Soap

[Lance Chambers]

I saw a suggestion on YouTube and thought that some of you might want to try.

This approach is a lot lighter than carrying a bottle of shower gel, more convenient and less messy than a soap holder with a bar of soap, and it works - tried it out this morning and a single sheet was more than enough for this guys body.

Steps:
1/ Paper towel, maybe ribbed so it can 'grab' more gel.

2/ Spread the gel all over the paper.

3/ Leave the paper to dry completely.

4/ Cut each sheet into 4.

5/ Insert in a sealable plastic bag.

6/ Use one each time you need a shower.

7/ Maybe add a few extra in case you stay longer on the Camino than you expect or need to use more than one per shower.

8/ Stay safe, stay clean.


PS The three sheets in the last pic are from my first try and that's why the soap isn't spread too well and there are only 3 because I used one for a test run.

 

[natefaith]

Creative idea!! Thanks for sharing, Lance.

 

[Unie]

I saw a suggestion on YouTube and thought that some of you might want to try.

This approach is a lot lighter than carrying a bottle of shower gel, more convenient and less messy than a soap holder with a bar of soap, and it works - tried it out this morning and a single sheet was more than enough for this guys body.

Steps:
1/ Paper towel, maybe ribbed so it can 'grab' more gel.

2/ Spread the gel all over the paper.

3/ Leave the paper to dry completely.

4/ Cut each sheet into 4.

5/ Insert in a sealable plastic bag.

6/ Use one each time you need a shower.

7/ Maybe add a few extra in case you stay longer on the Camino than you expect or need to use more than one per shower.

8/ Stay safe, stay clean.


PS The three sheets in the last pic are from my first try and that's why the soap isn't spread too well and there are only 3 because I used one for a test run.

Thanks Lance, this could be useful in camping, carvaning holidays too.

 

[KJFSophie]

I saw a suggestion on YouTube and thought that some of you might want to try.

This approach is a lot lighter than carrying a bottle of shower gel, more convenient and less messy than a soap holder with a bar of soap, and it works - tried it out this morning and a single sheet was more than enough for this guys body.

Steps:
1/ Paper towel, maybe ribbed so it can 'grab' more gel.

2/ Spread the gel all over the paper.

3/ Leave the paper to dry completely.

4/ Cut each sheet into 4.

5/ Insert in a sealable plastic bag.

6/ Use one each time you need a shower.

7/ Maybe add a few extra in case you stay longer on the Camino than you expect or need to use more than one per shower.

8/ Stay safe, stay clean.


PS The three sheets in the last pic are from my first try and that's why the soap isn't spread too well and there are only 3 because I used one for a test run.

I've used this idea for camping with my kids when they were little...if you wet the paper towel with a spray bottle before applying the soapy gel, it spreads better. I place in the sun and it dries quite well. I've found these are single use only and for that reason, where I shower daily, and do long treks, it would not be an option for me to carry 30 +sheets...lol But it is an old Girl Scout Camping trick and it may work for others! Good share.

 

[truthseeker]

Years ago, in a fit of frugality, I made a nylon "dotted swiss" soap bag (4 by 5 inches, with a drawstring closure), so I could use the bits of leftover soap which had become too small for the soap dish. The nubby texture of the cloth works as a gentle scrubber, and the lather can also be used for hand washing clothing. I use it in the shower and plan to take it on the Camino! It dries quickly and weighs about an ounce, including soap.

 

[KJFSophie]

Years ago, in a fit of frugality, I made a nylon "dotted swiss" soap bag (4 by 5 inches, with a drawstring closure), so I could use the bits of leftover soap which had become too small for the soap dish. The nubby texture of the cloth works as a gentle scrubber, and the lather can also be used for hand washing clothing. I use it in the shower and plan to take it on the Camino! It dries quickly and weighs about an ounce, including soap.

That is actually very close to what I now travel with on camino. I have three small drawstring bags made of soft netting. One for solid shampoo, one for solid conditioner, one for body soap. I do have a lot of allergies and skin sensitivities and cannot use the 'all in one' brands. The little drawstring bags work wonderfully...I hang on my 'S' hook or on shower knobs, keeping things off of the floor. I hang near my bunk to dry which also gives a lovely clean scent to my bunk area...lol I've found these last an entire 60 day journey.

