First Aid and Hygiene

Recent First Aid/Hygiene Product Reviews

TheTentLab Deuce of Spades

The #1 item for when I need to go #2. The Deuce of Spades is a great little trowel that works like a charm. I wrap a bandana around the handle to make it a little easier to use. I received this as a prize from Trailspace for being a Reviewer of the Month. A quick note: I was initially hesitant to write this review, since this product is already well covered here on Trailspace (at the time of writing, there are six reviews, all 5-stars), but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that… Full review

Incrediwear Knee Sleeve

The best knee brace I have found for my particular aches and injuries. It feels good worn all day, doesn’t get too hot, and provides ample support for hiking and backpacking, as well as therapeutic fabric to aid blood flow and healing. My only real negative is it takes a while to dry, likely due to some minor cotton content. Waiver – since this is a medical device, albeit over the counter, I would like to clearly state that you should consult with a doctor regarding any injuries, the use of… Full review

BodyGlide Foot Glide

Another tool in your arsenal for the battle against foot blisters. Those of you who follow my reviews know, that a common issue for me is foot care. My feet are a mess... no arches, bunions, narrow heel/wide forefoot, long toes. In short, foot issues are the bane of my hiking life. In my battle against blisters, I have found this simple product to be as effective as anything I've tried. I was familiar with BodyGlide products, as I have used their non-greasy cycling balm on my cycling shorts for… Full review

Matador NanoDry Shower Towel

Very quick absorbing and drying. Cleverly designed silicon case allows you to easily transport it and let it keep drying on-the-go. As a member of another website, I was given this product in exchange for a review. I have other travel towels, but nothing this size that is this light, this packable, and this quick drying. It's a total keeper. Well, I actually forgot it at a different campground a few days later, but it's something I am happy to pay to replace. I would wake up, have a shower, lay… Full review

Matador NanoDry Shower Towel

I have used several backpacking towels over the years and they have all suffered in three ways that Matador managed to fix. They are either too small, too heavy and bulky, or not effective at drying, and some fit into all three categories. Matador solved all these problems with the NanoDry Towel. The first thing I noticed with these towels was just how light they were. When you take them out of their case you will be surprised at how nice it would be to take them backpacking. At the same time when… Full review

pStyle

Women be free! No more being scared to get out of your tent at midnight to pee. Women, we need to talk honestly. There are a lot of female urinary devices out there, and I found a favorite, the Pstyle. With the carrying case which has a carabiner to attach to my pack, the cost is about $23. I have been looking for a solution to crawling out of my tent at night, in the rain, to urinate. I tried just a plastic bag with disastrous results. With this sleek design, you just have to kneel on one knee,… Full review

Biffy Bag

Not backpacker-friendly—too heavy after using; materials are too cumbersome for a "squat" position; smells for sure and not pleasant. It is not backpacker-friendly. It became extremely weighty after the gel was activated. It also just plain stunk. And who poops standing up straight? To squat to use created all this excess material and does not allow your waste to fall into the package. This in turn created too much handling of my waste and what to do with all that waist-tying plastic material… Full review

Biffy Bag

Understand the concept of PI/PO and the need to diminish human waste impact on popular recreation areas. Who poops in that position? Can't use item in the kimchi squat. Why all that non-environmentally friendly plastic? Unpleasant odor. One of the joys of backpacking is realizing a diminishing weight to your pack as the trip goes on; this adds probably two pounds a day in weight due the the gel and waste together. We ended up just going on the ground and then shoveling it into the pack. Eliminate… Full review

Biffy Bag

Great product for backcountry camping. Small lightweight, helps keep the environment clean. Having been a backpacker for several years now I have had a few occasions to have to answer the call of nature while out in the backcountry. Let me tell you that is an experience. I've been in weather so cold you can't dig a proper cathole, or in areas too close to water.    So, after taking a Leave No Trace training course and hearing about this product I went right out and purchased a three pack. It's… Full review