Bathrooms in the Backcountry

Supplies: In addition to the basics - toilet paper and hand sanitizer - you'll want to bring along the following as needed:

  • Sealable plastic bag: In some areas you’ll be required to pack out your used toilet paper (and even if it's not required, it's still the best practice for lowering your impact on the land). If you want to disguise the contents, you can line the bag with aluminum foil, cover it with duct tape or draw permanent marker designs.
  • Camp trowel: Many are very lightweight and can be helpful for digging a cat hole.
  • Solid waste bags: Some high-elevation, sensitive or heavily traveled areas require people to pack out solid human waste. If so, you must bring human waste disposal bags. There are a few different kinds: some are simple plastic bags known as “blue bags,” others are sealable, double-layer bags containing gel for absorption. Carry out the bags in your pack; they’re supposed to be leakproof, but place them in another plastic bag to be safe.

Find an appropriate spot:

  • Carry your supplies 200 feet (70 steps) from a trail, campsite or water source. Choose underbrush for privacy if you like, and notice your surroundings to make sure you can find your way back to your camp or trail.
  • If possible, find loose, rich soil and a sunny site. Both of these conditions help decompose waste more quickly. Use a trowel, stick, rock or boot heel to make a hole about 4 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep.
  • If the ground is too hard or rocky to dig, try lifting a rock and use that spot. Replace the rock when you’re done. Or carry your waste out in a bag.

Managing toilet paper:

  • Use as little toilet paper as possible. To reduce your use of TP, you can wipe off with natural objects such as large leaves (make sure they’re not poisonous), smooth stones and even snowballs. Make sure you have your chosen item handy beforehand.
  • Drop your TP and/or the natural items you used in the hole; better yet, place TP in a waste bag to pack out.
  • Pre-moistened wipes can be nice to use on occasion, but don’t drop them in the hole; they need to be packed out in your waste bag (as do menstrual supplies).

The cover-up:

  • Cover the waste (including any TP if you’re not packing it out) with the original dirt and completely fill the hole. Tamp it down with your foot. Place a rock or branch over the space to discourage digging critters. You can place an upright stick in it to discourage the next humans in need of a hole.
  • Lastly, use some sanitizer on your hands and rub vigorously, paying attention to fingers.
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