Backcountry Hygiene 101
For my full Backcountry Camping Packing Guide click here.
One of my most commonly asked questions by a long shot has been, for years, variations of “How do I go to the washroom in the backcountry?” As someone who grew up with the belief that this was not an appropriate topic to discuss publicly I ignored these questions. That was, until backpacking with my mom in the desert of Arizona she asked me for some advice in regards to pooping protocol. If I had failed even my own mother… I knew it was time to tackle this subject. And so I present to you, a little “on the job” lessons learned as well as a whole lot of research so that even if this is your first time peeing, pooping, washing yourself or having your time of the month in the woods, we will get through it together!
Learn about Leave No Trace ethics. One of the best things you can do for your fellow campers is to leave the ground as clean or cleaner than you found it.
Look into regulations on human waste this is discussed in detail below but just a reminder that some areas may make you pack out human waste (it is less gross than you are imagining).
number one in the Backcountry
After setting up a new campsite I like to mentally designate one place where I go pee, somewhere far enough from the tent, easy to find even in the dark but that will also provide privacy in the middle of the day. Try to keep these in mind when choosing your specific spot:
Still water(and small streams): Never go directly into a small stream or lake. Stay 50 meters (150-200ft) away from a water source.
Fast moving water: If you are camping along a very large river, LNT recommends peeing directly in the water; the river volume will dilute it, and the camping area avoids getting over-saturated.
Alpine areas: Up high peeing on a rock surface is recommended. Mountain goats are attracted to salt in urine, and may dig up fragile vegetation to get it.
Additional Tips
If you’re sleeping in a tent and don’t want to go out in the cold of night or during a rainstorm, I learned recently how helpful a, very well marked, pee bottle can be (practice this at home first). If you are very skilled you can do this in the tent, I prefer to use the vestibule and once done tightly close the bottle and leave it outside the tent. In the morning, or when the rain stops, dump it out in your designated pee place. If using a soft sided bottle be careful not to let them freeze as they can crack easily.
Ladies - to avoid getting splashed when you squat, find a soft spot of earth that absorbs quickly. Make sure your pants, boot laces, straps, etc. are well out of the way and pay attention to which way the ground slopes and make sure you’re uphill so any stream runs away from you. This may be TMI but if I am already observing direction this is a good time to check in on your hydration level.
I have yet to use one but a pee funnel let's you pee standing up and can be helpful in cold or rainy weather, or in a desert or alpine area where there’s little to no privacy. Rinse it if possible, and carry it in a plastic bag.
And finally, when backpacking, some prefer to carry small wads of TP and a plastic bag to carry out used TP, some prefer to “shake dry” and some use a bandana as a “pee rag.” If using a rag, simply tie the bandana to the outside of your pack to dry it out, and rinse it when you can.
number two in the Backcountry
Prepared is the name of the game when it comes to pooping in the wilderness!
Supplies:
In addition to the basics—toilet paper and hand sanitizer—you’ll want to bring along the following as needed:
Sealable plastic bag: The preferred practice now is to pack out your used toilet paper (required or not, do it). I will often use empty backpacking meal bags because they have a zipper seal, they are opaque and it is one less plastic bag I need to waste.
Camp trowel: for digging your hole!
Solid waste bags or containers: Some high-elevation, sensitive or heavily traveled areas require people to pack out solid human waste. Look into this before you go. If so, you must bring human waste disposal bags. There are a few different kinds: some are simple plastic bags known as “blue bags,” others are sealable, double-layer bags containing gel for absorption commonly known as a WAG bag. Carry out the bags in your pack; they’re supposed to be leakproof, but I place them in another plastic bag to be safe and toss them in the garbage as you would do with pet poops. If you are okay picking up after your pet or changing a baby’s diaper this should not make you wince. And if this is something you are unwilling to do, choose another camping trip.
Where to go:
Carry your supplies 50 meters (150-200ft) away from any trail. campsite or water source. Again, after setting up camp I will typically make a mental note of where this is so that if I am having any GI issues I know where to go. If it is extra buggy consider pre-digging yourself a hole when you have extra time.
Loose, rich soil and a sunny site will help decompose waste more quickly. Use a trowel (or stick, rock or boot heel if you forget yours) to make a hole about 4 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep.
If on rocky terrain such as a boulder field lift up rocks for a makeshift hole. Replace the rocks when you’re done and ensure none of your waste is visible.
Toilet Paper:
Use as little toilet paper as possible - even consider using natural objects such as large leaves (make sure they’re not poisonous), smooth stones and even snow (thank you for that suggestion).
