12-31-2004, 04:27 AM
WHEN NATURE CALLS AND YOU GOTTA GO, what do you do?
When backpacking and even when just day hiking, the time will come when you’ve got no choice. What’s the etiquette? What do you do if you’re a woman or girl? How can you be certain that you’re alone? Trust me, it’s not all that bad – once you get used to it. 1. Always ensure that you are at least 200’ from any stream, lake, creek, etc. This applies to all body wastes. You don’t want to foul the water, and your waste WILL travel within the earth farther than you might think. Remember this rule when you’re getting your drinking water from a stream or lake.2. Start by digging a hole at least 6 to 8 inches deep and wide in a locale that you feel is both comfortable and private. You might wish to locate a good-size rock or log against which to support yourself. A hint from my friend Chris M – if you’re concerned with privacy, always look up – who might be sitting innocently on a high ledge or rock? Women might wish to go in pairs – one can act as a lookout.3. Carefully burn used toilet paper in the hole or in your campfire, or pack it out in a special zip style baggie. This would also apply to women’s feminine hygiene items. Cover the hole with the dirt you removed – there should be at least 6 inches of covering dirt. I like to add a large rock to deter forest creatures from being too curious or hikers from stepping there.4. Women!!! If you are quite concerned with privacy, buy a roomy, non-transparent poncho. You can wear this for added security. It makes a wonderful outhouse while doubling as rain protection. NO extra weight to carry. Obviously, you’ll want to be careful not to soil the poncho.5. Always carry a plastic trowel and toilet paper in your pack – even when day hiking.6. For groups, I like to dig an 8 inch deep, 8 inch wide trench long enough to accommodate the group size and planned time in camp. Choose a site which will be safe and easy to locate in the dark. Leave a trowel or shovel behind. Don’t leave a roll of paper behind unless it is well secured and waterproofed – soggy paper is no fun, and neither is toilet paper blowing through the forest. Each user simply covers their use; this saves everyone from locating and digging separate holes. This way all users know to allow privacy in that spot, as well. Before leaving camp, always return the group latrine area to “no-trace condition. Scatter rocks, level the ground, etc. 7. Finally, if the ground is frozen or too hard for digging, pack out both waste and paper. Please do not take the easy way out – think of others. In snow, be sure to dig through the snow and into the earth.
Be aware of local regulations regarding waste disposal. More and more areas, especially those enduring heavy human traffic, are now under "bag and remove" guidelines. These jurisdictions require that you carry out all human and pet waste. Burying or burying is not allowed. Please respect all local rules. You may not agree or understand the reasons for these rules, but there are always sound rationales behind them. Please cooperate.
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When backpacking and even when just day hiking, the time will come when you’ve got no choice. What’s the etiquette? What do you do if you’re a woman or girl? How can you be certain that you’re alone? Trust me, it’s not all that bad – once you get used to it. 1. Always ensure that you are at least 200’ from any stream, lake, creek, etc. This applies to all body wastes. You don’t want to foul the water, and your waste WILL travel within the earth farther than you might think. Remember this rule when you’re getting your drinking water from a stream or lake.2. Start by digging a hole at least 6 to 8 inches deep and wide in a locale that you feel is both comfortable and private. You might wish to locate a good-size rock or log against which to support yourself. A hint from my friend Chris M – if you’re concerned with privacy, always look up – who might be sitting innocently on a high ledge or rock? Women might wish to go in pairs – one can act as a lookout.3. Carefully burn used toilet paper in the hole or in your campfire, or pack it out in a special zip style baggie. This would also apply to women’s feminine hygiene items. Cover the hole with the dirt you removed – there should be at least 6 inches of covering dirt. I like to add a large rock to deter forest creatures from being too curious or hikers from stepping there.4. Women!!! If you are quite concerned with privacy, buy a roomy, non-transparent poncho. You can wear this for added security. It makes a wonderful outhouse while doubling as rain protection. NO extra weight to carry. Obviously, you’ll want to be careful not to soil the poncho.5. Always carry a plastic trowel and toilet paper in your pack – even when day hiking.6. For groups, I like to dig an 8 inch deep, 8 inch wide trench long enough to accommodate the group size and planned time in camp. Choose a site which will be safe and easy to locate in the dark. Leave a trowel or shovel behind. Don’t leave a roll of paper behind unless it is well secured and waterproofed – soggy paper is no fun, and neither is toilet paper blowing through the forest. Each user simply covers their use; this saves everyone from locating and digging separate holes. This way all users know to allow privacy in that spot, as well. Before leaving camp, always return the group latrine area to “no-trace condition. Scatter rocks, level the ground, etc. 7. Finally, if the ground is frozen or too hard for digging, pack out both waste and paper. Please do not take the easy way out – think of others. In snow, be sure to dig through the snow and into the earth.
Be aware of local regulations regarding waste disposal. More and more areas, especially those enduring heavy human traffic, are now under "bag and remove" guidelines. These jurisdictions require that you carry out all human and pet waste. Burying or burying is not allowed. Please respect all local rules. You may not agree or understand the reasons for these rules, but there are always sound rationales behind them. Please cooperate.
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