How to Defecate Outdoors

Co-authored by Hannah Young

Last Updated: August 3, 2024

You were invited to go camping, and sleep under a tent under the sky and stars. It sounds like it would be great fun, but you wonder what to do when you have to use the bathroom, and there is no bathroom? Well, learning to "poop in the woods" should not stop you from enjoying the great outdoors.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Going to the Bathroom in the Forest

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If you insist on having it, be warned you will have to carry the used paper out with you, preferably double-bagged. A more environmentally-friendly method is to use "natural toilet paper" - leaves, sticks, etc.
This way, they can look out for you, and if you do not return after a short time, they will look for you to make sure you are safe.

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Go far enough so that people can no longer see you. If it is dark, do not wander too far from your camp, ask someone to accompany you, and always take a flashlight with you.^{[1]
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Research source} Find a place at least 100 feet (30 meters) from camp and the trail, and 200 feet (60 meters) from water sources.
Once you reach a desired place, grab a stick (or bring a small shovel) and dig a hole no more than 6 inches (15.2 cm) deep (the bacteria that properly break down this waste don't live deeper than that). This hole will function the same as an outhouse hole.
Don't forget to take care of the paperwork.^{[2]
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This way the soil bacteria can break down the droppings more quickly. Then completely cover the material you deposited in the hole with dirt.
This way you can pack it out in a sanitary and odor free way.
Wash and sanitize your hands.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Doing Your Business in Winter or Alpine Conditions

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When the snow melts someone else will find your "present", as well as there is a possibility that the run-off, mixed with feces, will contaminate a water source.
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Walk until you find dirt.^{[3]
X
Research source} Alternatively, pack it out in a sanitary fashion(for example, double-bagged with kitty litter, or in a poop-tube).
- If you are camping on a glacier, find a small, deep crevasse.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Going in Desert Conditions

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As the dropping will not decompose due to lack of bacteria in the dry soil.
Do your business there.
Leave the smeared remains uncovered and the sun will quickly decompose and sanitize the area.

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Tips

For everyone's sake, don't leave toilet paper behind and bury your feces properly. To do otherwise is disgusting and irresponsible.

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If it's cold out - a smear of Vaseline before can minimize any wiping and speed the whole process.

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Instead of packing out your toilet paper and risking contaminating your backpack, drop the toilet paper into the hole you dug for your poop, set the toilet paper on fire, then cover it over with dirt after it's done burning and has been extinguished completely.

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More expensive toilet papers may contain substances to enhance the strength and softness. So expensive toilet paper may not decompose as quickly.

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Warnings

If you are in the forest, it is very easy to quickly get lost even in daytime since everything looks the same in all directions. Make sure you know how to get back to your camp even if you don't walk far.

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Some animals and insects are attracted to the odor, so always make sure you go to the bathroom far away from camp.

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Make sure you are not near a prickly bush. This may hurt! Same goes for poison ivy and poison oak.

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Never leave camp without telling anyone. This is for your own safety should you become injured while away.

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If you dig a hole, don't let your shovel touch your feces.

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Always be extremely careful burning toilet paper. In dry conditions please pack it out as the risk of forest fire are increased.

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Defecate at least 200 feet (60 meters) from any water source, for it could contaminate the water supply.^{[4]
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Research source}

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