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How to Shit in the Woods, 3rd Edition: An Environmentally Sound Approach to a Lost Art?
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Quarantine restlessness is definitely a big reason how I stumbled on the PCT, too. It's encouraging to see that you didn't phase right out of it and wen ton backpacking trips, too. As I mentioned, that is where I'd like to get. However, I definitely do not relate to you about having outdoor experience. Do you have any resources (such as books, guides, etc. -- I've recently stumbled on How to Shit in the Woods which looks promising)?
And yes, this thru hike is such a commitment, I'm sure careers are holding a lot of people back. I hope you enjoy your future hikes, though! Thanks for your anecdote.
Alternative position: the Tripod! Squat, then lean back to put a hand on the ground behind you. This position uses different muscles, plus can make it easier to aim for people who are nervous about that sort of thing.
It sounds like your butt might also be shy about pooping in the woods in general, which is extremely common! You may want to get a Squatty Potty for your home toilet to get your body more used to the position.
Here is an extremely helpful book that every hiker should own
I'll make this short by saying I have no outdoors experience. I'm an ultra noob, still learning to identify poison ivy. However, I want to learn more so that I can eventually camp overnight in National Parks. Does anybody have a recommendation on a book I should read? I do well my reading and taking notes. I've seen How to Shit in the Woods recommended, and that seems promising.
>I always wondered how survivor man does it during his trips; he's either in my same holding boat, or he has turd trails scattered like bread crumbs all over the world where he's traveled.
Everything you need to know.
https://www.amazon.com/How-Shit-Woods-3rd-Environmentally/dp/1580083633
Speaking of which does anyone else remember when some idiotic hippie asshole started the Stein Valley on fire because he followed the advice found therein?
There's a while book devoted to this. "How to shit in the woods."
The top 5 bowel movements of my life have been outdoors. Seriously, a spade, some paper, and some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet. Somebody even wrote a book about it...https://www.amazon.com/How-Shit-Woods-3rd-Environmentally/dp/1580083633
But to just go willy nilly in your neighbors yard?
Most back country sites in parks have a thunderbox near them.
There is a book that may help
https://www.amazon.com/How-Shit-Woods-3rd-Environmentally/dp/1580083633
These are less silent protest, and more of a "You asked for it". But still would be amusing.
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https://www.amazon.com/How-Shit-Woods-3rd-Environmentally/dp/1580083633
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You’ve got to be shitting me…. SPORK! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1580083633/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_ZXZHX1HD8VYCT64GCH33
Ahem…
How to Shit in the Woods, 3rd Edition: An Environmentally Sound Approach to a Lost Art https://www.amazon.com/dp/1580083633/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_XXMJJVC9QWJ5C9T42XP5
FYI, you will not be able to bring a gun into Canada, and even if you could, you wouldn’t be able to carry it outside of hunting season on land you’re allowed to hunt on, and only during the season for that type of weapon. There are absolutely no firearms allowed in parks, and the public land you’d be able to carry on - during hunting season, with proper permits - you’d need to also pay to use, unless you have Canadian citizenship. From my understanding, handguns are a pretty big nope. Bear spray is permissible, so long as you can prove you’re not carrying it with the intent to use it on anything other than a bear (and is generally a better defense against bears than a gun anyhow.)
And yet, solo females (myself included) camp safely all the time here…
To stay safe, rely on situational awareness, bring a dog if you have one (and keep it on leash, otherwise it’s possible it could bring a bear back to you,) and make eye contact with people. Say hi, even. Get a read on the people who are also out there, and if you feel one of them is sketchy, act accordingly. If you like YouTube, try Miranda in the Wild or Homemade Wanderlust; they both do solo trips and have lots of beginner friendly info.
Otherwise: - if you have a dehydrator, go nuts making your meals. MREs are also an option, but there are lots of grocery store options as well. Here’s a link, and another, and there are lots more ideas findable with a Google - food is really it’s own post! There are even videos. Several. TVP can be bought in bulk, is excellent protein, and rehydrates easily, and you can add it to anything. Make sure you bring at least one days worth of food more than you need. You’re going to be burning more calories than you would at home, especially in the cold. Also, even people with great fishing abilities make sure they have enough food to cover their butts if they catch 0 fish, which does happen on some trips.
