Where to Put Used Toilet Paper Backpacking: A Comprehensive Guide for Responsible Outdoor Practices

It’s a question every backpacker grapples with sooner or later, usually when they’re knee-deep in the backcountry and nature calls: where to put used toilet paper backpacking? I remember my first solo trip, a multi-day trek through the Sierras. After a rather urgent backcountry bathroom break, I stood there, roll of toilet paper in hand, completely bewildered. The Leave No Trace principles were drilled into my head, but the specifics of TP disposal felt… fuzzy. Do I bury it? Pack it out? Just toss it somewhere and hope for the best? The thought of leaving a visible trail of waste, even something as seemingly innocuous as toilet paper, felt wrong. This initial moment of uncertainty is a common experience for many venturing into the wilderness, and it highlights a crucial aspect of responsible backpacking: managing our waste effectively.

This article aims to demystify the process of dealing with used toilet paper in the backcountry. It’s more than just a chore; it’s a fundamental aspect of preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the places we love to explore. We’ll delve into the why and how, explore various scenarios, and provide practical, actionable advice so you can confidently answer the question of where to put used toilet paper backpacking, leaving only footprints and taking only memories.

The Core Principle: Leave No Trace

Before we dive into the specifics of toilet paper, it’s vital to reiterate the overarching philosophy guiding all our backcountry practices: Leave No Trace (LNT). The seven LNT principles are the bedrock of responsible outdoor recreation, and they directly inform how we should manage our waste. The principle that most directly addresses our topic is “Dispose of Waste Properly.” This means planning ahead, knowing how to pack out what you pack in, and minimizing your impact. For toilet paper, this principle often translates to packing it out, but there are nuances and exceptions we’ll explore.

Understanding *why* we need to be so meticulous about toilet paper is the first step. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about ecology. Used toilet paper, even if seemingly biodegradable, can take a surprisingly long time to decompose in the cool, dry, and often compacted soil of popular trails. This decomposition process can also release nutrients into the soil, potentially disrupting delicate ecosystems. Furthermore, visible toilet paper is an eyesore that detracts from the wilderness experience for others. The goal is to leave an area looking as if you were never there.

When to Pack It Out: The Default and Most Responsible Choice

In the vast majority of situations, the definitive answer to where to put used toilet paper backpacking is: pack it out. This is the gold standard for LNT and is increasingly becoming the expectation, especially in high-use areas or sensitive environments.

Why is packing it out the default?

Decomposition Rates Vary Wildly: While toilet paper is designed to break down, the conditions in the backcountry are often not conducive to rapid decomposition. Cold temperatures, dry soil, and lack of microbial activity can significantly slow the process, leaving unsightly remnants for extended periods.
Attracts Pests: Improperly disposed of or buried human waste and toilet paper can attract animals. This can lead to them associating humans with food sources, which is dangerous for both wildlife and future hikers. It can also contribute to the spread of disease.
Water Contamination: If waste or toilet paper is too close to water sources, it can seep into the groundwater and contaminate it, posing risks to both human health and aquatic ecosystems.
Aesthetic Impact: Let’s face it, finding wads of used toilet paper scattered around a campsite or trail is unpleasant. It degrades the natural beauty and diminishes the wilderness experience for everyone.
Establishing Good Habits: By consistently packing out your toilet paper, you reinforce the LNT ethic and set a good example for others. It becomes second nature, simplifying decision-making in the field.

