My wife laughs at me for this, but I like to pre-dig my hole when I get to camp. I KNOW I'm going to need it in the morning, and after a cup of coffee the need might be quite urgent. Finding the spot and getting it ready ahead of time takes a lot of pressure off and ensures I do it right.

I'm pooping like a pro as I'm reading this. My neighbor will appreciate about the care I took when I used his front yard

There is an "initiation" for those new to the outdoors. If you're taking someone new to experience the outdoors, take 10-15mins to talk about LNT principles, show them what a good cathole looks like, try to instill in them the respect and care for the outdoors that the community has. It's an easy initiation that will help maintain our natural resources! 👊 Great video!

Hey just a tip, the company that makes the Deuce of Spades recommends inverting the trowel and using the sharper, narrower handle to actually cut the dig hole. They have made numerous videos about it and put it on the webpage but nobody seems to know. Holding it this way is also way more comfortable when applying pressure.

Currently planning my first backpacking trip and this is one of the things I wasn't sure about and wasn't sure how to ask about it so thank you for taking the time to make this video. Us noobs need all the advice!!

Some tips: - Pre-tear your toilet paper to your choice of size at home and carry them in a separate ziplock bag. It's especially helpful in colder weather. - Wetwipes and dry TP combo needs less "materials" for cleaning, but never leave wetwipes behind, as they need way more time to break down. - Pre-dig a hole, put a stick in it (or in the earth dug out) and mark the stick with some tape, so it would be easier to find, even at night. - Don't pee right next to the camping site. Pee also smells, especially if a lot of people frequent the same spot. And even if you don't dig a hole for it, putting some fresh dirt on top is good manners.

X marks the spot takes on a whole new meaning for buried treasure

I always bring the Dollar Tree dog poop bags for my TP and wipes. They are black and have no scent. Then just put it in a sandwich size ziplock, then into your trash ziplock. Also bring the whole roll to share and announce it to our group at the trail head that they are available. It has worked for 8 years for ADULTS and Scouts.

Thanks Dan for taking time to present this sensitive but necessary subject, I'm outraged at the lack of responsibility in outdoor recreation , especially since the covid swarm. That being said, I needed to laugh this week, this video made my day!

Get the 6"-8" by digging so the trowel handle standing up in the hole is just touching ground level. Great video! And the guy who commented using the skinny end to dig and the big end to move the dirt is 100% correct, doing that will save you lots of cuts.

"Do you know what it's like to poop in a wag bag in 30 mile an hour desert winds?...I do." 🤣👍

I completely understand how gross it is out there. In my poop kit I also carry some doggie poop bags. I pack out my paper in it and worst case scenario I have an actual poop bag to dispose of my waste, if I need to.

It’s no ones first choice, but in urgent situations you can go on the ground then dig an appropriate sized hole right next to your deposit then use sticks to move *all* of your deposit into the hole and bury as LNT advises. Most places now advise just packing out your tp since the white & brown blooms have become so plentiful in the last couple of years. The duct tape over a ziplock and cram it in. Or better yet, use a backcountry bidet… with an insert that fits in a water bottle for squirting or drizzle from any water bottle down the crack. There are many videos for both methods. You end up cleaner and don’t have to carry any tp, in or out. Stop smearing poo on your pucker, wash it instead.

I know this was not the most fun video to make, but with the recent influx of newbie backpackers has come a SERIOUS inability to navigate this issue. Campsites are being pooped on, in, and around with no plan all over the place, and this information desperately needs to be shared far and wide. Thank you for your service to us here.

FINALLY a video that answered my question, "How disrobed should I get to poop?" Thank you!

I was laughing so hard it took your whole video, I could tell you all uncomfortable. Thanks again for your videos and you have a good day

It just amazes me that people need to be reminded on how to do this but here we are. It makes me so angry to see TP everywhere. Pictured Rocks was the worst!!!!! It’s not hard to practice leave no trace principles. Thanks for the content Dan.

