How to Use the Bathroom in the Forest

Sometimes while hiking or camping, the need to use the bathroom comes unexpectedly. This can be uncomfortable or troublesome. To avoid any inconvenience, it's important to follow a few key tips to ensure you can handle the situation with ease and comfort.

Understand the regulations and waste disposal requirements. Even if you're only hiking for a day, it's crucial to follow the guidelines for the area. You can often check with the local park services at your destination.

• Some areas, especially those near water sources, require waste to be packed out. In such areas, you may need to use biodegradable bags for waste disposal.

Avoid water sources, trails, and campsites. Keep a distance of at least 61 meters from these areas. This step helps to prevent water contamination, the spread of diseases, the creation of unsightly messes, and to avoid attracting wildlife.

• Try to choose a spot with minimal shade as sunlight helps accelerate the decomposition of waste.

Dig a hole. You can use a rock or a trowel (if available) to dig a hole that is at least 15.2 cm deep and 20.3 cm wide. This is commonly called a "cat hole" and should be deep enough to bury the waste and minimize potential contamination. Always follow this rule.

Squat and take care of business. Some people prefer sitting on a large rock or log while using the bathroom outdoors. However, unless you have a physical disability, squatting is generally the best option.

• When squatting to urinate, make sure to adjust your clothes neatly to avoid getting wet.

Clean up. You can bring toilet paper or baby wipes, then place them in a plastic bag and carry it with you. If you don't have those, you can use leaves, snow, or smooth stones.

• Make sure to check if any poisonous plants are present in the area, as you might unknowingly touch poison ivy or oak, which could cause serious harm.

Fill the hole with soil. After using the restroom, you should cover the hole and waste with soil, leaves, and branches. This will ensure that forest animals remain unaware, preventing pollution or unsightly messes from forming.

Wash your hands thoroughly. Proper hygiene is essential to avoid dirt on your hands, so it’s important to carry hand sanitizer or biodegradable soap to keep your hands clean and fresh.

• It is crucial to use biodegradable soap because regular soap can cause algae blooms in water, harming aquatic ecosystems.

If you need to use the restroom along the tree line, follow these rules. Ensure the location is far from trails, water sources, and campsites. The best spots are those with rocks and direct sunlight. This act is referred to by backpackers as 'dropping a deuce.'

Find a flat rock facing east or west. This positioning allows sunlight to break down waste more quickly, helping you avoid any potential issues. You will relieve yourself on this flat rock.

Find a smaller rock to place your hands on. This rock will be used while you relieve yourself on the first larger flat rock.

"Do your business" on the larger flat rock. Be mindful not to disturb others or harm the environment. Under the sun, waste will dry and peel off. This method is the most effective for waste decomposition when burying it in the ground is not an option.

Clean up thoroughly. You can use smooth stones or toilet paper that you have brought along. If you use toilet paper, make sure to place it in a plastic bag and carry it with you. Otherwise, you risk contaminating the natural ecosystem.

• The guideline of selecting a location at least 61 meters away from trails not only helps prevent contamination but also ensures that you won't be unexpectedly spotted by others. Make sure to adhere strictly to this principle.

• Avoid holding it in while backpacking or camping, even if the thought of using the bathroom outdoors makes you uncomfortable. Prolonged holding may cause damage to your colon in the long run.