After a few days of hiking, a certain level of grime is just part of it. A shower isn’t always an option, but a quick refresh does a lot for your mood and comfort. That’s what a good pack of camp wipes is for. I’ve tried a few brands, and when I came across the Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes, the “extra large” claim made me curious. Could a few wipes really replace a proper wash? I had to find out.
What’s in the box
A pack of extra-large, biodegradable and compostable wipes for personal hygiene outdoors when there’s no shower or water.
What we like
- Extra-large size (20 x 30 cm)
- Soft, thick wipe material
- No rinsing needed
- Biodegradable and compostable
- Contains aloe vera & vitamin E
What we don’t
- Not a replacement for a shower
- Can leave a subtle scent
- Pack can dry out if not sealed
Quick Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sea to Summit |
| Material | 100% Viscose fibre |
| Weight | 125 g8-pack |
| Wipe Dimensions | 20 × 30 cm |
| Packed size | 16 × 10 × 1.5 cm |
| Wipes per pack | 8 |
| Features | BiodegradableContains Aloe Vera |
First look
When I first held the pack of Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes, I liked how compact and light it is. The resealable packet feels sturdy and well made, not like something that would rip open in my backpack. Opening it, the first thing I noticed was a subtle, clean scent that isn’t overpowering or perfumed. The wipes are folded neatly, and when I pulled one out I noticed the size straight away. The extra-large claim is true: they’re much bigger and thicker than a standard baby wipe. The material also feels very soft and gentle. That was a welcome surprise, because some wipes feel thin or plasticky.
The wipe was nicely moist without dripping. I could tell straight away that one would be enough for a full-body wipe-down after a long, sweaty day on the trail.
Materials & Build QualityMaterials & Build Quality
These wipes are made from 100% viscose fibre, which is a big plus. Viscose comes from wood pulp, which is why it feels soft, almost like cloth, and why the wipes are compostable and biodegradable. That matters to me for anything I take into the bush, because I want to leave no trace. The wipes are thick enough not to tear or fall apart in use, even with a bit of scrubbing on a grimy leg.
The material is strong enough to clean properly and soft enough to be comfortable on your skin. The wipes are also pH-balanced, which matters for personal hygiene and makes them suitable for your face. After using a few on a multi-day trip, I found they did what they promise.
Ergonomics & WeightErgonomics & Weight
The weight and packed size make these wipes easy to add to an overnight or multi-day hiking kit. At just over 120 grams for a pack of eight, they’re a light luxury that takes up very little space. The pack is flat and flexible, so it slides into a side pocket of a backpack, a hip belt or a dry sack. It’s a small price in weight for how much better you feel at the end of a long, tiring day.
The large size of each wipe is what makes them practical. I only needed one to clean my face, arms, legs and neck. So a pack of eight is good for eight full-body cleans, which could last a week-long trip. It works better than using smaller wipes, and it means less waste.
Performance & FeaturesPerformance & Features
The real test was after a long, sweaty day of hiking, and they work very well. They remove sweat and grime and leave your skin feeling fresh and clean, not sticky or filmy like some other wipes I’ve tried. The aloe vera and vitamin E in the formula make a noticeable difference. They leave your skin soft and moisturised, which is a big plus in dry conditions.
They’re made to remove the salt and odours of sweat, and I found they do that, so you feel a lot more presentable. They don’t need rinsing, which helps when water is scarce. Beyond personal hygiene, I also found them very useful for a quick clean-up of the back of the car after a messy meal. They aren’t a substitute for a full shower, but they’re the next best thing for keeping clean and comfortable on the trail.
Conclusion: Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes Extra LargeConclusion
The Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes Extra Large are very good for staying clean and comfortable on a trip. They’re bigger and thicker than standard wipes and gentle on the skin, and a pack is light and compact for the times a shower isn’t an option. They’re not a replacement for a shower, they can leave a subtle scent and the pack can dry out if it isn’t sealed properly. They’re also biodegradable and compostable, which fits Leave No Trace principles.
Big, soft wipes for staying clean when a shower isn't an option.
They're bigger and thicker than standard wipes, gentle on the skin, and biodegradable and compostable. They don't replace a shower, they can leave a subtle scent, and the pack dries out if it isn't sealed properly.
- Backpackers
- Hikers
- Ultralight
Yes, for trips without a shower. The wipes are extra large, thick and biodegradable, so you use fewer. They’re expensive, and the pack dries out if it isn’t sealed.
