The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Number 2’s for Lightweight Backpackers

‍How you manage your personal waste during your outdoor adventures might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a trip. But, it’s a crucial aspect of ‘Leave No Trace’ principles, ensuring the preservation of our beloved natural spaces. This comprehensive guide aims to equip backpackers with the knowledge and skills to handle their business responsibly and ‘lightly’ in the great outdoors.

Why Does Proper Waste Management Matter?

Proper waste management is essential to preserve the integrity of our natural environment. Improper disposal of human waste can lead to water source contamination, attract unwanted wildlife, and spread disease, spoiling the experience for future visitors. Let’s strive to leave our natural spaces as we found them, if not better.

What Do You Need for Your Lightweight Sanitation Kit?

Your lightweight sanitation kit should contain the following items:

1. Trowel: An essential tool for digging catholes. Opt for a lightweight, durable model.
2. Toilet Paper: Go for unscented, single-ply toilet paper as it decomposes faster and doesn’t attract wildlife.
3. Hand Sanitiser or Soap: Non-scented hand sanitiser or biodegradable soap is a must for maintaining hygiene.
4. Ziploc Bags: These are handy for carrying your bathroom items and for packing out used toilet paper.
5. Wet Wipes (Optional): Some hikers prefer using wet wipes for a final clean-up. If you choose to use them, make sure they are unscented and biodegradable.

Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your Business

When it comes to picking a spot for your business, several factors come into play. Aim to find a spot that is:

• Private and at least 200 feet away from the trail, campsite, and any water source.
• Rich in dark, soft soil, which is higher in bacteria that can aid in the decomposition of your waste.
• Free from runoff paths to prevent potential contamination of water sources.
• Sunny, as sunlight can expedite the decomposition process.

Remember, don’t wait till you’re desperate to go. Finding a suitable location and digging a cathole takes time.

Creating a Cathole: A Step-by-Step Guide

A cathole is a small trench you dig to bury your waste while you’re in the wilderness. Here’s how you go about it:

1. Using your lightweight trowel, dig a hole about 4-6 inches wide and 6-8 inches deep.
2. The hole should be deep enough to mask the smell and promote decomposition.
3. Once you’ve done your business, bury the waste using the same soil you dug out.

Getting Down to Business: Different Approaches

There are several techniques for going about your business in the wilderness. Here are a few popular ones:

• The Squat: A simple, no-frills approach. Just squat over your cathole and do your business.
• The Tree Lean: Find a sturdy tree, lean back against it, and squat. This method offers stability and support.
• The Log Sit: Find a log or a large rock, sit over the edge, and go. This provides a pseudo-toilet seat experience.
• The Tripod: This involves gripping a slender tree trunk and leaning back into a squat.

The Art of Pooping

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. How do you actually poop in the woods? Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Prepare your lightweight poop kit.
2. Find a suitable location at least 200ft from a trail or water source.
3. Dig a cathole that is at least 6-8 inches deep and 2-6 inches in diameter.
4. Do your business.
5. Clean up thoroughly.
6. Cover the cathole.
7. Continue to enjoy your hike!

The Cleanup Process

After you’ve done your business, cleaning up properly is crucial. Some areas allow you to bury your toilet paper in the cathole, but it’s often best to pack it out to truly leave no trace. NEVER burn used toilet paper as it can lead to forest fires.

In case you run out of toilet paper, you can resort to natural materials like smooth rocks, leaves, or even snow. Always remember to bury these natural alternatives in your cathole.

Alternative Methods: Using Backpacking Toilets

Backpacking has evolved, and so have the ways to manage waste. While catholes are common, some regions require or provide other options like privies (outhouses), commercial WAG bags, or flushable toilets. These alternatives are usually found in front-country campsites and are a welcome luxury when available.

Tips for Packing Out Your Toilet Paper

Packing out your used toilet paper can be a bit daunting, but it’s a critical practice for leaving no trace. Here are some tips to make it easier:

1. Try to use as little toilet paper as possible.
2. Double-bag your used toilet paper in a small bag first, then a larger ziplock bag to keep it concealed and smell-free.
3. Store your bagged waste in a separate pocket of your backpack to avoid any mishaps.
4. Once you return to civilisation, dispose of the entire ziplock bag responsibly.

The Bottom Line

In the end, proper outdoor sanitation is all about respect – for nature and for fellow adventurers. By following these lightweight tips, you can ensure that you’re doing your part to keep our natural spaces pristine and enjoyable for all. Happy trails and happy pooping!