How To Poop In The Outdoors
Backcountry Pooping Essentials
When is it okay to bury my poop?
You can generally bury your poop in environments where there is a rich soil base with adequate moisture, warm temperatures and when visitor use is limited and spread out enough that buried waste can effectively decompose. These generally include lower traffic, forested areas.
More Info: What to Put in a DIY Poop Kit (and When to Just Buy One)
When should I be prepared to pack out my poop?
In many destinations, packing out is required or strongly recommended because waste does not break down effectively. This includes: Alpine environments (e.g. hiking taller peaks where trees do not grow), arid deserts (e.g. Moab, UT), canyons (e.g. on rafting or canyoneering trips), and heavily trafficked areas (e.g. National Parks).
More Info: Why Burying Poop Doesn’t Always Work and What Hikers Should Actually Do?
How do I bury my poop in the backcountry?
Find a private spot at least 200’ from waterways trails and campsites. Dig a 6-8” deep hole, known as a “cat-hole”. Poop in the hole. You got this. Clean yourself using toilet tissue or a bidet. Pack out the used tissue in a resealable bag. Cover the hole completely with dirt and hide with rocks, sticks and debris. Sanitize or wash your hands. Pat self on back.
More info: How to Poop While Backpacking (Bury vs. Pack Out + Leave No Trace Tips)
How do I pack out my poop in the backcountry?
Poop is packed out using a disposable Pack Out Kit also known as a “WAG Bag”. These kits come with all the supplies you need to safely and easily pack out your waste. The process involves pooping into an inner bag which also holds the used toilet tissue, antiseptic wipe and poop powder for dehydrating and deodorizing the poop; and then sealing that inner bag into a durable, smell-proof outer bag for transport. Kits also come with detailed instructions.
More Info: Why Burying Poop Doesn’t Always Work and What Hikers Should Actually Do?
What gear do I need to bury my poop in the backcountry?
A DIY kit consists of a lightweight trowel for digging your hole; toilet tissue, wipes or a backcountry bidet for cleaning yourself; a sealable trash bag for packing out used paper; hand sanitizer or biodegradable soap for cleaning your hands; Pack Out Kits as a backup in case you find yourself in locations that require packing out. Alternatively, PACT makes all-in-one kits, like the PACT Lite Kit that come with everything you need, save weight and space, and include PACT Mycelium tabs for breaking down waste faster.
More Info: What to Put in a DIY Poop Kit (and When to Just Buy One)
What gear do I need to pack out my poop in the backcountry?
The easiest and safest way is to use an all-in-one, disposable Pack Out Kit also known as a “WAG Bag”. These kits consist of an inner bag for pooping into, a durable, smell-proof outer bag for containing the waste, a powder for dehydrating and deodorizing the waste, wipes or toilet paper; and anti-septic hand wipe; and detailed instructions on how to use. These bags are generally made for one-time use, so it is important to carry one for each time you expect to ‘go’ in the wilderness. We also recommend having a trash bag for transporting used bags in your pack.