You are right about the ear plugs; they reduce your awareness. Get used to the woods noises; learn what is dangerous and what is not; listen to the screech owls and other critters; enjoy it. And learn that the stealthy thing creeping slowly toward you is really just beetles going about their business in the leaves. You may have a few creepy nights until you learn that the sounds that are natural for the area are not a butcher knife wielding psycho or a hungry panther. Learning to sleep securely after taking a sound inventory is just part of camping in the wild.


Wash. A Platypus cap with 4 holes melted in the top with a hot needle makes a dandy backwoods bidet. In any case, soap and water beats toilet paper and solves the problem completely. While you are at it, spot bathing works for feet, hands and faces as well. Spot baths are sometimes referred to, indelicately, as whore's baths.


You die... No, really, First, don't let it get wet. Bag your sleeping bag and a change of clothing kept sacrosanct for wearing in camp, sleeping and, otherwise, only for dire emergencies. It is easier to keep gear dry than you might imagine. A simple plastic bag inside a stuff sack is usually good for full emersion.


Disposable razors, Dr. Bonners and a little water are relatively light if you insist on being clean shaven instead of looking like a rugged backpacker. Wimp.


Swim - don't bathe with soap in any body of water; it kills important things. Keep soap at least 200 feet from any body of water. Skinny dipping is up to you. Some don't worry about it; others fret. Hike your own hike.