Going backpacking is an exciting experience, offering a chance to immerse yourself in nature, challenge your limits, and find peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But let’s face it—while hiking through stunning landscapes and reaching new peaks is fantastic, there’s one aspect of backpacking that’s often overlooked and can be a bit… well, uncomfortable to talk about pooping while backpacking.

It’s not the most glamorous topic, but it is an essential part of making sure your backpacking trip follows the leave-no-trace principles and has the least amount of impact on the wilderness. Improper human waste disposal can have serious impacts on natural habitats, wild animals, and the enjoyment of your fellow hikers. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about pooping while backpacking—from understanding why proper waste management is important to the best practices and techniques to use when nature calls, as well as some of my favorite backcountry toiletries. 

Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

How to Poop While Backpacking: A Comprehensive Guide

Backpacking Bathroom Guide Pin

When I first started backpacking I had all of the items I needed to poop in the woods when mother nature called. Unfortunately for me, it didn’t seem to matter how long the backpacking trip was, an overnight, three days, four days…five days, I didn’t actually poop in the backcountry until my third year of backpacking. There is something to be said about “poop anxiety” or shy bowel syndrome. 

However, once all of my shame went out the window and duty called, I was ready. And I won’t lie to you. Pooping on a backcountry trip is one of the best experiences. A beautiful view. Deep squat. Glorious. 

Anyways. 

Not all wilderness areas are the same when it comes to proper solid waste disposal so it is extremely important to check local regulations prior to setting out on your journey. Many places that require the packing out of solid waste will provide blue bags (I’ll discuss this later)  at the trailhead. 

Please use this guide for general information but always reference local regulations for waste management information.

Proper Waste Disposal in the Backcountry

If you’ve spent a decent amount of time in the great outdoors, especially in high-use areas, it is likely that you’ve stumbled across human poop or the remnants of a little toilet paper. It is a stark reminder that these areas need to be protected. 

When you’re out in the wild, surrounded by towering trees and breathtaking vistas, it’s easy to get caught up in the adventure and momentarily forget about the less glamorous aspects of backpacking. But even amidst the grandeur of nature, one crucial aspect of wilderness ethics mustn’t be overlooked: proper waste disposal.

Bathroom shovel and poop hole on trail

Here is why proper waste disposal in the backcountry is important: 

  1. Protects the Environment: Proper waste disposal helps maintain the cleanliness of trails and campsites not just for hikers but for wildlife as well. From the smallest microbe in surrounding soil to curious deer or predators, burying and packing out solid waste is the easiest way to keep natural areas clean for everyone who uses them. 
  2. Safeguarding Water Sources: Human waste that isn’t disposed of properly can contaminate water sources by spreading harmful bacteria and diseases. When a water source is contaminated with fecal bacteria, the process of treating that water to become drinkable becomes a multistep process. E. coli is a common contaminant from human feces.
  3. Maintaining Hygiene and Health: When feces is left out in the open it can increase the risk for disease and infection. Proper waste management protects you and other hikers in the natural environment.
  4. Good Trail Etiquette: Practicing proper waste disposal demonstrates respect for nature and for others. By setting a positive example, you encourage others to follow suit and contribute to a culture of responsible recreation. 

Regulations and Guidelines for Pooping While Backpacking

The driving general guidelines for pooping while backpacking come from the leave no trace principles. However, many areas have different regulations and guidelines based on the specific needs of the area.

Leave No Trace Principles

The Leave No Trace Principles (LNT) are designed to minimize the impact we have on the natural environment. The seven principles cover everything from preserving the environment to how to respect others in the outdoors. 

 

Here are the three principles that directly apply to pooping while backpacking: 

Plan Ahead and Prepare: Research the regulations for the area you will be recreating in. Some places have specific rules about waste management that you will need to follow. 

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Avoid creating new trails or campsites. Stick to established paths and campsites. When finding a private area for your backcountry bathroom, attempt to cause minimal damage. 

Dispose of Waste Properly: Human waste needs to be handled in a way to prevents contaminating water resources and minimizing environmental impact.

