Battlbox
How to Pack Out Poop Backpacking: The Expert Guide to LNT
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why You Need to Know How to Pack Out Poop Backpacking
- Essential Gear for Waste Management
- Step-by-Step: How to Pack Out Poop Backpacking
- Storage and Transport Solutions
- Survival Hygiene and Safety
- Advanced Tips for the Pro Outdoorsman
- How BattlBox Prepares You for the Field
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
You’ve finally reached that pristine alpine lake after six hours of heavy climbing. The air is thin, the view is cinematic, and your legs are officially cooked. Then you see it—the "white flowers" of used toilet paper blooming behind a nearby boulder. It’s a sight that ruins the wilderness experience and signals a failing in outdoor ethics. As outdoor enthusiasts at BattlBox, we believe that being prepared means more than just having the right knife; it means knowing how to protect the places we play. Packing out human waste is becoming a mandatory skill in high-use and sensitive environments across the US. This guide covers the gear, the techniques, and the hygiene protocols for managing waste when a cat hole isn't an option. Mastering this skill ensures you leave the trail exactly as you found it.
If you want to build a broader trail kit around these skills, you can subscribe to BattlBox and receive expert-curated outdoor gear delivered monthly.
Quick Answer: Packing out poop involves using a WAG (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) bag or a DIY "poop tube" to containerize human waste. You squat over a puncture-resistant bag, use a gelling powder to neutralize odors and liquid, seal the bag, and carry it out for proper disposal in a trash receptacle.
Why You Need to Know How to Pack Out Poop Backpacking
The old-school method of digging a cat hole—a hole 6 to 8 inches deep—is still the standard for many forests. However, our wild spaces are seeing more traffic than ever before. In certain environments, the ground simply cannot process human waste.
For another look at backcountry bathroom practices and Leave No Trace principles, read BattlBox’s guide to pooping while backpacking.
The Problem with Decomposition
In desert environments, the soil lacks the moisture and microbes needed to break down organic matter. Waste can sit under the sand for years, essentially mummified. In alpine zones, the thin soil and freezing temperatures stop the decomposition process entirely. If every hiker on a popular route like Mount Whitney buried their waste, the summit would quickly become a health hazard.
Water Quality and Public Health
When you’re in a river canyon, such as the Grand Canyon or along the Salmon River, there is nowhere to go that isn’t near a water source. Human waste contains pathogens like Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and E. coli. If these enter the water table, they can sicken other hikers and local wildlife. Packing it out is the only way to ensure 100% containment.
Keep your broader hydration system ready with water purification gear for trips where clean drinking water is not guaranteed.
Regulatory Requirements
Many National Parks and wilderness areas now legally require the use of WAG bags. If you are caught without the means to pack out your waste in these zones, you can face heavy fines. We always recommend checking the specific regulations of the land management agency before you head out.
Many of the same principles apply to everyday trail cleanup, so this practical backpacking guide to packing out trash is a useful companion read.
Key Takeaway: Packing out waste isn't just a suggestion; in many delicate ecosystems, it is the only responsible way to prevent environmental degradation and disease spread.
Essential Gear for Waste Management
You don't need a lot of gear, but what you carry must be reliable. A failure in your waste containment system is a catastrophic event for your backpack and your morale.
What is a WAG Bag?
WAG stands for Waste Alleviation and Gelling. These are commercially available kits designed specifically for this purpose. They typically include:
- An inner bag (the "target zone")
- An outer, puncture-resistant, zip-close bag
- Poo Powder or a similar gelling agent
- A small amount of toilet paper and a hand wipe
The magic is in the powder. It uses a NASA-developed polymer that turns liquid into a stable gel and contains enzymes that neutralize the smell.
The DIY Poop Tube
For long-distance backpackers or those on a budget, a "poop tube" is a rugged, home-made alternative. It’s essentially a length of PVC pipe with a permanent cap on one end and a threaded, leak-proof plug on the other. You do your business in a small plastic bag, drop it in the tube, and seal it shut. This provides a hard-sided, crush-proof barrier that effectively eliminates odor.
Sanitation Supplies
Never rely solely on what comes in a pre-made kit. We suggest adding these to your kit:
- Hand Sanitizer: Choose a high-alcohol content gel.
- Compressed Wipes: These take up zero space and expand with a few drops of water.
- Extra Ziploc Bags: Use the freezer-grade versions for extra thickness.
