Proper Pooping Protocol
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filed under:
Wilderness
Follow a few basic guidelines for your outdoor adventures when outhouses and toilets aren't an option.
Remember to pack out your toilet paper!
First things first, always use bathrooms when they are available.
For those venturing into the outdoors far from any type of toilet, pooping protocol is very important, both for the environment and the experience of outdoor explorers. Improperly disposed waste can harm water quality and ruin the day for outdoor explorers who stumble across your land mine.
The Poop Plan:
- Find your special spot (or cathole) at least 200 feet away from camp, trails and especially water. (Make sure you aren't near any suspicious plants, such as poison ivy or stinging nettle—ouch!)
- Dig your cathole approximately 4 to 8 inches deep, but not too wide—you wouldn't want to fall in!
- Do your business (in the cathole) and place your toilet paper in a personal trash ziplock bag.
- Lightly cover your cathole when finished, but not too heavily or it hinders decomposition.
- Remember to pack out toilet paper and any hygiene products!
The National Outdoor Leadership School has more information about camp hygiene.
Happy Trails!