How to Pack Out Your Toilet Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide

This process might sound a bit daunting at first, but with a little preparation and practice, it becomes second nature. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Choose Your “Wag Bag” System: You’ll need a dedicated system to carry your used toilet paper. Many backpackers opt for a system that also accommodates solid waste, especially in areas where catholes are not permitted or advisable.
- Dedicated Odor-Proof Bags: These are often small, sturdy bags specifically designed for packing out human waste. They usually have a sealant strip and are often made of durable materials that can withstand being in your pack. Many come with hand sanitizer and wipes.
- Resealable Plastic Bags (e.g., Ziploc): For just toilet paper, a sturdy resealable plastic bag can work. Double-bagging is often recommended to prevent odors and leaks. Consider using a heavier-duty freezer bag for extra durability.
- Repurposed Containers: Some hikers use small, empty food containers (like those for trail mix or dehydrated meals) with a secure lid to store toilet paper. Again, double-bagging the TP inside the container adds an extra layer of protection.
Designate a “Dirty” Bag: Keep your designated bag for packing out waste separate from your clean food and gear. It’s a good practice to store it in an outer pocket of your backpack or in a specific, easily accessible location.
The “Wipe and Stow” Method:
- After using the toilet paper, fold it up neatly.
- Place the folded toilet paper into your chosen bag.
- If you’re using a resealable bag, ensure you press out as much air as possible before sealing it completely.
- If using an odor-proof bag, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sealing.
Consider Additional Wipes (and how to pack them out): While plain toilet paper is generally preferred for packing out due to its simpler composition, some people prefer to use biodegradable wipes for personal hygiene. If you choose to use wipes, it is absolutely critical to pack them out. “Biodegradable” in a backcountry context is a complex term, and these wipes often do not break down quickly enough in natural environments and can still leave a visible trace. Treat them the same way you would used toilet paper.
Carry a Small Trowel (Optional but Recommended): Even if you’re packing out your toilet paper, you’ll still need to properly dispose of solid human waste. A small, lightweight trowel is essential for digging catholes. This allows you to dig a hole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) away from water sources, trails, and campsites. After use, cover the cathole thoroughly with the original soil and organic material.
Dispose of Packed-Out Waste Properly at Home: Once you return from your trip, dispose of your packed-out waste in a secure trash receptacle. Do not bury it in your backyard or compost it unless you have a specific, robust composting system designed for human waste.

My personal system involves a dedicated, brightly colored dry bag that I use *only* for packing out waste. Inside, I keep a roll of heavy-duty resealable bags and some small, travel-sized hand sanitizers. When nature calls, I use the toilet paper, fold it neatly, and place it in a resealable bag, ensuring it’s sealed tightly before tucking it into my designated “dirty” bag. It might sound like a lot of steps, but after a few times, it’s a seamless part of the process. The peace of mind that comes from knowing I’m leaving absolutely no trace is well worth the minimal effort.

When Catholes Are Appropriate (and How to Use Them)

While packing out is the safest bet, there are some situations where digging a cathole for solid waste (and potentially using toilet paper in it) is an acceptable LNT practice. However, it’s crucial to understand the conditions under which this is permissible and how to do it correctly to minimize impact.

When is digging a cathole appropriate?

Areas Where Packing Out Solid Waste is Not Mandated: In many wilderness areas, packing out solid waste is the required practice. Always check local regulations and LNT guidelines for the specific area you are visiting.
Durable Surfaces: Catholes are best dug in soil that is at least 6-8 inches deep and has sufficient microbial activity to aid decomposition. Avoid digging in areas with sensitive vegetation, meadows, or areas with shallow soil.
Away from Water and Trails: This is non-negotiable. Catholes must be at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) away from any water source (streams, lakes, springs), trails, and established campsites.
Low-Use Areas: In very high-use areas, even catholes can become concentrated and lead to sanitation issues. In such cases, packing out solid waste or using designated toilets is preferred.

How to Dig and Use a Cathole Correctly:

