Keeping fresh during outdoor adventures

You know you’re having a good workout on your group walk when your heart’s pumping and you’re working up a sweat. But there can be a downside, and that’s when you don’t feel as fresh as you’d like to. There are plenty of ways to keep fresh during outdoor adventures, though, so read on for a few top tips. Your fellow walkers will be grateful!

Start off fresh

If you’re not fresh as a daisy when you begin your walk, chances are things are only going to go downhill, so get yourself off to the best possible start. This means having a shower, putting on your deodorant, brushing your teeth – all the usual things in your morning routine. 

Of course, the specific products you use will make a big difference. You might find particular shower gels leave you with a great scent, or there’s a specific deodorant that helps keep odours at bay – here’s more information on that topic.

Get your gear in order

The freshness level of what you’re wearing is also important. It’s tempting to put on your favourite walking jacket and trousers every time, but are they freshly laundered? A stinky outfit is only going to get worse as the walk goes on.

The same goes for your boots. Give them a good wipe down after each walk, and they’ll be much more pleasant to pull on the next time you’re heading out. You might even want to remove the insoles (if you can) to wash and air them out. 

As for making your feet less sweaty, wearing woollen socks or (woollen/polyester blends in summer) can help wick moisture away from your skin. Some walkers also swear by baking soda in their boots.

Stay hydrated

We need to keep up the fluids when we’re walking for obvious reasons. But did you know that staying hydrated also serves as a handy helper in keeping fresh? Water can help prevent a build-up of toxins, so there aren’t such concentrated levels in the fluids inside you.

Be prepared for mishaps

There are occasions when something happens out on a walk that undoes all that good work. We’re specifically thinking about stepping in what dogs leave behind. So it’s worth keeping a packet of wet wipes/tissues in your pocket, as well as a bag to put them in, should you need to use them.

A clump of grass or a big stick are also useful tools in removing any foul smelling stuff you might accidentally tread in. It’s best to deal with the situation straight away, rather than wait until the walk is over, as it’ll be harder to remove – and will have started to smell worse.

With these tips, you – and your fellow walkers – can enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about bringing some less than pleasant odours to all that wonderful fresh air. 

Lourdes Villalobos