Let's face it - one of the biggest concerns for new hikers is figuring out how to go to the bathroom while hiking.
It's a topic that can make people uncomfortable, but it's an important part of outdoor safety and etiquette.
In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about taking care of business on the trail.
But if video is more your thing check this out 👇
Step 1. Build Your Poop Kit 💩
Before hitting the trails, it's important to pack a "poop kit" with all the necessary items for bathroom breaks.
Here's what you should include:
Hand sanitizer
Trowel for digging cat holes
Toilet paper or Wysi wipes (my favorite on Kilimanjaro and the Salcantay Trail)
Kula Cloth (some women love Kula, I prefer toilet paper)
Disposal bags for packing out used toilet paper
Wag bags for sensitive environments (optional)
Here's a link to our Amazon page with a few items that I use in my poop kit. Shopping through our affiliate links helps support us in a big way and costs you nothing.
Now that you have your kit established let's move on.
Step 2. A Step-by-Step Guide
1️⃣ Location, location, location.
When nature calls, follow the 200-foot rule.
This means moving at least 200 feet (about 75 steps) away from trails, campsites, and water sources.
This distance is standard Leave No Trace protocol. It helps prevent contamination and maintains privacy.
💦 For urinating, try to find a spot with rocks rather than vegetation.
Peeing on rocks is better for the environment.
Some hikers lean against a tree or rock for balance.
The key is to watch your aim and avoid getting pee on your clothes or shoes. But if you do, don't worry too much - it will dry and we've all been there. 🙈 Solidarity, sister.
💩 When it comes to solid waste, you'll need to dig a cat hole or prepare to pack out your poop in a wag bag.
Here's how:
Use your trowel to dig a hole 6 inches deep. (A dollar bill or the length of most trowels is about 6 inches.)
Do your business in the hole.
Use toilet paper if needed.
Cover the waste with the dirt you dug out.
Pack out your used toilet paper in a disposal bag. Yep, I think you should always pack out your toilet paper rather than bury it.
Some hikers prefer to poop on the ground and then push it into the hole. Choose whichever method works best for you.
Leave No Trace Principles for Hikers
Following Leave No Trace principles is crucial for preserving our natural spaces. When it comes to bathroom breaks, this means:
Packing out all toilet paper and hygiene products
Burying human waste properly
Using biodegradable soap if needed
Avoiding contamination of water sources
And just generally being a good human and being respectful of wildlife and other good humans out on the trail.
🔴 Managing Menstrual Hygiene While Hiking
Having your period shouldn't stop you from hitting the trails. In fact, hiking can be great for cramps and overall mood.
Here are some tips for managing menstruation outdoors:
Always pack out used feminine hygiene products, even if they're labeled biodegradable
Consider using a menstrual cup - they're reusable and create less waste
Bring extra hygiene supplies and disposal bags
If using a menstrual cup, empty it into your cat hole and bury it
Listen to your body and adjust your hiking plans if needed, especially if you experience severe symptoms on the first few days of your period. It's okay to rest, your body is trying to tell you something.
Female Urinary Devices for Hiking: Pros and Cons
Female urinary devices (FUDs) or pee funnels like the Shewee or GoGirl allow women to pee standing up.
While not necessary for most hiking situations, they can be useful in certain circumstances:
Pros of FUDs:
Allow for more privacy in crowded areas, like Kilimanjaro
Useful in cold environments when you don't want to bare your bare bottom. I use mine frequently when I'm backcountry skiing
Can be helpful when wearing multiple layers or bulky gear, like skiing ⛷️
Cons of FUDs:
You'll want to practice first
It's one more thing to pack
Need to be cleaned after each use.
If you decide to use a FUD, practice at home first. I learned how to use mine in the shower until I was confident that I wouldn't pee all over myself in the backcountry.
Special Considerations
Winter Hiking Bathroom Practices
Cold weather brings extra challenges for bathroom breaks. FUDs can be particularly useful in winter to minimize skin exposure. In deep snow, you may need to dig down to soil to bury waste properly, which can be pretty much impossible so please pack out your poo in the winter.
High-Traffic Areas and Crowded Trails
On popular trails, finding privacy can be tough. Look for natural screens like large rocks or dense vegetation. You might need to walk further from the trail to find a suitable spot, just remember where you leave the trail. There are so many stories of people leaving the trail to go to the bathroom and losing their way, I like to pick a landmark like a tree or rock to use to find my way back to the trail.
Sensitive Environments
In some areas like glaciers, alpine zones, or desert environments, always pack out all waste.
This is where wag bags come in handy. The local land managing agency here in the United States will let you know the appropriate protocol for the area.
Camping Bathroom Essentials
For longer trips or base camping, consider bringing these additional items:
A larger supply of toilet paper
Extra hand sanitizer
Biodegradable soap and desginated hand washing area
A dedicated "bathroom" trowel that can be shared with the group to save weight and space
More disposal bags
A toilet tent
We used portable potty tents on Kilimanjaro and the Salcantay trail that our porters maintained. Our porters packed out our poop. They were amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forget toilet paper?
In a pinch, you can use natural materials like smooth rocks, leaves, or snow. If you're using vegetation just make sure you can properly identify it. 😬
Always pack out any natural materials you use, just as you would toilet paper.
How do I dispose of toilet paper if I can't bury it?
In areas where burying toilet paper isn't allowed, use a sealable plastic bag to store used toilet paper. You can double-bag it to prevent leaks and odors, (I won't judget you) and dispose of it properly.
Is it safe to pee in a lake or stream?
While urine is generally sterile, it's best to avoid peeing directly in water sources. This helps prevent the introduction of any medications or supplements you might be taking into the ecosystem. Always move at least 200 feet away from water sources before urinating.
What should I do if I get my period unexpectedly while hiking?
It's always a good idea to carry a few feminine hygiene products in your first aid kit, even if you're not expecting your period. As a guide I make sure I always carry extra. But in an emergency, clean cloth or bandanas can work as makeshift pads. Remember to pack out all used products.
How do I clean my hands after using the bathroom outdoors?
Hand sanitizer will work in a pinch If you have access to water, but biodegradable soap and water is the best option. There are studies showing that hand sanitizer doesn't protect against norovirus. Just remember to do your washing at least 200 feet away from any water sources.
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Speaking of peeing outside, we do that a lot here at Hike Like A Woman and we'd love to have you join us for a guided group trip! Here's what's coming up.
🟨🟪🟫🟧 UPCOMING GROUP TRIPS 🟨🟪🟫🟧
💦 Join us for a group trip to Costa Rica: https://travefy.com/trip/6yw9rqk4tbewqz2au2zvsu7krbxgwzq?d=43328549
☀️Join us for a group trip to Southern Utah: https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/utah/united-states-with-rebecca-walsh-jun-2025
⛰ Join us for our next Kilimanjaro climb: https://trovatrip.com/trip/africa/tanzania/tanzania-with-hikelikeawoman-aug-2025
🇦🇷 Join us for our group trip to Patagonia: https://trovatrip.com/trip/south-america/patagonia/argentina-with-rebecca-walsh-oct-2025
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