Dan, There aren't enough popular video creators making these. It needs to be said. It is a HUGE problem at well established campsites. I went to one campsite in the spring and mistook the TP topped mounds as snow patches. I have stopped going to some locations because of it. I get that it's difficult to dig in some areas, but there is usually no attempt to cover the evidence with rocks or logs and sometimes they are in the campsite. The video is a public service

Pro tip, Plasti-Dip (used to coat plier handles etc.) is a great solution to the thin handle on the Duece trowels. Dipped mine, added maybe an oz or two. Gamechanger!

2 tips - if you don't have time to dig a hole, dig one after and use a stick to push it in. Also, carry doggy bags to pick up and pack out your tp! DO NOT BURY YOUR TP. It's not a big deal to pack it out! It's light weight and I've never had an issue with it smelling.

"honest." Absolutely, positively, 100%, honest. You were totally honest with us about this topic, and we need to make an honest effort to follow these rules. Thanks for sharing this video, Dan. And for overcoming your reticence to share on this... issue.

Pro tip: the deuce trowel is 7in. So, dig a hole the length if the trowel

I’m a fan of using flushable wipes. Yeah I pack them out; so have to carry them. But overall, more efficient way to clean yourself plus good not to leave anything “behind”!

OMG... I was rolling on the floor...! Sat down to eat lunch, pulled out my little plastic container, fired up a browser... KZfaq thought this would be a great vid to watch as I ate my leftovers... :-0 Really instructive. Cheers!

Don't use tissue when it wet outside, it will break in your fingers as you wipe. I use a bidet and portable wipes.

I recommend the "Vargo Dig Dig Tool", it has a rounded handle that won´t dig into your hand and it has saw-like teeth to easily cut roots if theres any (you can also use it as a tent stake, for multi purpose). It weighs 1.25 ounces (36 g), its double the weight of "Deuce of Spades", but the digging into hand is a deal-breaker for me. I chose this trowel after comparing these two and I am really happy with it.

I changed my deuce of spades for a Varro Dig Dig. I didn’t name it, but the handle is much better than a deuce. Also, I began using a bidet to reduce or eliminate the need for paper. The CuloClean is what I have. Again, I didn’t name these things. This all takes practice and humility, but as you know, when you gotta go…

LOL ! Great video! I'm from a country (part of it) that even just 40 years ago did not have plumbing and villagers pooped in the woods (designated area). Here is a tip: Once in a squatting position with your pants wrapped around your knees (not ankles!) you bunch up the material and pull it up to your chin. :

Best practice, try to dig the hole where the sun shines at least part of the day. The sunshine on the dirt will help break down the poop quicker.

This was pretty entertaining and very educational. Thank You!!

Hiking through the Smokies many years ago, some shelters had many Charmin Blossums because folks were not burying their used toilet paper. Wipes don’t decompose as fast as toilet paper, so pack out your wipes or don’t use them.

Just like practicing or trying out any gear (tent & pitching it, backpack with base weight & carrying/fitting it, shoes & breaking them in, etc), I guess it's also logical & proper practicing 'how to poop' in one's backyard. Right? Kudos Dan. Always enjoyed your videos.

Good for you Dan! Presuming you wrote a script for this, how many times were you going... "I don't want to say this." "How can I say this differently." "Do I REALLY need to say this." I bet you were super looking forward to sitting down and shooting this video! Other than Devin's wag bag video, this is actually the first "How to Poop" video I've watched!! Keep keepin' it real!!

I live in Tucson, AZ and there is a mountain in my city that is VERY popular all year round but especially in the winter. Tourism from Mexico is HUGE to that mountain and every year after the snow melt the human waste issue is so bad. Even diapers have been found buried in the snow despite trash cans being located at every picnicking site. The city has considered shutting down public access at times because it's gotten so bad. For perspective ALOT of public restrooms here have signs in Spanish that tell people to flush their TP instead of setting it next to the toilet because alot of people visiting from Mexico aren't used to plumbing systems that can accept TP.

