You’ve probably spent a day in the great outdoors while camping and wondered, What’s that smell?
And just like that, you’re in the market for some camping body wipes.
To make that buying experience easier, you should first understand a few things about these wipes.
- Size and thickness. Some wipes are designed just for cleaning the face and not a total body wipe. You’ll want something big enough for the whole body, and thick enough to handle even the toughest of dirt.
- Skin sensitivity. If you have sensitive skin, the last thing you want to wipe on your body is alcohol or other harsh chemicals. Make sure to find an all-natural product that won’t leave you itching or having a rash.
- Biodegradable. Especially important so you know what can safely be buried and what needs to come back home with you.
Read More : 4 Things to Know Before Buying Body Wipes
There are certainly plenty of options on the market to choose from, so we’re here to help you make the best possible purchase for your needs.
Here are 9 of the best body wipes for camping.
Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes
- Pack size : 8
- Wipe Size : 12” x 8” / 30.4cm x 20.3cm
A go-to brand for camping, Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes have been described as the campsite luxury you never knew you needed. Something about feeling clean at the end of a day of camping makes sleeping in a tent more enjoyable.
First, these wipes aren’t biodegradable, so pack them up with you at the end of your trip.
They are a little heavier, but the amount of moisture these Sea to Summit wipes hold make it well worth it.
What we like
- Extra thick. These are designed to remove salt and odors caused by sweat.
- Gentle. Despite its rugged use, it’ll leave your skin feeling smooth.
- Resealable packet. A great feature if you need a quick face wash and want to use it later.
What we don't like
- Not biodegradable. Can’t bury these after use.
Coleman Biowipes
- Pack size : 30
- Wipe Size : 8” x 11” / 20.3cm x 27.9cm
At first touch, the Coleman Biowipe feels like a damp piece of paper. But after using it, you’ll be surprised at how tough it really is.
Even better, they are biodegradable within 21 days.
We like the amount of moisture they offer and that you can use them across all body parts, making them perfect for bathroom use.
These wipes are compact enough to be thrown in the back of a backpack or kept in the tent for a pre-bed tent bath.
What we like
- Great value. Works out to about a quarter per wipe.
- Fragrance-free. Perfect for those who want an unscented wipe.
- Trusted brand. When it comes to American camping brands, none is bigger than Coleman.
What we don't like
- Extra wipes needed for full body wipes.
Combat Wipes Active Outdoor Wipes
- Pack size : 25
- Wipe Size : 7.1” x 8.3” / 18cm x 21cm
Designed by elite military soldiers, the Combat Wipes Active Outdoor Wipes are battle-field tested and super tough.
Of course, they can keep you clean at the campsite. We like a few things about these wipes.
They’re 100% biodegradable wipes, so feel free to bury or dispose of them after use. Two, they’re gentle on the skin because they’re also alcohol-free.
Finally, we like the company’s promise: If you’re unsatisfied with these Combat Wipes, you can return them without questions.
What we like
- Super tough. Designed extra thick for the toughest of conditions.
- Nicely packed. Don’t worry about multiple wipes coming out when all you need is one.
- Alcohol-free. That means these are great for sensitive skin.
What we don't like
- Too small. A few campers have complained these aren’t quite big enough for the whole body.
Surviveware Biodegradable Wet Wipes
- Pack size : 32
- Wipe Size : 8” x 12” / 20.3cm x 30.4cm
If you’re looking to survive the sweat and dust of camping, the Surviveware Biodegradable Wet Wipes is a worthy body wipe at the campsite.
Campers love that it’s completely unscented, which is helpful in a few ways. Not everyone wants to smell like a daffodil, and certain scents could attract bugs, including mosquitos.
These wipes are great because they’re perfect for wiping your posterior after going No. 2.
They’re moistened for ultimate comfort. More importantly, these Surviveware wipes are entirely biodegradable, which allows you to bury your wipes with your business.
What we like
- Unscented. Not everyone wants to smell like a flower after cleaning their face.
- Doubles as toilet paper. These will keep everything down there fresh and clean.
What we don't like
- Tricky packaging. Sometimes, it’s not as easy as just pulling out one wipe.