Select Your Site: As mentioned, choose a spot at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites, on a durable surface where you can dig at least 6-8 inches deep.
Dig Your Hole: Use your trowel to dig a hole that is 6-8 inches deep and about 4-6 inches wide.
Use Toilet Paper Sparingly (or Not at All): If you are using toilet paper, use only a small amount, and ensure it is placed *within* the cathole. The ideal LNT practice is to use natural materials for wiping (like smooth stones, leaves, or pinecones) if you are in an area where packing out toilet paper is not required. If you *must* use toilet paper, use as little as possible. Some highly experienced LNT practitioners even advocate for burning used toilet paper *if* done safely and legally, but this is highly discouraged for the average backpacker due to fire risk and the potential for incomplete burning. For most people, the safest and most universally accepted practice is to pack out *all* toilet paper.
Cover and Disguise: Once you are finished, use the soil you removed to refill the cathole completely. Tamp it down with your foot. Then, scatter leaves, pine needles, or other natural materials over the site to make it look as natural as possible, as if you were never there.
Pack Out Anything That Won’t Decompose: If you used any synthetic materials (like wipes) or more than a minimal amount of toilet paper that you are concerned won’t decompose quickly, pack it out.

It’s important to note that the trend in wilderness management is leaning towards requiring the packing out of all human waste, including solid waste and toilet paper, especially in popular national parks and wilderness areas. Always check the specific regulations for the area you plan to visit. For instance, in Yosemite National Park’s backcountry, packing out human waste is required above a certain elevation. Similarly, many alpine environments are considered too fragile for catholes.

Special Considerations and Scenarios

The “rule” for where to put used toilet paper backpacking can have variations depending on the environment and specific circumstances.

Desert Backpacking

Deserts present unique challenges. Decomposition rates are often even slower due to arid conditions. You might find that your toilet paper doesn’t break down for years. Therefore, packing it out is even more critical in desert environments. Digging catholes in hard-packed desert soil can also be difficult, and the impact of repeated catholing in the same general areas can be significant. Many desert trails and camping areas are designated “pack it out” zones for all waste.

Snow Camping

When camping in the snow, digging a cathole can be more challenging. The snow itself can act as a temporary barrier, but when it melts, the waste is exposed. Furthermore, the cold temperatures will significantly slow decomposition. The most responsible practice here is to pack out all toilet paper and solid waste. You can often find existing, packed-down areas to dig a cathole in the snow, but ensuring it’s properly buried and that the TP is packed out remains paramount. Some people use a designated bucket with a lid for solid waste collection in snow camps, which is then packed out.

Campsite Hygiene

Even if you’re using catholes, maintaining general campsite hygiene is crucial. Designate a specific area for waste management (toilet paper bags, trowel, etc.) to keep it separate from your cooking and sleeping areas. This prevents accidental contamination and keeps your living space clean and enjoyable.

“Go Anywhere, Do Anything” vs. LNT Principles

You might hear the phrase “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” (GADA) in some outdoor circles. While it emphasizes flexibility, it must always be practiced within the framework of Leave No Trace. GADA does not give you a free pass to disregard responsible waste management. In fact, responsible LNT practices are what allow us to continue enjoying wild places under the GADA philosophy.

The Case Against Burning Toilet Paper

While some older LNT guidelines might have mentioned burning toilet paper as an option in *specific*, controlled situations, this is generally discouraged for several reasons:

Fire Risk: Even small amounts of toilet paper can easily ignite and spread fire, especially in dry conditions. The risk of starting an unintended wildfire is too high.
Incomplete Burning: Toilet paper may not burn completely, leaving ash and remnants that are still visible or can be blown away.
Smell and Smoke: Burning toilet paper creates unpleasant odors and smoke, which can detract from the experience of others and potentially alert animals to your presence.
Difficulty: It can be difficult to ensure complete combustion, especially in windy conditions or with damp paper.

Therefore, for the vast majority of backpackers, packing out used toilet paper is the safest, most effective, and most responsible method.

Alternatives to Conventional Toilet Paper

For those committed to minimizing their impact, there are alternatives to conventional toilet paper:

Reusable Cloth Wipes: Some ultralight backpackers opt for small, absorbent cloth wipes. These are used, then stored in a separate waterproof bag (often with a mild disinfectant solution) to be washed at home. This eliminates disposable waste entirely. This requires a higher level of commitment and is not for everyone.
Natural Materials: As mentioned earlier, in areas where packing out is not required and you are using a cathole, consider using smooth stones, broad leaves (like mullein or sorrel, ensuring you can identify them safely), or packed snow. This requires careful selection and knowledge of local flora.

