Handwashing is in general less effective than alcohol based preparations. Outside of North America, this seems to be more well accepted, though the last CDC (I think) summary was starting to say alcohol was as good and possibly better for not visibly soiled hands. I use have to use handwashing because I deal with chemically sensitive patients who react to the smell of alcohol, otherwise I would stick with the alcohol.

Eric

One of the huge problems in hand washing - almost no one spends near enough TIME when they wash their hands. You should Ideally spend at least 20-30 seconds scrubbing with soap/water. Doesn't sound long, but a good timer - sing "twinkle-twinkle litte star"

With the waterless cleaners - they force you to run your hands together till dry....

I have been EDC'ing a 2 oz bottle of sanitizer year 'round. That, hand washing, getting plenty of rest...all good ideas. Its often the simplest stuff.

+1 on Purel in the EDC. At Target in the travel toiletry section I found a small bottle with a rubber clip, or 'jelly leash' so it can be attached to the outside of a bag.

My brother has a larger bottle he carries in his Load Bearing Vest that is from US Cav or similar that is a hard Mil-Spec bottle that I will be picking up shortly.
http://www.uscav.com/Productinfo.aspx?productID=10728&TabID=548