Outhouse Chronicles: Upgrade Your Poop
- Mo
- Apr 23, 2020
- 3 min read
As pooping in the woods becomes less and less a taboo subject around the camp fire we've begun to see more discussion on bathroom routines! Today's discussion will cover different bathroom techniques you can use while going #2.
One point I'd like to make clear. Per LNT guidelines everyone should be packing out toilet paper. In this day and age, backcountry users are increasing at ridiculous rates, which is awesome, but also puts a strain on the ecosystem if people aren't depositing waste correctly. Therefore we advocate to pack out any TP to avoid gross TP strewn around campsites and trails. By setting the standard, newcomers will learn quickly that "just under the rock" is not going to cut it.
Tried & True: Cathole + TP + Ziploc to Pack Out
This is the classic "how to sh*t in the woods" method that everyone is familiar with. Start by digging the 6x6in cat hole, depositing waste inside, and cover back up. Just as you do at home, wipe front to back with toilet paper and place in a sturdy Ziploc freezer bag to easily pack out. Wash yo hands before rejoining the group!
Pro Tip: instead of TP, use a biodegradable wet wipe such as Combat Wipes or Adventure Wipes to get that squeaky clean feeling! Nothing worse than chafed butt cheeks because your Mountain House Chili Beef & Mac won against your rationed TP squares.
Many will argue that you can leave your biodegradable toilet paper in the cathole with stool in biodiverse locations since the organisms in the ground will break down all the products. While this is true, many times people become lazy with toilet paper or don't realize an environment can't handle the TP breakdown and they aren't prepared with another method. So be an advocate of LNT principles and be prepared to always pack it out!
New on the Scene: Wag Bags
I've mentioned in previous Outhouse Chronicle sessions that I used a wag bag during my Mt Whitney hike. These bags are multi use and you complete your business inside the bag, wipe, and seal shut until needed next. Then you carry the whole package off the trail and deposit in the trash.
Pro tip: Hiking with a dog? Pack one for your pooch so you don't have to bury their poop along the trail!
These are common in high use areas and trails already but expect to see these required more and more. People are not responsible in the backcountry and because of this lack either discipline or knowledge, parks and rangers are having to crack down.
Latest & Greatest: Backcountry Bidet + Your Hand
If you haven't seen an awkward crouched YouTube video on how to use a backcountry bidet I highly recommend checking them out for a good laugh. All jokes aside this may be a revolutionary way to use the bathroom in the backcountry! For those of us in the US this concept will seem completely foreign and frankly, unsanitary, but I ask you to hold your judgement until you have given it a try.
Dig your cat hole as you normally would. If its a rather *unpleasant* #2, use smooth rocks to clean up best you can. Grab your bidet system and begin the stream starting at the top of your crack so that it runs down. This prevents splashing backwards onto your bottle. Using your nondominant hand, assist the water in cleaning yourself up. A lightload towel can be beneficial for drying up. As always, wash your hands with soap and water! Avoid using hand sanitizer as this is not effective against intestinal organisms that can cause you illness.
Your reaction was probably "EW I'M NOT TOUCHING MY POOP COVERED BUTT!" First of all, if you've got a poop covered butt after every sh*t you've got other problems. Second of all, you won't last one sh*t in many parts of the world where this is daily life, in civilized areas. Stool is a water soluble byproduct and a stream of water will wash away much of what is there.
Not ready to fully jump into this system yet? Grab a bidet water bottle attachment and wet wipes (we like Adventure Wipes and Combat Wipes). Before you do your business, cut the towelette in half. After, wash with the bidet water and use 1/2 towel to clean. Once done, use the other half to dry off and a final once over. Wash your hands when complete. This way your hand isn't directly touching any icky-ness. Downside, you'll still have to carry these wipes out but hey they will be a lot cleaner than just regular old TP!
Comments