Cat Holes

Since you’re seeing this on a computer screen, you’re obviously a member of a privileged part of the world population, the part that has bathrooms. We live in a society with toilets and they’re all accompanied by a nice roll of TP. There’s nothing to think about, we do our little duty and wipe and flush. This is a delightful convenience we’ve created. But it’s separated us from what should be a very simple bit of outdoor know-how. Believe it or not, many boys (and men) refuse to go on a long backpacking trip only because they are psychologically unprepared to squat and take care of business behind a bush.

Mankind has been pooping in the woods since we climbed down out of the trees, and in historical time, toilet paper (TP) is a pretty recent invention. In fact, a huge percentage of our comrades on this planet have never even seen TP. Why, then, are so many campers so dependent on toilet paper? I would have to guess that they either haven’t used anything other than the store bought stuff on a roll or they’ve had bad luck with with natural wiping material in a moment of need.

Get all the information you ever want or need about Toilet Paper Free Expeditions from Backpacking Light (Published with permission from Backpacking Light.)

Read up on the subject and get used to the idea. With so many people going into the woods these days, steps have to be taken. The new backpacker rules (2010) at Yosemite require hikers to carry out their used toilet paper. I have not yet been asked by a ranger to show mine, but that day is coming soon. My recommendation is to start transitioning your group to toilet paper free expeditions soon. (And don’t let anyone leave “moisturized wipes” behind. They are worse than toilet paper on the pollution scale.)

Dig six inches down and cover carefully when you are finished.

Cat holes should be at least 200′ away from lakes, streams and trails, and should be at least 100′ away from your camp. After finding a suitable location, dig a shallow hole about 6″ deep, piling the excavated soil adjacent to the hole. It should be deep enough to cover what you leave behind, but still be located in organic material which speeds decomposition. If there are loose rocks available use them to cover everything when you are finished. And use Purell on your hands before returning to camp.

Here is a great video to get you started. Its a little graphic, so be prepared. Do not try this at home!