The Right Way to Poop in the Backcountry

The first time you do a number 2 in the wilderness, it’s intimidating. You’re out in the open, with the bugs and the poison ivy, clutching either a few precious squares of toilet paper or a pile of rocks and (hopefully smooth) leaves. Keep at it, though, and you’ll find it better faster than you think (especially if you can find a spot with a view). Learn the correct way to do your business in the wilderness and enjoy the experience with these tips.

The Gear for Your Rear

What you need to doo-doo your business depends on where you are. In sensitive areas like the alpine or the desert, you’ll need to plan on packing it out.

• A sealable bag or WAG bag
• Hand sanitizer
• A trowel
• Toilet paper

Choose Your Job Site

Start searching for your spot before you have to go—trust us, you don’t want to wait until your situation is desperate. LNT recommends popping a squat 200 feet—about 70 steps—from water or trails (don’t get lost). Find a private area with loose, diggable soil. Bonus points for good views.

Ready, Aim, Fire

Your cathole is your personal, single-use toilet. It should be 6 to 8 inches deep and 4 inches wide. Squat low to the ground for optimal aim—hang onto a tree trunk if you need a little support. Pack out your toilet paper in a sealable bag or place it in the cathole if local regulations allow (TP degrades quickly in wet, humid climates, more slowly in dry ones, and not at all in the desert.)

Bury the Evidence

Cover your poop with the dirt you removed from the cathole. Make it look like you were never there. Remember, your trowel should only touch dirt. Wash or sanitize your hands and revel in that weightless feeling.

WAG Bags

Some sensitive wilderness areas such as high-alpine ones, arid deserts, or high-traffic parks require the use of WAG bags instead of catholes. Check local regulations for the area where you’re camping and follow the instructions on the WAG bag’s package. Always use outhouses and pit toilets when available to minimize impact on the land.

What about #1?

Always pee at least 200 feet from water sources such as lakes and streams. In canyons or near large water sources like big rivers (anything with a flow rate higher than 500 cubic feet per second), LNT recommends peeing directly into the water to eliminate the concentration of urine in canyons and along the shore. (Large bodies of water will dilute the urine, but smaller ones won’t.)