Relieving oneself outdoors is a fundamental aspect of wilderness travel, but improper disposal of human waste creates serious environmental and public health concerns. Feces left on the surface or buried incorrectly can contaminate water sources with pathogens like Giardia lamblia and various coliform bacteria, posing a direct threat to downstream users and wildlife. The goal of responsible waste management in the backcountry is to maximize the rate of decomposition, prevent the spread of disease, and preserve the natural experience for everyone who follows. By preparing properly and following established principles, you ensure your visit leaves no trace and protects the integrity of the natural environment.
Essential Gear and Choosing a Location
Proper preparation begins with acquiring the correct tools, primarily a small, durable garden trowel or specialized backcountry shovel designed for digging. This tool is necessary for creating the cathole. In addition to the digging tool, a small bottle of hand sanitizer is required for post-act cleanliness.
The most important step in minimizing impact is selecting an appropriate site, which means adhering to the “200-foot rule.” This guideline requires depositing waste at least 200 feet (approximately 60 to 70 adult paces) away from any water source, including streams, lakes, or seasonal drainages. This distance prevents contamination through surface runoff or groundwater percolation. This same distance must be maintained from trails and established campsites to protect the experience of other visitors and avoid concentrating human impact.
Selecting a location that receives ample sunlight and possesses rich, dark organic soil—known as the duff layer—will accelerate the decomposition process. The top layer of soil contains the highest concentration of microorganisms, fungi, and insects that actively break down organic matter. Prioritizing a site with deep, biologically active soil far from water is the most meaningful contribution to environmental protection.
Executing the Cathole Method
Once the appropriate location is selected, begin by using your trowel to dig a hole that is 6 to 8 inches deep and no more than 4 to 6 inches wide. This specific depth is designed to place the waste in the biologically active layer of the soil while ensuring it is deep enough to prevent disturbance by weather or small animals. Carefully set the excavated soil and any piece of sod aside intact, as you will need them to cover the hole completely afterward.
Position yourself over the hole to ensure all waste lands within the narrow confines of the cathole. The goal is to deposit the feces directly onto the floor of the hole to maximize contact with the surrounding soil and its decomposition agents. After the waste is deposited, use a small stick to gently stir the feces into the bottom layer of dirt.
This mixing action increases the surface area of the waste, which helps introduce soil microbes and accelerates the initial breakdown process. Once the waste is integrated, cover the hole with the original soil and sod, pressing lightly with your foot to settle the material without compacting it excessively. The final step is to camouflage the site with natural materials like leaf litter, small sticks, or pine needles so the location is indistinguishable from the surrounding forest floor.
Post-Act Hygiene and Waste Management
The management of toilet paper and other hygiene products is distinct from the burial of fecal matter, as paper and non-organic materials decompose much slower. The universal standard is to “pack it out,” meaning all used toilet paper must be placed into a sealed, opaque container and carried out with you. This practice prevents the paper from being unearthed by animals or degrading slowly on the forest floor, which is a common sight in high-traffic areas.
For this purpose, a dedicated, sturdy zip-top bag that is lined with duct tape or placed inside a small plastic container—often called a “Wag Bag” or “Poop Tube”—is the most effective way to store the soiled paper. Items such as pre-moistened wipes, feminine hygiene products, and diapers must never be buried, even if they are marketed as “biodegradable.” These products contain synthetic fibers and chemicals that resist natural decomposition and must be packed out as solid trash.
After all waste is disposed of and the cathole is covered, personal hygiene is the final step in preventing the spread of germs. Dispense a generous amount of hand sanitizer or use biodegradable soap with water carried at least 200 feet away from any water source. The wash water should be scattered widely to allow the soil to filter out any residue before it can reach a water source.