Learn More about lnt here

Regulations By location

Bathroom bags on trail side
Toilet trail sign

Different regions have varying requirements for waste disposal. Here is a breakdown of what you may encounter: 

National Parks and Wilderness Areas
These protected lands have strict regulations to maintain their natural beauty. Many national parks and wilderness areas require the use of designated toilet facilities like Enchanted Valley in Olympic National Park. In dry environments without facilities, you might need to use a portable toilet or waste disposal bag, like in Coyote Gulch in Utah. 

State and Local Regulations
Regulations can vary widely depending on the state or country you’re in. Some states have strict rules requiring the use of waste management systems or specific types of portable toilets. 

When planning your backpacking trip, knowing these regulations is essential.

Packing a "Shit Kit" with Essentials

Shit Kit collage of backpacking bathroom essentials

Creating your poop kit is going to be key to a success poop in the backcountry! This kit should have everything you need for the process responsibly and safely from start to finish. When everything is in one bag, you wont have to rummage through your backpack for miscellaneous items and accidentally contaminate your pack unknowingly. 

Here are some items you should consider keeping in your “poop kit”!

Toilet Paper: Bring enough toilet paper plus more. Pack it in a resealable bag to keep it dry. Places like REI sell small rolls of toilet paper, but you can just as easily bring some from home in a resealable ziplock bag. Bring ziplock bags for used and unused toilet paper. 

Wet Wipes: Wet wipes are a preference and a good idea. I use the Wilderness Wipes by Sea to Summit. 

Trowel: A light weight, small shovel for digging your cat hole. I use the Duece #2 UL Backcountry Trowel.

Waste Bags: For areas that require you to pack our your waste, pack some sealable waste bags or wag bags that are specialized for waste removal. You can purchase wag bags ahead of time for trips that require you to pack out waste. 

Hand Sanitizer: Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer to clean hands when you’re done. 

Feminine Products: Bring whatever feminine products you’d typically use. They will need to be packed out if used. I prefer to use a menstrual cup while backpacking so I do not need to worry about packing out used feminine products. 

Kula Cloth: This is an antimicrobiol, female sanitary product for urinating in the backcountry. You use it to gently dab the area dry, do not wipe. AKA a pee rag. This typically hangs on the outside of your pack and does not go inside of your poop kit. 

Small Bag: Use a small plastic bag to keep all of your items in for easy carrying. 

Small Nalgene & Dog Bag: This is what I personally use to pack out used toilet paper, wipes, and feminine products. I find it to be more sanitary and smell-proof than a sandwich bag! You can also use an empty Gatorade bottle instead of a water bottle!

Here is a shoppable locker of all the products I use in my stink sack. 

Read Next: Backpacking Essentials with Splurge and Save Options

Three Ways to Responsibly Poop While Backpacking

Proper waste disposal is crucial, but how do you do it? There are three ways to properly poop while backpacking. 

  • Use Designated Facilities: If the trail has a pit toilets, use them. They are designed to handle human waste in a way that minimizes environmental impact. When backcountry toilets are available, it is proper etiquette to use the designated space instead of digging a cat hole. Check regulations, in some cases used tp is still required to be packed out even when backcoutry toilets are available. 
  • Pack Out Waste: In areas where packing out solid waste is required, use a wag bag or other approved method designated by the area. When the use of wag bags or “blue bags” are required, digging a cat hole is not considered proper waste management. 
  • Dig a Proper Cat Hole: In areas without facilities, dig a cat hole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches wide 200 feet away from water sources. Cover it completely and pack out used toilet paper or baby wipes. 

By following these three methods, you’re doing your part to recreate responsibly in these beautiful places. 

How to Poop While Backpacking

And now is the moment you’ve been waiting for! Here are the steps on how to poop while backpacking whether you’re using a cat hole, a wag bag, or a backcountry toilet!

The "Cat Hole" Method

Hiker squatting over bathroom hole on trail

The cat hole method is the classic method for disposing of solid human poop in the backcountry. 

