How to Relieve Yourself in the Woods

Human waste is one of the biggest problems people import to the wilderness. Going's OK'it's where you go that's important.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toilet Paper
• A Camping Trowels

1. Anticipate the need to go so you can select a good site before urgency overwhelms you.

2. Find a spot at least 200 feet from water and 200 feet from campsites, trails and other popular areas.

3. Once you find a spot, dig a hole at least 6 inches deep.

4. Drop your drawers, squat down over the hole and go.

5. Use smooth rocks, grass, leaves or even snow in place of toilet paper if you want to go with a no-trace camping strategy. If you use toilet paper, burn it or carry it out of the woods with the rest of your belongings.

6. Fill the hole back up and use leaves, pine needles or rocks to camouflage the site.

7. If you only need to urinate, do so on sand, mineral soil or exposed rock.

Tips & Warnings

• Urine burns plants and its odor attracts animals that will destroy the site digging up the salt.

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[MellieReed]

on 10/22/2008 What you describe is exactly how it is described in the Mosaic law in the Bible: http://bible.cc/deuteronomy/23-13.htm

[MellieReed]

on 10/22/2008 Yes. What you describe in your article is exactly how the Mosaic law in the Bible describes relieving yourself in the wilderness: http://bible.cc/deuteronomy/23-13.htm

on 8/20/2006 A trip to the back country takes planning, and this should include your body functions. Try changing your diet in advance to minimize your bodily functions on the trail.

on 8/8/2006 If you are wearing a snowmobile suit with a hood that you have pulled down to your ankles, make sure the hood is out of the way! You'll know as soon as you flip the hood back up.

on 11/22/2005 My tip is to do your business in a plastic bag and throw your toilet paper in there as well. You can more easily dispose of it later also.