Q&A for How to Go to the Bathroom in the Woods

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Question

Can you throw toilet paper in the woods?

Hannah Young
Outdoor Education Expert
Hannah Young is an Outdoor Education Expert with more than three years of experience. She specializes in educating others on backpacking and hiking, land ethics and best practices, and wilderness Restoration. Hannah earned a BS in Earth Systems from Stanford University.

Hannah Young

Outdoor Education Expert

Expert Answer

That's not really a good idea, no. You should bring some odor-proof bags to pack up your toilet paper and take it back with you. I recommend using those little bags that are generally available at trailheads or dog parks.

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Question

What if I can't find a rock, log, or shrub?

DarknessOfAzure

Community Answer

When you have to go you have to go, so ask everyone else to look away and try to cover yourself with a sheet. If you cannot do this, just go where no one would be, and no one could see.

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Question

So what if I need to poop and pee at the same time? How do I do that outside?

Community Answer

Dig a hole at least 5 inches deep. Pee outside of the hole. Poop into the hole. Then put dirt on top.

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Question

What if I'm a boy?

Community Answer

It's a generally acknowledged truth among women that the best thing about having a penis is the ability to pee easily in the woods. Get yourself a little privacy, unzip, and pee. Easy.

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Question

Can I pee standing up in the woods?

Community Answer

Of course!

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Question

What if my friend won't pee in the woods, but she really cannot hold it anymore? She has already wet her pants three times today.

Community Answer

Try to give her privacy and a cup, bottle or bucket.

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Question

How do I urinate above the tree-line?

Community Answer

Go right ahead and do it!

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Question

When pooping, would it be safe to perch on a downed log? How about going near camp so that I don't get lost?

Community Answer

It's a great idea to sit! If you can't sit to poop, you could also lean on a tree with no poison oak/ivy. If you needed to go near camp, have a trusted friend come with you. He/she needs to be able to hold up a towel and or blanket to ensure you don't flash them/anybody else.

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Question

Should I not wipe my butt with leaves?

Community Answer

Leaves are just fine. Just make sure it's not something that could cause irritation, such as poison ivy, in a very sensitive place.

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Question

How do I wipe using snow?

Community Answer

That is not possible, I'm not sure why it's suggested. You have to wipe using a tissue, toilet paper or baby wipes (or leaves if you're stuck).

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Question

What if I'm on my period and I don't have any pads or tampons?

Community Answer

You can still use leaves as toilet paper, but if you have any paper towels or toilet paper, that would be better. For long-term protection, you can place some paper towels or toilet paper (or, as an absolute last resort, leaves) in your underwear to serve as a makeshift pad.

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Question

Can I sit down and cross my legs to pee?

Community Answer

Yes, that's fine! Whichever way is most comfortable for you is what you should do.

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Question

I go for 1-3 hour hikes and don't really need any supplies because the trails are right next to my house. How can I carry toilet paper or baby wipes without taking a bag?

Community Answer

If you have a pocket, put them in there. Fanny packs are also good for this purpose.

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Question

Can I strip my clothes off to pee?

Community Answer

If you're in a private location where nobody will see you and it makes you more comfortable, then sure; however, you're exposing more of your body to biting insects and plants that could cause skin irritation.

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Question

What's the best way to reassure someone who needs to urinate but doesn't want to do so?

Community Answer

Make sure they have plenty of privacy, but tell them you'll stand nearby so they can call to you if they're scared.

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Question

How do I pee outside if I am a girl?

Community Answer

Pull your pants down, squat, and go. It's that simple!

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Question

What should I do if I have ongoing issues with urinating on myself?

Community Answer

If you are unable to control your urination you may have urinary incontinence. This can be caused by several underlying conditions and should be brought up with a physician.

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Question

Is there a good way of muffling the sound when I go to the bathroom in the woods?

Community Answer

Yes, try talking very loud or call out weird sounds. You can also just go if no one is around.

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Question

Should I pee on a tree or on flat ground? Should I spread it out? Also, how do I avoid puddles and splash backs?

Community Answer

Pee on flat ground as far away from yourself as you can to avoid backsplash. To avoid puddles move your aim in different areas so as to not have accumulation in one certain spot.

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Question

Can I pee in a river or lake?

Community Answer

Yes, if you must.

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Question

What should I do if i have bad diarrhea?

Community Answer

Go behind a rock, log, or shrub, dig a hole, pull down your pants and underwear, and then do your business. When you are done, wipe, pull up your pants and underwear and cover your business up with dirt.

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Question

How do I go to the bathroom in the woods if I have diarrhea?

Community Answer

Just dig a hole, and go. Try to avoid the mess, but if there is one, do whatever you can to stay clean. You should always “pack out” toilet paper. Cut the trip short to get to a shower and clean up.

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Question

How do I get my little sibling to go to the bathroom in the woods if they're hard to work with?

Community Answer

Offer them a reward, or tell them you're going to go to the bathroom in the woods, and that if they want to be a "big girl/boy," they should do it too.

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Question

What should I do if I have to pee but I can't leave the campground?

Community Answer

Ask someone or if you are at a well known camping site, there may be restrooms there. As a last resort, find the most secluded area you can right near the campgrounds.

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Question

What if the waste doesn't go in the hole because you didn't aim properly?

Carson Bane

Community Answer

Get a big stick and knock your feces into the hole and bury it. Toss the stick away and leave.

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Question

I'm male. If a usable tree or other plant is not available, is it suggested to pee on a rock?

Community Answer

No, as it will splash. Find an open area of ground instead.

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Question

Is it necessary to dig a hole if I need to urinate?

Community Answer

It is unnecessary. You only dig a hole if you need to defecate.

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Question

What if I am surrounded by poison ivy and it's an emergency?

Community Answer

This generally should not happen, but if you are surrounded by poison ivy, stinging nettles, or any other irritating plant, if you have toilet paper, paper towels, or napkins, then use those. If there is a tree nearby, you could pick some leaves from it, just be careful not to take too many as it could damage the tree. You could also use an extra piece of clothing you don't mind throwing away or washing once you get home to wipe, or just not wipe and let any leftover urine drip into your underwear.

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Question

What if I have diarrhea?

Community Answer

Same thing. Poo in a hole, and make sure to wipe/rinse well. See a doctor if the diarrhea persists.

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Question

What if I need to poop in a body of water? How do I keep people from seeing floaters

Community Answer

Do not poop in a body of water. Exit and find a private area and poo. Pooing in a body of water is gross.

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