ShowerPill Body Wipes
- Pack size : 25
- Wipe Size : 4.9” x 4.1” / 12.4cm x 10.4cm
Designed by athletes, ShowerPill Body Wipes are engineered to scrub away tough dirt and leave your face feeling fresh and moisturized through the infused cucumber extract.
The charcoal powder in these wipes helps you scrub away the roughest dirt spots on your face, which is extremely helpful while camping.
It’s important to note that these are specifically designed for wiping your face, not other body parts.
Some campers have complained that these Shower Pill wipes leave a slight residue after use but quickly dry up, leaving your face feeling clean.
What we like
- Tough on dirt. Wipes are infused with charcoal powder to scrub off tough spots.
- Great for sensitive skin. These are dermatologist tested and approved.
What we don't like
- On the smaller side. These are geared toward the face as opposed to the whole body.
Busy Beauty Instant Fresh Body Wipes
- Pack size : 10
- Wipe Size : 12” x 10” / 30.4cm x 25.4cm
A body wipe designed for the ladies, Busy Beauty wipes are perfect for camping.
We like how large these wipes are, making a full-body wipe-down easy.
These wipes are engineered to be tough on dirt while leaving the user refreshed and smelling great. They use natural ingredients and no alcohol, so they’re safe for all skin types.
If showers aren’t available at the campsite, you’ll be glad you have these Busy Beauty Body Wipes with you.
What we like
- Really big. These are perfect for completely wiping down your body.
- Individually wrapped. Keeps each wipe at full moisture and hydration levels.
- All natural. No alcohol and no chemicals means these are easy on the skin.
What we don't like
- Pricey. These fall in the more premium category when it comes to body wipes.
Goodwipes Body Wipes
- Pack size : 60
- Wipe Size : 9.5” x 11.5” / 24.1cm x 29.2cm
Another large-scale wipe designed for the whole body, the Goodwipes Body Wipes are an affordable option for cleaning the dirtiest (and stinkiest!) of places.
You can buy one pack at 40 cents per wipe and have it last the entire camping season.
Some people have complained about this wipe, including that it’s a tad too flimsy for scrubbing off tough dirt and that it doesn’t smell the best.
But if you’re looking for individually wrapped body wipes to keep you feeling clean at the campsite, Goodwipes is an excellent option for those on a budget.
What we like
- Great value. These are a great price per wipe that should last you all camping season.
- Individually wrapped. This makes it great for day hikes.
What we don't like
- Flimsy. Some campers have complained they can tear if used too aggressively.
HyperGo Full Body Wipe
- Pack size : 10
- Wipe Size : 12” x 12” / 30.4cm x 30.4cm
Designed for the camper on the go, the HyperGo Full Body Wipe is a more expensive wipe with a mint scent or an unscented option.
It checks all the boxes for what you want in a body wipe: It’s big enough, natural, and safe for your skin. It also includes some bonuses, like Vitamin E, Aloe, and Oatmeal, all of which are great for your skin.
Some campers complained these HyperGo wipes dried out too quickly, but most agreed they worked well.
What we like
- Scent options. Smell minty or go with the unscented model.
- One square foot of wipe is the perfect size for a full body wipe.
- Like it or return it. The company promises a full refund if you don’t like these wipes.
What we don't like
- A little dry. Some campers have complained these don’t include much solution in them.
Dude Shower Body Wipes
- Pack size : 8
- Wipe Size : 8.5” x 11” / 21.5cm x 27.9cm
Dude Shower Body Wipes are about as tough as they get for camping body wipes.
These wipes are quite thick, measuring the size of a piece of paper. This allows you to scrub vigorously without worrying about tearing them or losing moisture.
Speaking of moisture, these are packed with a natural solution that is more than enough for a full-body wipe-down. Some campers even said you’ll need a towel to dry off, similar to showering.
And ladies, don’t be intimidated by the name. Dude wipes are great for you too.
What we like
- Designed for athletes. That means they can handle the sweatiest of people.
- Thick. Don’t worry about scrubbing too hard. These wipes can handle it.
What we don't like
- Too wet. These are packed with moisture to the point where you may need a towel to dry off.
Camping Buying Body Wipes Buying Guide
While camping body wipes feel like a pretty straight-forward piece of equipment, there are a few things you should understand about them before making a purchase.
Use this guide to learn about the ins and outs of camping wipes.
