Mastering Nature's Call: A Guide for Eliminating Waste During Camping, Hiking, or Backpacking
In the great outdoors, it's essential to respect and preserve the natural environment for future generations. One crucial aspect of this is proper waste disposal, especially human waste, following the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. Here's a guide on how to dispose of waste while camping and hiking in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Firstly, adhere to the 'Pack it In, Pack it Out' rule. Carry out all trash, leftover food, and litter with you. This includes toilet paper and hygiene products, as these items can attract wildlife and harm animals if left behind.
Secondly, for human waste disposal, dig a cathole that is 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet away from water sources, campsites, and trails. After use, cover and disguise the cathole completely. It's important to pack out used toilet paper and hygiene products to prevent pollution and wildlife attraction.
To facilitate this process, a 'poop kit' can be useful. This kit should contain toilet paper or natural alternatives, a sealable plastic bag or WAG bag, a trowel, hand sanitizer or biodegradable soap, and a Kula Cloth (for women).
In some areas, digging a cat hole may not be allowed or possible. In these cases, waste should be packed out using a WAG bag or similar system. Always remember to pack out menstrual supplies, wet wipes, and other hygiene items.
When choosing a spot, consider factors such as rich, loose soil, being sunny, having some cover for privacy, and being on higher ground away from areas that collect water during rain. Avoid obvious spots to prevent turning into a shared toilet zone, especially in busy areas.
Hygiene is also important in the backcountry. Use small amounts of biodegradable soap and wash yourself or dishes at least 200 feet away from streams or lakes. Scatter strained dishwater widely over a vegetated area to avoid contaminating water sources.
In deserts or tight canyons, waste bags are needed, and all waste must be packed out. In big rivers, peeing directly into the water is allowed as it dilutes it.
Remember, it's recommended not to wait when the need to defecate arises, as it can lead to discomfort, distraction, and messy catholes. Middle-of-the-night bathroom runs can be managed using a pee bottle and a pee funnel.
By following these waste disposal recommendations, you help keep outdoor spaces pristine, safe for animals and other visitors, and sustainable for future adventures. These practices align with the broader LNT principles aimed at protecting natural environments and wildlife, such as respecting wildlife, camping on durable surfaces, minimizing fire impacts, and leaving what you find.
- When embarking on outdoor adventures like hiking or camping, remember to carry a 'poop kit' to facilitate proper waste disposal.
- To respect nature while camping, follow the LNT principles by adhering to the 'Pack it In, Pack it Out' rule, and carry out all trash, including toilet paper and hygiene products.
- Choose a spot for your tent and cathole wisely, keeping factors like soil condition, sunlight, privacy, and distance from water sources and trails in mind.
- For camping in some areas, it's crucial to pack out human waste, using waste bags or systems like WAG bags.
- In the great outdoors, always maintain good hygiene by using small amounts of biodegradable soap, and washing at least 200 feet away from water sources to avoid contamination.
- Embrace the outdoor-living lifestyle and home-and-garden trends by practicing sustainable camping and hiking, ensuring nature remains pristine and safe for future generations to enjoy.
