Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Hannah Young. Hannah Young is an Outdoor Education Expert with more than three years of experience. She specializes in educating others on backpacking and hiking, land ethics and best practices, and wilderness Restoration. Hannah earned a BS in Earth Systems from Stanford University.
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You were invited to go camping, and sleep under a tent under the sky and stars. It sounds like it would be great fun, but you wonder what to do when you have to use the bathroom, and there is no bathroom? Well, learning to "poop in the woods" should not stop you from enjoying the great outdoors.
Steps
Decide what you will do about toilet paper before leaving home. If you insist on having it, be warned you will have to carry the used paper out with you, preferably double-bagged. A more environmentally-friendly method is to use "natural toilet paper" - leaves, sticks, etc.
Inform someone when you are going to go. This way, they can look out for you, and if you do not return after a short time, they will look for you to make sure you are safe.Advertisement
Head out into the forest. Go far enough so that people can no longer see you. If it is dark, do not wander too far from your camp, ask someone to accompany you, and always take a flashlight with you.[1] Find a place at least 100 feet (30 meters) from camp and the trail, and 200 feet (60 meters) from water sources.
Preparing your location. Once you reach a desired place, grab a stick (or bring a small shovel) and dig a hole no more than 6 inches (15.2 cm) deep (the bacteria that properly break down this waste don't live deeper than that). This hole will function the same as an outhouse hole.
Do your business in the hole. Don't forget to take care of the paperwork.[2]
Use a stick to stir some soil into your dropping. This way the soil bacteria can break down the droppings more quickly. Then completely cover the material you deposited in the hole with dirt.
Place the dirty paper, if you used it, in a zip-lock freezer bag. This way you can pack it out in a sanitary and odor free way.
Head back to camp. Wash and sanitize your hands.
Don't bury your fecal waste in the desert. As the dropping will not decompose due to lack of bacteria in the dry soil.
Find a rock well away from foot traffic. Do your business there.
Smear the dropping into a thin layer with a stick or large rock. Leave the smeared remains uncovered and the sun will quickly decompose and sanitize the area.
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
- If it's cold out - a smear of Vaseline before can minimize any wiping and speed the whole process.Thanks
- For everyone's sake, don't leave toilet paper behind and bury your feces properly. To do otherwise is disgusting and irresponsible.Thanks
- Instead of packing out your toilet paper and risking contaminating your backpack, drop the toilet paper into the hole you dug for your poop, set the toilet paper on fire, then cover it over with dirt after it's done burning and has been extinguished completely.Thanks
More expensive toilet papers may contain substances to enhance the strength and softness. So expensive toilet paper may not decompose as quickly.
Warnings
- If you are in the forest, it is very easy to quickly get lost even in daytime since everything looks the same in all directions. Make sure you know how to get back to your camp even if you don't walk far.Thanks
- Some animals and insects are attracted to the odor, so always make sure you go to the bathroom far away from camp.Thanks
- Make sure you are not near a prickly bush. This may hurt! Same goes for poison ivy and poison oak.Thanks
- Never leave camp without telling anyone. This is for your own safety should you become injured while away.Thanks
- If you dig a hole, don't let your shovel touch your feces.Thanks
- Always be extremely careful burning toilet paper. In dry conditions please pack it out as the risk of forest fire are increased.Thanks
- Defecate at least 200 feet (60 meters) from any water source, for it could contaminate the water supply.[4]Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Toilet paper (optional)
- Flashlight (if necessary)
- Small shovel (you could also use a stick, but it would be harder)
- Ziploc-type freezer bag
- Hand sanitizer
References
About This Article
If you’re camping or you’re outdoors with no toilet nearby, you can do your business in a discreet spot. Before you go, tell someone where you’re going in case you get lost and can’t find your way back to the others. Walk at least 100 feet from other people and 200 feet from water sources so you don't contaminate them. Look for a stick and dig a hole with it so you can easily bury your waste. Keep your used toilet paper in a sealable bag and carry it out with you until you find a toilet. If you're using biodegradable toilet paper, you can dig a deep hole and bury it instead. Then, use the stick to cover it with dirt. You can also cover it with a large stone if you’re struggling to fill the hole. Wash your hands with hand sanitizer if you don’t have access to soap and water. For more tips, including how to get extra privacy when pooping outdoors, read on.
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