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When you’re in the backcountry, and nature calls, don’t panic. We’re here to help! We phoned our friends over at Leave No Trace to work together to provide you with the recipe to success when you’ve gotta go in the backcountry.
Why does proper human disposal matter?
- Avoid polluting water sources
- Eliminate contact with insects and animals
- Maximize decomposition
- Minimize the chances of social impacts
Check out this video from Leave No Trace on how to poop in the backcountry ⬇️
Depending on where you're recreating in the wild, there are different regulations for different areas. We always recommend adhering to the land managers rules and regulations, especially in sensitive environments such as the desert or canyons.
Sometimes you won't be able to achieve one or more of the four goals of waste disposal, such as being in a canyon, high alpine zone, or a high-use area, this is where WAG bags come in! WAG bags help protect fragile ecosystems by safely containing human waste, preventing pollution of soil and water. Using one supports Leave No Trace principles and keeps the outdoors clean and accessible for everyone.
The idea of packing out your poop is not the most appealing, but it undoubtedly leaves the least amount of impact than any other method of disposing of human waste.
Watch this video to learn how to poop in a WAG bag ⬇️
FAQ
Why 200 feet?
Taking care of business 200 feet away is extremely important so that we don't accidentally pollute water, camps, or trails. Make sure you are at least 200 feet away before digging a cat hole.
How deep should you dig?
4-6 inches typically does the trick! Most trowels are designed to be approximately that length. A foolproof way of measuring is to make sure your trowel fits in the hole, and boom there ya go!
What do I do with toilet paper?
Leave No Trace recommends planning ahead of time to carry out your toilet paper. An easy way to do this is to create a Ziploc specifically meant for this purpose. Some people like to put duct tape around the bag to hide the view of the contents inside. Be sure to put hand sanitizer in your toilet kit for afterwards.
While discussing pooping in the backcountry can be awkward, it is necessary to know the proper protocols for when you’re out in the wild and nature calls!
© Leave No Trace: www.LNT.org
