How Much Toilet Paper to Bring Backpacking

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Calculating Your Toilet Paper Needs
3. Factors That Influence Your Usage
4. Leave No Trace Principles for Human Waste
5. How to Pack and Organize Your Supply
6. Alternatives to Traditional Toilet Paper
7. The "Pack It Out" Rule
8. Essential Gear for Your Potty Kit
9. Step-by-Step: Managing Your Business Like a Pro
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid
11. Managing Hygiene for Longer Trips
12. Why Quality Gear Matters
13. Conclusion
14. FAQ

Introduction

Walking a mile into a remote trail only to realize your pack is missing a critical item is a rite of passage for many. We have all been there, standing in the middle of a beautiful forest, suddenly gripped by the realization that our hygiene kit is lacking. One of the most common questions for new and experienced hikers alike is exactly how much toilet paper to bring backpacking. Carrying too much adds unnecessary bulk and weight to your kit. Carrying too little can lead to uncomfortable, unhygienic situations that distract from the adventure. At BattlBox, we focus on helping you dial in your gear so you can move efficiently and responsibly through the wilderness. If you want a trail-ready setup that shows up when it matters, choose your BattlBox subscription. This guide will help you calculate your needs, understand Leave No Trace disposal methods, and explore alternatives that can save space in your pack. Knowing your specific requirements is the first step toward a successful, self-reliant backcountry experience.

Quick Answer: On average, most backpackers should pack about 10 to 15 sheets per "event." For a typical trip, plan for 20 to 30 sheets per day, then add a 20% buffer for emergencies or common cold symptoms.

Calculating Your Toilet Paper Needs

The amount of toilet paper you need depends on your body, your diet, and the length of your trip. While it seems like a small detail, these ounces add up over a multi-day trek. Most standard rolls of toilet paper contain between 150 and 200 sheets. Bringing a full roll for a two-day trip is usually overkill and takes up valuable space in your pack. If you are building out a broader backcountry loadout, start with the Camping collection.

The Basic Math for Solo Hikers

Start by tracking your usage at home for a day or two to get a baseline. If you use ten sheets per sitting and go twice a day, you need 20 sheets daily. For a three-day trip, that is 60 sheets. Always include a buffer. A common rule of thumb is to add an extra day's worth of supply to account for unexpected stomach issues or spills. If you want a fuller backpacking system, browse our camping guide for a simple follow-up.

Group Considerations

If you are hiking with a partner or a group, do not assume one person should carry the entire supply. It is often better for everyone to carry their own "potty kit." This ensures that if the group gets separated or if one person needs to go while the other is away, no one is left stranded. If you do share a supply, simply multiply the individual daily count by the number of people and the number of days. For a more complete hygiene overview, how to stay clean while backpacking is a helpful companion read.

Weight and Bulk

A single roll of toilet paper can weigh between 4 and 6 ounces depending on the ply and thickness. While that sounds light, it is the size of the roll that causes issues. Removing the cardboard center allows you to flatten the paper. This makes it easier to slide into a waterproof bag and tuck into a side pocket of your backpack. A dedicated storage solution like the BattlBox 30L Dry Bag can keep everything dry and compact.

Factors That Influence Your Usage

Your needs on the trail might differ significantly from your needs at home. Changes in elevation, physical exertion, and diet can all play a role in how often you need to use your supply.

Dietary Changes Backpacking food is often high in sodium and fiber, or it might be freeze-dried. These changes can affect your digestive system. Some people find they "go" less often in the woods, while others find the opposite. It is better to have a slight surplus on your first few trips until you know how your body reacts to trail food.

Hydration Levels Drinking significantly more water than usual is common when hiking. Proper hydration keeps your system moving. If you are dehydrated, you might find you need less toilet paper, but you will also feel much worse. Always prioritize hydration over saving a few sheets of paper. If you are also thinking about your water setup, our emergency preparedness collection is a good place to start.

Health and First Aid Toilet paper is a multi-use tool. You might need it to blow your nose if the morning air is crisp. It can also serve as a makeshift bandage or a way to clean up a small spill in your mess kit. If you find yourself using it for these tasks, your "bathroom" supply will dwindle quickly. We often include compact sanitation tools in our Medical and Safety collection because these small items are the foundation of a good kit.