For additional field hygiene options, browse the Medical & Safety collection.
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial WAG Bag | Weekend trips, high-use trails | Easy to use, includes gelling agent | Can be expensive over time |
| DIY Poop Tube | Long expeditions, big walls | Crush-proof, zero odor, reusable | Bulky and adds weight |
| Double Ziploc Method | Ultra-light day hikes | Minimal weight, very cheap | Risk of punctures or leaks |
Step-by-Step: How to Pack Out Poop Backpacking
If you've never done this before, the prospect can feel a bit daunting. However, once you have the system down, it is often faster and less labor-intensive than digging a proper cat hole in rocky soil.
Step 1: Select Your Site
Find a flat spot at least 200 feet away from water, trails, and campsites. Even though you are packing the waste out, you still want privacy and to avoid any accidental spills near sensitive areas.
For more guidance on staying clean away from running water, see these backpacking hygiene tips.
Step 2: Prepare the Bag
Open your WAG bag and ensure the gelling powder is at the bottom of the inner bag. If you are using a DIY system, have your small plastic bag ready. Prop the bag open as much as possible. Some people prefer to lay the bag on the ground, while others find it easier to hold the edges while squatting.
Step 3: Do Your Business
Squat over the bag. Aiming is the most difficult part for beginners. Take your time and ensure all solid waste and used toilet paper land inside the inner bag.
Note: Try to urinate before using the bag. While the gelling powder can handle some liquid, a full bladder can overwhelm the polymer and make the bag unnecessarily heavy and "sloshy."
Step 4: Treat and Seal
If your kit didn't come with pre-measured powder, add a tablespoon of gelling agent now. Squeeze as much air out of the inner bag as possible without causing a "puff" of bacteria-laden air. Tie the inner bag tightly with an overhand knot.
Step 5: Double Bag for Security
Place the tied inner bag into the heavy-duty outer zip-close bag. Ensure the seal is completely locked. If you are using a poop tube, drop the bag into the PVC pipe and screw the cap on tight.
Step 6: Sanitize
Use your hand sanitizer or a wet wipe immediately. In the backcountry, hygiene is your first line of defense against illness. Clean your hands thoroughly, including under the fingernails.
A compact EDC gear collection can help keep small sanitation tools organized and accessible.
Bottom line: A successful pack-out requires a calm approach, a clear target, and a secondary containment layer to prevent leaks.
Storage and Transport Solutions
How you carry your waste is just as important as how you bag it. You don't want your "souvenirs" sitting next to your lunch or your sleeping bag.
External Attachment
Most modern backpacks have an external mesh pocket or "shove-it" pouch. This is the ideal place for your waste bags. It keeps the waste outside the main compartment of your pack. If a bag were to leak, it wouldn't ruin your expensive down gear.
The "Ditty Bag" System
If you don't have an external pocket, use a dedicated, brightly colored dry bag. Label it clearly so you don't confuse it with your food bag. Store this bag at the very bottom of your pack or lashed to the outside using carabiners.
For a hard-sided backup to your field kit, the AquaPodKit emergency water storage container demonstrates the kind of dedicated containment approach that keeps critical supplies separate.
Managing the Smell
Even with gelling agents, heat can cause some odors to permeate plastic over several days. Adding a small amount of baking soda to your outer bag can help. If you're using a PVC poop tube, the smell is virtually non-existent, making it the preferred choice for multi-day desert treks.
For more advice on organizing a complete backpacking loadout, read BattlBox’s backpacking gear list.
Myth: "Biodegradable" bags mean you can bury them.
Fact: Most biodegradable bags require industrial composting conditions to break down. If you bury a "bio-bag" in the woods, it will stay there for years, just like a standard plastic bag. Always pack them out.
Survival Hygiene and Safety
When handling human waste, the risk of "fecal-oral" contamination is real. This is how hikers get the dreaded "trail plague."
The Golden Rule of Camp Hygiene
Always maintain a "clean hand / dirty hand" system if you are hiking with a partner. If one person is handling the waste bags, the other should be the one handling the water filtration or food prep until the "dirty" person has fully sanitized.
For more field-ready medical supplies, explore the emergency preparedness collection.
Waste and Wildlife
Animals are often attracted to the salts and smells in human waste. Do not leave your WAG bags on the ground outside your tent at night. Marmots, ravens, and bears have all been known to tear into waste bags, creating a massive mess for you to clean up. Treat your waste bag like your food bag—keep it secure.
