How to Poop in the Woods: Essential Backpacker’s Guide

Bears poop, rabbits poop, even lizards poop. So what’s the big deal about humans pooping in the woods and leaving it for nature to deal with? What’s so special about human poop that it needs to be buried? Well, there are some compelling reasons why you should always bury your feces. Unfortunately, improper disposal of human feces (and toilet paper) is still one of the most common types of pollution we find in the wild. It’s a problem, but it’s true.

With over 2 million hikers and backpackers in the wilderness at any given time, it’s important that each of us take a responsible and safe approach to disposing of feces in the woods. According to Leave No Trace, proper disposal of human waste is key to protecting water sources, preventing the spread of disease, and accelerating decomposition. Additionally, hiking through an area littered with human feces and used toilet paper is simply disgusting.

Why this is a problem

Last May, a glacial geologist with the National Park Service disclosed that climbers and hikers were dropping poop bags in crevasses on their way to the summit, resulting in North America’s highest peak, Denali (20,310 feet above sea level), being covered in feces. Geologist Michael Loso estimates that about 215,000 pounds of fecal matter is in crevasses on the Kahiltna Glacier, the busiest route to the Denali Wilderness. Loso’s research shows that the excrement rests close to the surface at temperatures just below freezing, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to colonize. As climate change causes glaciers to melt, these harmful bacteria and parasites could migrate to surrounding areas, impacting animals and humans.

This is not just a glacier problem; improper disposal of human waste is a growing issue in all wilderness areas. The reasons for this are as follows:

Humans do not eat the same natural foods as animals. Many of our foods are processed and contain synthetic substances that are harmful to the natural environment, which can contaminate the soil or attract animals.
Heavy rainfall or snowmelt can carry pathogens to waterways, ponds, or drop holes, contaminating drinking water sources for wildlife. Studies have shown that human feces are a significant cause of groundwater transmission of Giardia in the wild.
People who don’t bury feces also forget to bury toilet paper. Every year around July, we see “TP blooms” as tourists flock to the wilderness. It’s disgusting, but avoidable.
Camping near someone’s randomly discarded trash? That stinks, it’s unpleasant, and it just ruins the experience. No one is going to go into the wilderness for this.

For those outdoor enthusiasts out there, check out our 10 campfire safety tips to make sure your outdoor adventures are not only clean but safe.

How to Properly Defecate in the Outdoors

One of the most important things you can do as you prepare for your next wilderness adventure is to plan for waste disposal. Here are some key guidelines to help you dispose of your waste responsibly.

Finding the right spot

When choosing a location for toileting in the wilderness, you should consider the following:

Choose a location that is at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) from all water sources, trails and campsites.
Choose an area that is off the beaten path and secluded, such as dense brush, fallen trees, or the side of a hill.
If you’re camping for more than one night, choose several different sites and “settle” for a wider area. As the organization Leave No Trace suggests, don’t return to the same spot twice.
Look for fertile, deeper soil or higher ground that is less likely to hold water during heavy rains. Sunlight is key to decomposition, so choose a sunny spot.
In desert areas, choose places that show no signs of water runoff, such as dry alluvial sands. Avoid choosing a place where water may pool.

By following these simple steps, you will help keep the wilderness clean and preserve its natural beauty for all to enjoy.

Outdoor Trash Disposal

It’s important to dispose of trash responsibly when you’re out in the wilderness, especially in areas where there are no restroom facilities. Here are some ways to ensure proper disposal of human waste while respecting the environment.

Choose the right location

To dispose of waste effectively, choose a sunny location (e.g. a south-facing hillside or ridge top). The heat from the sun helps to break down the waste, so it is important to choose a place where the heat can penetrate into the ground. In addition, avoid choosing places prone to flooding, such as low-lying areas, which can carry waste into water sources.

Disposal methods

Below is a breakdown of waste disposal methods and when and where to use them.

Outdoor toilets

If your wilderness camp has an outhouse, use it! Modern toilets are designed to break down waste efficiently and are much less smelly than you might think. They also help keep your surroundings clean by confining human waste to a specific area.

