When nature calls!

Remember that your toilet habits may change while you are on an expedition. You will be experiencing many out-of-the-ordinary circumstances.

This could be simply a change in routine leading to a confused 'body clock'. It could be due to jet lag or travel anxiety. It could be 'shyness' around toileting around other people. Your body might be holding on to fluids to avoid dehydration and constipation; the list goes on.

Urinating outdoors is pretty straightforward, although there are things you can do to make the 'situation' more comfortable for you, your trek and camp mates, and the environment.

Location

• Find a location about 30 meters away from the nearest water source, food preparation areas or sleeping areas, including places where people might shelter.
• Choose somewhere where other people can't see you.
• If it can be helped, avoid peeing near (or on!) objects that are likely to be used as seats (e.g., a log or boulder with a nice view.)

Considerations

• Female Urination Devices such as a 'Shewee' can be useful, but they aren't crucial
• Be mindful of wind speed and direction to avoid...well...getting wet. Aim at the floor!
• If you're squatting, squat as low as possible to the ground to avoid splashing
• If you're using toilet paper, bag it in a poo bag and take it away with you to dispose of later/once you've finished the trek.
• Remember to sanitise your hands after you're done and regularly between visits.

Disposing of solids requires a bit of planning. It is especially important in cold environments where it is more difficult for excrement to degrade, but there are several reasons why it is important to minimise the impact of human waste on the environment full stop.

Obviously, we don't want other trekkers finding or treading in it and we don't want unnatural chemicals (from our food) or harmful bacteria entering places they shouldn't.

Location

• Find a location with diggable ground (or a natural depression that can be covered over) about 30 meters away from the nearest water source, food preparation areas or sleeping areas, including where people might shelter.
• Choose somewhere where other people can't see you or let them know what you are doing and tell them to turn their backs on you.

Method One - Burial

• Dig a hole with your hand or small trowel around 6-10 inches (15-25cm) deep, about the depth as the length of your hand, and around 4-6 inches wide (10 -15cm)
• Do your business in the hole.
• Use toilet paper or biodegradable wipes to clean up, place them in your poo bag and pop this in your bag to dispose of in a suitable place.
• Fill in the hole over your waste using the excavated soil, pop some natural materials over the top too.

Method Two - Leave no trace

• If it's not possible to dig a hole, poo on the ground and pick it up like you would a dog poo. If you're confident, aim straight into the bag! Pack your toilet paper in the same bag. Double bagging is a good idea to reduce the chance of odour.

Considerations

• Remember to sanitise your hands after you're done and regularly in-between visits.

If you don't already track your cycle, it might be a good idea to start doing so in the months before your trek so you know when to expect your period's arrival, and you can plan accordingly. Remember to bring enough menstrual products with you on your trek. Carry them in a waterproof bag to prevent accidental waste.

You might want to consider using a menstrual cup, as they typically reduce the frequency of changes. This would be the best option if you're retiring to a gite, tearoom, or hotel with running water where you can rinse your cup with clean water — check your Tribal Tracks itinerary for your accommodation information.

Never bury sanitary items, as with toilet paper, carry everything away with you until you find a suitable bin. Double bag your waste.

As always, wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly.

Any questions?

Feel free to drop us an email if you have any questions or advice you think we've missed and may help other trekkers.