Leave No Trace Principles for Human Waste

The "Leave No Trace" (LNT) principles are a set of guidelines designed to protect the environment. When it comes to human waste, the goal is to prevent the contamination of water sources and avoid spreading disease. For a deeper look at trail hygiene habits, how to poop while backpacking is worth a read.

The 200-Foot Rule Always do your business at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites. This is roughly 70 to 80 adult steps. This distance helps ensure that runoff does not carry pathogens into the water supply that you or other hikers might be drinking from.

Digging a Cathole In most environments, the best way to dispose of solid waste is in a "cathole." This is a small hole dug deep enough for the waste to decompose properly.

1. Find a spot with rich, dark soil if possible, as it contains the bacteria needed for decomposition.
2. Dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches wide.
3. After use, fill the hole back in with the original soil and disguise it with leaves or rocks.

Key Takeaway: Proper waste disposal is a non-negotiable part of outdoor ethics. Always prioritize protecting the local watershed by staying at least 200 feet away from any water source.

How to Pack and Organize Your Supply

Toilet paper is useless if it gets wet. A single rainstorm or a leaky water bladder can turn your supply into a useless ball of mush.

Waterproofing Your Kit

The most common way to store toilet paper is in a resealable plastic bag. Freezer-style bags are thicker and more durable than standard sandwich bags. For added security, some hikers use a small dry bag specifically for their hygiene items. This keeps your paper, trowel, and hand sanitizer in one easy-to-grab location. If you want a more compact carry setup, the EDC collection is built for exactly this kind of organization.

Removing the Core

As mentioned earlier, the cardboard tube in the center of the roll is dead weight. Pull it out and flatten the roll. This makes the kit much more "packable." You can also "reverse roll" the paper into a small stack and place it in a bag so it pulls from the center, similar to a tissue box. For a lighter grab-and-go option, the BattlBox Basic subscription is a simple way to build up practical gear over time.

Portionality

If you are trying to be an ultralight hiker, do not bring the whole roll. Count out the sheets you need based on your math, fold them neatly, and put them in a small snack-sized bag. This allows you to carry exactly what you need and nothing more.

Alternatives to Traditional Toilet Paper

If you want to reduce your environmental impact or save space, there are several alternatives to traditional paper. Some of these methods require practice but can be much more efficient in the long run. If you are thinking about broader trail skills, backpacking the BattlBox way gives a useful bigger-picture view.

The Backcountry Bidet

A backcountry bidet is a small nozzle that fits onto the top of a standard water bottle. It uses a stream of water to clean you, which you then pat dry with a small amount of paper or a dedicated cloth. This can reduce your toilet paper usage by 80% or more. It is also often more hygienic than wiping alone.

Natural Materials

In an emergency, or if you want to go "full bushcraft," you can use natural materials.

• Large Leaves: Ensure they are non-toxic. Avoid anything that looks like poison ivy or oak.
• Smooth Stones: These were used for centuries. Look for river stones with no sharp edges.
• Snow: A "snowball" can be surprisingly effective and refreshing in alpine environments, though it is not for the faint of heart.

The Pee Cloth

For female hikers, a "pee cloth" is a game-changer for liquid waste. This is a reusable, antimicrobial cloth that hangs on the outside of your pack to dry in the sun. It eliminates the need for toilet paper after urinating, which can save a significant amount of paper over a week-long trip.

The "Pack It Out" Rule

In certain sensitive environments, such as high-altitude alpine zones, deserts, or heavily trafficked canyons, burying waste or paper is not allowed. In these areas, the soil does not have the biological activity to break down waste quickly. For more context on low-impact travel, dispersed camping and Leave No Trace is a useful next step.

WAG Bags A "Waste Alleviation and Gelling" bag, or WAG bag, is a double-bag system containing a powder that gels liquid waste and neutralizes odors. If the area regulations require it, you must pack out all solid waste. This is common in places like Mount Whitney or the Grand Canyon.