  1. Finding and Preparing a Suitable Spot: Look for a spot with loose, mineral-rich soil that is 200 feet(minimum) from water sources, trails, and campsites. The location should be discrete and not visible. 
  2. Digging the Cat Hole: Use a trowel to dig a hole that is about 6 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches in diameter. This depth allows for proper decomposition while keeping your waste contained. 
  3. How to use the Cat Hole: Once your cat hole is ready, do your business by squatting over the hole. You can hold onto a tree trunk for stabilization. 
  4. Covering Up: Cover the hole with the soil you removed. Use natural materials like leaves, pine needles, and pine cones to blend the area back into the surroundings. After you’ve covered up the hole with the soil, pat it down. This will help prevent animals from digging up the area and keep the area looking natural. 
  5. “X” Marks the Spot: If you can, use some twigs to put an “X” over the area. This will indicate to other hikers the area has been used. Otherwise, a rock works as well. 
Bathroom shovel and poop hole on trail
Hiker making stick markings on bathroom spot

Using a Wag Bag

Female hiker on fire lookout steps

In some areas, you will be required to pack out your waste using a wag bag or a blue bag. 

Arid environments, regions with low precipitation, and high alpine areas, above 3,000 meters, are more sensitive to fecal matter. These areas take a longer time to break down organic materials making it a hygiene issue for people to leave behind human waste. 

What is a “Wag Bag”? A wag bag is a specially designed bag for containing and transporting human waste. It typically comes with a waste-absorbing powder and a sealable bag for safe handling. 

  1. Open the Wag Bag: Unfold the bag and place it in a suitable spot. 
  2. Use the Bag: Do your business directly into the bag.
  3. Seal the Bag: Once finished, sprinkle the included powder over the waste and seal the bag tightly according to the instructions. 
  4. Pack It Out: Carry the sealed, used bag with you until you can dispose of it in a designated waste container. 
Purchase Wag Bags Here

Tips and Best Practices

Sea to Summit waterproof bag in hand
Using a Dry Bag to Carry My Poop Kit

It is all easier said than done, right? Especially the first time you poop while backpacking. But managing your bathroom needs while backpacking is an essential part of your trip. Here are some tips. 

  1. Stay Hydrated: When you become dehydrated, it can cause constipation. This may cause discomfort and could be dangerous in the backcountry. 
  2. Monitor Your Diet: Be aware of how the foods you’re eating affect your bowel movements. Pre-packaged, freeze-dried meals tend to cause constipation. Ensure you’re reaching your daily fiber intake to keep things moving smoothly. While fresh fruits and vegetables are not easy to eat while backpacking, you can still get your daily servings in with proper planning. 
  3. Discuss Potty Procedures: Have open lines of communication about bathroom needs with your group. If you need to go, let your group know so you can find a suitable place to go enroute. If you’re at camp, discuss a general area where people should use the bathroom to maintain privacy. 
  4. Storing Your Shit Kit: Keep your shit kit in a bag with a clip so you can store your shit kit on the outside of your pack. 
  5. Use Sandwich Bags: Sandwich bags with a zipper closure. 
  6. Clean Your Gear: If you used a trowel or wag bags, ensure they are cleaned before packing them away. 
  7. Wash Your Hands: Use hand sanitizer if washing with soap and water is not possible.
  8. Use a Bathroom Kit:  Pact offers Bathroom Kits to help with burying waste and cleaning your hands. Check them out here!

Have any other questions about pooping while backpacking? Drop them in the comments so I can answer them! 

Read Next: Trail Guide to Park Butte, Don’t Forget Your Wag Bags on This One!

Pack It Up

Since human waste is the most common pollutant in wilderness areas, it is imperative we do our part to minimize the spread of disease and keep outdoor spaces pristine. Managing your backcountry bathroom needs requires some preparation, awareness and responsibility. By packing a well-thoughout-out toilet kit and understanding and adhering to local regulations for waste disposal you can ensure that your outdoor adventures are comfortable and environmentally friendly. 

Remember, following these guidelines is not only for your own benefit but for the hiking experience of others. It helps preserve the natural beauty of our trails and the ecosystem. 

As you set out on your next backpacking trip, keep these final tips in mind: leave no trace, pick thoughtful bathroom spots, and stay mindful of hygiene.

Happy trails and enjoy pooping while backpacking! 

Backpacking Bathroom Guide Pin
Backpacking Bathroom pin