Backwoods Bathroom

Trail Etiquette

• Try to time your bathroom time for before or after hiking or during breaks.

• At some point everyone will have to go while hiking necessitating a stop

  • No teasing or shame

  • Person could be ill (dealing with gastro issues) or just harried

Peeing on the Trail for Men

• Generally hide behind a tree and go

Peeing on the Trail (Women) and Pooping on the Trail (Men or Women)

• vulnerable and exposed

• need privacy / need time

What if there's nowhere to go?

• Turn your backs

• Post lookouts

Toilet Paper

• Carry out all toilet paper

• Ziplocks are fine.

• I prefer used dehydrated food bags because they are already present (one less thing to pack), they can be thrown out incrementally, and they are NOT see through.

Pee Rags

• Women may prefer to used a designated bandana or cloth instead of toilet paper for peeing to reduce the amount of toilet paper to be packed in and out.

• Rinse out in the evenings or when near a water source

When to Poop

• Try to poop mornings or evenings while at camp (even if you don't feel the urge.)

• GO whenever you do feel the urge if at all possible. Meaning - don't try to hold it in because it's embarrassing and a hassle.

Pooping in the Woods

• Find a spot where you can dig a hole

  • You may have to try to dig several spots before you find a good spot.

  • Try not to to use a spot the someone else has used (You don't want to accidently dig up their poop!)

• Set the scene

  • Before you squat, place your toilet paper, trowel, light, toilet paper bag, and water bottle within arms reach (otherwise you're doing the squat walk).

  • Make sure if you pee, your pee will not flow onto your equipment (important when peeing on a slope).

• Dig a cathole 6 inches deep

  • If it all doesn't fit in, dig a second hole.

  • Dig your hole before you poop, or dig a hole after you poop.

  • Move the poop if you miss your hole.

  • Try not to use your trowel to move the poop (use a stick instead).

  • If you don't have a trowel, use a stick or rock to dig.

• Make poop soup

  • Pour water or pee in the hole.

  • Use a stick to break up the poop and mix it with soil.

• Cover the hole

  • Put soil, leaves, moss or rocks to cover and bury the poop.

  • Try to make your hole camouflaged so no one can tell a hole was dug.

• Put your soiled toilet paper in the ziplock or used food bag.

• Use water from your water bottle to wash your hands.

Problems

• Flies

• Getting poop on yourself or your clothes

• It's scary being alone in the woods in the dark

• I haven't pooped for days?!

Equipment Needed

• Trowel

• Toilet paper

• Toilet paper disposal bag

• Pee rag (women)

• Water bottle

• Light (for night poops)