I'm frugal as well and am not one to throw out 1/2 bar of soap. I've found that 'sample' or 'travel sized' bars or bottles of body wash/shampoo are not readily avail in Spain. The tiny villages certainly do not carry options and sometimes it's giant family sized bottles and three packs of soaps...If someone is traveling in a group it can be divided up, but walking alone necessitates leaving this behind with hopes someone would use and not discard. I'm more a fan of packing exactly what I think I'll use.

I like your drawstring pouch and it's scrubber texture...it'll work !

 

[Mailman108]

I saw a suggestion on YouTube and thought that some of you might want to try.

This approach is a lot lighter than carrying a bottle of shower gel, more convenient and less messy than a soap holder with a bar of soap, and it works - tried it out this morning and a single sheet was more than enough for this guys body.

Steps:
1/ Paper towel, maybe ribbed so it can 'grab' more gel.

2/ Spread the gel all over the paper.

3/ Leave the paper to dry completely.

4/ Cut each sheet into 4.

5/ Insert in a sealable plastic bag.

6/ Use one each time you need a shower.

7/ Maybe add a few extra in case you stay longer on the Camino than you expect or need to use more than one per shower.

8/ Stay safe, stay clean.


PS The three sheets in the last pic are from my first try and that's why the soap isn't spread too well and there are only 3 because I used one for a test run.

What gel?

That is actually very close to what I now travel with on camino. I have three small drawstring bags made of soft netting. One for solid shampoo, one for solid conditioner, one for body soap. I do have a lot of allergies and skin sensitivities and cannot use the 'all in one' brands. The little drawstring bags work wonderfully...I hang on my 'S' hook or on shower knobs, keeping things off of the floor. I hang near my bunk to dry which also gives a lovely clean scent to my bunk area...lol I've found these last an entire 60 day journey.

I'm frugal as well and am not one to throw out 1/2 bar of soap. I've found that 'sample' or 'travel sized' bars or bottles of body wash/shampoo are not readily avail in Spain. The tiny villages certainly do not carry options and sometimes it's giant family sized bottles and three packs of soaps...If someone is traveling in a group it can be divided up, but walking alone necessitates leaving this behind with hopes someone would use and not discard. I'm more a fan of packing exactly what I think I'll use.

I like your drawstring pouch and it's scrubber texture...it'll work ! [/QUOTE
What gel?

 

[KJFSophie]

What gel?

Mailman108, any 'gel' that is a body wash/shampoo should work on the paper towel sheet trick.

 

[MikeJS]

I take a bar of ‘Fairy’ soap. That does me, my hair and my clothes!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Similar to the baby shampoo sheets my sister had to have (SUCH a fuss budget) - how about these ready made?

 

[jsalt]

Paper towel, maybe ribbed so it can 'grab' more gel.

Hi Lance, what happens to the paper towel in the shower? Doesn't it go all mushy and then clog up the shower outlet? (Sorry if I'm missing something here!)
Jill

 

[bernhugo]

Hi Lance, that is a great tip.
Don't want to waylay your thread, but it reminded me of a tip that I put on some years ago and some newcomers may not have see.
If you have to take pills or creams on your camino, the old film canisters are ideal containers.
Any shop where they do photographic work will willingly give you some.

 

[Lance Chambers]

Hi Lance, what happens to the paper towel in the shower? Doesn't it go all mushy and then clog up the shower outlet? (Sorry if I'm missing something here!)
Jill

I throw the used paper soap sheet into a trash can and certainly not down the shower plug hole.

 

[Lance Chambers]

Similar to the baby shampoo sheets my sister had to have (SUCH a fuss budget) - how about these ready made?

Mine cost about 3 cents each to make I'm guessing and I have 68 of them as I'm off to walk Hadrian's Wall and the Thames once I've finished the Frances.

 

[C clearly]

Similar to the baby shampoo sheets my sister had to have (SUCH a fuss budget) - how about these ready made?

I have never heard good review of those from anyone who actually tried them. I found them very ineffective.