There's an episode for Bear Grylls...How to shave without a razor!
Shaving "in the wild"
- Thread starter mikewithe
- Start date
Lord Click razor. All plastic DE razor.
Since you're a backpacker, I would like to ask...
Do you bring a bottle of Dr. Bronner's with you?
This is easy... Dr. Bronners and a disposable. Anything else is a waste of energy. Seriously. You won't get a great shave, but if you are truly backpacking, I can see bring anything else.
Every ounce counts.
shave with a straight if you're in the wild. you can use it for stabbing/slicing stray bison for dinner.
and c'mon.... who 'poops' in the wild
and c'mon.... who 'poops' in the wild
As a scout leader of 11 years we go camping and backpacking monthly and have 1 to 2 week long trips during the summer. I too do not go more than 3 days without a proper cleaning, including shaving and usually not more than 2 days. It is also interesting when some of the scouts take an interest in ‘wetshaving’ out in the wild.
Yes, disposables are lightweight, and with backpacking every gram counts, so I use my Merkur 3-piece Travel Razor with two blades in the case, a partial shave stick with my Wee Scot brush in the same pill container, a travel mirror, a styptic pencil, and some witch hazel in a 2 ounce bottle. It all fits in a Glad sandwich size container with spare room for other things like daily meds, hand towel, travel tooth brush/tooth powder, Dr. Bronner's, floss, etc. as my portable bathroom. I boil some water and pour it into my portable sink (a 2.5 gallon Reliance collapsible fold-a-jug with the top cut off) to use as a basin (see attached picture).
Yes, disposables are lightweight, and with backpacking every gram counts, so I use my Merkur 3-piece Travel Razor with two blades in the case, a partial shave stick with my Wee Scot brush in the same pill container, a travel mirror, a styptic pencil, and some witch hazel in a 2 ounce bottle. It all fits in a Glad sandwich size container with spare room for other things like daily meds, hand towel, travel tooth brush/tooth powder, Dr. Bronner's, floss, etc. as my portable bathroom. I boil some water and pour it into my portable sink (a 2.5 gallon Reliance collapsible fold-a-jug with the top cut off) to use as a basin (see attached picture).
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I would recommend a ball end tech just because of the lightness and a puck or two of Williams or VDH... Thats light and can double as your body soap, plus the citronella of williams will keep the bugs away!!!
I normally view shaving as a 'return to civilization' ritual, along with a hot shower. I also tend to count ounces, but more than that I count minutes and fuel: heating water doesn't take long, but it uses fuel, and then the shave takes time that could usually be better spent packing up and cleaning up.
If I were going to shave in the backcountry, I would use a Merkur Travel razor or a Bic Metal, a stub of a shave stick or some quality unscented liquid soap), no brush (brushes have to dry!), a viscose towel, and a titanium cup for the hot water. I pack a signal mirror or, at least, a good compass, so if you need help shaving some detail areas, that should be plenty of help. Tie a cord around a nearby tree or put a hex nut / wall nut in a nearby rock crack so you can hang the mirror and stand up while shaving.
If I were going to shave in the backcountry, I would use a Merkur Travel razor or a Bic Metal, a stub of a shave stick or some quality unscented liquid soap), no brush (brushes have to dry!), a viscose towel, and a titanium cup for the hot water. I pack a signal mirror or, at least, a good compass, so if you need help shaving some detail areas, that should be plenty of help. Tie a cord around a nearby tree or put a hex nut / wall nut in a nearby rock crack so you can hang the mirror and stand up while shaving.
What, no one suggested a Travel Tech yet?
I'm kinda surprised.
I'm kinda surprised.
from what i can tell, this was made by a company in pgh. it's called the b&p travel razor or some such.
from what i can tell, this was made by a company in pgh. it's called the b&p travel razor or some such.
More info in this thread. Neat little razor.
Whn I go camping I generally use my old type set I picked up on the bay.
My shaving kit consists of a Arko Stick, a Small travel brush, the razor (in it's small box, which also holds 10 blades.
I'll face lather, so I dont need a bowl, however i'm sure you would have a mug or something you could lather in if you were inclined! My whole kit doesnt weigh much at all, and if you were super weight concious, you could look at a travel tech or similar.... (but I likes me old types! )
My shaving kit consists of a Arko Stick, a Small travel brush, the razor (in it's small box, which also holds 10 blades.
I'll face lather, so I dont need a bowl, however i'm sure you would have a mug or something you could lather in if you were inclined! My whole kit doesnt weigh much at all, and if you were super weight concious, you could look at a travel tech or similar.... (but I likes me old types! )
It has never occurred to me to shave while backpacking. Wash the face, yes. I do take soap. The only cotton on my person is my bandanna, which is the wash cloth. Clean is good enough. A smooth chin is not a necessity.
A nice long hike on the AT usually involves wondering where the next water is, and whether that noise is a bear. I will leave shaving at home.
A nice long hike on the AT usually involves wondering where the next water is, and whether that noise is a bear. I will leave shaving at home.
Seems like you may as well get a cheap Travel Tech.
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