The last thing anyone wants to do while camping or hiking is dig a hole in the woods to poop in, but if you’re going to leave Mother Nature as undisturbed as possible, that’s exactly what you need to do. Here are some helpful tips for how to properly poop in the woods . . . and why it’s so important that you do so.
Find A Place For Your Hole
Digging a poop hole is a lot easier than you think—just clear out any sticks or rocks, dig up some dirt, and cover it back up when you’re done. It’s better for both you and your environment. If there are no sticks or rocks around your chosen campsite, consider digging deeper than usual so you don’t have to worry about other visitors tripping over anything left behind. Ideally, go at least 50 yards away from camp before doing your business, too!
Digging Your Hole
You can dig a hole with a stick, rock or purchase a trowel.
A trowel is a lightweight tool that backpackers carry to help them dig a hole easier and more effectively.
Make sure you dig a hole at least 200 feet from any water source, and then bury it—after you properly use toilet paper. When burying your feces, make sure they are 6-8 inches below ground. Never leave toilet paper on top of ground or hanging on bushes; pack it out instead. Be mindful of wildlife: You might think that wildlife won’t mind if you poop is near them, but they will definitely notice.
The Squat
Squatting over the hole can be done a couple ways. Using a tree to help keep balance while squatting. Or, you can use your trekking poles as support. By keeping your feet shoulder width apart and pointing them forward, you will have a good base of support and stay balanced when doing your business. This is one of my favorite camping tips for outdoor enthusiasts who want to make sure they are staying clean on their next trip.
Cover and Dispose
Feces are biodegradable, so they’ll generally degrade on their own. Once you are finished cover the hole up with the dirt you dug and add leaves and sticks. This will prevent the feces from being stepped in by another person or animal as well as help decompose. If you are in a more rocky area with no soft dirt to dig. Then to dispose of your feces and toilet paper, place everything into a ziplock bag that you can later pack out.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Remember that while nature is just a little bit messier than your home, it’s much more fragile. Keep forests and trails clean by doing your business away from any vegetation or water sources and packing out waste (e.g., toilet paper) so animals don’t have access to it.
It’s as easy as that. Take these easy to follow tips on your next adventure. Happy Hiking!
