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Thread: body hair??

  1. #1
    Registered User Bushrat's Avatar
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    Default body hair??

    Today I heard that some hikers shave all their body hair in an effort to stay and keep cleaner. Any truth to this?
    Wheezer

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    only semenfoot can provide the right answer. do you know how to get to william o brien shelter?
    as many choose to grow beards because shaving is not very convenient on the trail, does this really sound logical?
    this might be a question in the speed hiking forum, as it may reduce wind resistance.

  3. #3

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    During my thru hike, I tried shaving the hair under my arms to control body odor. Couldn't tell that it made any difference. Seemed like less hair, less bacteria.

  4. #4
    BYGE "Biggie" TOMP's Avatar
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    Yeah I think less hair means less places for sweat to soak in so I recommend maintanance but I am not shaving my pits or legs or anything.

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    I've replaced all my hair with merino wool implants and extensions.

  6. #6
    BYGE "Biggie" TOMP's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JAK View Post
    I've replaced all my hair with merino wool implants and extensions.
    Now you arent growing a beard you are knitting a sweater.

  7. #7

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    The reason I shaved my face every few days in town was to keep cooler. I just can't fanthom why someone would want a serial killer style beard in 90+F temperatures with high humidity. It just makes me shudder at the thought. But it seems that people shave alot less on the trail; women included. I know people use to joke that UL'ers should shave all their hair to save a few more ounces. I know I've always been curious about how much some of those thru-hiker beards weigh by trails end.

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    Shaving your face on the trail can be tough work, but it can be done.
    Probably the only thing I would bring soap or some such thing for.

    Now there's a question. What is the most UL shaving soap or shaving cream?

  9. #9
    BYGE "Biggie" TOMP's Avatar
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    UL shaving gel/cream- use olive oil doubles as high calorie food. Be sure to wash face afterwards.

  10. #10
    Ohhh-Rraahhh!! Derek81pci's Avatar
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    Keeping clean shaved can also help spot ticks etc, reducing your chances of Lhyme (sp) disease or whatever. Personally, I'm going to rock the serial killer look~

  11. #11
    Registered User jlo's Avatar
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    Shaving probably does help keep you cleaner, but, man, it's really bothersome! Plus I didn't want to carry a razor around the woods with me. I made a point to shave my legs in town because it gets itchy, esp. in the heat. And I've never seen anyone shave on the trail...ever.
    But it's really whatever you want to do.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by TOMP View Post
    UL shaving gel/cream- use olive oil doubles as high calorie food. Be sure to wash face afterwards.
    I will have to try that. Thanks.

  13. #13
    Registered User swjohnsey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JAK View Post
    Shaving your face on the trail can be tough work, but it can be done.
    Probably the only thing I would bring soap or some such thing for.

    Now there's a question. What is the most UL shaving soap or shaving cream?
    Ivory bar soap. Use it to wash, use it to shave. It floats in a stream.

  14. #14
    2014 Thru-Hiker in Training
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    Does that mean that Ivory soap is not only good for personal hygiene but that it can also be used as a life-saving floatation device? What a multi-tasker!

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    Registered User Juice's Avatar
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    I'm just bringing a small pair of scissors, sweat and razor burn don't mix well for me.
    Buy the ticket, you take the ride. - Hunter S. Thompson

  16. #16
    Registered User swjohnsey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Marlow View Post
    Does that mean that Ivory soap is not only good for personal hygiene but that it can also be used as a life-saving floatation device? What a multi-tasker!
    Or put it in a sock and beat someone senseless.

  17. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by swjohnsey View Post
    Or put it in a sock and beat someone senseless.
    Good old marine code red!!

  18. #18
    Ohhh-Rraahhh!! Derek81pci's Avatar
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    OOOhhhh-RRaahhh!!

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    Punchline RWheeler's Avatar
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    Hmm, I wonder how many ounces I can shave off.

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