[at-l] Re: help me with my gear list - please

[icw39@ncfreedom.net (Clark)]

The more important, underlying issue is simply one of cumulative impacts
[one of those great legal phrases from a number of env. laws, but common
sense is the best definition.]  Since the AT gets a ton of use,
cumulative soap impacts, just like cumulative camping, fire-setting,
trash dumping, hiking pole stabbing, boot scuffing, - you name it - can
cause major problems for an ecosystem . . . however, once you are
sensitive to such, you can make pretty good judgments re where to use
soap and not use it . . . I still like to take a smidge of good old Dr.
Bronners peppermint castile soap with me . . .

thru-thinker

Orange Bug wrote:

> I think the "no soap movement" is a part of a larger non-silly,
> non-macho, non-fad known as LNT. Soap is not the only choice for
> hygiene, and is very unlikely to be used consistently or appropriately
> following toileting.
>
> Scenario 1: While replacing the divot and returning TP to a Ziplock,
> Hiker A rubs Purel or other alcohol gel on her hands. Quick and easy,
> she is on her way with little trace of her visit.
>
> Scenario 2: While replacing the divot next to a stream, Hiker U washes
> his hands with soap and stream water, making an excellent lather.
>
> Scenario 3: While replacing the divot over 200 yeards from water
> sources, Hiker P hopes to remember to wash his hands in the next stream
> with his little bar of soap, somewhere near his TP.
>
> Scenario 4: After pretending to be a bear in the woods, Hiker M simply
> leaves his log behind. Soap and Purel aren't on the agenda, for real
> men. Plus that vine with the triad of leaves made great TP!
>
> It is fine to bring soap if you want the extra fragrance and weight,
> but not if you really wish to see reasonabe hygiene practices in the
> backcountry. Alcohol gels do the job and double as a fire starter. Soap
> has its uses, mostly in town.
>
> Bill...
>
>
> --- "Bob C." <ellen@clinic.net> wrote:
>
>>"don't  need  soap.  ...," claims pek b.
>>
>>...
>>As far as soap goes, there is no more reason for not washing your
>>face and hands in the woods and mountains than there is for not doing
>>so at home. The "no soap" movement  is  just  another  of  those
>>silly, macho fads that seem to abound in hiking circles.
>>
>>
>
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