Wipe size and thickness
Size
Your average camping wipe is going to the size of a standard piece of paper. Depending on the amount of moisture it holds, that’s a great size for doing a head-to-toe wipe down.
There are some, though, that are smaller like the ShowerPill Body Wipes, which are geared toward only cleaning the face.
Typically, the bigger the wipe, the better the chance of only using one wipe for a total body clean, saving you money and wipes in the process.
Thickness
In a way, the thickness is even more important than size.
If you need to really scrub away at dirt that has hardened on your skin, you want a camping wipe that’s tough enough to handle that type of scrubbing. The Combat Wipes Active Outdoor Wipes are a great example of a super-thick wipe that can handle tough cleaning.
If you just need a camping wipe for washing off your face, arms and hands, though, you can probably get away with something not as tough, like the Goodwipes Body Wipes.
And if you plan to use camping wipes to clean up your derriére after going to your hole in the woods, you’ll definitely want to make sure it won’t rip while wiping.
Packaging
The way camping wipes are packaged can also be important to understand.
While it does come with extra packaging, your best option are the wipes that are individually sealed. This ensures that they carry maximum moisture and won’t dry out from constant opening and re-opening.
Another benefit of the individually-wrapped wipes, like the Busy Beauty Instant Fresh Body Wipes, is you don’t have to worry about pulling out one wipe and having a bunch of other wipes tag along with it.
Individually-wrapped wipes are also nice for day hiking trips where you want to keep your pack light, but also want that luxury of wiping off your face if things get dusty and dirty.
Made from biodegradable materials
This is actually extremely important, and not just a marketing point for the hardcore environmentalists.
If you’re going to use these wipes to wipe your bottom after using the bathroom, there are some wipes you can’t just bury in the hole with your waste. You need to make sure your wipes are completely biodegradable if you plan on doing that. If not, you need to pack them up after use and bring them home with you.
For the most part, look for wipes that don’t have a long list of chemicals in the ingredients. The most natural products will include aloe vera and Vitamin E.
The Surviveware Biodegradable Wet Wipes are a great example of biodegradable camping wipes that are completely safe to bury with waste. They start to decompose after 28 days of use and are fully degraded after six months.
Baby wipes, on the other hand, would take 100 years to decompose.
Pay attention to sensitive skins
For campers with sensitive skin, you’ll want to pay close attention to the ingredients found in your camping wipes to ensure you don’t break out in hives or have any other allergic reactions.
Most camping wipes on the market today are marketed as being safe for sensitive skin, but it’s always important to double-check ingredients for any known allergies you have.
Even if you don’t have any allergies, look for the use of alcohol in your wipes. Alcohol is great at disinfecting, but it’s extremely rough on your skin. Most wipes on the market today don’t include alcohol, including the HyperGo Full Body Wipe.
Luckily, most of these camping wipes are relatively inexpensive. So, if you have any questions about how your skin reacts to a certain brand, it’s probably worth testing out for $8 to $10 and then finding something else if it doesn’t work out.
FAQ
What is the difference between a male and female wipe?
For the most part, camping wipes can be used by both genders. Different brands are marketed to different genders. Dude Shower Body Wipes, for example, is geared toward men, while Busy Beauty Instant Fresh Body Wipes are marketed toward women.
Men and women can safely use either, though.
How do I dispose of the wet wWipes?
This depends if the wipe is biodegradable or not. If it is, you can typically bury these wipes. A safer bet, though, is to pack them up at the end of your camping trip and dispose of them at home.
Can I use the wet wipes to clean kitchen utensils?
Technically you could, but remember these wipes aren’t antibacterial wipes. So, if you’re cooking raw chicken, for example, you’ll want to use antibacterial soap to ensure it’s fully disinfected. To play it safe, make sure you’re using antibacterial wipes or soap for kitchen utensils.
How many wipes do I need for a thorough clean?
This also depends on each brand. Some wipes are packed with moisture and cleaning solution that you can get away with a full body wash using just one wipe. Typically, though, you’ll need two or three for a head-to-toe cleaning.
Andrew Dodson
Andrew Dodson is an avid camper who enjoys the great outdoors with his wife and two-year-old son. He resides in Colorado, where you can often find him enjoying hikes with a toddler strapped to his back and mini goldendoodle Percy nearby.
