I Have to Poop Outside! What Do I Do?!

It can be difficult to know when to dig a cathole vs. when to use a WAG bag. Luckily we made this flowchart for you so now you always know what to do when nature calls. Read below for more tips on going #2 in the outdoors!

In an attempt to understand local issues in our consistently changing scenery, we usually ask land managers, “What are the most common impacts you deal with?” Nine times out of ten the response is, “Improper disposal of human waste is our number one issue.” This is a sad realization. Improper disposal of human waste can contaminate water sources, is unsightly and can transmit disease between humans and animals. Learn more about how to dig a cathole here.

WAG Bags are necessary because only bagging our waste creates biohazard which is illegal to throw out. WAG Bags contain chemical crystals that gel human waste and render it inert, allowing you to properly dispose of it in a garbage can. Always pack out your WAG Bags, and do not deposit them in pit toilets or composted.  Learn more about how to use WAG Bags here. 

Leave No Trace’s Donielle Stevens and Aaron Hussmann are part of the 2017 Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Program that provides free, mobile education to communities across the country. Proud partners of this program include Subaru of America, REI, Eagles Nest Outfitters, Deuter, Thule, and Klean Kanteen.