How to Clean Your Face and Hands with Wilderness Wipes
By Sea to Summit | Outdoor Gear To Equip & Inspire | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the simple steps to refresh your face and hands with Wilderness Wipes while camping. No water or rinse needed, and they're gentle on skin and the environment.
Quick answer
Wilderness Wipes let you clean your face and hands without water or rinsing. Just wipe, let air dry, and pack out the used wipe according to Leave No Trace.
Why Wilderness Wipes work for face and hands
When you're on the trail or at camp, water isn't always available for washing. Wilderness Wipes use thick 100% viscose fibers that are soft enough for your face yet strong enough to remove salt and sweat from your hands. They contain aloe vera and vitamin E, so they're gentle on skin even with repeated use.
Because they require no rinse, you can clean up quickly before eating, after a hike, or when settling into your tent. Just remember that these wipes are not flushable and must be packed out.
What to avoid when using wipes on your face
Avoid rubbing too hard, especially around your eyes. The wipe is thick but the skin on your face is delicate. Also, do not reuse a single wipe on both your hands and face if your hands are heavily soiled — use one for hands and a fresh one for your face to prevent transferring dirt or bacteria.
Keep the resealable packet closed when not in use to prevent the wipes from drying out. If a wipe feels dry, it won't clean effectively.
How to clean your face and hands with Wilderness Wipes
- Step 1: Open the packet and pull out one wipe: Tear open the resealable packet and remove a single wipe. Reseal the packet immediately to keep the remaining wipes moist. If you take out more than one wipe, the extras will dry out quickly. Only remove what you need.
- Step 2: Wipe your hands first if they are visibly dirty: Use the wipe to clean your palms, between fingers, and around nails. Fold the wipe to a clean section before moving to your face. Using a dirty wipe on your face can spread bacteria. Start with hands or use a separate wipe for your face.
- Step 3: Clean your face with gentle strokes: Wipe your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Avoid the eye area. Use light pressure — the aloe and vitamin E will help refresh your skin without scrubbing. Do not rub near your eyes. The wipe is not designed for eye contact and may cause irritation.
- Step 4: Let your skin air dry: After wiping, allow your face and hands to air dry for a few seconds. No rinsing is needed, and the moisture will evaporate quickly. Patting with a towel can remove the beneficial aloe and vitamin E. Let it dry naturally.
- Step 5: Pack out the used wipe: Place the used wipe in a trash bag or sealable pouch. Do not leave it on the ground or attempt to bury it — follow Leave No Trace principles and carry it out. Even biodegradable wipes take a long time to break down. Always pack them out.
Product facts
- Wilderness Wipes: Wilderness Wipes are made from 100% viscose fibers and are extra thick, soft, and gentle on skin. The soft fibers make them suitable for cleaning your face without irritation, while the thickness ensures they hold up when wiping dirt and sweat from your hands.
Wilderness Wipes
