How Do You Pee and Poop While Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking is an incredibly rewarding experience. Enjoying nature, pushing yourself to explore the wild outdoors, and challenging yourself with a variety of terrains and climates can be a life-changing experience.

For those who are new to backpacking, however, there are some important considerations that must be taken into account before you set out. One of these considerations is how to pee and poop while out in the wilderness.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to peeing and pooping while backpacking is that you should always be respectful of the environment around you. This means finding an area away from water sources, trails, and campsites where you can relieve yourself. It also means burying your waste or carrying it out with you if possible.

For peeing, you should find a spot that has good drainage away from any water sources or trails. If possible, try to use a rock or log as a shield so that your urine doesn’t run off into any nearby vegetation or water sources. If you don’t have anything else available, then just make sure your urine isn’t running into any nearby water sources or campsites by using an area with good drainage.

For pooping, it’s important to find an area at least 200 feet away from any water sources or trails and dig a shallow hole 6-8 inches deep for your waste. Make sure that you bury all solid waste as well as any toilet paper used in the hole and cover it up when done. It’s also recommended that you carry out any wet wipes or feminine hygiene products with you instead of burying them in the ground as these items can take years to decompose in the environment.

Conclusion: Peeing and pooping while backpacking may not be glamorous but it is necessary for staying safe and respecting the environment around us. When finding spots to relieve yourself while backpacking, always make sure they are far away from water sources, trails, and campsites so as not to contaminate them with human waste products. Also remember to always bury solid waste such as toilet paper and wet wipes as well as carry out any feminine hygiene products with you when finished using them.