Though more than 2 million hikers and backpackers roam the backcountry at any given time, few of them know that improperly buried human waste is by far the most common form of pollution in the wilderness. So how do you go poop in the woods without harming the environment? Here is everything you need to know when nature calls.
1. PICK A LOCATION
The first piece of advice is to pick a spot away from the trail, as nobody wants a pleasant hike ruined by seeing someone void their bowels, or walking through what they leave behind. The ideal spot would be at least 200 feet away from any water sources and would be a soft and organic spot of earth that will promote decomposition.
2. DIG A HOLE
If you can dig a hole about six to eight inches deep, just do it! It is the most widely accepted backcountry human waste disposal method when no outhouse is present. When you’re done, bury the contents with the dirt you dug out and disguise it with a handful of rocks or dead vegetation (leaves, tree branches, etc). This way, no one else needs to encounter it, and it won’t be easy for animals to track them.
3. CLEAN UP
Use as little toilet paper as possible. If you only use a little bit of white and non-perfumed biodegradable toilet paper and you have dug a deep cat hole, take a stick and stir the contents of the cat hole before burying—it sounds super gross, but it helps with the degrading process. Say you have no choice but to use an abundance of toilet paper, you will need to pack it out. Mandatory "carry-everything-out" programs started back in the 1980s, which is the most environmentally friendly method.
That is why you should look into getting a portable bidet. You will save a lot of stirring or packing work. It is small, lightweight, and easy to use. You will find it especially useful in situations where you might not have toilet paper, such as camping or backpacking. All you need to do is fill up the bidet water bottle, squeeze it or turn it on, and lastly have a piece of toilet tissue to give yourself a quick dry. Hibbent Portable Bidets are your awesome choice. Check them out!
TO WILDPOOPING EXPERTS
Keep in mind that you are in the woods and you gotta go, so plan accordingly for your trip. Please always backpack with a sturdy trowel, dig deep cat holes, bury or pack out your TP, or use a portable bidet to clean your butt environmentally. If we all do our part, we can help keep our wilderness areas pristine for years to come. Happy pooping in the woods!