Pit burials

Digging a pit to dispose of waste is the preferred method when there are no outdoor toilets available. This method is easy to dig and disperses the waste, preventing it from being concentrated in one area. However, it is important to make sure you dig it correctly and choose the right location:

Distance: at least 200 feet from a water source, trail or campsite.
Size: dig a pit 6-8 inches deep (about the length of a spatula) and 4-6 inches in diameter.
COVER: After using this pit, cover it with excavated soil and camouflage it with rocks or leaves. Avoid large rocks as they block sunlight, which helps break down the waste.

If you use non-biodegradable toilet paper, bring it out in a self-sealing bag. While this may not seem pleasant, it is a necessary step in keeping the environment clean. Avoid burning toilet paper as this can start wildfires.

Pack it up and take it away

Packing out your trash is the most environmentally friendly option. While not always necessary, many wilderness areas require it. If your area has a “no trash on the ground” rule, then you will need to pack your trash, using commercial products such as WAG bags. These bags are very easy to use and it is recommended that you have at least one bag per day for the duration of your trip.

Choosing your location

Here are some common strategies to consider when searching for the right spot.

Deep Squat: Spread your legs apart for balance, pull down your pants, and squat deeply. Use one hand to block your pants so as not to impede movement.
“Throne”: find a slightly leaning tree facing uphill. Keep your back against the trunk and your legs parallel to the ground to stay comfortable.
Tripod: find a thick but slender tree, hold onto it, lean back and keep your feet close to the trunk.
Assisted Pose: Sit on a fallen log or stump and slide to the edge to let gravity do its work.

Clearing

When cleaning up, please use as little toilet paper as possible. Please choose biodegradable, unscented toilet paper for proper fecal disposal. When hiking, be sure to follow local regulations and ensure that local guidelines are followed.

For more comprehensive advice on outdoor activities, check out our basic camping checklist. By planning ahead and employing these methods, you will help preserve the beauty of nature for all to enjoy.

Outdoor hygiene: CoreVibe’s guide to respecting nature

When exploring the wilderness, it is vital not to leave any traces behind. In some areas, it is necessary to take away all used toilet paper in order to protect the environment. The best way to ensure that nothing is left behind is to use resealable plastic bags to store the toilet paper.

Natural toilet paper: a sustainable option?

Using natural materials such as leaves, smooth stones and even snow can be just as hygienic as regular toilet paper when used properly. But is this the best eco-friendly option? The answer varies from person to person, with different experts and land managers having different opinions. One of the main problems with using natural materials is the possibility of contaminating your hands, especially in the absence of hot water or soap. Whichever method is used, be sure to clean your hands thoroughly afterwards. Hand sanitizer is a necessity when exploring in the wilderness and should be used frequently.

What about urine?

Although human urine is far less harmful than feces, it can still cause trouble in the wild. Some wildlife, such as goats and deer, are very interested in the salts in human urine. This can cause them to change their natural behavior and congregate in areas frequented by humans. When animals find human urine, they cause damage to vegetation by digging and disturbing plant growth.

This is a reminder that every action we take in nature has a ripple effect, and even the most insignificant things can have an impact on the ecosystem. To minimize the environmental impact of urinating in the wild, here are some helpful tips:

As a sign of respect for other adventurers, always urinate at least 200 feet from campsites and water sources.
If possible, urinate on flat boulders, gravel, or pine needles. This helps the urine spread and reduces the likelihood of harming nearby vegetation, which is particularly vulnerable to salt-loving animals.
To further minimize negative impacts, consider diluting the urine with water in a bottle to minimize its effects.

Conclusion.

Your love of the outdoors is what brings you out into nature, and it’s why you’re reading this guide. To ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the pristine natural environment, we all have a responsibility to protect it. The mishandling of human waste is not only aesthetically pleasing, it is also one of the main environmental challenges facing national parks today.

So the next time you venture out, make sure you carry a durable shovel, dig deeper, and bury or take away the toilet paper properly. By following these simple steps, we can preserve the beauty of our parks for years to come. For more tips on how to minimize your impact, check out our essential camping checklist for your next outdoor adventure.