How to Go to the Bathroom in the Woods: A Guide for Backcountry Adventures
Exploring the wild can be exhilarating, but there comes a time when every adventurer must answer nature’s call. Whether you’re camping in the backcountry or hiking off the beaten path, knowing how to go to the bathroom in the woods is crucial for both personal hygiene and environmental preservation. Here’s a practical guide on how to handle bathroom breaks while keeping nature as pristine as you found it.
1. Prepare Before You Go
Before setting out, pack the essential items for maintaining personal hygiene outdoors. Here’s a short list of must-haves:
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Trowel: For digging a cathole—a small hole to bury human waste.
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Toilet paper: Opt for single-ply or biodegradable paper that will decompose quickly.
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Biodegradable soap: Choose the best biodegradable soap for camping hygiene to avoid contaminating waterways.
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Hand Sanitiser Toilman 500 ml: Perfect for keeping hands germ-free after handling waste.
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Rubbish Bags Vileda Ecobag 163223 Biodegradable 20 L (15 Units): Great for packing out used toilet paper if burying is not an option.
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Moist Wipes Mustela 60 Units: Gentle on the skin and essential for keeping clean.
Packing these items from Qubyk USA can ensure you’re well-equipped to handle nature’s call responsibly.
2. Choose the Right Spot for Your Bathroom Break
Finding the ideal spot is important for privacy and for minimizing environmental impact. Walk at least 70 steps (about 200 feet) away from any water sources, trails, or campsites to reduce contamination risks. If possible, choose a discreet spot with natural cover like shrubs or large rocks. This will help maintain the pristine quality of the area and avoid surprises for other adventurers.
3. Digging a Cathole: The Key to Backcountry Sanitation
A cathole is a small, dug-out hole that allows you to bury human waste in a way that aids decomposition and protects the environment. Here’s how to dig a proper cathole:
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Use a sturdy trowel (a small hand shovel) to dig a hole about 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter.
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Place the waste in the hole, along with any toilet paper if you’re confident it will decompose. For safety, it’s recommended to pack out your toilet paper using biodegradable bags like Rubbish Bags Vileda Ecobag 163223 Biodegradable. These bags are durable, eco-friendly, and great for responsible camping.
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Cover the hole with soil and natural debris once you’re finished, leaving the area as undisturbed as possible.
4. Packing Out What You Can’t Bury
In certain environments, such as high altitudes or deserts, burying waste might not be feasible due to slow decomposition rates. In these cases, it’s necessary to pack out all waste. Use biodegradable bags like the Vileda Ecobag for used toilet paper and other sanitary items. If you have a small waste bin (10 Pieces) from Qubyk, you can keep used bags securely until they can be disposed of properly.
5. Hand Sanitation: A Non-Negotiable Part of Hygiene
Keeping hands clean is essential in the wilderness, where the lack of facilities can make sanitation challenging. The Hand Sanitiser Toilman 500 ml is ideal for your hygiene kit, as it kills germs instantly without requiring water. After handling waste or touching your trowel, apply a generous amount of hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of bacteria.
6. Use Moist Wipes for Personal Freshness
Being in the wild doesn’t mean sacrificing cleanliness. Moist Wipes Mustela 60 Units are gentle and safe for sensitive skin, providing a refreshing clean-up after you finish your business. Use a wipe to ensure personal cleanliness, then dispose of it in your waste bag, keeping nature clean and free of litter.
7. Disposing of Waste Properly
If you’re camping in a well-trafficked area with outhouses or pit toilets, use them whenever possible. But if you’re in a remote or protected area, knowing how to properly dispose of waste while camping is essential. Either bury waste in a cathole or pack it out using biodegradable bags like the Vileda Ecobag, ensuring that waste is contained and disposed of responsibly.
8. Additional Tips for Staying Fresh
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Wipes and hand sanitizers are ideal for maintaining hygiene between campsite activities.
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Plan bathroom breaks to avoid urgency in challenging terrains.
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Always carry extra supplies, including toilet paper and biodegradable bags, to ensure preparedness in any situation.
Wrapping Up: Leave No Trace
Learning how to go to the bathroom in the woods responsibly is an important part of sustainable outdoor adventures. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that you leave nature undisturbed for future adventurers.
Ready to stock up for your next adventure? Get your Hand Sanitiser Toilman 500 ml, Moist Wipes Mustela 60 Units, Rubbish Bags Vileda Ecobag 163223 Biodegradable 20 L (15 Units), and more from Qubyk for a clean, environmentally-friendly experience. Find it, Buy it, Love it at Qubyk!