Essential Sanitation Products for Car Camping and Overlanding

One of the best parts of car camping and overlanding is escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life, but it’s important to remember that even in the wilderness, cleanliness and hygiene still matter. Proper sanitation isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about staying healthy and respecting the environment around you. The last thing you want after a long day of hiking or exploring is to deal with unpleasant odors, bacteria, or waste disposal issues. That’s why bringing the right sanitation products along is essential.

In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best sanitation products that every overlander and car camper should consider packing. From eco-friendly cleaners to bathroom gadgets that make handling waste a breeze, these items will help ensure you stay fresh, clean, and responsible during your outdoor adventures.

1. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

Why It’s Important: One of the most versatile and environmentally friendly products you can bring on any outdoor trip is a biodegradable soap. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is a camping favorite due to its gentle formulation, which makes it perfect for both personal hygiene and cleaning gear or cookware.

What Makes It Special:

Biodegradable: Dr. Bronner’s soap breaks down in the environment, making it safe to use near water sources without harming aquatic life.
Multipurpose: It’s great for washing hands, face, and body. Plus, you can use it to clean your dishes, utensils, and even your gear.
Natural Ingredients: This soap is made from organic oils like coconut, olive, and hemp, making it a more skin-friendly choice than harsh chemical cleaners.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: The product’s packaging is 100% recyclable, aligning with sustainability efforts.

How to Use It: When you’re out in the wild, using soap sparingly is key. A small amount goes a long way, and remember to use it at least 200 feet away from lakes or streams to protect the water sources.

2. Kula Cloth Antimicrobial Reusable Wipe

Why It’s Important: When nature calls and you’re in the wilderness, a good wipe is a must-have. Traditional toilet paper can be bulky and harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly, which is why the Kula Cloth offers a great alternative for female campers, overlanders, and hikers. However, it can be useful for anyone who’s looking for an eco-friendly solution to clean up after using the bathroom outdoors.

What Makes It Special:

Antimicrobial Fabric: The Kula Cloth is made with silver-infused fabric that resists bacteria, making it a more hygienic choice than regular wipes or toilet paper.
Washable & Reusable: It’s easy to clean and use again, which reduces waste and makes it perfect for long-term trips.
Lightweight & Compact: The Kula Cloth folds up small, making it easy to stash in a backpack or gear bin.

How to Use It: After use, simply rinse the cloth out and hang it to dry. The antimicrobial properties ensure that it stays fresh, even after multiple uses. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and store your used cloth in a hygienic bag until you have access to a washing facility.

3. Lunatec Self-Cleaning Water Bottle

Why It’s Important: Hydration is key when spending time outdoors, but maintaining a clean water bottle is just as important. The Lunatec Self-Cleaning Water Bottle uses UV-C light to sanitize both the water and the bottle itself, helping you keep your drinking water fresh and free of bacteria.

What Makes It Special:

Self-Cleaning: The bottle has a built-in UV-C sterilization system that kills up to 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses in both the water and the bottle.
Portable: The bottle is a simple, one-handed operation, so you don’t need to worry about complicated equipment when you’re in the wilderness.
Sustainable: By using UV-C light to sterilize, you avoid the need for disposable sanitizing wipes or single-use sterilization products.

How to Use It: Simply fill the bottle with water, press the button to activate the UV light, and wait for the cleaning cycle to complete. It only takes about 60 seconds to disinfect both the water and the bottle, ensuring you have clean water to drink no matter where you are.

4. Cleanwaste GO Anywhere Toilet Kit

Why It’s Important: Sometimes, a more structured approach to bathroom needs is necessary, especially if you’re in an area with limited toilet facilities. The Cleanwaste GO Anywhere Toilet Kit provides a portable solution for handling waste discreetly and hygienically.

What Makes It Special:

Convenience: The compact, portable toilet system is easy to set up and use, and it includes everything you need to go to the bathroom outdoors without a mess.
Waste Disposal Bags: The kit includes waste bags that are designed to turn human waste into a gel-like substance, making it easy to pack out and dispose of safely.
Hygiene and Comfort: The system provides a clean seat, and the bags include a deodorizing agent to prevent odors.

How to Use It: Set up the toilet anywhere in a discreet and private spot. Once you’ve finished, use the included waste bags to contain everything, and then pack it out for proper disposal.

5. Aqua Mira Water Treatment Drops

Why It’s Important: When you’re camping or overlanding, you might need to treat water from natural sources like streams, lakes, or rivers to make it safe for drinking. Aqua Mira Water Treatment Drops are an excellent solution, allowing you to purify water without the need for bulky filtration systems.

What Makes It Special:

Chemical-Free: Aqua Mira doesn’t use iodine or chlorine, which can leave an unpleasant taste in the water. Instead, it uses chlorine dioxide, which effectively eliminates bacteria and viruses.
Compact and Lightweight: The drops come in a small, portable bottle, which is easy to pack along with your other camping gear.
Effective: It can treat up to 30 gallons of water, making it a great option for long-term trips.

How to Use It: Add the drops to your water according to the instructions on the label. The water should be left to sit for at least 30 minutes to ensure it is fully disinfected and safe to drink.

6. The Sea to Summit Pocket Toilet Paper

Why It’s Important: Even though reusable options like the Kula Cloth are great, you’ll still need toilet paper for various situations, and packing the right kind can make a huge difference. Sea to Summit’s Pocket Toilet Paper is compact, lightweight, and biodegradable, making it a great solution for keeping your bathroom habits eco-friendly.

What Makes It Special:

Biodegradable: This toilet paper is designed to break down quickly, making it safe for use in the wild when you pack it out properly.
Convenient Packaging: Each roll is individually wrapped in a resealable package, keeping it dry and easy to carry in your pack.
Compact and Lightweight: It takes up very little space, so it won’t weigh you down during your travels.

How to Use It: Use the toilet paper just like you would at home, but remember to pack it out in a designated waste bag. Never leave used toilet paper in the wild, as it can harm the environment.

7. Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System

Why It’s Important: While not directly a sanitation product, having a reliable cooking system like the Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System is essential for maintaining hygiene around food prep. Hot water is often necessary for cleaning, disinfecting, and even washing dishes when you’re camping.

What Makes It Special:

Efficient: The MiniMo boils water quickly, saving you time and fuel when you need to wash dishes or sterilize utensils.
Compact: It’s compact and lightweight, making it ideal for solo adventurers or small groups.
Durable and Reliable: Jetboil is known for producing rugged, high-quality gear that can stand up to the demands of overlanding and car camping.

How to Use It: Simply boil water in the MiniMo and use it to clean dishes, utensils, or even your hands after meals. It’s perfect for sanitizing in areas without access to hot water.

Conclusion

Maintaining proper hygiene while car camping and overlanding can be a challenge, but with the right products, you can keep things clean, comfortable, and environmentally friendly. Whether you’re cleaning your hands with biodegradable soap, managing waste with a portable toilet kit, or ensuring your drinking water is safe with treatment drops, these sanitation products will help make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable and sustainable. Stay prepared, respect the environment, and always pack out what you pack in—because a clean campsite is a happy campsite!