What to do when no outhouse is available.
Backcountry campers and others using public lands have a responsibility to protect and preserve the pristine environment. No one wants to step behind a bush to relieve themselves or arrive at their campsite only to find used toilet paper or worse lying on the ground.
“Pack it in, pack it out,” is the common refrain for dealing with garbage, but what about human waste? Unless you are camping or hiking along a river in a narrow canyon, or other sensitive areas, it is acceptable to bury excrement away from water sources, campsites and trails. With a few simple tools and guidelines this can be accomplished easily.
In restricted areas, there are a variety of commercially available systems to make removal a sanitary and less offensive option. But for most campers and hikers, having a “poop kit” is all it takes to dig a cat hole. For larger stationary camps, digging a community latrine may be the best option.
Cat holes
Latrines
Removal systems
Cat Holes
Digging a cat hole is simple. Have a personal “poop kit”, with a small garden trowel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer and a resealable plastic bag in a small lightweight tote. Or have a small camp shovel and toilet paper available to everyone. Each person should locate an out of the way spot at least 200 feet from any water source, trail or campsite. Using the garden spade, or camp shovel, dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches wide. Use only unscented white toilet paper. Never bury feminine products, or wet wipes as this can attract animals that may dig it up. Use a resealable waterproof bag for packing out tampons, pads or wet wipes. In extremely arid terrain, you may need to pack the toilet paper out because it will not decompose as well in an arid climate. In most situations, you should bury the toilet paper with the feces, and disguise the area with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water may collect. A sunny spot works best for rapid decomposition. Some people like to burn the toilet paper before burying it, but this is not necessary or advisable because of fire danger.
Latrines
For larger, more stationary groups, digging a latrine and either bringing a portable seat, or constructing one from cross polls lashed between two trees, is a good option. Choose a secluded area at least 200 yards from any water source, and 100 – 200 yards downwind from camp or trails. Find a spot where there is enough topsoil to make digging possible and use your camp shovel to dig a trench about 3 feet long, two feet wide and a foot or two deep. Keep the dirt from the hole piled close by for covering it up before moving camp. Tossing in a few handfuls of dirt after each use helps keep down odors, or in some long use camps, I prefer wood ash for this purpose.
One of the hunting camps I worked at had a deep pit latrine inside a tepee centrally located within the camp area. Good for privacy and proximity, but after a few weeks the smell from the tepee outhouse became offensively strong.
Before I realized what he was up to, the outfitter poured a gallon of Pine Sol into the hole thinking this would fix the smell. OMG! The fumes from the Pine Sol combined with the methane gas from the poop created a cloud that spread far and wide. It lasted for days. I took buckets of ash and dirt to cover the mess, and after some time the smell finally subsided. I have known other outfitters who pack in lime for this purpose, but I find wood ash from our fires works as well.
Waste Removal Systems
There are several EPA-approved sanitary pack-out systems available on the market. From individual use size, to the bulkier reusable styles common for raft trips.
As more people enjoy parks and protected areas, the need to pack-out human waste will likely become a more common practice.
Urine
Although urine has little negative impact on plants, it is recommended that finding rocks, pine needles or gravel on which to pee can reduce build-up. Over time salts can accumulate if the same places are used repeatedly and this can attract wildlife.
For example, on a pack trip into the Beartooth Mountains, our group made camp in a meadow that was commonly used as a base camp for people heading into the high country. We had stopped for one night, just for that purpose.
When we rode into camp that afternoon, I had noticed a large, male mountain goat hanging around. This struck me as odd behavior for a wild goat. After dinner, we pitched our tents in the large meadow for the night. The moon was full, so there was plenty of light and I could see another group had set up on the far side of the flat, grassy area.
Sometime late in the night, I crawled from my tent to relieve myself. I could see the mountain goat standing maybe 200 yards away. I had no sooner assumed the position when the Billy turned and started to run toward me. Alarmed, I had to pinch it off as best I could and dove into the tent for my bear spray. I was afraid the goat was going to attack me, but about that time, I heard the zipper from a distant tent unzip, and the goat thundered off in that direction.
It was a terrifying experience, a full-grown mountain goat, possibly 300lbs, head and horns lowered, running toward me. We decided it must have been salts building up from the many campers over the years, that he was attracted to. As you can see, proper management of human waste in the backcountry is essential, but not complicated. You will get comfortable with the techniques, especially when you have your tools nearby. One last suggestion; hand sanitizer is good to have in your “poop bag”, however, wet wipes are not. They take a long time to decompose and should packed out when used.
Enjoy your time in the backcountry and stay safe and healthy!
