How to Defecate Outdoors

You were invited to go camping, and sleep under a tent under the sky and stars. It sounds like it would be great fun, but you wonder what to do when you have to use the bathroom, and there is no bathroom? Well, do not let this stop you from enjoying the great outdoors.

Steps

First, before you leave home, decide what you will do about toilet paper. If you insist on having it, be warned you will have to carry the used paper out with you, preferably double-bagged. A more environmentally-friendly (and less disgusting) method is to use "natural toilet paper" - leaves, sticks, etc.
When you feel the urge to go, always tell someone else in the group where you are going. This way, they can look out for you, and if you do not return after a short time, they will look for you to make sure you are safe.
Head out into the forest far enough so that people can no longer see you. If it is dark, do not wander too far from your camp, ask someone to accompany you, and always take a flashlight with you. Find a place at least 100 feet from camp and the trail, and 200 feet from water sources.
Once you reach a desired place, grab a stick (or bring a small shovel) and dig a hole at least 6 inches deep. This hole will function the same as an outhouse hole. Also make sure there are no animals or poison ivy around.
Do your business in the hole, and take care of the paperwork.
Place the dirty paper, if you used it, in a 'ziplock' freezer bag so you can pack it out.
Completely cover the material you deposited in the hole with dirt.
If you winter or alpine, please do not defecate in the snow. When the snow melts someone else will find your "present", as well as there is a possiblity that the run-off, mixed with feces, will contaminate a water source. Instead, walk until you find dirt, or pack it out (double-bagged with kitty litter). Alternatively, if you are camping on a glacier, find a small, deep crevasse.
If you are camping in arid (desert) conditions, burying the dropping will slow decomposition due to a lack of bacteria in the soil. Instead, find a rock well away from where people will be and do it there. Leave it uncovered for the sun to do its work.
Head back to camp and wash/sanitize your hands.

Tips

It is easier if you lean against a tree when you squat, just try not to get it on the tree.
If you are camping in one spot for an extended period of time, consider using the method described on this article's talk page. It is more environmentally-friendly for extended stays.
For everyone's sake, don't leave toilet paper behind and bury your crap properly. To do otherwise is disgusting and irresponsible.
If it's cold out - a smear of vaseline before can minimise any wiping and speed the whole process...
In desert conditions, "dusting" with a handful of soft sandy dirt from under a nitrogen-fixing bush (mesquite, palo verde, acacia) can function as a toilet paper substitute.

Warnings

Some animals and insects are attracted to the odor, so always make sure you go to the bathroom far away from camp.
Never leave camp without telling anyone. This is for your own safety should you become injured while away.
Make sure you are not near a prickly bush. This may hurt! Same goes for poison ivy and poison oak.
Defecate at least 200 feet from any water source, for it could contaminate the water supply.

Things You'll Need

Toilet paper (optional)
A flashlight
A small shovel (you could also use a stick, but it would be harder)
A 'ziplock' type freezer bag
Hand sanitizer

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Defecate Outdoors. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Go Back