I used some leukotape to add a bit of padding(3-4 layers half width strips) to the handle on my trowel, it stays on and forms well. In Arizona there is mostly hard dirt so I advise planning ahead with a cat hole if possible and you need a trowel, mine snapped off the end first trip due to rocks so be careful prying. We all have our moments but being prepared and having knowledge makes it better for sure. Honestly I think some folks avoid it to a point it creates a problem that can be avoided. Thanks for the crappy video!

Do you pack out your TP? You should. Always. Pack it in pack it out. When your done take a stick and mix it in with the soil before you bury it. Leave no trace.

When I was a long distance cyclist, I look for log near roadway to sit over to do my business. I took a small towel to set on, no splinters. Used wet wipes and cover my business with dirt and leaves.

Yellowstone, my neck of the woods!! Live about 2 hours away!!! Went there 2 years ago in September. Gotta watch out for bears that time of year but such beautiful country. I went to Union Falls!!

I clicked on this video knowing Dan would make me laugh! 😂 But seriously, thank you for the advice. I hope more people become more responsible and keep it clean!

👍 You are #1 in the #2 videos!

I just took a Newby backpacking last weekend. He teased me for having a trowel. He pooped next to my tent in the middle of the night without a cat hole. I stepped in it while I was taking down my tent. Take the right people with you.

The Vargo Titanium trowel is way better than the Deuce trowel

Yellowstone is beautiful, you will surely love it!!! I hated my first time going in the woods but when it time you just can't wait. Great info though.

Thank you very much!!! Very honest and helpfull video!

Aww, Dan! I have that same trowel! Did you know you can use the handle to loosen up the soil? Then using the shovel, you move the loosened dirt easily. Also, the Duece of spades is as long as your hole needs to be deep. As for TP ... animals dig it up and that is a big source of the $#*% tickets on the ground. I've just taken to packing out the tp.

👍. This topic needs to be brought up more often. There seems to be many areas that people just do not care about how they leave the environment. It’s like; what if the neighbors dogs did their business every day your yard (and they do not use TP) it would not be long before your yard was condemned.

Iv digged up poop too! But Iv never thought to mark my “territory” like that before.

Congrats on the 100k. Keep the videos coming even it’s $hi! Content!

This video is so much fun. I love this guy. And the Holy Bible says to "bury your dirt". I also say if you cannot bury your dirt then sprinkle soil on top of your dirt which in a way covers it.

That has got to be the funnest informational video I've ever seen 🤣🤣🤣🤣 it has got to be the best one you've ever done!

Nuthin worse than seeing piles of soggy poopy toilet paper in the woods. Bury it or pack it out or don't go out there at all! Thanks for the in depth instruction Dan! Hopefully more folks will actually start to care. There's so many more people out on trail these days and a lot of them either just don't, or don't really care.

5:27 invert your duece of spades and dig with the handle. Then flip it back around to scoop the dirt.

Because I really enjoy your channel Ill add this tidbit... If you get a ratchet strap you can pull out the loose end. Once you do you can cut it down to a reasonable size and tie the two ends together. When you need to go after you dug your hole you can wrap it around a tree and run it through itself then it'll be secured to the tree and the loop that remains you can slip over your head and under your arms... Making a hands free pooping strap that will keep you suspended over the ground. It will be close to actually sitting on a toilet.

Too often have I been very unpleasantly surprised how disgusting and thoughtless some people can be out on the trail. The amount of trash and poop you find out there is mind blowing. Dan even though you're not the first one to bring up the topic, it apparently cannot be said enough (cause it seems to be a continuous problem). So thank you for doing it! We started bringing toilet paper for caravan toilets on our hikes since it dissolves faster than regular toilet paper. It's not the best toilet paper, but it's not like your fingers go through it either. We feel it's closer to the "leave no trace" ideology which we really like to support. The obvious move is of course to bring the used toilet paper home with you in a bag... but so far that is too hardcore for us. However we do take the wet wipes with us (and boy oh boy do they make a difference on a long hike). We also bring biodegradable soap (Sea To Summit Wilderness Wash - cheaper alternatives do exist) which shouldn't harm the environment as much as regular soap. It doesn't replace our hand sanitizer though. We like to have both!

