Always check local rules and ordinances when hiking, climbing, or camping regarding what to do with your waste.  You will have a much more relaxing time knowing the rules of the area.  When you see “primitive” as a description, you know you will have to dig a hole.  Having locals or a park ranger point out that you are pooping wrong can be embarrassing and could get you kicked out of the area or even fined.  Be in the know.  Better yet, always choose to leave no trace.

Here are 10 things that will make pooping in the woods easier for you:

1. Stay Hydrated.  There are few things as bad as being constipated on an outdoor trip.  Drinking the correct amount of water, for you, will keep your digestion moving.  Start by paying attention to your water consumption up to a week before your trip.  If you have a multi-hour drive to your destination, stick to plain water and sip.

2. Eat real, fresh foods in the car and on your trip.  Only eat bars in a pinch.  My recommendation is a maximum of 1 food bar per day.  You should experiment at home, before your trip, to find out how different bars affect your digestion; then decide for yourself how many food bars work for you.  On one of my first outdoor trips, I ate 12 Powerbars.  (You know…in order to save space and not have the hassle of cooking outdoors.)  That was a BIG mistake.  I didn’t poop for 3 days, had gas like a methane station, and my belly was miserable the entire weekend.

3. Before your trip, precut your veggies.  Celery and carrots pack easily, don’t make a mess, and are good for your body.

4. Bring wet wipes.  You’ll thank me later.  My favorite brand is the Costco store brand Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes.  They are large.  They don’t leave fuzz.  I get 2 or 3 Ziploc bags and put an inch of wipes in each.  One goes in the back of the jeep, one goes in my crag pack, one goes in my poop kit.  Also, if your unused wipes dry out, add a little bit of water and they’ll be as good as new. [Read more…] about 10 Things That Will Make Pooping In The Woods Easier