Ethan Walker
Digging a cathole is an essential skill for any camper or hiker to master, ensuring responsible waste disposal and minimising environmental impact. When nature calls in the great outdoors, it's important to know how to answer that call in a way that doesn't harm the surrounding nature. A cathole is a simple yet effective way to bury and biodegrade human waste, and knowing how to dig one is a must for any outdoor enthusiast. With the right tools and techniques, you can ensure proper waste disposal, keeping the camping area pristine for future visitors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from water, camp, and trails | At least 200 feet |
| Hole depth | 6-8 inches |
| Hole diameter | 4-6 inches |
| Tools | Trowel, shovel, tent stake, or trekking pole |
| Soil type | Deep organic soil with a dark, rich color |
| Sunlight exposure | Maximum sunlight to aid decomposition |
| Group camping or camping for multiple nights | Disperse catholes over a wide area |
| Toilet paper | Pack out used toilet paper; use plain, unperfumed toilet paper |
| Urination | Urinate on rocks or mineral soil, not vegetation |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a site: 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites
When digging a cathole, it is important to choose a site that is at least 200 feet (approximately 60 metres or 70 steps) away from water sources, trails, and campsites. This distance is crucial to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices while camping or hiking.
When looking for a suitable site, aim for an inconspicuous location that is away from the view of others. This helps to maintain privacy and ensures that your cathole is not easily accessible to people passing by. An ideal spot would be an open but wooded area, providing some natural cover while still allowing easy access for digging. Remember to select a site that is not directly above water sources, as this could cause erosion and potentially contaminate the local water supply. Streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes should all be considered when assessing the distance from water sources.
Additionally, it is important to consider the type of soil in the chosen site. Look for deep organic soil with a dark, rich colour. This type of soil aids in the decomposition process, helping to break down waste more effectively. Good exposure to sunlight can also facilitate decomposition, so consider the orientation of the site in relation to the sun. If you are camping in a rocky area, such as the forests of New England, finding a suitable spot to dig a cathole can be more challenging due to the presence of rocks and roots. Give yourself extra time to find a good location and ensure that you have the necessary tools, such as a sturdy trowel, to dig through tougher terrain.
When camping with a large group or for an extended period, it is essential to widely disperse cathole locations to avoid concentrating waste in one area. Each person should use a single cathole for their waste, and it is recommended to pack out used toilet paper to prevent animals from digging it up and spreading it around. By following these guidelines, you can help minimise the impact on the environment and maintain proper sanitation practices while camping or hiking.
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Digging tools: use a trowel, shovel, or tent stake
When it comes to digging a cathole for camping, having the right tools is essential. Here are some options for digging tools to consider:
Trowel
A small garden trowel is a perfect tool for digging a cathole. It is lightweight and easy to carry while backpacking. Look for a trowel with an ergonomic handle, as it will be more comfortable to use. Plastic trowels, such as the GSI Outdoors Cathole Sanitation Trowel and the Coghlan's Backpacker's Trowel, are good budget options. They are made of recycled materials and are inexpensive. If you want something stronger, consider a titanium trowel like the Vargo Titanium Dig Dig Tool, which is both strong and lightweight.
Shovel
If you're car camping and have more space for gear, a small camping shovel can be a good option. The SOG Entrenching Tool is a sturdy choice with a comfortable handle, and the Gerber Gorge Folding Shovel is another popular option that also functions as a hammer and pick. For a lightweight option, the TentLab Deuce is a favourite among backpackers.
Tent Stake
If you don't have a trowel or shovel, a tent stake can be used to dig a cathole. It won't be as effective as a dedicated trowel, but it will get the job done. The Vargo Titanium Dig Dig Tool mentioned earlier is a great choice as it doubles as a tent stake and a trowel.
Remember, the goal is to dig a cathole that is 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter (4-6 inches deep in air or desert conditions). The right digging tool will make this task much easier and ensure you follow Leave No Trace principles.
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$9.95
Hole depth: 6-8 inches deep, 4-6 inches in diameter
When nature calls in the great outdoors, it's important to know how to answer that call in a way that's discreet and eco-friendly. That's where the humble cathole comes in.
