Backpacking can be a great way to explore and feel more connected to the great outdoors. Some products and tips can help you use nature to your advantage as you repel insects or protect against the sun’s rays so you can stay feeling your best all hike long. Thoughtful packing can help you be equipped and ready for anything as you go on an adventure by yourself or with friends. You deserve high-quality formulas inspired by nature to help you feel protected as you experience and enjoy the great outdoors.
Address Aching Muscles with Salves
It’s no secret that backpacking can take a toll on your muscles, which is why you’re going to want to stretch and use a multipurpose salve that can help your body feel soothed. Seek out a balm that can help you target the discomfort associated with bruises and sore muscles. Some of the best will contain ingredients like arnica, peppermint oil, and cinnamon bark oil to mimic hot and cold temperature changes that can enhance circulation. Massage your salve into areas where you feel anything from a sprain to joint pain as you take a break from your hike. Add a foot-specific formula with calendula and St. John’s Wort to reduce feelings of irritation or discomfort from your day on the trails.
Refresh with a Natural Deodorant
Sweat is our body’s natural way of regulating temperature, and when you’re backpacking it can feel like you’re constantly sweating. And, fact: Sweat doesn’t typically smell good. This means you’ll want to apply a deodorant to fight odor. The best botanical formulas will be baking soda and aluminum-free. Bonus points if it also soothes and moisturizes your armpits. Try to find a brand with scented gel deodorant options. We don't know about you, but we like to smell differently on the trails than we do at a festival or in the boardroom. And of course, especially if you’re sweating a ton, be sure to stay properly hydrated.
Use Products with SPF
With the sun overhead as you backpack, you want to make sure your skin is actively protected. Find a water-resistant sunscreen formula that features broad-spectrum protection for proper coverage. Look for a formula that does away with potentially harsh ingredients like petroleum. The product should feature natural, reef-safe ingredients and be easy to reapply so you can keep your skin hydrated, protected, and nourished.
Add a lip balm to your pack that uses zinc oxide for UV protection and has vitamins and nutrients to help your lips feel soft and silky while you explore. If you do get a little burnt, help soothe minor sunburns with a healing salve that uses aloe vera for a cooling blend while you rest in your tent.
Protect Yourself While in Nature
Backpacking helps you stay at one with nature, but there are some elements you’ll want to be ready for. Poison ivy, for instance, is why you’re going to want to have a salve with proven ingredients like grindelia, jewelweed, and plantain on hand in case you accidentally bump into one of these three-leafed beauties. Add a fly repellent to your pack as well. Seek out one with a formula that’s free of synthetics and instead features herbs and essential oils.
It doesn’t matter if your feet are sore or if you need to refresh your sunscreen and natural deodorant, you deserve high-performing products that go above and beyond on your hike. You can feel confident using formulas that are rich in plant-based ingredients without sacrificing effectiveness. Tuck these essentials inspired by nature into your pack and go. Happy trails!
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