How to Poop in the Woods Properly

Nobody talks about this, but everyone needs to know it. Improper waste disposal contaminates water sources, spreads disease, and creates an unpleasant experience for other hikers.

The Cat Hole Method (Most Common)

A cat hole is a small hole you dig to bury human waste. It is appropriate in most backcountry areas with soil.

How to Dig

1. Walk at least 200 feet (70 adult steps) from any water source, trail, or campsite
2. Find an inconspicuous spot with organic soil (not sand, gravel, or rock)
3. Dig a hole 6–8 inches deep and 4–6 inches wide
4. Use a lightweight trowel (Deuce of Spades, 0.6 oz) or a stick

The Process

1. Position yourself over the hole (squatting or sitting on a log)
2. Do your business into the hole
3. Cover with the original soil and tamp down with your foot
4. Disguise the spot with natural material (leaves, duff)
5. Pack out toilet paper in a sealed bag — or use natural alternatives

Natural Alternatives to Toilet Paper

• Smooth stones (surprisingly effective)
• Large leaves (know your plants — avoid poison ivy/oak)
• Snow (works well and is naturally clean)
• Sticks (smooth, stripped of bark)

These reduce weight and eliminate the need to pack out TP.

WAG Bags (Pack-It-Out Method)

Required in many popular areas: alpine zones, desert environments, river corridors, slot canyons, and areas with thin or absent soil.

How to Use

1. Open the WAG bag and unfold the inner bag
2. Do your business into the bag (many include a powder that gels waste and neutralizes odor)
3. Seal the inner bag
4. Place in the outer bag
5. Pack out and dispose in a regular trash can

Where WAG Bags Are Required

• Mt. Whitney Zone (Sierra Nevada)
• Enchantments (Washington)
• Many river corridors (Grand Canyon, etc.)
• Desert environments with no soil
• Check local regulations before your trip

Urination

• Women: Walk 200 feet from water sources. Consider a pee funnel (Kula Cloth) for convenience
• Men: Same 200-foot rule from water. Aim for rocks or mineral soil rather than vegetation (animals dig up urine-soaked soil for the salt)
• Night: Use a pee bottle to avoid leaving the tent (label it clearly!)

Tips for Comfort

1. Scout your spot before urgency strikes — the worst time to find a cat hole location is when you are desperate
2. Bring hand sanitizer — always
3. Morning routine: Drink coffee or hot water first, take care of business at camp, then hit the trail
4. Trowel technique: Dig the hole first, keep the trowel nearby to push soil back in
5. Privacy: Step off trail well before you are visible. Other hikers understand

The Environmental Stakes

Human waste contains pathogens that can contaminate water sources for months. A single improperly disposed deposit near a stream can cause illness in downstream hikers and wildlife. The 200-foot rule and proper burial are not suggestions — they are essential.

Recommended Products

Based on this guide, here are some top-rated products to consider:

• Adventure Ready Brands Bathroom Trowel Kit ($40)
• Adventure Ready Trowel Toilet Kit ($40)
• Barebones Spade Hand Trowel ($35)
• Sea To Summit Alloy Pocket Trowel ($30)
• Sea to Summit Ipood Pocket Trowel ($30)
• Aardwolf Gear Company Trowel Sheath by Aardwolf Gear Company ($24, 5.7 g)
• TheTentLab The DirtSaw Deuce #3 Trowel ($24)
• Metolius WAG Bag Kit - Case of 12 ($40)