Pee, Poop & Periods: Outdoor Etiquette

We've all done it. Now find out if you've done it the right way. Here is what I've learned about peeing, pooping & having a period outdoors.

Peeing Etiquette:

1) First, find a private spot off the trail to squat and pee. You should be 200 feet away from water sources, trails or campsites.

Try to urinate on organic matter like soil, rocks, pine needles and gravel - not foliage or plants! Urine doesn't immediately destroy the plants, but it does encourage wildlife to tear up the plants because they're attracted to the salts in your urine.

You can also dilute the urine with water to minimize negative effects.

2) Try to pee facing downhill or in the same direction as the wind, so the flow doesn't end up on your feet or blow back at you.

3) Be sure you have brought a wipe with you to prevent illnesses. This can be a handkerchief ("pee-kerchief"), rag, bandana, outdoor wipe, etc. I collaborated with Outdoor Wipes and absolutely love their biodegradable XL and XXL products. Made from bamboo and aloe vera. The package also has a seal, so you can pack out the items easily.

Women are more prone to pee-related hygiene and health issues than men, that's why the "drip dry" technique often leads to urinary tract or yeast infections.

You should also pack extra underwear for this reason!

4) Once the pee rag is used, tie and hang it onto the outside of your backpack for some UV sanitizing. It is good for multiple uses and avoids the waste of toilet paper.

5) Wash or sanitize your hands. This is how most people get sick!

You can create a simple wash station by hanging a water bladder & using biodegradable soap.

Once again, be 200 feet from a water source to limit the environmental impact.

6) Throw your pee rag into the wash when you get home!

(Some ideas inspired by Shelby Carpenter)

Pooping Etiquette:

1) The moment you realize you need to take a crap, begin preparing!

2) Find a spot off the trail that is 200 feet away from water sources & 70 adult paces from trails or camping.

Human waste seeps into soil and contaminates water sources with bugs like hepatitis, Giardia and other pathogens and bacteria.

3) Bring a trowel or find a stick to dig a “cat hole." A cat hole means, "pooping in the woods into a hole."

Make sure the hole is 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter.

4) Try to find dark, organic matter (rich in colour) like soil to poop on, as the microorganisms speed up decomposition.

You can also choose a sunny spot that will receive maximum sunlight, this aids in the decomposition process.

Consider sites that won't run-off during storms, to keep feces out of the water.

5) Pull down your pants, lean back as far back as possible into a squat and hold (hug) a tree in front of you for support.

You can also pull your hiking shirt over your legs for privacy.

6) Wipe with toilet paper or a wipe that you've packed in a ziplock/doggie bag and then pack it out with you if possible!

You can also try using naturally-occurring toilet paper like stones, vegetation (wide leafed plants), conifer needles or snow.

Try to purchase plain white, non-perfume brands.

Burying toilet paper is not recommended, as most of it is bleached and animals have been known to dig it up and spread it around.

7) Be careful of wiping yourself with poisonous plants! Be sure you know exactly what plant you are wiping your sensitive parts with.

8) For added freshness, pack a squirt bottle for a rinse or wet wipes for a clean swipe.

9) Cover your crap with natural materials, like dirt. You can also mark something nearby with sticks to discourage the same spot from being used or visited.

(Ideas inspired by The Dryt)

Period Etiquette:

1) Pack your favourite, resuable free bleeding undies or cotton pads (mine are period aisle & knix) and/or menstrual cup or disc (mine are Diva Cup & Pixie Cup) instead of pads or tampons -- so you don't have to pack them out or contribute to plastic waste.

If you do bring tampons, you will need to pack them out in plastic bags, as burying them might lead to animals digging them up.

You can also wash these resuable items in cold water and hang them out to dry after use to be sanitized by the UV light!

3) Don't wash your hands in a stream, instead use a water bottle with biodegradable soap like Dr. Bronner's. You can buy this in bulk and pour it into a smaller container.

4) Sanitize your hands afterward.

Avoid touching other people and their snacks (especially when food bag sharing!)

(Ideas inspired by A Rambling Unicorn)