Sometimes, while camping or on a walk in the woods, you may have to go to the bathroom. Taking care of this need may seem difficult or strange, but it doesn't have to be! There are some important things to keep in mind so that you can do what you need to do without any problems.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Place
Step 1. Check the guidelines and requirements for waste disposal
Even if it's a one-day outing, it's best to know what the waste disposal guidelines are for the area you want to go to. You can usually inquire at the information service of the park or the area you want to visit.
In some areas it is necessary to collect and take away waste, especially in areas sensitive to water pollution such as river canyons. You can buy biodegradable containment bags with which to remove the dirt
Step 2. Avoid water, trails and camping sites
You must stay at least 60 meters away from expanses of water, paths or campsites, in order to avoid water contamination, the spread of diseases, imperfections, but also to avoid unwanted attention from animals.
Try to find a place that isn't too shady, as the sun helps speed up the decomposition process of your waste
Step 3. Dig a hole
You can use a rock or shovel (if you have brought one) to dig a hole at least 6 inches deep and around 20 inches wide. This is a "latrine" and must have this depth to help cover your droppings and avoid possible contamination. Make sure you follow this rule.
Part 2 of 3: Doing Your Own Needs
Step 1. Squat down and do your business
Some prefer to look for a couple of large rocks or a log to lean on while going to the outdoor bathroom, but unless you have physical disabilities, there's no reason you can't squat down.
If you have to squat down to urinate, keep your jeans or pants away so they don't get dirty
Step 2. Get clean
You can bring toilet paper or wet wipes with you, but you will need to put them in a plastic bag after use and take them away. Alternatively, you can use some leaves, snow, a smooth river stone, or whatever you prefer.
Make sure you know the typical poisonous plants and trees in the area you want to go to, or you may accidentally touch something like poison oak and that won't make you happy
Step 3. Cover the hole
When you are done, you will need to make sure to cover the hole and your debris with dirt, leaves and sticks to the top. In this way you will not attract the attention of some curious animal and you will not start a contamination or an unpleasant sight.
Step 4. Clean your hands
It's best to make sure you don't have any contaminants on your hands, so remember to bring biodegradable hand soap with you.
The reason you have to use biodegradable soap is that ordinary soap can cause algae to grow in water sources, which are very harmful
Part 3 of 3: Using the Bathroom Above the Tree Line
Step 1. If you need to use the bathroom above the tree line, follow these rules
Again you need to make sure you are away from paths, water or where you pitched your tent. It would be best to find an area with exposed rocks and direct light. You will need to do something that hikers refer to as "spread".
Step 2. Look for a flat rock facing east or west
As already mentioned, sunlight causes stool to decompose faster and avoids problems. You will go to the bathroom on top of this flat rock.
Step 3. Also find a smaller stone that you can hold in your hand
You will use it to make sure you spread your feces on the rock.
Step 4. "Spread" your feces on the larger, flatter rock
As disgusting as it sounds, it's the best way to make sure you don't harm other hikers or the environment. This way your waste will dry out in the sun and come off with the wind. This is the best way to dispose of your waste when you can't bury it.
Step 5. Get clean
You can use a smooth stone, snow, or some toilet paper you brought with you. If you use the latter, you must store it in a plastic bag. Otherwise you would leave something in the ecosystem that shouldn't be there.