generally with gear, you’re going to find a trade off between comfort while carrying it vs. comfort in camp. Cut corners that don’t matter to you. I carry a heavy, bulky sleeping mat, because I’m getting old and creaky, camped through my pregnancy, and often end up sharing with a kid, or a dog when she can sneak part of herself on. I don’t carry a tarp, because my tent is inexpensive and has lasted 20-odd years without a footprint, and I’m okay toughing it out in crap weather crammed inside it with the dog and the kid. I’m okay cooking in a mug when I’m solo; some people wouldn’t be. I hike in full boots (see: old and creaky,) some people scorn boots and use trail runners. Some people file off their toothbrush handle to cut weight, I can’t be bothered.
you can make an alcohol stove out of a cat food can. I bought an MSR pocket rocket when I started solo backcountry, and I’m still using it, 20 years later. Slightly fancier, but I think it was about $50? And super light & easy to use. Cookware, you can cook in a metal mug, or bring a bigger-but-still-light pot. I’m not sure what the American equivalent of Canadian Tire is, but somewhere like Walmart would probably have a cheap, lightweight camping cookset. I wouldn’t bring more than one pot for yourself, though. If you have more cash to splash out, you can pick up a nicer pot from an outdoors store. Food can be rehydrated in a nalgene while you hike/spend the day at camp.
staying warm - don’t wear cotton. Cotton = death in the cold. Avoid jeans. Layer up, with a good merino layer next to your skin. I can spend the day outside xcountry skiing in just my merino baselayer, fleece leggings, decent socks, and a shell, plus tuque, merino buff, and gloves. I usually end up using the buff as a headband and unzipping my top layers.
this book is pretty key
I 3 season camp, sometimes solo, sometimes solo with my toddler, occasionally with my partner. I have a 22L pack that many people would swear is not nearly big enough, but it works really well for me, and I am probably at about 50/50 specialized gear vs. adapted/thrifted gear. I built up slowly, one major purchase at a time, when the previous one wore out or the need arose. Some of my cheapest gear has lasted surprisingly long. When I go backcountry solo with the toddler, things get heavier and I need to use a bigger pack, but for just me, my 22L plus a dry bag for my sleep system works perfectly.
I usually don’t bother with a tarp, but using one as a footprint under your tent will reportedly extend the tent’s life. Just make sure the edges of the tarp don’t extend past your tent floor, or it’ll channel water between the tarp and tent, making for an uncomfortable night.
if it were me, I’d go for one night, somewhere familiar for your first outing, and build from there. You’ll make mistakes, but you’ll learn, and the stakes will be low. When I was a teen, I started spending the occasional autumn night in my parents’ back yard, with just my sleeping bag wrapped in an army surplus rain poncho. It was very low stakes, and got me comfortable with sleeping alone, exposed, outside, in the cold.
There is an excellent book named “How to shit in the woods” by Kathleen Meyer.
https://www.amazon.com/How-Shit-Woods-3rd-Environmentally/dp/1580083633
If they did it properly, ie bury any solid waste, pack out tp, make sure you're away from trails and water sources, it would be fine.
Edit to add a link https://www.amazon.ca/How-Shit-Woods-3rd-Environmentally/dp/1580083633
There's a very useful book called <em>How To Shit In The Woods</em> that has many techniques for bush pooping.
this was one of my favorites
https://www.amazon.com/How-Shit-Woods-3rd-Environmentally/dp/1580083633
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This is a good start...
Someone actually wrote a book about that. https://www.amazon.com/How-Shit-Woods-3rd-Environmentally/dp/1580083633
There's even a book, "How to shit in the woods."
Welcome to the Great Outdoors!
There's already lots of Great advice in this thread!
You could maybe borrow her parents gear again, go to a tent camping campground and talk to other tent campers about their gear. How they use it, how it performs, why they like it, why they don't like it. You'll get some cheap and easy hands on information. Most campers are rather friendly and willing to share knowledge & information. NEVER go into someone's campsite when they are not there!
Here's something more to consider. Camping with your girlfriend, you should not discount getting a 3 person tent for 2 people, the extra room can be really important/comfortable when/if you're stuck in the tent for a while, usually due to temporary bad weather. IE, Florida Thunderstorms. You/she will appreciate that there's "So much room for activities!"! I recently upgraded to a 3 person tent for my girlfriend & I and love it! When shopping for tents keep in mind that you're looking for a place to live.
One caveat on gear is "The more you know, the less you need", so develop some outdoor skills! Which knife is "best"? The sharp one! Learn how to properly create and keep a sharp edge on which ever knife you prefer. Learn how not to die in a bad situation, which you WILL have sooner or later. Carry a small portable shelter when hiking, or any time you're away from your base shelter.