Dealing with Odors When Packing Out

A common concern about packing out toilet paper is odor. Thankfully, there are effective ways to manage this:

Odor-Proof Bags: Invest in dedicated odor-proof bags designed for waste. These are often made with specialized materials that trap odors effectively.
Double-Bagging: Even with regular resealable bags, using two bags provides an extra layer of protection against leaks and smells.
Seal Tightly: Ensure you press out as much air as possible before sealing your bag to minimize odor escape.
Hand Sanitizer: Keep hand sanitizer readily accessible to use immediately after handling waste bags.
Keep Bags External: Store your “dirty” waste bag in an external pocket of your backpack or in a dedicated compartment. This keeps odors away from your food and sleeping gear.
Use a Dry Bag: A small, brightly colored dry bag dedicated solely to waste can help contain odors and prevent accidental contamination of other gear.

Tools of the Trade: Essential Gear for Waste Management

To effectively answer where to put used toilet paper backpacking and manage all your waste, the right gear makes all the difference:

Trowel: A lightweight, sturdy trowel is essential for digging catholes for solid waste. Look for models made of durable plastic or aluminum.
Waste Bags: As discussed, resealable plastic bags (Ziploc freezer bags are a good option), dedicated odor-proof waste bags, or even small, sealable dry bags are crucial for packing out toilet paper and other waste.
Hand Sanitizer: Always have alcohol-based hand sanitizer readily available.
Small First-Aid Kit: Include items like antiseptic wipes, which can be used for cleaning hands in a pinch if hand sanitizer runs out.
Small Shovel/Scoop (Optional): For very difficult terrain or extensive snow camping, a small, collapsible shovel might be useful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Put Used Toilet Paper Backpacking

How can I make packing out used toilet paper less unpleasant?

Packing out used toilet paper doesn’t have to be an unpleasant ordeal. The key lies in preparation and habit. Firstly, investing in good quality, odor-proof bags is paramount. Brands that specialize in waste management for camping often offer bags with robust seals that effectively contain odors. Double-bagging is also a highly effective strategy; using a sturdy resealable plastic bag (like a freezer bag) inside a dedicated odor-proof pouch creates an excellent barrier. Before sealing, ensure you expel as much air as possible from the inner bag to minimize any potential for odor diffusion. Many experienced backpackers also carry a small container of unscented baby wipes or biodegradable cleansing cloths in addition to toilet paper. While these should *also* be packed out, they can contribute to a cleaner feeling. Immediately after stowing your used materials, use hand sanitizer. Keeping your designated “dirty” bag in an easily accessible external pocket of your pack also helps; you don’t want to have to dig through your clean gear to stash it, and it keeps any lingering odors away from your food and sleeping areas. Finally, remember that the slight inconvenience of packing out toilet paper is a small price to pay for preserving the pristine beauty of the wilderness for yourself and future generations.

Why is packing out toilet paper so important, even if it’s biodegradable?

The concept of “biodegradable” can be misleading in a wilderness context. While toilet paper is designed to break down, the conditions in the backcountry are often not ideal for rapid decomposition. Unlike a home compost bin or a municipal wastewater treatment facility, the soil in many wilderness areas is cold, dry, compacted, and lacking in the specific microbial communities needed for quick breakdown. This means that toilet paper can persist for weeks, months, or even longer, leaving unsightly evidence of human presence. Furthermore, even as it slowly decomposes, it can release nutrients into the soil, potentially disrupting the delicate ecological balance of sensitive areas, especially alpine meadows or arid desert environments. It can also attract animals, which is generally undesirable as it can habituate them to human presence and lead to negative encounters. The principle of Leave No Trace is about minimizing our impact, and by packing out all used toilet paper, we ensure that the areas we visit remain as wild and untouched as possible, safeguarding both their ecological integrity and their aesthetic appeal for everyone.

Are there any situations where it’s okay to bury used toilet paper?

