Mastering Outdoor Etiquette: Tips for Relieving Yourself while Camping, Hiking, or Backpacking

Mastering Outdoor Etiquette: Tips for Relieving Yourself while Camping, Hiking, or Backpacking

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Welcome to the great outdoors, where life gets a little rugged—and that includes... well, you know. Here's a survival guide for when nature calls, helping you handle the situation with confidence.

10 Easy Tips for a Wild, but Clean, Relief

1. Embrace the Outdoors

It ain't always peaches and cream, but hey, neither is life. So don't shy away from Mother Nature's call—she's got a wild, beautiful world waiting for you. Besides, humans have been doing this since, well, forever.

2. Know the Rules

Don't be a bush leaguer. Familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles before venturing into the wild. These guidelines help maintain the beauty of the great outdoors, ensuring that everyone's trip is just as enjoyable as yours.

3. Pack the Essentials

Be prepared, scout! That means bringing the right tools for the job. In your kit, you'll need:

• Toilet paper or natural alternatives
• Sealable plastic bag or WAG bag
• Trowel (The Deuce, for example)
• Hand sanitizer or biodegradable soap
• Kula Cloth (or a similar item for ladies)

4. Choose Your Bathroom Break Spot Wisely

Venturing off-trail for a bit? Follow these tips to pick the perfect, discreet spot:

• Keep your distance from water sources, trails, and campsites.
• Opt for loose, well-draining soil in a sunny location.
• Find some cover, like underbrush or trees, for privacy.
• Choose a spot on higher ground, away from water-collecting areas.
• Avoid obvious spots to maintain a clean, private experience for all.

5. Dig a Proper Cathole

A cathole, you ask? Basically, a small hole. Use a trowel to make one about 4-6 inches wide and 6-8 inches deep. This depth makes it hard for animals to dig up your business and keeps waste from getting into water sources.

6. Assume the Position

There's no need to get fancy—just find a stable position that ensures your clothes stay intact. Some popular methods are:

• The Squat: Shoulder-width apart, pants down past your knees, and squat low.
• The Throne: Lean your back against a tree on a slight slope, feet planted firm, and squat parallel to the ground.
• The Tripod: Use a skinny tree trunk for balance, squat back, and grip the tree.
• The Assist: Sit on the edge of a log or stump, backing off for balance—just make sure it's stable.

7. Clean Up

Wash your hands, soldier! After doing your business, don't rush the cleanup.

• Use only what you need of toilet paper, or natural alternatives like leaves or snow. If allowed, you can bury it in the cathole, but some areas require you to pack it out instead.
• Clean up with wet wipes if needed, but remember to pack them out with other waste.
• Backcountry bidets (a small water bottle) also work for a quick rinse.

8. Cover the Spot

Now it's time to make that spot like you were never there.

• Fill your cathole with the original dirt, pressing it down firmly with your boot.
• Cover the area with leaves or other natural material to blend in.
• Sanitize your hands to stay clean.

9. Maintain Backcountry Hygiene

Good hygiene keeps you healthy—and helps protect the environment.

• Sanitize your hands after using the bathroom.
• Wash your hands at least once a day when backpacking (especially before eating).
• Dump dirty water on bare soil, not on plants or lichen-covered rocks.
• Pack a small towel that dries fast, handy for drying hands or cleaning up after a long day.

10. Prepare for Special Circumstances

Not every bathroom break will be straightforward, so keep these considerations in mind:

• Waste disposal may mandate WAG bags or portable toilet systems at some destinations. Always follow local regulations.
• All menstrual supplies must be packed out.
• Use a pee bottle (with a funnel if needed) for nighttime bathroom runs, and empty it in the morning away from water sources or campsites.

By following these guidelines, you show respect for the natural world and leave it better for the next adventurer. Happy trails!

1. Embrace the untamed beauty of nature during your backpacking, camping, and hiking adventures, adopting outdoor-living and home-and-garden routines even amidst wilderness.
2. To ensure that the great outdoors remains pristine, be mindful of Leave No Trace principles and sports etiquette before embarking on your adventure.
3. Equip your backpacking gear with essentials like toilet paper, sealable plastic bags, a trowel, hand sanitizer, Kula Cloth, and other sanitation items suitable for outdoor-living and sports.
4. When selecting a rest area while treading off-trails, prioritize locations distant from water sources, trails, campsites, and visible spots to maintain privacy in the great outdoors.
5. Properly dig a cathole using a trowel, following guidelines to facilitate waste disposal in a manner conducive to outdoor-living and sports, while minimizing environmental impact.
6. Master the art of finding a stable position for relieving oneself while maintaining the integrity of your clothing during your hiking trails adventure, ultimately enhancing your overall outdoor-living experience.

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