How To Defecate Outdoors: The Ultimate Guide
Introduction
Alright, guys, let's talk about something we all do, but maybe don't always think about in the great outdoors: defecating outdoors. Yep, we're going there. When nature calls and you're miles away from the nearest porcelain throne, knowing how to properly handle your business is crucial for both your comfort and the environment's health. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pooping in the woods, from choosing the right spot to burying your waste responsibly. We'll cover essential gear, different techniques, and the all-important Leave No Trace principles. So, buckle up (or should I say, unbuckle?), and let's dive into the nitty-gritty of outdoor defecation!
Before we get started, it's vital to understand why proper waste disposal is so important. Improperly disposed of human waste can contaminate water sources, spread diseases like Giardia and E. coli, and attract unwanted critters. Plus, nobody wants to stumble upon a surprise pile of poop on the trail. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you'll not only keep yourself healthy but also help preserve the natural beauty of the places you love to explore. Think of it as your responsibility as a steward of the wilderness. So, let's make sure we're all doing our part to keep the outdoors clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Remember, planning ahead is key. Before you even head out on your adventure, consider the potential bathroom breaks you might need. Factor in things like the length of your trip, the availability of facilities along your route, and your personal digestive system quirks. It's also a good idea to pack a dedicated poop kit (more on that later) so you're always prepared. Talking about poop might seem a little awkward, but it's a necessary conversation for anyone who spends time outdoors. We want to ensure we're minimizing our impact and leaving these wild spaces as pristine as we found them. After all, the less we disrupt the natural ecosystem, the better it is for both us and the environment. So, let's get educated, get prepared, and get ready to answer nature's call responsibly!
Essential Gear for Outdoor Defecation
Okay, so you're ready to embrace the call of the wild, but you need the right tools for the job. Think of this as your outdoor bathroom survival kit. Having the right gear will not only make the experience more comfortable but also ensure you're following Leave No Trace principles. First and foremost, you'll need a trowel or small shovel. This is your excavation tool for digging a proper cathole, which we'll discuss in detail later. Look for lightweight, durable options made from materials like aluminum or plastic. A trowel with a serrated edge can be particularly helpful for cutting through roots and tough soil. Don't underestimate the importance of this little tool; it's the foundation of responsible waste disposal.
Next up, you'll need toilet paper. But not just any toilet paper! Opt for biodegradable toilet paper specifically designed for outdoor use. It breaks down much faster than regular toilet paper, minimizing its impact on the environment. You can also pack out your toilet paper (more on that later, too!), but biodegradable options are a good start. Store your toilet paper in a waterproof bag or container to keep it dry and protected from the elements. Nothing's worse than reaching for toilet paper only to find it's a soggy mess! A small Ziploc bag or a dedicated waterproof pouch will do the trick. Consider adding a few extra sheets in case of emergencies – you never know when nature might call again.
Hand sanitizer is another essential item in your outdoor poop kit. Washing your hands with soap and water might not always be an option in the wilderness, so hand sanitizer is your next best defense against germs and bacteria. Look for a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content for effective sanitization. A small, travel-sized bottle is perfect for your kit. Finally, a dedicated bag for packing out used toilet paper (if you choose to do so) is crucial. This could be another Ziploc bag or a more robust odor-proof bag designed specifically for this purpose. Packing out your toilet paper is the most Leave No Trace option, and it's required in many sensitive areas. So, let's get equipped and ready to handle our business responsibly in the great outdoors!
Choosing the Right Spot
Alright, you've got your gear, now it's time to select the perfect location for your outdoor bathroom break. Choosing the right spot is crucial for minimizing your impact on the environment and ensuring a comfortable experience. The first rule of thumb is to find a spot at least 200 feet (about 70 big steps) away from any water source, including streams, lakes, and rivers. This is essential to prevent contamination and protect the delicate aquatic ecosystems. Water sources are vital for both wildlife and humans, so keeping them clean is our top priority. Imagine the ripple effect of contaminating a water source – it could affect countless creatures and even lead to the spread of waterborne illnesses.
Next, consider the soil type. Ideally, you want to find an area with rich, organic soil. This type of soil contains microorganisms that help break down human waste more quickly. Avoid areas with thin or rocky soil, as these environments are less conducive to decomposition. A good way to identify suitable soil is to look for signs of plant life. Healthy vegetation often indicates fertile soil underneath. Also, try to find a spot that's out of the way and relatively private. Nobody wants to be caught in the act, and minimizing visibility helps to reduce the visual impact of your presence. Look for areas with dense vegetation or natural barriers like trees or rocks. Just be mindful of disturbing wildlife habitats or trampling fragile vegetation in your quest for privacy.
