Campsite shaving

**SalvadorMontenegro** · 08-09-2007, 01:59 PM

I usually shave with the teeth of the first grizzly bear I kill with my bare hands. I use the bark of a tree to exfoliate my face and pure gin as my aftershave.

On a related note, how is it that I'm the only one who's never gone camping?

**Hawkeye5** · 08-09-2007, 03:05 PM

For 12 months I shaved with cold water in a steel pot (long before the Fritz), a super speed, what ever blade was in the re-supply, and canned goo.
You have not experienced shaving until you are half way through and hear an incoming round go over your head!
To add some clarity, I was in the Cavalry, force recon. We went out and stayed out. No base camp return.

**Patrick D** · 08-09-2007, 03:35 PM

I take a Schick Injector and a tube of Cremo Cream for WTG passes only, just to keep it knocked down and manageable.

**rhinoyahoo** · 08-10-2007, 02:19 AM

In my part of the country, we don't worry about bears, but bugs...some as big as bears. They tend to be attracted to the sweeter smelling stuff.

I don't use a str8t, yet, but I dream of a picnic table, a wash basin of warm water, a small mirror, and a str8t shave, in the woods.

aargh...aargh,
Jim

**TimmyBoston** · 08-10-2007, 02:30 AM

Originally Posted by rhinoyahoo

I don't use a str8t, yet, but I dream of a picnic table, a wash basin of warm water, a small mirror, and a str8t shave, in the woods.

aargh...aargh,
Jim

If you're manly enough to do that, your beard would grow back in 4 seconds.

**rickw** · 08-10-2007, 07:41 AM

Originally Posted by TimmyBoston

If you're manly enough to do that, your beard would grow back in 4 seconds.

Nah! That’s an Urban Legend.

**AverageJoe** · 08-10-2012, 01:59 PM

If you're camping, don't shave!! That's a rule in the man book! Seriously, when I go backpacking, I'm voluntarily giving up civilization for a while and that includes shaving. You'll survive, I promise. If you go into real remote areas like we do, you won't see anyone but your fellow backpackers anyway and if you look and smell clean-shaven, you'll look like a 'day-hiker' or a beginner backpacker-----you don't want this! Space and weight in a pack is always at a premium anyway. Furthermore, unless you plan on saving all your used shaving cream and whiskers and rinse water and packing it out, you're adding a lot of pollution to the wilderness areas. Your first shave back in civilization will be that much more enjoyable!!

**Robert45** · 08-10-2012, 06:04 PM

Take a mirror by all means. Pretty rough trying to use your pickup side mirror.... that say Objects May Be Closer Than They Appear!

**rushchairman** · 08-10-2012, 06:49 PM

I'll be heading into the woods for an extended weekend. I'll have access to fresh water, but not actual plumbing. What do I need to bring to get a decent campsite shave?

The better question is: With what will you be shining your shoes?

**The Count of Merkur Cristo** · 08-11-2012, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by 6jokers

I'll be heading into the woods for an extended weekend. I'll have access to fresh water, but not actual plumbing. What do I need to bring to get a decent campsite shave?

If you're only gone for a few days...no need to shave, but if you must shave (with hot or cold water), take the bear minimum of tools (travel goo, no AS [might attract bears and other critters to your site]), travel mirror and a small basin).

"[Camping and being a former boonie rat]...has opened the earth to me and let me sense the rhythms and hierarchies of nature". Charles Fergus

**Rodeoflyer** · 08-11-2012, 11:43 AM

When you do your dishes in camp, set aside some of the hot water. Use the mirror hanging off the door of your truck.

**fccexpert** · 08-13-2012, 01:07 PM

Why shave?

**Kilroy08** · 08-13-2012, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by fccexpert

Why shave?

Why not? A shave does wonders for personal morale.

**The Count of Merkur Cristo** · 08-14-2012, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Kilroy08

Why not? A shave does wonders for personal morale.

...and it gives me a sense of ‘wholeness’ and I am still ‘civilianized’in the midst of any environment (camping, in the field, combat zones, ect..).

"[Camping and being a former boonie rat]...has opened the earth to me and let me sense the rhythms and hierarchies of nature". Charles Fergus

**YetiDave** · 08-15-2012, 03:20 PM

Travel brush and strop, soap stick, mirror, straight razor and a bottle of water - worked for me last week

**KindestCutofAll** · 08-15-2012, 03:45 PM

Can I reccommend going biodegradable or natural herbal ingredients.

To avoid bears and bugs I'd go unscented if at all possible.

I don't know any that fit this bill but Google is your friend. I'm sure you can find something.

**RichieRich3902** · 08-16-2012, 02:04 PM

When I go camping I don't take any shave gear with me out in the woods. IF I'm going to be stopping somewhere on the way back home I'll have a shave kit and decent clothes in the truck, but that is a rarity. Now when I'm gone sailing I take either my straight or khaki set and whatever soap I like, a brush and a wash basin that stays aboard :D

**AverageJoe** · 08-18-2012, 06:51 AM

I've gone on several week-long trips in the backcountry backpacking and we NEVER shave-----too much else to enjoy and/or be concerned/occupied with!! Not only that, but the LAST thing we want to see in the otherwise pristine wilderness is a big foamy mess from someones shave polluting the place we get our water from for our meals and coffee!!

If you're clean-shaven on the trail, it's a sure sign of a 'day-hiker or newbie'. Skip it and save yourself the weight, time, and space and the environment besides!

**bvance554** · 08-20-2012, 09:43 PM

I spend a lot of time in the outdoors and I'll admit that after about three days it starts to irritate the hell out of me. But lets not complicate the matter. Bring a disposable and shave with whatever soap you have on hand. Girls bring mirrors. You should be able to shave with your eyes shut by now.

**brucered** · 08-26-2012, 08:29 PM

We camp all summer, but have a small trailer with a sink and hot water tank. When I can't get to a clean campsite washroom (we always camp in provincia parks, so they are clean and shave friendly), I use my travel bag with shave sticks, simpson case and a gillette slim.

Even when camping, I like to start the day with a smooth face, gives me some "me time" before I hit the water, trails etc with the wife, kids and dog.