How to Defecate Outdoors When Camping

Nature will undoubtedly call at some time during a camping trip or on a hike in the wilderness when no modern plumbing is available. Defecating in the outdoors while camping is not pleasant, but it may be necessary. However, you can make an unpleasant experience more tolerable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Bring toilet paper and a plastic bag. If no toilet paper is available, look for tree leaves.
2. Search for a private place, away from people or wild animals. An ideal place would be behind a tree, small building or anything else than can provide protection from onlookers. Dig a small hole with a shovel or your hands to use as a receptacle.
3. Squat down and answer nature's call. If you have dug a hole, position yourself over it. This position may not be comfortable, but you can use a tree as a stabilizer by squatting with your back against it or holding onto it with both hands as you squat in front of it.
4. Wipe with toilet paper or leaves. If you use toilet paper, place it in a plastic trash bag to be tossed in nearest trash can. If you used leaves, place them on top of your feces and cover the hole.

Tips & Warnings

• If you couldn't dig a hole, kick dirt and leaves over the droppings, or put them in the plastic bag with your toilet paper and dispose of both in the nearest receptacle.
• Don't use leaves that come in threes like poison ivy or poison oak.