After a few days out on the trail a scent of achievement comes over you. Long hikes and drives on hot days can have a toll on the tolerance of any nose. Even by yourself, there is a limit to what anyone can stand. Then it is wash days, one for you and one for what you wore. Many will find it an excuse (or requirement) to have to go back to civilization and clean up or even miss what is just one mile more down the road.
There are old tried and true methods, of a simple wash basin and some soap that will keep you out a little bit longer. On the most grandiose level, some overlanders have tried to carry combination washer/driers to the field. In the Tortuga’s experience of taking a wash/dryer combo, that neat idea did not work out well. The machine used a vast amount of water and when the machine was abused over some very rough terrain, it stopped operating altogether.
Tinkering endlessly to keep this luxury item functioning wasn’t worth the time, so another solution had to be found! The answer was “The Easy Go Washer.” With the large amount of space regained from removing the washer/dryer unit and building a storage compartment, the Tortuga had enough room for this device, plus some. After a couple of uses, the washer has proven to make good scents. This simple appliance is really nothing more than an oblong container mounted on tripods. The container has an opening that can be sealed and a drainage valve on the bottom that can easily be opened with a spout. A couple of quarts of water, a little soap, and the clothes you want to run away from (or that may get up and run away from you on their own) are back in order and you are on your way one mile more.
What has worked for the Tortuga is 6 minutes of turning the crank in slow rotations back and forth, that simulates you taking your stinky stuff and throwing it on a rock down by the creek. This process is most effective is accompanied by a view, camp chair, and cold beverage. Then drain, refill the container with fresh water and repeat for 5 minutes to complete the rinsing process. Drain the tub and then hang your duds on the closest creosote bush for 15 minutes under the Texas sun and voila you are done. The clothes come out remarkably clean, especially the thin tech fabric kind of stuff the Tortuga tends to wear.
If you are looking for a way to stay out just a little bit longer and have the space and water available, then The Easy Go Washer just might get you one mile further down the road. It’s been used twice on this trip and is now a certified part of the Tortuga Load Plan.