Disposal at the Trailhead
Once you return to civilization, dispose of your WAG bags in a proper trash receptacle. Most commercial WAG bags are approved for disposal in municipal landfills. However, do not throw them into pit toilets or "vault" toilets at trailheads. These systems are not designed to handle plastic bags and can cause expensive mechanical failures for park services.
Advanced Tips for the Pro Outdoorsman
For those of us who spend weeks in the backcountry, the "standard" way isn't always enough. We look for ways to optimize every ounce of gear.
Using Natural Wiping Materials
To reduce the volume of waste you carry, consider using "natural TP." Large, non-toxic leaves, smooth river stones, or even a snowball can do the job effectively. This reduces the amount of paper you need to bag and carry. Just ensure the material is dry and non-irritating.
The Bidet Option
A backcountry bidet is a small nozzle that fits onto a standard water bottle. It allows you to clean yourself with a pressurized stream of water. This is arguably the most hygienic method and significantly reduces the amount of bulk in your pack-out bag. You still have to pack out the solid waste, but the overall "package" is much smaller and cleaner.
Practice at Home
It sounds ridiculous, but practicing your "aim" and bagging process in the comfort of your bathroom can save you a lot of grief on a windy ridgeline. At BattlBox, we always advocate for testing your gear and your skills in a controlled environment before the stakes are high.
When you are building a more complete outdoor setup, the Camping collection is a natural place to start.
How BattlBox Prepares You for the Field
At BattlBox, we are more than just a gear company. We are a community of people who value self-reliance and environmental stewardship. Whether it’s providing the high-quality dry bags needed for waste storage or the advanced medical kits to treat trail illnesses, our mission is to deliver the gear that actually matters.
Our Basic and Advanced tiers often include the EDC and camping essentials that form the foundation of a good kit. For those who push deeper into the wilderness, our Pro and Pro Plus tiers offer the heavy-duty packs and professional-grade tools required for long-duration missions. When you choose a BattlBox subscription, you aren't just getting a box of stuff; you're getting tools vetted by experts who know exactly what it’s like to be miles from the nearest trailhead.
The gear we curate, from brands like GRAYL for water purification to My Medic for first aid, ensures that you can handle the "uncomfortable" parts of backpacking with confidence. Adventure is delivered to your door, but the responsibility of protecting the trail stays with you.
Conclusion
Learning how to pack out poop backpacking is a rite of passage for the serious outdoorsman. It shows a level of respect for the environment and a commitment to the Leave No Trace principles that keep our public lands open and beautiful. By using the right gear—whether it’s a commercial WAG bag or a rugged DIY tube—and following strict hygiene protocols, you can navigate even the most sensitive ecosystems without leaving a trace.
- Choose the right kit: WAG bags for convenience, tubes for durability.
- Manage the liquid: Urinate before bagging to keep weight down.
- Secure your load: Store waste externally and protect it from wildlife.
- Sanitize religiously: Protect yourself and your team from pathogens.
Key Takeaway: Proper waste management is a hallmark of a professional-level outdoorsman. It preserves the wilderness and ensures you are prepared for any regulatory environment.
Ready to level up your outdoor kit? Get expert-curated gear delivered monthly and see which BattlBox tier fits your adventure style. Adventure. Delivered.
FAQ
Is it legal to bury poop in National Parks?
It depends on the specific park and the zone you are in. While many forested areas allow cat holes 200 feet from water, high-use areas like the Zion Narrows or the Mount Whitney zone strictly require you to pack out all solid waste. Always check the local regulations at the ranger station before starting your hike.
Can I use regular trash bags to pack out waste?
You can, but it is not recommended as your primary method. Standard kitchen bags are thin and prone to punctures. If you must use them, you should double or triple-bag the waste and use a gelling agent like kitty litter or sawdust to manage moisture and odor.
Do WAG bags smell in your backpack?
When used correctly with a gelling agent and a sealed outer bag, the smell is minimal to non-existent. However, heat can cause odors to build up over several days. Storing the bag in an external mesh pocket or a dedicated "poop tube" is the best way to ensure odors don't affect your other gear.
How do I dispose of the bags after my trip?
Most commercial WAG bags are designed to be "landfill safe," meaning you can drop them into any standard trash can. Do not put them in composting toilets, pit toilets, or Porta-Potties, as the plastic and gelling agents can interfere with the breakdown process of those systems.
Share on:
