goodys to my pack kit list and looking forward to smelling nice for cozy bike camping evenings alone or with my honey.
For more information about epic wipes and get your hands on their awesome product use any of the links provided or click on photo below.

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Visit epicwipes.com for more information regarding their kickstarter program