How to Poop in the Woods

[hambone]

Since our IAC camps are becomming more popular, it seemed prudent to provide instructions to answering nature's call in the wilds. Funny, people have been pooping outdoors regularly until fairly recently, and now we need instructions on nature's most basic function. But it's a good skill to master and will be useful for the rest of your life.
It's pretty basic really: dig a deep enough hole for your, uh...leavings, then cover it up with dirt. Here's a little more detail for the enthusiastic:

How to Poop in the Woods
By Lee, eHow Member

Let's face it. We've all been in a situation where we were hiking, camping, hunting, or just enjoying the outdoors and we feel nature knocking on our door.
There is nothing more discomforting than having to 'hold it' while you finish the rest of your 5 mile hike. So, why worry about it?
I am about to show you an environmentally friendly way of answering natures calls while enjoying the outdoors.

Things You'll Need:
A digging untensil: Stick, shovel, rock, etc.
Biodegradable Toilet Paper
Hand Disinfectant (Gel, spray, etc.)

Step 1. Establish your pooping method. This can be decided for you depending on the surrounding terrain. View the image for the most comfortable method for you regarding your surroundings. Your method can range from holding on to a tree branch to the good ole squat.
(note: I usually squat like a baseball catcher, but some prefer a prop or log-as-bench)

Step 2. Find a secluded spot off the beaten path; preferably 50 feet from a main trail as some odors are sure to escape during your calling. Some things to take into consideration are pooping method, softness of ground (for digging), wind direction and visibility. You also want to keep an eye out for poison ivy, poison oak, and other irritable plants; just stay away from vines in general when doing your dooty.

Step 3. Dig a hole. If you don't have a backhoe or shovel handy (rare case), find a firm stick or flat rock that will do the job. Dig a hole as deep as you feel the need, but no less than 6-8".

Step 4. Get your toilet paper ready. No need to prolong your probably not-so-comfortable position when you could be prepared up front.

Step 5. Take care of business. Please make sure that any loose clothing is free of the target area. Keep an eye out for stray hikers; however, if you are to be approached, a gentle, "Excuse me, I'm using the restroom" will usually get the point across. Trust me, they will be more embarrassed than you.

Step 6. Dispose of your biodegradable toilet paper in the hole, and cover it up with the loose dirt.

Step 7. Clean your hands with some type of antibacterial hand disinfectant. You should always have some with you when camping or hiking for sanitary reasons.
(note: soap and water is fine also)

Tips & Warnings
Always carry with you biodegradable toilet paper and hand sanitizer when leaving an inhabited area for more than a few hours.Don't wonder so far off a trail that you may get lost. Always look for obvious markings or mark your own path with sticks or other marking utensils.Watch out for unpleasant wildlife while searching for a outdoor potty place: snakes, spiders, fire ants, etc. This could make your experience a little less desirable. Heh heh.

[AirCooledNut]

Thanks.

I really need to find a portable shovel for our Bus. The missus doesn't hike but I do and hopefully when one of the kids gets older they'll join me.

Can any one recommend a good, portable-style shovel? Preferably with a toilet paper holder?

[dhoch14]

whew...I was getting worried about what to do.

and to think, I was going to use my dog poop bags. sike!

[hambone]

Those folding army-type shovels are pretty handy, surplus stores have them. I use a Pulaski-axe, it has a digging scoop forged into the other side of the axehead:

useful for chopping wood and trail work.

[Oregon72]

.....It's pretty basic really

Dookies in plain sight and toilet paper strewn about is proof that so many people do it wrong.

Reduce Reuse Recycle, but remember the 4th "R" is RESPECT.

[chitwnvw]

That's plain silly, hammie. That morning walk is darn natural, and quite invigorating. My girls call it 'Going to nature.'

[Gypsie]

Hammie is just assuring that our 'numbers' has minimal impact.

I like my little shovel that was a german issue foldable.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl= ... N%26um%3D1

I can't imagine having to pack it around in a pack but it is perfect for under the back seat.

It has weight and can be configured to dig a little hole easy like pie.

Mark gave one away at the RendezVW this year.

You may find one at a local military surplus outlet. I paid $10 for mine and recently bought one for a little more.


My fave.

[RussellK]

The little orange shovels are easy to find if dropped in the leaves yet small enough to be discreet when stalking out of camp.

I don't want to get in a debate because this is one of the dumbest things I've seen debated but current leave no trace advocates recommend packing all waste out with you and if not all at least your paper. They also suggest non burial. I suppose for the benefit of suffering dung beetles.

Personally I bury 4" deep and throw some needles or leaves over it. Try to trace me. Go on. Try. I bet my'77 you'll never do it.

[hambone]

You can burn the paper too. Or even the poop itself if you're camping in a small group. But there is a reason corpses are buried - back to the earth. Well maybe not with our current concrete vaults and sealed coffins.

Dig a hole, bury that sucker, get on with life. I like to place a vertical stick at the place of deposit to warn unsuspecting future poopers.

[Ritter]

If you can stand it, pack the paper out, especially when at altitude where decomposition typically takes longer. The poo can stay where you buried it. The stick warning is a nice touch.

I got the pleasure of pooping whilst snow camping this spring. Finding dirt was fun. Then digging down in the dirt was even more fun. The view from the thrown, however, was delightful. And no mosquitoes or yellow jackets to hurry the process.

[RussellK]

Somewhere I heard vegetarians are allowed to leave theirs in the middle of the trail. You know. Like horses do.

[hambone]

Bacteria is the big issue with proper waste disposal. No one wants dysentery or giardia-caused vomiting and illness. Even veggie poop has the little critters.

[glasseye]

Somewhere I heard vegetarians are allowed to leave theirs in the middle of the trail. You know. Like horses do.

Good point, Russ. Who granted them immunity? What about goats? Cows? Sheep? Are they above the law, too?

On a motorcycle trip long ago I met a Japanese guy, travelling on a 250 dirt bike; one a quarter the size of my ride. Although his luggage load was far smaller than mine, he found room for and had lashed to the front forks, a little spade that he used for what he called "personal duties". Very impressive.

Also, I think "poo" is funnier than "poop".

[Ryno]

An answer to an age old question....

[Ritter]

Somewhere I heard vegetarians are allowed to leave theirs in the middle of the trail. You know. Like horses do.

No. Only vegans. And then only if they drive a Prius. Their shit don't stink either.