I carry only flushable wet wipes now and a large Ziplock. Pack it out. They are multi-purpose... I also carry a fixed blade knife... also multi-purpose...

We do poop bags DIY here 👍🏻 its a bag with a litle bit catlitter sand in it an then that bag goes into a zipperbag, like doubblebag

Very good video. I learned how to poop in the woods from a ranger in the Porcupine Mountains State Park. Backpacking 101 as part of the summer ranger program.

During a day hike below the rim in the Grand Canyon I was wondering where the hell someone would take a dump if they had an emergency. Those trails are super busy after 9am, there is zero foliage, and in most places you can’t get more than 2 feet off the trail… An hour after finishing the hike while driving back to Sedona, I had to hastily pull into a gas station when a major bout of diarrhea hit. I’ve never felt so lucky or fortunate with regard to the timing of an emergency bathroom situation. A couple hours earlier and I would have been banned from Grand Canyon National Park.

Get a silicone face wash bottle for hand sanitizer- their extreme flexibility should help with altitude changes. I used one on my last flight and had no leaks and I REALLY liked it.

Great video. I take a wag bag as well but burry when I can. Measuring 6 to 8 inches? Use your trowel as a measuring device. Mine is 6" long, so trowel length plus a third of the length = 8 inches (Leave No Trace standards). You've mentioned some gross incidents. How's this one; you're cooking dinner and some used toilet paper blows through the campsite. Burry it well or carry it out everyone!

I have recently been invited by a good experienced friend to go wilderness backpacking with him September 2022. I have nearly a year to acquaint myself with hiking/backpacking. I am 67 years old, so is he but he has been doing this for decades, and I have found your videos very helpful. I am, I think, physically capable of the excursion as I have camped before (car and bicycle camping but not any great distance) and am wondering…do I invest in ultra lightweight gear? Or do I only need to invest in beginner gear? Anything I buy will likely benefit my small boat sailing and bicycle camping…actually its a trike with trailer.

Now that was the best laugh I’ve had all week 😂

I have often read that you should not put toilet paper in the hole. But there is also extra biodegradable trackin toilet paper. That shouldn't be a problem then, should it?

I started using a travel/portable bidet and it works really well……..if you’re on the trail for several days it also helps with butt funk……….yep……I said it.

Try the Vargo Titanium Dig Dig Trowel. It is serrated to cut through roots and has a grip that is easier on the hands.

Thanks for this video, Dan. I could tell it was hard for you to make. Also reassuring to know I'm not the only one who found the trowel to be sharp against my hand! The first time, I thought, "Am I doing it wrong?"

There can be an issue in areas (very normal, reasonable areas of woods) where the dirt is just too dry for toilet paper to break down very quickly. (Though I imagine there are other regions where the soil stays quite damp.) Even just very sandy soil can cause this dry soil condition. Because of this factor, I prefer to pee in the cathole, if I'm digging one anyway (if going #2 or if a girl with no pee cloth). That way, the TP gets nice and damp and will break down much sooner, I believe. This is also, however, a reason to be sure to dig your cat hole to a reasonable depth. NO ONE wants to find your used TP. Ever. As a woman, this has taken a little bit to learn to do with practical skill, but it can totally be done. Besides, you won't have urine running toward your feet, if you failed to take the lay of the land into account. But do, if you have a full bladder, dig your hole deep enough. As to marking dookie spots, this makes more sense in a busy area than where I usually camp/hike. Thanks for making the trails more enjoyable for us all, Dan!

I feel like you literally say literally in every video. You may have broke the record in this one. Lol. I love your videos though. Literally some of the best outdoor content on KZfaq. 😀

I feel like I'm watching a tutorial for one year olds on potty training🤣🤣🤣 This is hilarious but sadly needed!!! You forgot to mention to use the sanitizer to clean the deuce before placing it back in your poop kit 👍

I just got the Duse of Spades 3, and I had an idea for protecting the hand. I cut out part of a deployed air bag from a wrecked car. I cut a small piece, about 3" x 4". It doesn't even register as a gram.

