Wednesday, April 29, 2009

How to shit in the woods -or the desert-

This is the LNT (leave No Trace) approved method of defecating in the wilderness.  As I can't seem to find a concise summary anywhere on the web of how to do it I will write it myself.

1. The first and most important aspect of crapping in the wilderness is location.  A secluded area 100 yards from any water source is ideal perhaps with a log or rock to lean on.    

2. Use the poo shovel to dig a small hole -6 inches deep in woodland but only 4 in desert (this aids in drying).

3. Squat over the hole and do your doo.  This elimination position is actually supposed to be healthier and more comfortable than a western style sit toilet.  One school of thought suggests mixing the feces in with the dirt with a stick afterwards to aid decomposition.  This could also be an excellent opportunity to examine your waste to see how you have been digesting things.

4. Wiping, if you are really gung-ho you can go all natural and use only "found materials", I personally have gone weeks using only smooth stones, barkless sticks, snow, leaves, and moss ass toilet paper and had no complaints.  It helps to plan in advance and begin collecting suitable fodder on the way to the "bathroom" rather than scrambling for whatever can be found at hand with pants around ankles.  If you do go with toilet paper don't bury it, epically in the dessert where the dry environment will take decades to break it down and it will likely be dug up by curious coyotes.  Place used paper inside a brown paper bag then inside a resealable plastic bag and burn the inner bag at the next campfire.  

5. Use hand sanitizer. 

2 comments:

  1. Wow I made a lot of typos. I especially like ass instead of as and epically instead of especially. -Shane

    ReplyDelete