In very specific and limited circumstances, burying a *minimal* amount of toilet paper within a properly constructed cathole for solid human waste might be considered acceptable by some, but it is increasingly discouraged as a general practice. The primary LNT principle for human waste is to dispose of it properly, which often means packing it out. If you are in an area where packing out solid waste is not mandated and you are digging a cathole (at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites, and in deep soil), you might use a small amount of toilet paper. However, it’s far more aligned with current LNT best practices to pack out *all* toilet paper, regardless of whether you also dispose of solid waste. This is because, as mentioned, decomposition rates are unpredictable. Furthermore, if you are in a very fragile environment, like an alpine meadow or a desert, or an area with very high visitor use, catholes themselves can concentrate waste and impact the environment. Therefore, the most universally accepted and responsible approach, especially in popular or sensitive wilderness areas, is to always pack out your used toilet paper. Always check the specific regulations for the area you are visiting, as many parks and wilderness areas now mandate packing out all human waste.

What are the best alternatives to toilet paper for backpacking?

For backpackers seeking to minimize their waste footprint, several alternatives to conventional toilet paper exist. One of the most sustainable options is the use of reusable cloth wipes, often made from microfiber or cotton. These are used, then stored in a dedicated waterproof bag, perhaps with a small amount of water and a natural cleanser, to be washed thoroughly upon returning home. This eliminates disposable waste entirely but requires a commitment to hygiene and cleaning protocols. Another LNT-approved method, particularly in areas where packing out is not required and catholes are appropriate, is the use of natural materials for wiping. This can include smooth, soft leaves (ensure you can positively identify them to avoid irritating plants), soft moss, or even packed snow in winter conditions. This method requires knowledge of local flora and careful selection to ensure safety and effectiveness. Some ultralight hikers have also experimented with using a small, reusable silicone bidet bottle for cleaning, which uses water and can be more hygienic, but again, this involves managing water and requires packing out any used wipes or rinsing materials. For most backpackers, however, using minimal amounts of toilet paper and diligently packing it out remains the most practical and widely accepted approach.

How do I choose the right type of toilet paper for backpacking?

When it comes to choosing toilet paper for backpacking, the primary consideration is how easily and quickly it breaks down *if* you are in a situation where you are using a cathole and are not packing out. However, the most LNT-compliant answer to where to put used toilet paper backpacking is to pack it out, so the “biodegradability” factor becomes less critical than the ease of packing and its physical integrity.
For packing out, you want something that is strong enough not to tear easily in your waste bag, but not so thick that it’s overly bulky. Many backpackers prefer to use less paper and rely on hand sanitizer. If you do choose to use toilet paper, look for single-ply, unbleached varieties. These tend to break down faster than thicker, multi-ply versions, which is a slight advantage if you are in a situation where decomposition is the goal. Some brands even offer specific “backpacking toilet paper,” which is often thinner and designed for this purpose. Alternatively, many hikers opt to use a small amount of their regular household toilet paper and simply pack it out, ensuring it’s double-bagged to prevent leaks and odors. Ultimately, the most important factor is not the specific brand of toilet paper, but the commitment to packing it out responsibly, regardless of its composition.

Conclusion: Leave It Better Than You Found It

The question of where to put used toilet paper backpacking is fundamental to responsible wilderness travel. While the ideal answer often involves packing it out, understanding the nuances of LNT principles, environmental conditions, and local regulations is crucial. By preparing with the right gear, practicing the “wipe and stow” method diligently, and always striving to leave no trace, you contribute to the preservation of our natural landscapes.

Remember, the goal is not just to manage our waste but to foster a deeper connection with and respect for the wild places we are privileged to explore. Every decision, from how we dispose of toilet paper to how we walk our trails, shapes the future of our wild lands. So, next time nature calls on your adventure, you’ll know exactly where to put that used toilet paper – and you’ll do it with the confidence of a responsible steward of the outdoors.

Where to Put Used Toilet Paper Backpacking: A Comprehensive Guide for Responsible Outdoor Practices