Unlike looks, figure or the clothes you wear, your concern for odor does not always qualify you to top the list of vain humans in your room or home. In fact, how you smell is a fundamental aspect of hygiene – regardless of your gender, habits, personality or upbringing. Here are a few essential items you don't want to find yourself without – for your benefit and the benefit of the people around you.

1. COMB. Balding is a serious cause for concern, but when your head is all bushy with hair, take time to groom your crowning glory. Not combing your hair for weeks or months can tangle the strands, trap dust particles and dirt (instead of letting these slide away if your hair is shiny), and invite nasty pets to breed.

The results could be horrendous. Aside from an untidy look, you have stinky head and hair to match. It's not such a bad idea to bring a comb with you when you're on the go. A lot of men's combs can easily fit your back pocket.

2. MINTY GUM. So, you hate vanity kits and even the thought of stashing a travelling toothbrush in your backpack makes you feel like a sissy. If you insist on keeping your machismo untainted without putting your oral hygiene on the line, try bringing a small pack of minty gums with you.

These chewable babies are a good and portable short-term substitute to your bulky toothbrush and messy mouthwash solutions. Your chewing motion cleanses your teeth and gums with gentle friction, while the minty flavor keeps your breath fresh.

3. DEODORANT. Two days outdoors without any deodorant can quickly transform your image from chick magnet to ultimate turnoff. Have a small stick of deodorant with you whenever you're headed for the gym or for the camp grounds.

The trick to using your deodorant is the right timing. Whether you prefer the powder form, the stick or the roll-on, make sure you're applying your deodorant to your armpits right after a fresh shower. Doing so after you've sweated like a horse can compound your body odor all the more.

4. COLOGNE. Now, when literally smelling fresh is your goal, bring a small bottle of spray-on cologne with you. Compared to perfumes, colognes are way much cheaper. The “life” of the smell is short though, so the cologne is perfect when you only have to smell good for a few hours – for instance, your bus ride from the gym to your home.

The smell of cologne may be fleeting, but there are actually three layers of scents that are in that single spray which can effectively conceal your body odor for a few minutes or an hour: the top, middle and base notes. The top is what you can easily smell. The middle is that slightly altered odor you notice when the cologne reacts with your sweat. The base is that very subtle fragrance that is the last to dissipate. Take your pick of masculine scents: citrus, musk or old spice.

Comb, minty gum, deodorant and cologne are must-haves when you want to smell clean while you're on the go. However, nothing really beats regular and cold showers every night.