Packing Out Paper Even if you are allowed to bury waste, many hikers choose to pack out their used toilet paper. Animals often dig up catholes, and "white flowers" (bits of un-decomposed TP) are a common sight in overused campsites. To pack it out cleanly:

1. Use a dedicated resealable bag.
2. Wrap the bag in duct tape or use a dark-colored bag so the contents are not visible.
3. Drop a used tea bag or a pinch of baking soda inside to help manage odors.

Essential Gear for Your Potty Kit

A good potty kit is more than just paper. Having the right tools makes the process faster and cleaner. You can find many of these specialized tools in our Emergency / Disaster Preparedness collection.

The Trowel A dedicated trowel is much more effective than using a stick or a boot heel. Modern backpacking trowels are made of lightweight aluminum or high-strength plastic. Some are designed with serrated edges to help cut through roots and hard soil.

Hand Sanitizer Hygiene is critical. Unwashed hands are the primary cause of stomach illness in the backcountry, not bad water. Always use a high-alcohol hand sanitizer after your bathroom break. Rub it in thoroughly, paying special attention to your fingernails.

Soap and Water While sanitizer is good, occasionally washing with biodegradable soap and water is better. Remember, even "biodegradable" soap is a pollutant. You must carry your wash water 200 feet away from the stream or lake before using it.

Note: Never use any soap—even biodegradable ones—directly in a stream or lake. It can harm aquatic life and disrupt the local ecosystem.

Step-by-Step: Managing Your Business Like a Pro

Following a consistent routine ensures you stay clean and respect the environment. If you want more field-ready habits, trail hygiene tips are a good follow-up.

Step 1: Scally the Area Find a spot 200 feet away from water, trails, and camp. Look for a place with "organic" soil (dark and crumbly) rather than sand or clay.

Step 2: Prepare Your Hole Dig your cathole 6 to 8 inches deep. Place the dirt in a neat pile to the side so you can easily fill the hole later.

Step 3: Secure Your Gear Hang your pack on a nearby branch or place it somewhere clear of your "work area." Make sure your toilet paper and hand sanitizer are within arm's reach before you start.

Step 4: Execute and Clean Do your business and use your calculated amount of paper or your bidet. If you are packing out your paper, place it directly into your waste bag.

Step 5: Fill and Disguise Use a stick to mix the waste with some soil (this speeds up decomposition) then fill the hole. Tamp it down and cover it with natural debris like leaves or a rock so it looks undisturbed.

Step 6: Sanitize Apply a generous amount of hand sanitizer. Once you return to camp, consider a more thorough wash with soap and water if you are preparing food.

Bottom line: A successful bathroom break in the woods relies on preparation, a small kit of essential tools, and a commitment to leaving the environment exactly as you found it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced outdoorsmen make mistakes when it comes to hygiene. Being aware of these pitfalls will keep you and the environment healthier.

Using Too Much Paper It is easy to get carried away, but every sheet you use is a sheet you have to carry or bury. Focus on efficiency. If you find you are using a lot of paper, consider switching to a bidet or using a "wet wipe" for the final clean—just remember that wipes must always be packed out.

Burying Paper Too Shallow If you bury your paper only two inches deep, the first rainstorm or curious squirrel will uncover it. This is unsightly and unsanitary. Ensure your cathole is at least six inches deep to keep the waste and paper contained while the bacteria do their work.

Forgetting the Sanitizer It is easy to be in a rush to get back to the trail, but skipping the sanitizer is a recipe for disaster. Transferring bacteria to your water bottle or snacks can lead to Giardia or other intestinal issues that will end your trip early.

Managing Hygiene for Longer Trips

On a trip lasting a week or more, your hygiene needs become more complex. You might need to supplement your toilet paper with occasional "hiker showers" using a pack towel and filtered water.

The "Z-Fold" Method For long-distance hikers, space is at a premium. Instead of keeping paper in a roll, some prefer to fold it in a "Z" pattern. This allows you to pull one sheet at a time without the rest of the stack falling on the ground.