Wet wipes are (all AFAIK) made with plastic and won't compost. Please avoid them if you can. Biodegradable TP is available but expensive.

Me too. I prepick my spot for the tent, for a place to put my bear keg, and my cat hole about 200 or so feet. Any trash I generat I pack out in a bag and deposit it the next time I see a place like a dumpster.

Couldn‘t you put the half empty tp roll on the handle for digging to soften it and to hold your tp while pooping? Idk. Just a thought.

Just do as we do on Scandinavia - poop in the tent. Nothing better than a posh poo in your tent vestibule in the morning. Get yourself a teepee tent or a tunnel tent with large vestibule and you can poo in private. Especially lovely when you're above the treeline and the sun never sets so you always feel someone is watching. I find this to be the better method if you dig a good hole in your tent vestibule as you do the job properly rather than rushed and panicked and make a mess. Especially if it's windy

I hear ya man! I was recently hiking black mtn in the adirondacks and near the summit were two "used" diapers hanging from a tree!! Ughh we pride on keeping the adk's clean! Seen alot of spots like this lately. Toilet paper graveyards lmao! They exist! Lol dig a cat hole! Bury it please! Vargo dig dig tool is great! Use one lol. When nature calls you a jerk! Lol dont be that guy! Hike on!

Rap your trowel like a hockey stick!😂

A military style mini shovel includes a pick.

A good and morbidly tantalizing read, after your trip of course, is Death In Yellowstone, especially the bear chapter. We camped at Rainbow Point, as mentioned in this book that I purchased but did not read until I arrived home, TG, but did read the chapter while camping alone in black bear country and completely flipped out over what I believe, was a field mouse.

When I'm looking for the perfect place and I find a ground squirrel burrow I say to myself "jackpot!"

Have you tried a bidet...I havnt but am tempted to

It is so funny - I can see how ”hard” this was for you to talk about. Some kind of differensen in culturs - if someone in Sweden would talk about the same it would not be this big thing. Remember it is one of the most natural things! 💩😂 You did great! /Anna

Hey Thanks Dan love it and rap your deuce handle with electricical tape

Just ordered a couple of sweet DB tees! Now with a little luck I’ll get to sport these bad puppies in Yellowstone with ya. 👍😎

Wow, never thought I would say this about any of your content Dan, but, this one “stunk”! 😆😆

Thank you

Why am I watching a “ how to poop when hiking/camping “ @1 A.M. When I don’t even hike or camp 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️😂😂😂

So much fun watching this!! Well done!!🤣🤣🤣❤❤

I’m a hunter, there are times when you’ve no choice. I’ve usually been able to dig a hole. That said I bury all but do use sticks and a clean sheet to mark the spot. In training when in the Marines many have dug others 💩 when digging fighting holes in the ground.🤢

great video. keep up the good humor.

Island Lake in the Winds.

I'm a guy with IBS and due to how severe the cramps get during a flare-up (I've passed out before), I'm strongly considering bringing something to sit on in case I have a flare-up out in the wild.

THANK YOU! And it seemed so much worse in 2020..... And pre-dig when you get to camp and it is there waiting for you ✋🏼😎👍🏼

I just discovered your channel and I have seen a couple videos now where you detract from the trowl due to the handle. I dont have one of these, and I am sure it has been mentioned before, but try wrapping the handle in paracord to make it more user friendly. Just my 2 cents.

Wrap the handle with 550 parachute cord.

Actually some of the backcountry camps in Yellowstone have little potties - usually down a short trail from camp- I know as I used one last week. (Even though I was camped down trail at a camp w/o one.) But they vary in condition and cleanliness.

Never had to poop in the woods, but if it comes to it, now I know... Now I know... 🤣

That was the most entertaining poop video! Thank you!

"See you guys on the next one". You said that as though you were unsure there would BE a next one now that you've done a dooky video. 🤣

This is hilarious!! And informative!!

8:53 Yay, treasure. I wonder what I will dig up.