Backpacking can mean different things to different people. Before diving into shower tips, it’s important to ask, what kind of backpacking you’re doing and will you have access to a shower or not.

• Hiking – multi-day treks where you’re mostly in the wilderness, often without access to showers.
• Travelling – city or country-hopping with stays in hostels, guesthouses, etc.
• Camping – staying at campsites or out in the wilderness. Established campsites may have access to showers but the wilderness, you’re on your own.

For this guide, we’ll cover both scenarios: assuming you have access to campsite or hostel showers, and when you don’t.

 

How to Shower When Backpacking

 

1. Prep Your Gear To Shower While Backpacking

Having the right lightweight gear makes showering while backpacking much easier.

MUST HAVE Showering Essentials While Backpacking:

• Bar Soap Bag – Waterproof and leakproof, with a built-in foaming pouch and buckle for hanging anywhere. Perfect for keeping soap dry, accessible, and your other backpacking gear dry.
• I prefer using bars of soap instead of liquid gels since they last longer. However, if you prefer liquid soaps, definitely make sure you have the right flat pouch of liquid gels.
• Backpacker Toiletry Bag – Keeps your toiletries organized and easy to reach. The more pockets the better for organization and all backpackers need a hanging toiletry bag with built-in hook.
• Quick-Dry Towel – Compact, lightweight, and absorbs water efficiently. Make sure you get yours is a unique color. Avoid travel towels that are gray or white since backpackers often stay with other people and you’ll want to be able to distinguish which towel is yours.

OPTIONAL Showering Essentials While Backpacking:

• Pocket Shower or MAX SHOWER – Optional portable showers for campsites or outdoor rinses when no facilities are available.
• Waterproof Shower Bag - Ideal for transporting and storing your dry clothes to a communal shower.

 

2. Showering at Hostels or Campsites While Backpacking

Even when showers are available, space, time, used bathrooms, and water restrictions can make a “backpacker shower” a little different from your home routine...

• The Navy Shower Technique: Wet yourself, turn off the water to lather, then rinse. Saves water and time.
• Pack Smart: Keep soap, shampoo, and towel in your hanging toiletry bag or shower bag. Hang it from a hook or shower rod to avoid wet floors.
• Foot Care: Shower shoes prevent athlete’s foot and keep feet clean.
• Yes, I have gotten athlete’s foot before while backpacking in Japan. Believe it or not, it was from a nice onsen and not a dodgy hostel.
• Layer Your Routine: Hair first, body second, quick rinse last. This keeps water and soap usage efficient if you have limited soap with you.

Even at hostels, I have stayed at super budget hostels that you need to hold down a button for the water to flow. So, you’ll want to learn to lather and wash without constant running water.

 

3. No Shower While Backpacking? No Problem.

If you’re backpacking where showers aren’t available, there are still ways to stay clean and comfortable:

• Sponge or “Waterless” Bath: Use a small washcloth, biodegradable soap, and a cup of water to wash key areas: underarms, groin, face, and feet.
• Biodegradable Wipes: Quick and convenient for daily touch-ups; pack out used wipes in a sealable bag.
• Dry Shampoo or Hair Rinse: Powdered or spray formulas reduce oil and odor without water.
• Swimming or Dipping: If safe, rinsing off in lakes or rivers can refresh you. This may sound like a given, but DO NOT use soap in natural water sources.
• Foot Care: Rotate socks daily, wash feet at a stream, and air them out overnight.

Even a quick “sponge bath” can make a huge difference in comfort and morale during multi-day hikes.

 

4. Extra Tips for Comfort For Showering While Backpacking

• Warm Water: Portable showers like the Pocket Shower or MAX SHOWER let you enjoy a warm rinse outdoors.
• Privacy & Safety: For busy campsites or hostels, shower off-peak when possible.
• I usually wake up early to shower (there is usually a rush around that 9-11am) OR I shower around 4/5pm after enjoying most of my day and before dinner.
• Drying & Storage: Quick-dry towels and waterproof pouches keep wet items organized. Hang soap in the Bar Soap Bag to dry properly.

 

5. Step-By-Step Backpacker Shower Routine

1. Prep - Gather all items: soap, towel, toiletry bag, change of clothes etc.
2. Wet - Quick rinse if water is available or dampen a washcloth or sponge.
3. Lather - Soap key areas like underarms, groin, feet, and hair if necessary.
4. Rinse - Rinse off thoroughly or wipe down with clean water.
5. Dry- Use a quick dry towel and store wet items in a waterproof bag.
6. Pack Waste - Dispose of any wipes or sanitary items in a sealed bag. Leave no trace of waste!

 

6. Keep It Light While Showering When Backpacking

Staying clean while backpacking doesn’t mean carrying bulky gear:

• Bar Soap Bag – keeps soap dry and portable.
• Backpacker Toiletry Bag – Lightweight Flex – organizes all your essentials.
• Pocket Shower / MAX SHOWER – portable rinse options for outdoor spots.
• Quick-Dry Towel – reduces pack weight and dries quickly.

Whether you’re in a hostel, campsite, or deep wilderness, a little planning and the right gear will keep you fresh, comfortable, and confident on the trail.

 

Now check out our Ultimate Guide to Travel Backpacking! Collaborating with a select group of backpacking bloggers and industry professionals, we've compiled a diverse range of knowledge, essential hacks, and insider tips to meet you wherever you are on your backpacking journey. 

WRITTEN BY

FREYA LUNDGREN

I’m Freya, a Travel Writer, Backpacker & Outdoor Enthusiast from Sweden. Growing up close to the sea and forests gave me a love for nature and exploration early on. I’ve solo backpacked across Europe and Asia, lived abroad for studies, and I’m always eager to dive into new cultures and traditions. Beyond sharing practical tips and stories for fellow travel backpackers, I enjoy capturing quiet landscapes and city life through my photography.

Favorite Trips: Thailand, Japan & Sri Lanka
Favorite Cuisines: Nordic, Japanese & Thai
Quote: “Find beauty in the simple journey.”