Finally, consider the terrain. Avoid areas where water might pool or flow during rain, as this could carry waste into nearby water sources. A slightly elevated area is ideal, as it promotes drainage and reduces the risk of contamination. And of course, always check for any signs of previous human waste before settling on a spot. If you see evidence of others not following Leave No Trace principles, choose a different location and do your part to set a better example. Choosing the right spot might take a little extra effort, but it's a crucial step in responsible outdoor defecation. So, let's be mindful of our surroundings and do our part to protect the natural environment.
Digging a Cathole: The Proper Technique
Okay, you've found the perfect spot, now it's time to get down to business – literally. Digging a proper cathole is the cornerstone of responsible outdoor waste disposal. A cathole is essentially a small, shallow hole in the ground where you'll deposit your waste. The ideal cathole should be 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. This depth allows for sufficient burial and decomposition of waste, while the width provides enough space for comfortable aiming (yes, that's a factor!). Use your trowel or shovel to dig the hole, and be sure to set aside the clump of soil you remove – you'll need it later to cover the hole.
The location of your cathole is just as important as its depth and width. Remember, you should be at least 200 feet away from any water source, trail, or campsite. Try to find a spot with loose, organic soil that's rich in microorganisms. These tiny organisms play a crucial role in breaking down waste, so a healthy soil environment is key. Once you've dug your cathole, do your business directly into the hole. Aim carefully to avoid any…spillage. It's also a good idea to have your toilet paper readily accessible so you can clean up efficiently.
After you've finished your business, it's time to bury the evidence. This is where that clump of soil you set aside comes in handy. Carefully fill the cathole with the soil, making sure to completely cover your waste and any toilet paper. If you're using biodegradable toilet paper, it can be buried along with your waste. However, in some sensitive areas or if you're using regular toilet paper, it's best to pack it out in a dedicated bag. Once the hole is filled, disguise the area by scattering leaves, pine needles, or other natural materials over the spot. The goal is to leave the area looking as natural as possible, as if you were never there. Digging a cathole might seem like a simple task, but it's a crucial part of Leave No Trace principles. By following these guidelines, you'll help protect the environment and keep the outdoors clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Packing Out vs. Burying Toilet Paper
Now, let's talk about a topic that often sparks debate in the outdoor community: packing out versus burying toilet paper. There are strong opinions on both sides, but ultimately, the best approach depends on the specific environment you're in and your personal ethics. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics generally recommends packing out toilet paper whenever possible, especially in sensitive areas like alpine environments, deserts, and areas with high recreational use. Packing out means carrying your used toilet paper with you in a sealed bag and disposing of it properly in a trash can when you return to civilization. This eliminates the risk of animals digging up buried toilet paper and reduces the visual impact of human waste.
If you choose to bury your toilet paper, it's crucial to use biodegradable toilet paper specifically designed for outdoor use. This type of toilet paper breaks down much faster than regular toilet paper, minimizing its impact on the environment. However, even biodegradable toilet paper can take weeks or even months to decompose, depending on the climate and soil conditions. So, it's still important to bury it properly in a cathole that's at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from any water source. When burying toilet paper, it's also a good idea to break it up into smaller pieces to help it decompose faster. You can do this by crumpling it or tearing it into smaller sections before burying it.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pack out or bury toilet paper is a personal one. However, in areas with high recreational use or sensitive ecosystems, packing it out is the most responsible choice. It might seem a little inconvenient, but it's a small price to pay for protecting the environment. If you do choose to bury your toilet paper, be sure to do so properly using biodegradable toilet paper and following Leave No Trace principles. Remember, the goal is to minimize our impact on the natural world and leave these places as pristine as we found them. So, let's be mindful of our choices and do our part to keep the outdoors clean and beautiful.
Alternative Methods: WAG Bags and More
While digging a cathole is the most common method of outdoor defecation, there are alternative methods that are worth considering, especially in certain situations. One popular option is using a WAG (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) bag. WAG bags are essentially portable toilet systems that contain a special gelling agent that solidifies liquid waste and encapsulates solid waste, reducing odors and making disposal easier. They're lightweight, easy to use, and can be packed out and disposed of in a trash can. WAG bags are particularly useful in areas where digging a cathole is difficult or impossible, such as rocky terrain or frozen ground. They're also a great option in sensitive environments where packing out waste is required.