Learn how to have [clean water,]https://www.cdc.gov/family/camping) ( "Intestinal Distress" (Sitting on the toilet, hugging a bucket) isn't fun! Hygene outdoors is a bigger priority than many people only pay passing focus on, and a large part of that is how to shit in the woods.
Learn how to find your way without electronics, and get some knowledge of the plants & animals in your area, (The more you know...).
Keep in mind that there are many ways to enjoy the outdoors, all of them equally valid on their own terms.
Learning and enjoying outdoor skills never ends, It is truly a Pursuit of a Lifetime.
Have fun!
The public library and second hand stores are your friend. Talk to the librarians and they will direct you to a trove of books on skills you will want/need in the woods. Camping will be on shelves numbered 796.5.
Skills you will need, how to pick a good campsite, how to build a safe campfire, how to shit in the woods, how to get clean water.
Oh yeah, the second hand store. a 1 qt aluminum pot with a metal handle will work for cooking basic food and boiling drinking water, a used water bottle will set you back maybe a dollar... fork & spoon? another 50 cents. Maybe get really exotic and pick up a plastic cup & plate. bring a bandana to handle hot pots & cups, & general camp use.
I got my brother this for his birthday! It seems pretty good and the title made me laugh.
https://www.amazon.com/How-Shit-Woods-3rd-Environmentally/dp/1580083633
Get yourself a copy of How to shit in the woods now in its 3rd edition after 21 years. Also appropriately available in audio book form.
You will need a something like a Daren drum and paper kitchen towel. The kitchen towel is used a target and a catcher that can be picked up by the corners to transport your waste matter into the drum. Whoever uses it last gets to carry the drum until the next user adds to it and carries it.
This way you avoid polluting a popular and environmentally sensitive area by over fertilising the ground or distributing pathogens.
Please tell me that he's reading "How to Shit in the Woods".
I was considering your earlier comment. Please, this is for you http://www.amazon.com/How-Shit-Woods-Edition-Environmentally/dp/1580083633
(I actually have a 1st Edition here - surprisingly informative book, and a female author)
I'm kind of in the same boat as you - I just started doing backpacking this year, and my wife will likely join me in the autumn when the weather cools off some. I've learned quite a bit over the last few months, though I don't know everything by any means. But I'll give it a shot. To your questions:
> Do you haul all of your own water in for (washing and drinking)? or do you try and camp near a water source and boil/treat your water?
Camp near water; treat it. After much research here and elsewhere, I bought a Sawyer Mini water filter, as that seemed to get the overwhelming number of recommendations. They're small, effective, and easy to use.
> Generally, how primitive are these sites? I know this will widely vary from park to park, but what has been your experience?
Varies wildly. Not sure where you live, but here in Illinois, there are number of state parks that have "backcountry" sites. In some places, there's the more primitive type latrines. I went to a forest preserve down by Danville IL, and they actually have campgrounds along their backpacking trail, and there's primitive pit toilets available there. In other places - such as a national forest - if you do dispersed camping, you'd want to use a trowel. This book, written by a female no less, will help. For the shorter version, check out this SFW video.
> Are there fire rings? Where do you leave your car? Are there parking spaces or are you often parking on the side of the road and hiking to your spot?
Depending on the part of the country, you may not be allowed to even have a fire. Many backpackers use a small stove to heat water for food, like this one (it's the same one I have).
As for car parking, that completely varies by location. Some places have parking available near a trailhead; others you may need to park in a regular camping area, or whatever. Often, asking a ranger or state park employee will help you find a place to park. Sometimes there are blog or videos about trails and you can learn information about a specific place you'd like to hike just by researching it.
Hope that helps. :-)
Every outdoorsman needs to have read this book
> How do people poo on long hikes?
It should be. That's only one of several considerations that should be made.
speaking for myself...
figure it this way...there are lots of homeless people around living and doing their thing. don't think of them as homeless, think of them as "urban campers." if they were in the woods, they would be camping. same thing. think of camping as "homeless in the woods."
i don't always use a tent, sometimes i just sleep on the ground. weather depending.
dig a hole and poop in it. there is a great book called "how to shit in the woods."
http://www.amazon.com/How-Shit-Woods-Edition-Environmentally/dp/1580083633
when i camp, i don't shower, so that isn't a problem. baby wipes take care of everything.
animals depend on where you camp. don't keep food on you and you are usually safe. animals really aren't going to bother you unless you bother them or they feel attacked or threatened. blow a whistle really loudly and you are alone for a night.
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