To dig a hole that's 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter, you'll need the right tools. A small garden trowel is a popular choice for cathole digging, as it's the perfect size for the job and usually has an ergonomic handle for comfort. If you're looking for something a little stronger, you might opt for a metal camping shovel, with options made from steel, titanium, or aluminum.
Now, let's talk about where to dig. You'll want to select an inconspicuous site that's at least 200 feet away from any trails, campsites, or water sources. The best sites have deep organic soil, which is usually dark and rich in color, and good exposure to sunlight to aid in decomposition. Avoid areas with water runoff, as this can erode your cathole and carry your waste into the local water supply.
Once you've found the perfect spot, it's time to start digging. Take your trowel or shovel and carefully dig your cathole to the specified depth and diameter. If you're camping in an area with rocky soil, this may take a little extra time and effort. But hey, it's all part of the great outdoors experience!
After you've taken care of business, be sure to fill the cathole with the original dirt and disguise it with natural materials, such as leaves or sticks. If you used toilet paper, be sure to pack it out in a ziplock bag rather than burying it, to avoid leaving any traces behind.
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Soil type: deep, dark, organic soil
When nature calls in the great outdoors, it's important to know how to answer the call of nature. If you're camping or hiking and need to relieve yourself, digging a cathole is a responsible way to dispose of your waste.
Deep, dark, organic soil is the best soil type for a cathole. This type of soil is usually rich in colour and contains organisms that will help decompose your waste. Organic soil is more common in forested areas than in deserts, so keep that in mind when planning your camping trip.
When you find a spot with this type of soil, use a small garden trowel to dig your cathole. You want to dig a hole that is 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. This can be tricky if the soil is full of rocks and roots, so take your time and try to find a spot that will work.
Once you've dug your hole, do your business and then bury it. Stir the dirt with some liquid using a stick to help disguise the cathole. Don't forget to pack out your toilet paper in a Ziploc bag, as animals may dig it up if you leave it behind.
Remember to choose an inconspicuous site for your cathole, at least 200 feet away from water sources, campsites, and trails. Avoid areas with water runoff, as this could erode your cathole and carry your waste into the local water supply. If you're camping with a large group or for an extended period, make sure to widely disperse everyone's catholes and only use one cathole per person.
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Covering the hole: disguise with natural materials
Once you've finished answering nature's call, it's important to fill the cathole with the original dirt and disguise it with natural, native materials. This ensures that the cathole blends in with its surroundings and is not easily noticed by other campers or hikers.
When selecting a site for your cathole, it's recommended to choose a discreet location that is at least 200 feet away from water sources, campsites, and trails. Look for areas with thick undergrowth, downed timber, or gentle hillsides where the cathole is less likely to be noticed.
To effectively disguise the cathole, use natural materials that are native to the area. This could include leaves, sticks, rocks, or other debris that is already on the ground. Avoid moving or rearranging the natural materials in a way that looks unnatural. For example, you could use leaves and sticks to cover the disturbed area and then gently scatter some soil on top to match the surrounding terrain.
If you are camping in a group or staying in the same place for multiple nights, it is important to disperse the catholes over a wide area and avoid using the same spot twice. This helps to minimize the impact on the environment and reduces the risk of others encountering your cathole.
Remember, proper waste disposal is crucial to minimize negative impacts on the environment and to ensure a pleasant experience for other campers and hikers. By taking the time to properly fill and disguise your cathole, you are doing your part to leave no trace and preserve the natural beauty of the camping site.
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Frequently asked questions
A cathole is a hole dug for the disposal of solid human waste while camping or hiking.
A cathole should be 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. In air or desert conditions, a depth of 4-6 inches is sufficient.
A small garden trowel is the perfect tool for digging a cathole. Other tools include camping shovels, tent stakes, and trekking poles.
Select an inconspicuous site at least 200 feet away from the nearest trail, campsite, or water source. The best sites have deep organic soil with a dark, rich color and good exposure to sunlight to aid in decomposition.
After using the cathole, fill it with the original dirt and disguise it with native materials. Used toilet paper should be packed out in a ziplock bag and not buried to prevent animals from digging it up.