Place TP (or if you are feeling fancy, wipes) in a waste bag to pack out.
The cover-up:
Cover the cathole with the original dirt and completely fill the hole. Tamp it down with your foot. Place a rock or branch over the space to discourage digging critters.
Lastly, if 2020 has taught us anything… sanitize your hands properly with hand sanitizer.
Common exceptions:
mountaineering: above a certain elevation biodegradable qualities of soils (or lack-thereof) are not able to properly break down waste. In many snowy mountaineering environments there is no access to dirt. In these instances, a WAG bag, is your go-to. This waste kit is made of puncture resistant material and usually comes with a small amount of TP and a sanitary towelette which is carried out and disposed of in regular garbage containers.
alpine climbing: always check before heading out - in many high alpine climbing areas WAG bags are appropriate and sometimes provided.
desert backpacking: this arid environment has a topsoil that calls for a shallow hole. LNT guidelines recommend digging a 6” hole as compared to an 8” hole in more forested areas as most of the biodegradable action takes place closer to the surface in the desert.
canyoneering and rafting: This environment usually calls for a WAG bag because of the thin corridor of travel directly in a drainage, with high risks of potentially contaminating water. On longer rafting trips a groover may be the most approbate option.
basic Backcountry Hygiene Tips
Wash your hands:
Unwashed hands can lead to intestinal ailments during or after your trip. When water is available, lathering with soap and water is preferred, when it is not, carry hand sanitizer gel and rub it as if you were lathering with soap. Always wash your hands after you poop and before handling food.
Keeping the environment clean:
On longer outings, you may enjoy a full-body wash, or at least going for a swim. Here are some tips to keep water sources clean:
When using soap, ensure it is made for he backcountry and biodegradable. Consider not lathering up directly in a stream and never in a stagnant water source (lake or pond). And pour your dirty water on dirt, rather than on plants or lichen-covered rocks.
Before swimming, wash off any insect repellent from your skin. I use baby wipes for this.
Ensure that any sunscreen you are using is reef safe.
for the ladies
As a note of full disclosure, I have chosen as my preferred birth control of choice a hormonal IUD and therefore do not currently experience a period. This section comes from a lot of research and conversations with wilderness women whose opinions I trust. The first time backpacking with your period may feel like the end of the world, but after the first time (and with a little preparation) you will question why you were ever concerned.
Note: the old notion that bears are attracted to menstrual blood is a myth.
Menstrual Cup vs. tampons
This is a flexible silicone or rubber cup you insert to catch menstrual blood. Many companies make them. You buy one and reuse it, often for years. Brands may have different sizes based on your age, flow amount or childbirth history.
After you empty out the cup, rinse it with clean water if possible, or wipe it out with tissue, and reinsert it. You can do this as often as you need to. Some people even pee on the cup to rinse it while on the trail, then wash it in camp. You may prefer to use the cup only at night or only during the day.
Tampons and/or Pads
If these are what you’re comfortable with - stick with them. Remember that you do have to pack out every single used tampon and pad in a waste bag. (It’s important not to bury a used tampon or pad in your cat hole because animals dig them up.)
How to Carry and Store Your Hygiene Items
Clean bag: Make a small “emergency bag” and store it in your pack at all times. Just for peace of mind that includes:
A zip top bag to hold your pads, tampons and diva cup as well as a second bag to use as your used bag. .
Hand sanitizer (small bottle)
Pre-moistened wipes in a zip-top bag (1-3 per day), and/or toilet paper
Biodegradable soap (small amount for washing hands and underwear just in case)
Waste bag: Zip-top bags are the best way to carry out used tampons, pads and toilet paper to contain odors.
Backcountry Hygiene Tips for Your Period
Wash your hands with soap and clean water when you’re in camp, and use hand sanitizer while on the trail.
You can bring pre-moistened wipes to clean your hands before and after inserting or removing the menstrual cup or tampons.
You can also pack a few nitrile medical gloves to use when inserting or removing a menstrual cup or tampon to avoid getting your hands messy. They are also good to have in general in your medical kit.
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I once posted a story on Instagram, perhaps my most replied to story ever, explicitly stating the reason that I do not personally geotag specific locations on social media. I have a small set of rules that I follow that summed up are “if there is a parking lot, I can tell people where it is” - outside of that I am fine receiving pushback for allegedly gatekeeping locations or being selfish. I understand the innate privilege that I have in being born (oftentimes too) curious.It is what drives me to find new and interesting places to see, it is the reason that instead of going out for drinks with a friend or watching a movie with my partner I can more often than not be found scouring old guidebooks and the depths of google earth and Pinterest blogs to find places I have never been before.