Since we're going through a cold snap, I have a question about warm-weather travel. What, if any, deodorant do y'all carry on your bike during a long trip? I've tried the various sample-sized deodorant packages you find at the pharmacy, but have had problems with them melting when the temps are in the 80s and 90s. I've looked for small cans of spray-on deodorant without luck. I like my gear to be small and light, but I can't find a good alternative to the big stick of deodorant in my bathroom. Jamie
I use a mineral-salt "rock" at home and take a year-old "rock" when I travel. The one I carry is about the size and shape of half a golf ball. I find these rocks (some call them crystals) work for me. They irritate some people's skin and for other people they are not strong enough. By wetting the thing I can get enough salt on my skin to keep the odor-causing bacteria at bay. EDIT: A new "rock" is a bit bigger than a golf ball. It's easier to hold, since it's used wet. For me a new one lasts just over a year for about $10 or $12.
gel sticks seem to hold up to heat for me...even he sample sizes. don;t last as long, but don;t melt either.
Plus one on the rocks and crystals. All I use. They do not melt, I purchased a small travel size 2 years ago, its still in my kit, only about half used up. Monte
Jamie, I'msouth of you on the coast. I've never had any problems with gel sticks melting. Maybe it's a brand specific problem.
If put on the dash of a vehicle, left in the sunlight for a long time...yeah. Stick it down in your bag/clothing/whatever. I've experienced deo melting in the past. Just stick it inside a sock, or use some other type of insutaltion. The cheap Speed Stick (original boring green) deo, not the anti pers, has always worked best for me. Big, regular sticks of the above, no sample sizes...
Another one for the hippy rock. Travel size $3 Though Ive basically stopped using it. No sense in masking the inevitable.
I don't have a clue what this is, but thanks for the heads up. I might look into it. I differentiate between "stick" deodorant and "gel" deodorant. I generally use the stick variety at home. That's what I've tried to carry on the road, but they tend to melt. I never thought about using gel, as I'm not a fan of that cold gooey feeling when I put it on, but it probably solves the issue with melting. As above, perhaps gel is the way to go. This past summer I took a couple of trips with 100°F temps and found my deodorant stick had melted inside the packagine, rendering it pretty useless. It might be related to brand, as I only tried one brand, though I can't remember brand that was now. Jamie
I went that route for a while... but after camping out for a few days I get a little self-conscious about being around people when I can smell my own bad body odor. I might try a different brand, though I can't imagine what difference it would make to use the smaller sample size. It's a space-saving measure. I keep a pretty small toiletry bag which is already generally stored outside of any direct sun or heat. It's just that sitting in my luggage all day in 90°F and 100°F temps, insulation isn't going to do much to help. Seems pretty helpful to me. Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. And I realize that discussing pros and cons of deodorant is a first-world problem. I recognize the triviality of which deodorant to use. Jamie
(About rock/crystal) You'll probably have to look in your local natural food store or food co-op. snohobo uses one in a plastic case. I get the ones in blue or gray drawstring bags.
Why hasn't anyone suggested deo creams in a can?Any drug store will have it in multiple brands. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Arrid-Extra-Dry-Anti-Perspirant-Deodorant-Cream-1-oz/10811069 This can be you and your riding buddy.
1 Buy baby wipes 2 Buy ziplock bags 3 Put babywipes in ziplock 4 Use one at a time for when you need to feel "fresh" 5 Wipes have multiple uses aside from odor control so no need to bring TP along 6 Ziplock bags (bigger sizes) keep clothes moisture and dust free, and when full of ice and placed on stomache, keeps you cool when it is hot and traffic is slow.
I always take a can of Right Guard along, works good in the boots too, excelllent for potato cannon fuel, flame thower when used with a lighter and if need be an improvised explosive device I don' skimp on having my right guard I hate roll ons, they matt my underarm hairs into dreadlock Easy to carry as chain lube and won't melt either, it pays to carry your RG
