BLOG #109. HOW TO POOP IN THE MOUNTAINS

When you are planning a hike, Backpack, backcountry skiing, mnt biking, or any adventure in Nature, you must plan on what you do with your waste.
Digging a hole isn’t always the answer. On one of our trail work parties to Stevens Lakes, I noticed about a dozen large wipes floating with the logs on the north shore. After closer examination, I concluded they were wipes from after peeing.
A. Peeing or pooping within 200 feet of any water source is a strict no-no.
B. Using and leaving your wipes in the water is a pollutant.
​C. Please do not go camping in the forest, without properly deal with your waste.

Please carry at least two dog poop bags per person, and 4-5 plastic grocery bags. Make sure the grocery bags have zero holes. All of these, fold up into a square snack size ziplock bags. When you break camp and have to put out your fire, use the grocery bags to haul water. Be careful not to snag them on a branch.
Do not try to poop in the bag. Poop on the ground and reach into the bag to grab your waste. Try to keep the bag clean and pull the open end up away from your hands.  Tie the bag shut and wrap in a grocery bag. Which goes into another grocery bag to hang off the back of your pack. DO NOT store your poop bag inside your pack.
You could leave the dog bag open and put appropriate wipes, etc in it before leaving. But be aware, they can attract unwanted critters. 
You are not only treating our backcountry area properly, you could be saving down stream municipal water supplies, clean.
The old norm was to dig a hole 6+” deep, and burry your human and dog waste. But our forests, high country lakes and mountain routes need to be taken care of.
And remember, you could do us all that follow you, to a special place, a big favored by leaving a clean camp site.
Aluminum and grass DO NOT BURN!
If you were strong enough to carry your cans and bottles in full, you can certainly carry it out empty.
BUT….PLEASE DO NOT CARRY ANY GLASS INTO THE HIGH COUNTRY. DEALING WITH CUT FEET OR HANDS IS AN ISSUE. BESIDES YOU ARE LEAVING YOUR TRASH FOR OTHERS TO CLEAN UP. PLEASE THINK ABOUT THE IMPACT YOU MAY LEAVE FOR OTHERS TO DEAL WITH.
David and I are dedicated to preserving our trails and keeping them open for all, TO ENJOY.
Chic           David

https://www.inlandnwroutes.com