So you’re in the backcountry. It’s been hours since you’ve seen another soul and you stop to take in the glorious sight around you. That’s also when that all-too-familiar feeling strikes: the call of nature.
You knew you’d eventually have to relieve yourself in the wilderness but how? What’s the best way? And do you really have to ‘pack-it-out’???
Whenever I ask a friend if they want to try backpacking their first response usually goes, “Don’t I have to poop out in the woods? No, thanks.”
Overtime I’ve learned that a lot of people are afraid to go to the bathroom outside. It’s a rational, if silly, concern that even most animals have, so we’re not alone in this. Yes we are still animals, however intelligent we may or may not appear to be.
Keep in mind, relieving yourself in the wild isn’t the same as public defecation. You can’t just pop a squat in the middle of a popular trail, do your thing and be on your merry way!
There are rules you need to follow.
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DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and these tips are based on my experience and opinions. If you have gastrointestinal issues you may want to consult with your physician before your trip.
Get Over the Fear and Embarrassment
Peeing is less of a touchy subject (maybe because we all have wet the bed at some point in our childhoods) but pooping seems to be taboo. I’ll let you in on a little known secret: EVERYONE POOPS! You’re parents, your teachers, the butcher at the market, that model on television, everyone. And no, no one’s poop smells like roses.
Research the Regulations for the Area
You will want to review the regulations regarding human waste as these vary from national to state park, geographical area and time of year. Always do your homework with regards to all rules! Many parks will allow you to create a cathole (more on that later) and use biodegradable toilet paper to conduct your business but some parks require the Pack-It-Out method.
What the heck does that mean?
Exactly as it sounds. Everything that you take into the park must be brought back out, poop included.
Popular places that require you to pack-it-out include: Mount Whitney, Mount Rainier and Mount Denali.
RULE: Packing-It-Out
Now before you freak out, remember this is for the safety of the environment and the wildlife in the area, especially animals who are not used to human contact.
If you have a dog or cat at home, you might already be used to picking up poop, for human beings it’s the same concept. You go, you pick it up, you dispose of it when you find an acceptable trash receptacle.
If you’re in a pack-it-out area there are backpacker-approved items like WAG bags or Restop Bags that will help. Both bags have a magical substance inside that turns your poop or pee into a gel that’s easier to carry and doesn’t smell.
Pro-Tip: If you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly method, you can always carry a few coffee bags with you….just don’t leave coffee in them. Coffee acts like a natural smell suppressant so you won’t have the the stench hanging around while you’re trekking. I’ve used this method and it work pretty well. I’m also an avid coffee drinker so this is a good use of the bags. Just make sure to add cotton or toilet paper at the bottom to soak up urine.
Keep in mind that you will also need to place your pack-it-out bag with all your other smelly items when hunkering down for the night. Nothing with a smell, good or bad, should be in your bag or tent when turning in for the night.
RULE: Dig a Cathole
Many parks and smaller trails are satisfied with backpackers using catholes which is a 6” deep hole you use to bury your waste, be it pee, poop or gray water. These holes are to be made at least 200 yards from any water source.
- To make a cathole you will need a digging tool like a compact, mini shovel. Even a large rock or stick will work in a pinch.
- Find an area that provides coverage or privacy; gauge your level of comfort before eliminating.
- Dig a hole approximately 6” deep (about the length of your hand from tip to wrist).
- Squat over the hole and proceed to do your business.
- It’s best practice to cover the cathole so that it remains inconspicuous to animals.
- For human courtesy, place a rock over-top of your cat hole; this is an indicator to others to that a cathole is there and will deter animals from digging it up.
- Pack out your toilet paper, if applicable.
RULE: 200 Yards?
Le sigh. Why must you travel another 200 yards to go pee? Believe me, for good reason.
This allows you privacy but the main reason for traveling 200 yards away is so that your feces doesn’t end up flowing into a river and polluting the water. I also believe it to be common courtesy as you wouldn’t want to poop in the river that your friend downstream is filtering water from.
That being said, there are rare occasions where park rangers encourage you to use the river for peeing purposes only. One park that comes to mind is the Grand Canyon, where the Colorado River moves very rapidly and will dilute urine so it’s no longer harmful to the environment. Still, the 200 yards applies, this time downriver from your camp.
Pro-tip: Make sure to always know which direction you came from so you can return to your camp and/or hiking companions. Not being able to find your way back sucks.
So, Do I Just Squat?
There are several positions that can provide a comfortable bowel movement, though it’s not an exact science and there’s hardly a ‘wrong’ way to do it.
Here are the best positions I’ve tried in the backcountry:
The Itchy Bear
- I don’t typically use this position but some people find it comfortable since you’re mimicking the stance you take when on a traditional toilet.
- You will want to find a stable tree and dig a hole about 6 inches from the base.
- Squat into a sitting position and gently lean your back against the tree. This is where Itchy Bear comes from.
- Do your business and cover the hole up.
This position requires some leg strength as you’re essentially holding a wall squat but as it closely resembles the seated position, it’s a little less intimidating.
The Overhang
I personally don’t like this position as you need to find just the right tree and it can be difficult in places like Joshua Tree or Mojave where trees are few and far between. Although you could use a large boulder….
- If applicable, find a fallen tree, preferably one that isn’t massive.
- Dig your cathole on on side of the tree, relatively close to the edge of the wood’s curve.
- Still on the fallen tree and scoot yourself back until your butt hangs over the curve.
- Do your business and cover the hole.
Again, I don’t personally like this one but I also have this fear that I won’t hang over far enough and my poop will get stuck on the side of the tree. Plus this position isn’t conducive to peeing so…
The Frog Squat (or Child Squat)
This is the position many healthcare professionals believe is most natural for our bodies.
- Find a spot that is leveled and offers some privacy, dig your cat hole.
- Space your feet hips width or more apart.
- Squat down so your butt almost touches the ground, release all your weight so your elbows land on your knees and your stomach rests on your thighs.
- Do your business and cover the hole.
This position doesn’t require a lot of leg strength but may not be the best for those who have knee issues. For those who have knee issues, I would suggest using Itchy Bear or The Overhang.
Whatever position you choose, just remember to follow the rules of the park, be 200 yards away & downstream from camp and find the spot that, ultimately, you feel comfortable going ‘bathroom’ in. Your bladder and bowels are not to be mess with. So handle your business in the best, most educated way possible so you can get back to your kick ass trek.