Heyyyyyy friendsssss!! A bit blunt you may be thinking, but guys (and mostly gals)…it’s a real problem that I’m sure a lot of us out in the backpacking world have. We worry about the teeniest bit of additional weight on our backs, and end up skimping on the things that we *definitely* should not be. But I’m here to send a massive reminder of why you should be sure to keep an extra set of all the essentials and leave room on the way out for any trash…but guess what!? I have a secret weapon for your trash problem when it comes to TP on the trail! Read on to find out what it is!!

Must Have For Hiking: The Kula Cloth

Long ago, way back in the wilderness of my childhood home, I dreamt of becoming an avid adventurer, an epic explorer, a truly trusted super duper hiking madwoman, if you will. And then when I grew up and learned all about the amazing world of REI and other similar stores, I fell in love even further with nature and it’s awesomeness.

Not only could I hike, camp, travel and backpack like a pro for less (check the Re/Supply aisle for discounted gear!), but I could also have the opportunity to find epic equipment and the kinds of gear that I had only dreamed of before then.

As we’ve dove more and more into the outdoor world, some things just made more and more sense to invest in, and sometimes, that’s exactly what it is, an investment. I highly recommend snagging things on clearance or on sale, or heck even from the secondhand world, but it’s also nice sometimes to get certain things brand new and for only you to use…like the Kula Cloth!

The Kula Cloth is something I wish I’d have known about a few months before I found it. If I had only discovered it’s well thought-out design and super cute patterns as we planned to backpack the Napali Coast in Kauai, I most CERTAINLY would have purchased myself one.

But alas, hindsight is 20/20 as they say, and well my friends, we done ran out of tp. No joke.

Be Resourceful When Backpacking

When we arrived on the island, we knew that we would need to grab a few things for our trip from the nearest backpacking store or a Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, the whole place is pretty tiny, so we had limited options at the Wal-Mart, and instead found this awesome Pitch-A-Tent place that stocked us up on dehydrated meals. They have a bunch of other things available as well, but toilet paper for backpackers was not one of them. And your girl was 100% not dragging along full-sized TP rolls through the jungle, mmkay.

Luckily, we did think and plan ahead, (a vital thing you need to do when you’re planning on backpacking), and made sure to pick some up at the REI back in Pittsburgh before flying out. They were the little squished rolls that don’t come with the cardboard in between, so it does save some space and ounces in your pack which is nice. 😃

What I Thought Was Enough… But Totally Wasn’t

However, it does absolutely suck, (especially if there aren’t any compostable toilets along the way,) if you have to drag all of that back out with you! So therefore, we packed a few rolls each, (I believe 3 per person, since we would be out there for almost 4 full days), but my friends…it was not enough.

As the last day arrived, we knew we were getting low. What went from generous pieces of toilet paper, turned into a few squares or even one square at a time. It was no bueno.

I am happy to report that I did in fact already find this gem though, the PeeSport bottle, that helped incredibly with keeping bugs out of the tent at nights and in other situations as well. But if I knew then about the Kula Cloth, it would have been an actual life saver.

My Secret Weapon for Hiking / Backpacking Hygiene

The Kula Cloth is unique in its own way, because it is antimicrobial, reusable, and did I mention super cute yet? Yes, yes I did. Because it absolutely is! It’s handy to use in a pinch, doesn’t require being aware of your surroundings while trying to pee in the wilderness hoping no one is coming down the trail, and also doesn’t require being aware of any puddles underneath that you may accidentally drop your last roll of toilet paper into. The fear though. 😳

It snaps to your backpack for easy, quick use, and (get this), also has *reflective thread* to make sure you can easily locate it with a headlamp! Seriously, these gals have thought of everything.

Did I mention that it’s made with eco-friendly and non-toxic materials? Because this company has got your back and nature’s back as well. PS! There’s no need to carry wipes or hand sanitizer in a nearby pocket (although I still suggest you do for other issues that may arise), because it’s also waterproof on the flip side, ensuring your hands stay superbly clean and ready to snack on those encouraging goodies in your brand spanking new clearance aisle fanny pack. (That’s what us old people call those new-fangled shoulder bags)…

…but seriously. I found a new one at the REI Re/Supply section and it’s been an actual game changer of how I store my go-to goodies and essentials on the trail. Treat yo’ self.

Backpacking Hygiene Just Got Easier (And Free for You!)

As for the Kula Cloth though, I’d like to offer something special for new subscribers to HB. You are all an incredible part of this journey, and it’s high time I give something back. As a new subscriber, you’ll have the option to choose one of the two of these beautiful new Kula Cloths designed specifically for Habitual Balance! Yay!! 🤗🤗🤗

Simply drop a comment down below of which you prefer best, and enter your info into the subscribe box so that I can personally send you one of these beauties *for free, woop woop!* to use next time you hit the trails. No more drip-dry necessary, now you have a “leave-no-trace” easy to use method where you never have to worry like we did about running out of toilet paper. Boo to that!

(As a bonus, we’re offering a $10 Amazon gift card for anyone who tags us with their new freebie on their socials!)

As always friends, thank you for being such an incredible part of my life. Please tag us anytime you’re able to hit up some new travel spots on our Facebook page! We’d love to be inspired by where you go as well. Have a beautiful day! <3

Thanks for Exploring These Backpacking Hygiene Products with Me

Thanks so much for taking the time to read and share in this wild (and slightly awkward) adventure! Whether you’re new to the trail or a seasoned backcountry pro, I hope this post helped shine a light on some of the best backpacking hygiene products for women—especially the ones you definitely don’t want to leave behind like the Kula Cloth.

Here’s to staying clean, confident, and ready for whatever the wilderness throws your way. And remember—your gear doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should make you feel prepared. 💚