Hygiene in the field is of paramount importance, whether on adventurous or military training. Improper personal hygiene can lead to serious illness, and therefore measures must be taken to prevent this. All cadets must ensure that they are thoroughly aware of how they should keep clean.

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after meals and going to the toilet.

Hand washing is a basic hygiene measure that should always be taken. Take care to carefully wash hands with a good soap before and after the toilet and meals, so that bacteria is removed from the hands and doesn't come into contact with the mouth or other vulnerable body ares. We tested Lifeventure's All-Purpose Soap, and found it to be a very good option, coming in the right size for use both in camp and in the field, and effectively cleaning the hands, also doubling up as a shower gel if necessary, and as a cam-cream remover!

• If necessary use antibacterial gel to sterilise hands.

Hand sanitisers like Lifeventure Dry Wash can supplement (and sometimes replace) hand-washing. They should be used wherever possible as they very effective at killing all kinds of germs, and are extremely cheap, easy to obtain, and light and portable to carry.

• Wash or shower as regularly as possible to keep the body clean.

Shower as regularly as possible in the field, where facilities are available, and clean the body as much as possible. Thermal showers and other makeshift units are readily available, and are a great option for longer stays in the outdoors - see this Highlander model available from RVops. Alternatively, washing can be done with a bucket of water and soap - improvisation is key!

• Change socks regularly and take good care of feet and boots.

Socks should be changed regularly, and the feet kept dry and in good condition - talcum powder and zinc oxide tape are essentials. Ensure that blisters are properly and promptly treated, and risks of infection are minimised.