Resupply Strategy If you are doing a thru-hike, you don't need to carry 500 sheets of paper from day one. Include small packets of toilet paper in your resupply boxes or buy small rolls at trail towns along the way. This keeps your pack weight consistent and manageable.

Environmental Impact Over Time If you are staying in the same campsite for several days, do not use the same spot for your catholes. Spread them out to avoid over-saturating one area with waste. This is particularly important for group sites where multiple people are using the surrounding woods. If your kit needs to stretch across longer outings, BattlBox field gear can help you stay comfortable while you travel light.

Why Quality Gear Matters

While toilet paper is a simple item, the gear you use to manage your hygiene isn't. A cheap plastic trowel can snap in half when hitting a root, leaving you unable to dig a proper hole. A low-quality storage bag can tear, ruining your dry paper. At BattlBox, we emphasize the importance of field-tested gear. Our team of outdoor professionals hand-picks items that are durable enough for the backcountry and functional enough to make a difference. If you want more practical gear in the mix, our Medical and Safety collection is a strong place to round out the kit.

Whether you are looking for a high-strength aluminum trowel, premium hand sanitizers, or a complete hygiene kit, we provide the gear that helps you stay prepared. Our subscription tiers, ranging from Basic to Pro Plus, are designed to grow with your experience level. From simple EDC items to the top-tier gear featured on Netflix's Southern Survival, we aim to make your outdoor experience safer and more enjoyable. Adventure is better when you have the confidence that your kit won't fail you.

Conclusion

Determining how much toilet paper to bring backpacking is a small but essential part of trip planning. By calculating your daily usage, preparing your kit for the elements, and following Leave No Trace principles, you protect both your comfort and the wilderness. Remember to always bring a small buffer, keep your supply dry, and prioritize hygiene through frequent hand sanitizing.

• Calculate: Aim for 20-30 sheets per day.
• Prepare: Remove the cardboard core and use a waterproof bag.
• Protect: Dig a 6-inch cathole 200 feet from water.
• Pack Out: When in doubt or in sensitive areas, take your paper with you.

"The best backpacker is the one who leaves no trace and stays healthy enough to see the next peak."

Ready to level up your outdoor kit with expert-curated gear? Head over to subscribe to BattlBox and see which mission is right for your next adventure. Adventure. Delivered.

FAQ

Is it okay to burn my used toilet paper in the backcountry?

In most cases, no. While it might seem like a good way to dispose of waste, it is a significant fire hazard. Embers from burning paper can easily catch nearby brush on fire, especially in dry environments. Additionally, paper often does not burn completely, leaving charred remains in the fire pit or woods. It is much safer and more responsible to bury it in a deep cathole or pack it out in a sealed bag. If you are building a broader fire-ready kit, the Fire Starters collection is the right place to look.

Can I use "flushable" wipes instead of toilet paper?

You can use them, but you absolutely cannot bury them or leave them in the woods. Despite the "flushable" or "biodegradable" labels, these wipes take a very long time to break down in soil. They contain synthetic fibers that do not decompose like traditional toilet paper. If you choose to use wipes for a cleaner feel, you must treat them as trash and pack them out in a resealable plastic bag. A compact carry system like the EDC collection can help keep that sort of gear organized.

What should I do if I run out of toilet paper?

If you run out, look for safe natural alternatives. Large, non-toxic leaves like mullein or maple are common choices. Smooth river stones or even handfuls of dry moss can also work. In the winter, a firmly packed snowball is a surprisingly effective alternative. Once you return to civilization, remember to adjust your math for the next trip to ensure you bring an adequate supply. If you want a better prepared kit next time, choose a BattlBox subscription.

How do I stop my toilet paper from getting crushed or wet?

The best method is to remove the cardboard core and store the flattened paper in a high-quality freezer-grade Ziploc bag. For even better protection, place that bag inside a small, dedicated dry bag. This double-layer system ensures that even if you drop your pack in a stream or hike through a downpour, your supply remains dry and usable. Label the bag "Potty Kit" so you can find it quickly in your pack. For another gear-forward approach, the BattlBox camping collection has plenty of trail-ready storage options.