Simple Project
This is a really simple project, and unless you’re mouth breathers like the majority of my family, you are unlikely to mess it up. You’ve probably seen soap in a bag before. They’re available in various types of packaging such as nylon mesh bags or fabric but they cost about $8.00 to $10.00. You can make one for the cost of a bar of soap and a bit of time. Instead of a bag you’re going to use an old sock. Remember that part I told you earlier about messing it up? Please don’t select an old sock with holes in it.
I don’t like to throw things away until I’m certain there’s no other use for it. Using an old sock fits my idea of a good recyclable item that can be put to survival use. If you prefer to put your soap in a plastic zip-lock bag or a plastic container, this is fine. I prefer a buffer. Depending on the type of soap used, some leave a filthy residue inside the container and much goes to waste.
With a single sock, I end up using the entire bar, rather than a portion. Nothing is wasted.
There are a few advantages to having soap wrapped in a sock. You avoid the mishap of dropping the soap in sand or gritty substances on your jaunt to the shower. You can utilize all of your little slivers of soap and combine the mass into one sock for future use. Also, tying a loop into the cord or shoe-string allows you to suspend it from a tree branch or other item. The loop you tie into the shoe-string will go around your wrist and prevent you from losing an entire bar into a stream or river.
You may not care if you smell bad in the woods but you should worry about good hygiene. Poor hygiend can lead to infections. Preventive measures need to be taken to keep small wounds from becoming infected. Filthy skin from clogged pores can be irritating, especially under the armpits, between the bottom and legs and could develop into something worse.
You’ll only need a few items to start with.
- An old sock.
- Shoestring or para-cord.
- Scissors
- Soap
I have a lot of durable hiking socks with a very abrasive texture that can be great for scrubbing off filth and sweat. The heel and toe portion of the sock should be very thick and have a great texture. Turn your sock inside-out to get the best rougher texture from the toe pad but if you want something softer on your skin, try using cotton, nylon or a material that you prefer, or a sock worn down in the heel and toe areas.
Insert soap into sock before cutting off end
Insert the soap into the sock before you cut the ankle portion off. You want to see how much material you have left over. You don’t want to cut the sock too short or you won’t be able to tie it closed.
Once you have the length measured and cut, tie your shoe-string or para-cord to close your package, using your favorite knot; this way you can open and reseal the bag if you get additional soap. Tie a loop into the shoe-string so you’re able to insert your wrist into the loop to carry your satchel down to a river.
After using, hang to dry and insert it into a plastic bag or container if you prefer.