Important Hygiene Tips: When Camping, Where Do You Poop?
Important Hygiene Tips: When Camping, Where Do You Poop?
Spending time in the great outdoors is a liberating and invigorating experience that brings us closer to Mother Nature, often far away from the amenities and luxuries our modern life provides. One such amenity we all took for granted is the humble toilet. Yet one question remains: when nature calls in the middle of Mother Nature, where exactly do you poop?
This contemplation may seem trivial for some, but it’s a legitimate concern, especially for first-timers or for those who value their comfort and hygiene highly. Fortunately, you will not be left high and dry by the end of this article. We shall discuss some important tips to maintain your hygiene while satisfying your bodily needs when camping.
Remember that these tips are not trivial by any means; they follow the Leave No Trace principles that every camper, hiker, and outdoor enthusiast should uphold – the same principles that enable us to enjoy unspoiled nature as it should be. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Option 1: Using Designated Campground Facilities
Many campsites offer restroom facilities. These houses of relief can range from fully-equipped bathrooms to minimalistic pit toilets. Some might even come with composting toilets. As a part of your pre-camping preparations, you should always check the facilities offered by the campsite. This will allow you to pack accordingly.
Despite the comfort offered, remember that these facilities are shared spaces. It also helps to bring the following items:
- Biodegradable toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer or portable soap
- Portable toilet seat covers
All these items can greatly enhance your hygiene and comfort while using shared facilities.
Option 2: Using a Portable Camping Toilet
For those who prefer a little more comfort and privacy, and for those camping in remote areas without amenities, portable camping toilets are a viable option. They come in various shapes and styles, with more advanced models mimicking the comfort of your house’s toilet.
Using compostable toilet bags or liners ensures easy and hygienic disposal. Don’t forget to pack additional bags as spares and don’t use bags that could cause harm to the environment. Once you’re done, you can pack up the waste and dispose of it responsibly in designated areas.
Option 3: Dig a Cathole
If you’re a minimalist camper, trekker or if you’re camping in a remote area, you may have to resort to the primal method – digging a cathole.
Here’s how you do it:
- Choose a spot at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites or trails.
- With a small trowel, dig a hole about 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter.
- Do your business.
- Cover the hole with the excavated soil.
- Place a stick upright on top to serve as a warning for others.
Remember to pack a small trowel, biodegradable toilet paper, and hand sanitizer in your backpack.
Tips for Protecting Hygiene
Whichever method you choose, remember that your primary concern is not just personal convenience. You should also aim to preserve the integrity of the environment and be considerate of other campers who will use the area after you. To ensure this, make sure you follow these additional hygiene tips:
- Always have hand sanitizers or biodegradable soap within reach.
- Avoid contaminating water sources.
- Use biodegradable toilet paper and dispose of it properly.
- If you use a cathole, ensure it’s away from campsites and trails.
- Always cover your waste properly to prevent wildlife from uncovering it.
Conclusion
Camping is a fantastic activity that can be enjoyed by all. Accommodating your basic bodily functions shouldn’t be a deterrent to you joining in on this joy. With the right information and preparation, your camping experience will surely be comfortable sans restrooms.
Being in tune with Mother Nature doesn’t mean you compromise on your hygiene, and leaves no room for poor sanitation practices. Remember, your aim as an adventurer should not just be to enjoy nature; you should preserve its beauty for future adventurers, too!
