Rachel Evans
When nature calls in the woods, it's important to know how to answer it without leaving a trace. Digging a cathole is a popular method for disposing of human waste in the outdoors. The main purpose of a cathole is to keep the feces under cover so that other people don't step in it, animals don't dig it up, and the odor is contained until it biodegrades. However, digging a cathole too deep can slow down the biodegradation process and increase the chance of feces reaching and contaminating the water table. So, how deep should a cathole be? Most sources recommend a depth of 6 to 8 inches, with a minimum of 4 inches and a maximum of 8 inches. The width should be around 4 to 6 inches, making it easier to aim and ensuring your waste stays buried.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from water sources, trails, campsites | 200 feet or more |
| Hole depth | 4-8 inches |
| Hole width | 4-6 inches |
| Tools | Towel, rock, stick, trowel, spork, ice axe, mattock, snow stake, e-tool, hatchet or ax |
| Toilet paper | Biodegradable only; non-biodegradable must be packed out |
| After use | Cover with original dirt, scatter sticks, leaves, pebbles; place a rock or branch over the space |
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What You'll Learn
- Choose a good location: at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites
- Dig a hole: 4-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches wide
- Do your business: take careful aim and maintain balance?
- Cover the cathole: fill with dirt and scatter sticks, leaves, and pebbles
- Sanitize your hands: use hand sanitiser gel or wipes to prevent intestinal ailments
Choose a good location: at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites
When nature calls in the woods, it's important to find a suitable location for your business. A good spot should be at least 200 feet (approximately 70 adult steps) away from any water sources, trails, and campsites. This distance helps reduce the risk of contaminating water sources and keeps human waste from concentrating in certain areas. It also ensures your favourite trails remain pristine and free from any unpleasant surprises!
When choosing a location, look for an inconspicuous and out-of-the-way spot with rich, dark, and soft soil. This type of soil, often referred to as "live" soil, is higher in bacteria that can aid in breaking down your waste more efficiently. Additionally, look for a sunny site as sunlight helps speed up the decomposition process. If you're in an area with loam soil, that's also a good choice as it aids in decomposition.
If you're camping with a group or staying in the same place for multiple nights, it's important to disperse your catholes over a wide area. Avoid returning to the same spot twice. This helps minimise the impact on any one location and ensures that your waste has time to decompose before someone else stumbles upon it.
While finding a spot that meets these criteria might take a bit of extra effort, it's well worth it to maintain the natural beauty and cleanliness of the outdoors. Remember, the goal is to leave no trace, so take the time to find the right location and properly dispose of your waste using the cathole method.
As a final note, if you're near a toilet, whether it's an outhouse at a campsite or a vault toilet at a trailhead, it's best to use those facilities instead of venturing into the woods. These toilets are designed for consolidating human waste and reducing the impact on the environment.
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Dig a hole: 4-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches wide
When nature calls in the woods, it's important to know how to answer that call. The first step is to find a good location. Move at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) away from any water sources, trails, and campsites. Choose a sunny site with rich soil that’s free from roots and large rocks. Regular sunlight and healthy soil help your waste decompose faster.
Now it's time to dig a hole. You want your cathole to be about 4-6" wide and 6-8" deep. This ensures your waste will be out of sight, and also provides enough space for you to do your business without soiling yourself. Use your hands, a trowel, spork, or something similar to dig. If the ground is particularly hard, you may need a 5-pound pick mattock or an ice axe.
Once you've dug your hole, do your business. Try to aim carefully so that you don't soil your clothes or shoes. Only leave biodegradable toilet paper in the hole; regular toilet paper should be packed out. When you're done, cover the cathole with the original dirt and completely fill the hole. Tamp it down with your foot and place a rock or branch over the space to discourage digging critters.
Finally, don't forget to use hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean and prevent intestinal ailments.
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Do your business: take careful aim and maintain balance
Now that you've found a good location and dug a hole, it's time to do your business. Squat over the hole and take careful aim so you hit the target. If you have something nearby that you can use for balance, grab hold of it. Use great care that you don’t poop on your clothes or shoes.
It's worth noting that you should only leave biodegradable toilet paper in the hole. If you're using regular toilet paper, pack it out in a waste bag.
If you're in an area with a lot of snow, stamping out a platform for yourself can be useful. You can step out of your skis or snowshoes to do your business, and then kick snow over the platform before you leave.
If you're in a river canyon or arid area, it's better to pack out your feces if possible, rather than burying it. If you'll be in one location for more than a day or two, or if you're camping with a group, consider digging a latrine instead of a cathole.
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Cover the cathole: fill with dirt and scatter sticks, leaves, and pebbles
When you're done answering nature's call, it's time to cover up your cathole. Start by filling the hole with the dirt you excavated earlier. Make sure to mound up the fill a little bit to help direct water away from the cathole and give it some room to compact without leaving an indentation.
Once the cathole is filled, you might think you're done, but there's one more important step: scattering natural debris over the filled hole. Grab some sticks, leaves, and pebbles and place them on top of the filled cathole. This helps to disguise the cathole, preventing it from being squished if accidentally stepped on and promoting soil health for decomposition.
Additionally, you can place a rock or branch over the space to further discourage digging critters. If you're feeling extra considerate, place an upright stick in the filled cathole to signal to other hikers that this spot has already been used.
Remember, the goal is to leave the area as clean or cleaner than you found it. By taking the time to properly fill and disguise your cathole, you're doing your part to keep the great outdoors pristine and enjoyable for all.
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Sanitize your hands: use hand sanitiser gel or wipes to prevent intestinal ailments
When nature calls in the woods, it's important to know how to answer the call of nature. The first step is to find a good location. Move at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) away from any water sources, trails, and campsites. Choose a spot with rich soil that’s free from large rocks. Regular sunlight and healthy soil help your waste decompose faster.
The next step is to dig a cathole. Use a towel, rock, or stick to dig a hole that is 4-6″ wide and 6-8″ deep. Remember to fill in the hole with the original dirt and completely cover it with natural materials. Pack out your toilet paper or wipes in a sealed bag.
Now, let's talk about sanitising your hands to prevent intestinal ailments. It is crucial to sanitise your hands after answering the call of nature and before handling food. Unwashed hands can lead to intestinal ailments during or after your trip. Carry hand sanitiser gel or antibacterial wipes with you. Hand sanitiser is highly effective at killing harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. However, it's impossible for hand sanitiser to kill all the germs on your hands, and handwashing with soap and water is still recommended as the primary method of hand hygiene. To ensure thorough sanitisation, rub vigorously, paying attention to your fingers.
Additionally, when using wipes, opt for pre-moistened wipes, and remember to pack them out in your waste bag instead of leaving them in the cathole. Always follow the local regulations and guidelines for waste disposal. Some areas require packing out solid human waste, so make sure to check before your trip.
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Frequently asked questions
A cathole is a pit that you dig in the woods or other outdoor location so that you can bury your urine and/or feces.
A cathole should be a minimum of 4 inches and no more than 8 inches deep.
A cathole should be about 4 to 6 inches in diameter.
You should dig a cathole at least 200 feet away from any water sources, trails, and campsites. Choose a sunny site with rich soil that’s free from roots and large rocks.
Fill in the hole with the original dirt and cover it with natural materials. Pack out any toilet paper or wipes in a waste bag.