Another alternative is using a portable camping toilet. These toilets typically consist of a seat and a holding tank for waste. Some models use chemicals to break down waste and control odors, while others use a composting system. Portable camping toilets are a good option for base camps or car camping trips where weight and portability are less of a concern. They provide a more comfortable and sanitary experience than digging a cathole, but they also require proper disposal of the waste, which may involve emptying the holding tank at a designated dump station.
In some situations, you may not have access to a trowel or WAG bag. In these cases, you can still practice Leave No Trace principles by using natural materials like sticks or rocks to dig a shallow cathole. Just be sure to choose a spot that's at least 200 feet away from any water source, trail, or campsite. You can also use natural materials like leaves or smooth stones as toilet paper substitutes, but be sure to dispose of them properly by burying them in the cathole along with your waste. While these methods might not be as ideal as using a trowel or WAG bag, they're still better than leaving your waste exposed on the surface. The key is to be resourceful and do your best to minimize your impact on the environment, no matter what the circumstances.
Staying Clean and Healthy in the Outdoors
Okay, we've covered the technical aspects of outdoor defecation, but let's not forget about personal hygiene. Staying clean and healthy in the outdoors is crucial for preventing the spread of illness and ensuring a comfortable experience. The most important thing you can do is wash your hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom. Soap and water are ideal, but if they're not available, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content is a good alternative. Be sure to rub the hand sanitizer all over your hands, including between your fingers and under your nails, for at least 20 seconds.
If you have access to water, you can also use a backcountry bidet or a portable wash basin to clean yourself after going to the bathroom. A backcountry bidet is simply a small squeeze bottle or water bottle with a nozzle that you can use to spray water on your backside. A portable wash basin is a small, collapsible container that you can fill with water for washing. These methods are more hygienic than using toilet paper alone and can help prevent irritation and infection. When using a backcountry bidet or wash basin, be sure to dispose of the water at least 200 feet away from any water source, trail, or campsite.
In addition to washing your hands and cleaning yourself after going to the bathroom, it's also important to practice good personal hygiene in general. This includes changing your underwear daily, washing your face and body regularly (if possible), and avoiding touching your face with dirty hands. If you're on a longer trip, consider packing some biodegradable wipes for quick cleanups. These wipes are convenient for cleaning your hands, face, and body when soap and water aren't available. Just be sure to pack out the used wipes in a trash bag, as they're not biodegradable.
Leave No Trace Principles: The Golden Rule of Outdoor Defecation
We've mentioned it throughout this guide, but it's worth emphasizing again: Leave No Trace principles are the golden rule of outdoor defecation. These principles are a set of guidelines designed to minimize our impact on the natural environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy these places as much as we do. When it comes to outdoor defecation, the key Leave No Trace principles are: plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. We've already covered many of these principles in detail, but let's recap the most important ones.
Plan ahead and prepare by packing the necessary gear for outdoor defecation, such as a trowel, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Choose a spot that's at least 200 feet away from any water source, trail, or campsite. Dig a cathole that's 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. Dispose of waste properly by burying it in the cathole and disguising the area with natural materials. Pack out toilet paper whenever possible, especially in sensitive areas. And finally, be considerate of other visitors by leaving the area clean and undisturbed. By following these Leave No Trace principles, you're not only protecting the environment but also showing respect for other outdoor enthusiasts.
Remember, we're all stewards of the land, and it's our responsibility to minimize our impact on the natural world. Outdoor defecation might seem like a small issue, but it can have a significant impact if not done properly. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide and adhering to Leave No Trace principles, you can help ensure that the outdoors remains a clean and enjoyable place for everyone. So, let's all do our part to protect the environment and keep these wild spaces pristine for generations to come. After all, nature is calling, and we need to answer responsibly!
Conclusion
So, there you have it, guys! Everything you need to know about defecating outdoors responsibly. It might seem like a slightly awkward topic, but it's a crucial one for anyone who spends time in the wilderness. By following the guidelines in this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that you're not only comfortable and healthy but also minimizing your impact on the environment. From choosing the right spot and digging a proper cathole to packing out your toilet paper and staying clean, every step plays a role in protecting the natural world.
Remember, Leave No Trace principles are the foundation of responsible outdoor ethics. By adhering to these principles, we can all do our part to keep the outdoors clean and enjoyable for future generations. So, the next time nature calls while you're out on the trail, you'll be prepared to answer responsibly. Pack your poop kit, choose your spot wisely, dig your cathole with care, and leave no trace behind. Happy trails, and happy pooping (responsibly, of course!). Let's all commit to being mindful stewards of the land and ensuring that these wild spaces remain pristine for everyone to enjoy.
