Shaving

[Mother Natures Son]

How many on this list deal with the issue of shaving on the trail? If I don't shave at least every other day I start to look like a hairy beast. There must be a way a guy can get a good shave without hauling a heavy a can of shaving cream around.

[Papa D]

Rarely does a backpacker shave on the trail and yes, we do look like hairy beasts - thank you. I suppose that I should point out that you could carry a very small BAR of shaving soap and a brush, razor, and hand-held mirror in a fairly lightweight fashion. You would then warm water in your cook-pot and shave-on. I lived (by choice) in the back of my truck with a camper top for a long time and did this sort of thing often. If you do manage a long distance hike and happen to shave regularly on the trail, a fitting trail name won't be a problem.

[k2basecamp]

Ah yes, goin' for that Ed Garvey look !

[garlic08]

I stay clean-shaven on the trail. I shave every four or five days, usually whenever I get a shower. Ditto for the small bar of soap, and it doesn't have to be special shaving soap, just any hand soap. Rub it directly on your wet face and make a lather. Someone suggested using single-bladed disposables instead of the typical multi-bladed ones, saying they clog up less.

[Trailbender]

I shave with a set of beard trimmers with the guard off. Gets a pretty close shave, about what it would be like after a day or so with a blade. It's a lot cheaper, a 20 dollar beard trimmer will last probably 3-4 years with constant use. Razors are a huge pain, my beard is so coarse I burn through blades. I personally would just grow a beard on the trail, I grew a huge one on my thru last year.

[30 Large]

I shave with a set of beard trimmers with the guard off. Gets a pretty close shave, about what it would be like after a day or so with a blade. It's a lot cheaper, a 20 dollar beard trimmer will last probably 3-4 years with constant use. Razors are a huge pain, my beard is so coarse I burn through blades. I personally would just grow a beard on the trail, I grew a huge one on my thru last year.

This.

A razor hasn't touched my face in about 6 years lol. I also have horribly sensitive skin on my neck. I would rather be a hairy beast than razor rash for six months.

[Theosus]

The only thing I hate more than shaving is facial hair. If I could afford it I would have the laser hair removal on my whole face and never shave again. When I'm camping I typically use hot water and soap, with a disposable. It doesn't have to be perfect. I shave by feel in the shower normally, so I don't need a mirror. I can't imagine growing a beard hiking, ugh.

[The Grip]

Because I am such a mutt, heredity has given me the most unappreciated swirled facial hair pattern, and I look like a crazed beast within a four days or so.
I know some people like to go for the beard when LD backpacking, but if Earl Shaffer made a point to shave before going back into society--then gosh darn, it I will too!
I use the disposable razor & Dr Bronner's for the woods...

[Trailbender]

Because I am such a mutt, heredity has given me the most unappreciated swirled facial hair pattern, and I look like a crazed beast within a four days or so.
I know some people like to go for the beard when LD backpacking, but if Earl Shaffer made a point to shave before going back into society--then gosh darn, it I will too!
I use the disposable razor & Dr Bronner's for the woods...

Well, I am not particularly worried about what Earl Shaffer would or would not do, I gotta do what works for me. I wouldn't bother, personally, one less thing to worry about. Also the beard is a "status symbol" of a thru, and makes hitching up north easier, and you don't have to constantly explain you are thru hiking, the beard says it all.

[Tuckahoe]

This shaving cream in a tube might just be the thing -- http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/prod...7431&cm_vc=200

[Papa D]

who is this OP anyway - are we really advising someone that is going to be hiking about how to shave or just talking some sh%t?

[rsmout]

who is this OP anyway - are we really advising someone that is going to be hiking about how to shave or just talking some sh%t?

Like he said, he's looking for alternatives to a can of shaving cream. No need to go off on him. I thought Mr. Toad's suggestion of using cooking oil was a good idea - one of those dual use things the 2,000 milers always talk about.

[Old Grouse]

Too bad you can't shave with beer foam. "I don't often shave, but when I do, I prefer Dos Eques. Stay hairy, my friends!"

[Wise Old Owl]

Too bad you can't shave with beer foam. "I don't often shave, but when I do, I prefer Dos Eques. Stay hairy, my friends!"

WELL SAID! - But for me I take a double disposable and NO soap. Yes Pain with gain - less blood.

[Majortrauma]

I can not understand why anyone would give a rats ass about shaving. It actually presents a higher risk of infection and can take you off the trail.
Even when I went to Mountain Warfare school in Bridgeport, Ca (USMC) we were discouraged from shaving.

[rsmout]

I can not understand why anyone would give a rats ass about shaving. It actually presents a higher risk of infection and can take you off the trail.
Even when I went to Mountain Warfare school in Bridgeport, Ca (USMC) we were discouraged from shaving.

Whatever helps you enjoy your hike! Smiles MEGA 2007, an OIF veteran, shaved almost every day. Chris Miller GAME 2011 seems to keep shaved every day. Beards are beautiful, too! Rusty Bumper 2011 has the coolest beard I ever saw. But beards don't make better thru-hikers, nor does a lack of beard. Ask the women about this.

And going off trail because of a shaving cut? That would be a first.

[budforester]

How many on this list deal with the issue of shaving on the trail? If I don't shave at least every other day I start to look like a hairy beast. There must be a way a guy can get a good shave without hauling a heavy a can of shaving cream around.

Liquid Camp Soap and warm water works for me... it won't make foam, but provides enough lubrication. I wash and rinse first, and, if it's particularly coarse, steam it with a bandana dunked in hot water. Then work in some soap and shave; a mirror can be helpful.

[Ender]

I often shave on the trail, at least to get down to a goatee. On the AT I did full-face shave until Maine. On the PCT I shaved when I was in town some times, but then switched to just shaving to a goatee. Mainly it's just because my cheeks don't grow in well

If you want to save some weight, use actual shaving soap and brush, like you would find in a barber shop. It's dry, and they make travel sizes, so it's not more than 2 ounces. And a cheapo brush will be really light as well, probably lighter than the soap itself (good brushes tend to be heavier). Also, shaving soap works much better than shaving cream. Really, it's just the better option.

Most people don't shave during a LD hike. I was a constant source of interest from other hikers during my hikes because I did shave.

[Tuckahoe]

If you want to save some weight, use actual shaving soap and brush, like you would find in a barber shop. It's dry, and they make travel sizes, so it's not more than 2 ounces. And a cheapo brush will be really light as well, probably lighter than the soap itself (good brushes tend to be heavier). Also, shaving soap works much better than shaving cream. Really, it's just the better option.

For me if I were inclined to shave on the trail, this is most likely what I would do. I already shave with soap and a brush at home and my regular razor is a WW1 era Gillette army kit, which was made to be small and lightweight for use in the field.

[Mr. Toad]

Just use some cooking oil instead of soap or shaving cream. It works suprisingly well and you don't have to introduce new items to your pack.