Leave No Trace: How to Responsibly Go #2 in the Great Outdoors

April 10, 2025

Let’s Talk About Poop. For Real.

You’re deep in the woods. Birds chirping, sun filtering through the trees, your pack on your back… and suddenly, your gut drops.

Nature’s calling. Loudly.

We don’t always talk about it, but pooping outdoors is part of the wilderness experience—and how you do it matters more than you think. Done wrong, it pollutes water, spreads disease, and ruins the wild spaces we all love.

That’s why today, we’re getting real about how to responsibly go #2 in the great outdoors, and how eco-friendly tools like Cleanwaste’s GO Anywhere Toilet Kit can help you leave no trace (and no mess).

Why Outdoor Poop is a Problem

Every year, millions of hikers, backpackers, climbers, and campers head into the backcountry—and a whole lot of them are burying (or worse, not burying) their waste.

Here’s why that’s a problem:

Contaminated water: Rain and runoff can carry waste into nearby streams or lakes
Disease spread: Human feces can carry pathogens like Giardia, E. coli, and Salmonella
Smell and sight pollution: Nobody wants to find an unburied surprise on the trail

This is why following Leave No Trace Principle #3: Dispose of Waste Properly is critical. It’s not just about being polite—it’s about protecting the land.

The Right Way to Poop Outdoors (When Digging is Allowed)

If you’re in a wilderness area that does allow burying waste (check local regulations!), here’s the standard:

Go 200 feet away from water, trails, and campsites
Dig a cathole 6–8 inches deep (bring a trowel!)
Do your business
Cover and disguise the hole with natural materials
Pack out your toilet paper—or use natural alternatives (moss, smooth rocks, leaves)

But in many places—especially high alpine zones, deserts, and river corridors—burying is either ineffective or not allowed. That’s where Cleanwaste bags come in.

The Best Leave No Trace Option: Pack It Out

More parks, forests, and recreation areas are now requiring people to pack out their poop—just like dog owners do in cities. And honestly? It’s easier and cleaner than you think.

Recommended: GO Anywhere Toilet Kit

Comes with a waste bag, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer
Gelling agent instantly neutralizes waste and odor
Seals up tight and is landfill-safe
Weighs just a few ounces and fits in any pack

You can also pair it with the Cleanwaste Portable Toilet for longer trips or base camps.

Where You Must Pack It Out

According to the National Park Service, some areas require you to carry out your waste, including:

Mount Whitney and other high-use alpine routes
Canyons in the Southwest like Grand Canyon and Zion
River trips (especially those under Wild and Scenic Rivers)
Snow-covered environments where digging is impractical

In these places, human waste bags aren’t just useful—they’re non-negotiable.

Tips for Pooping Outdoors Like a Pro

Always carry a bag system, even if you think you’ll dig
Pack out your toilet paper in a ziplock or odor-proof bag
Check local rules—some areas provide waste bag stations at trailheads
Clean your hands and gear thoroughly when back at camp

The Leave No Trace Ethos: It’s About Respect

At the heart of Leave No Trace is respect—for the land, for wildlife, and for each other. By packing out your waste, you’re protecting the wild for the next person, the next animal, and the next generation.

So don’t leave behind a buried “gift.” Leave only footprints—and a cleaner trail.

Explore Cleanwaste’s Leave No Trace Toolkit: