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Well, everyone poops, this is something we all know, and it really shouldn't be that embarrassing. But, yet, it is. In the backcountry, pooping is a whole different beast with many rules that differ by location. If you're lucky, you'll be in an area with composting toilets or thuderboxes. Luckily for outdoor adventurers, these are becoming more and more common. But in many places, catholes are still the only method of safely disposing of human waste. In either case, you will need a poop kit. Do you know what your poop kit should contain?
NAC NOTE: This article includes products by Brand Names as the author is affiliated with those brands. However, there are a number of manufacturers that make similar products. Each product has it's pros and cons. Make choices based on what suits you best for the activities that you will be participating in.
Are you wondering how to make a backpacking poop kit for when uh… nature calls in the backcountry?
I mean, think about it: no toilet, no toilet paper, no sink with hot water and soap?
What’s a wildling like you to do when number two becomes your number one priority?
Firstly, have your poop kit ready (supplies are listed below) and accessible in your pack (I like to keep mine in the “brain” so I know exactly where it is and I can grab it in a jiffy). Next, find a LNT-friendly spot.
If you’re unfamiliar with Leave No Trace principles, stop everything and learn about the Leave No Trace 7 Principles here so you can do your part to help protect wild spaces.
Okay, let’s get into how to make a backpacking poop kit for camping or hiking!
Trowel
Trowels are your little shovel friends that help you dig a hole to poop in.
Be sure to look for a trowel that is small and lightweight.
The Deuce of Spades Trowels are my favorite because they are incredibly lightweight (less than one ounce!) and come in all the colors. #ExpressYo’self.
This lightweight trowel comes in three sizes, all of which are under one ounce.
NAC NOTE: NAC uses the GSI Cathole Trowel. It is light, has a serrated edge for cutting through roots in the ground, has measurement markings on the trowel, leave no trace principles are printed on the rear of the trowel and its made 100% of recycled plastics. It is the most durable and cost friendly trowel in our opinion.
Toilet Paper
Okay, the purpose of this one is self-explanatory, my friends.
There are three different ways you can approach this:
Toilet Paper From Home
How To Pack Toilet Paper For Backpacking?
Grab some toilet paper from home and place it in a sealable baggie (trust me, you are not going to be a happy camper if you’re TP gets wet!)
How Much Toilet Paper To Bring?
Take a bit more than you think you need. It’s better to have too much than too little when it comes to toilet paper- so might as well be on the safe side, right? This video has some great tips:
Backpacking Toilet Paper Rolls
Believe it or not, there are actual mini toilet paper rolls created specifically for hiking and backpacking.
Small, lightweight rolls of toilet paper that are adventure-ready.
Backpacking Toilet Paper Tablets Coins
These are dehydrated hygiene tissues that you simply add a bit of water (about a tablespoon) and voilà– you have yourself a wet wipe!
Lightweight.
Compact.
Hypoallergenic + preservative, fragrance, and odor free.
Comes with a waterproof case.
Large Bag are available for refills making these an eco-friendly choice.
Made of an eco-friendly, biodegradable plant cellulose (but you should still peck them out!)
Small Bag To Pack Out Toilet Paper
As lovers of the outdoors, it’s so important that we protect our wild spaces by adventuring in alignment with the Leave No Trace 7 Principles.
A major rule of Leave No Trace is “Pack It In, Pack It Out”, which includes our poopie paper.
Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be as gross as you may think.
Try using a bag that has a zip seal. Bonus points if it’s repurposed packaging that you can’t see through.
You can reuse bags from items like:
Trail mix
Kale Chips
Doggie Treats
Quinoa
You get the idea, basically any other baggie with graphics on it so you can’t see the contents inside.
Wag Bag
What’s A Wag Bag And How Do I Use One?
Wag Bags are these nifty little bags that allow you to pack your waste out when digging a cat hole simply isn’t an option.
When Should I Use A Wag Bag?
Some areas where it’s better to pack out your waste includes:
Alpine
Big Walls
Canyons
High Traffic Trails
Lakes
Oceans
Rivers
Snow
It’s always a good idea to keep a few of these with your adventure gear and one in your pack.
Be sure to check with the local rules and regulations to see what the proper pooping method is. Some areas require all users to use Wag Bags, for example, Mount Whitney.
Hand Sanitizer
Don’t spread E. coli and other harmful bacteria!
‘Nough said.
Use hand sanitizer to disinfect your hands after you have completed your business in lieu of soap and water.
Backpacking Poop Kit Bag
Finally, now that you have all of your essential items and know how to make a backpacking poop kit, you’re ready to put it all together in a super sweet poop bag!
Look for something:
lightweight
small
has a zip closure
and, of course, second hand for eco-warrior queen points
NAC NOTE: NAC Uses a small roll top dry bag to keep toilet paper and everything dry. When guiding I carry two poop kits and a dry bag with extra toilet paper, enough for a large group. I am looking into having specialized bags made.
Sum-Up
To summarize, you’ll need 6 items when putting together your backpacking poop kit:
Trowel
Toilet Paper (and/or wet wipes)
Small Bag to pack out toilet paper
Wag Bag (may be optional, required in many alpine wilderness areas)
Hand Sanitizer
Backpacking Poop Kit Bag
Written by The Wildflower Team for Dare To Be a Wildflower. Published June 22, 2022N.A.C. NEWS
(Sunday, February 25, 2024)
Good Morning,
You may have noticed a little change above! If not, scroll up and you will see that we have even more NAC Partners offering Niagara Adventure Club's Season Pass Holders even more great discounts and benefits! Previously, a Season Pass was a great value, now it's quite simply extraordinary. Register Online and get yours now!
This past Friday, NAC visited the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show. As always, there was a wide variety of vendors offering everything from adventure sports, travel opportunities, all kinds of innovative outdoor gear, wildlife exposure and information galore! During our rounds, we had many interesting conversations and made a few new connections that may very well turn into NAC Partnerships and exciting event opportunities.
Check out our Events Page for the newly added upcoming events, including a gathering to witness an incredible celestial marvel that hasn't been witnessed in Central Canada since 1979. Join us here in Niagara Falls, the city determined to be the best viewing location across the globe, for a fun gathering with new and old friends as we share in this experience, a Total Solar Eclipse. You won't want to miss it, as it won't happen again until 2099!
While on the Events Page, don't forget to register for one of our upcoming hikes, and as always, Friday evening Rock Climbing Events at Climbers Rock Inc.! New climbers are entitled to a free day pass and a free climbing lesson provided by NAC, a value of $50!
That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy adventuring!
Lenny Burch