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This might be the biggest obstacle to anyone getting out into the backcountry. No bathroom! A lot of the
places we go have a "pack it in-pack it out" policy. This includes toilet paper. So you might say, just bury it. It
just never seems to stay buried due to animals or rain or too shallow a hole. And one of the worst things to be
looking at as you enjoy your serene backcountry spot is someone else's used toilet paper.
There is only one way to make sure that no one will come across your used TP
Well, it's not as bad as you think. With a little practice even the kiddos can get the hang of it!
Here's what you need.
-gallon size Ziplock bag
-roll of TP
-quart size Ziplock bag
-sturdy metal shovel
Use the gallon Zipock to store the TP and the smaller Zipock. This helps keep the TP cleaner and keeps everything together. Here's what you do:
Walk at least 2 minutes away from camp
Dig your hole 6" deep*
take care of business
strategically fold your used TP in the small bag & seal
place TP and small bag back in the gallon bag
cover hole
done!
*6 inches is deep enough for a hole because the natural bacteria that breaks the food/poop down is in the upper layer of dirt. Too deep means no bacteria to break it down.
If you have little girls I would suggest practice going #1 before you leave so they don't end up soaking the bottoms of their pants. Been there done that, there is some practice involved.
We did pick up a toilet seat and stand at Big Bend Ranch State Park (they require you to pack your poop out there) and our daughter prefers to use the seat over squating
(but we don't pack the seat when we go backpacking!).
All parks require all trash to be packed out (including TP).
There is only one way to make sure that no one will come across your used TP
Well, it's not as bad as you think. With a little practice even the kiddos can get the hang of it!
Here's what you need.
-gallon size Ziplock bag
-roll of TP
-quart size Ziplock bag
-sturdy metal shovel
Use the gallon Zipock to store the TP and the smaller Zipock. This helps keep the TP cleaner and keeps everything together. Here's what you do:
Walk at least 2 minutes away from camp
Dig your hole 6" deep*
take care of business
strategically fold your used TP in the small bag & seal
place TP and small bag back in the gallon bag
cover hole
done!
*6 inches is deep enough for a hole because the natural bacteria that breaks the food/poop down is in the upper layer of dirt. Too deep means no bacteria to break it down.
If you have little girls I would suggest practice going #1 before you leave so they don't end up soaking the bottoms of their pants. Been there done that, there is some practice involved.
We did pick up a toilet seat and stand at Big Bend Ranch State Park (they require you to pack your poop out there) and our daughter prefers to use the seat over squating
(but we don't pack the seat when we go backpacking!).
All parks require all trash to be packed out (including TP).
The Bathroom
beyondthecampground.com
backcountry camping for the whole family