Michael Brooks
Digging a cathole is an important skill for anyone spending time in the great outdoors. A cathole is a simple hole in the ground where you can bury your waste so that you don't leave any mess behind and avoid contaminating nature. While some people use their hands, a trowel, or even a rock to dig a cathole, others prefer to use a trekking pole. In this article, we will explore the best techniques for digging a cathole with a trekking pole, as well as offer some tips and tricks for proper waste disposal when out in the wilderness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why dig a cathole | To dispose of biodegradable waste, including #1's, #2's, and wastewater from washing up |
| When to dig a cathole | When you need to defecate in the outdoors and are not near a composting privy or toilet |
| Where to dig a cathole | In an open but wooded site, at least 200 feet (70 steps) from the nearest trail, campsite, or water source |
| How to dig a cathole | Using a trowel, tent stake, trekking pole, stick, or boot heel to dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter |
| What to do after using a cathole | Fill the hole with the original soil, place toilet paper on top, and disguise the area with leaves and forest duff |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a site: 70 steps from trails, campsites, or water sources
When nature calls in the great outdoors, it's essential to choose a suitable site for a cathole to ensure you're practising good waste management. The recommended distance from your cathole to the nearest trail, campsite or water source is 200 feet (approximately 70 steps).
Firstly, it's important to understand why this distance is recommended. The main purpose of a cathole is to contain human waste so that it can biodegrade without being disturbed by people or animals. By keeping your cathole at least 70 steps away from campsites and trails, you reduce the risk of anyone stumbling upon it. This distance also helps to minimise odours and maintain privacy. Additionally, staying at least 200 feet away from water sources is crucial to prevent contamination.
When selecting a site, consider the terrain, climate and ecosystem. Look for flat or slightly sloping ground to prevent water runoff, which could carry waste into water sources and cause environmental contamination. Avoid areas prone to flooding and sensitive habitats like wetlands or areas with rare plants.
The ideal site will have good drainage and be in an open but wooded area off the trail. It's also important to choose a spot with deep organic soil that is dark and rich in colour. This type of soil aids in decomposition, ensuring your waste breaks down quickly and safely. Sunlight exposure is another factor that speeds up the decomposition process, so look for a sunny site. However, make sure the area is not completely devoid of vegetation, as some cover will help camouflage your cathole.
Once you've found the perfect spot, it's time to start digging! Remember to follow proper cathole etiquette, including digging to the correct depth and width and properly filling and camouflaging the hole when you're finished.
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Dig 6-8 inches deep, 4-6 inches wide
Digging a cathole with a trekking pole is a simple way to ensure you are being respectful of nature. It is a hole in the ground where you put things that you wouldn't want to step in. Human waste is full of pathogens and antibiotics, so it is important to do it the proper way to preserve nature.
To dig a cathole with a trekking pole, first, select an appropriate site. The site should be at least 200 feet (70 steps) from the nearest trail, campsite, or water source. The best sites have deep organic soil with a dark, rich colour and good exposure to sunlight to aid in decomposition. Avoid areas with water runoff, particularly above water sources, which might erode your cathole and carry your waste into the local water supply.
When you have found your spot, use your trekking pole to dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches wide. This can be difficult if the soil is full of rocks and roots, so give yourself a little extra time to find a good spot to dig. It might take a few tries. In air or desert conditions, dig a shallower hole of 4-6 inches deep.
Once you have finished your business, fill the cathole with the original soil you dug out and disguise it with leaves and forest duff.
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Use a trowel or trekking pole
Using a trowel or trekking pole is a great way to dig a cathole. A trowel is a single-use item and may not be worth the weight in your backpack, but it is a lot more effective than using your boot heel, a tent stake, or a trekking pole. A trowel can cut a clean "plug" that can be replaced and made to look like you were never there.
If you are using a trowel, it is recommended to use one with serrated edges, as this will be more effective in cutting through compacted soil and roots. The GSI Outdoors Cathole Sanitation Trowel is a great option as it is lightweight and has serrated edges. It also has inch-long measurements embossed on it, which can help you ensure that your cathole is the correct depth and diameter.
If you are using a trekking pole, it is important to note that it may only be able to dig a shallow scrape. To dig a hole that is deep enough to keep your waste safe from weather and mice, you will need something more scoop-like.
When digging your cathole, it is important to select an inconspicuous site that is at least 200 feet (70 steps) away from the nearest trail, campsite, or water source. Look for an area with deep organic soil that has a dark, rich color and good exposure to sunlight to aid in decomposition. Avoid areas with water runoff, as this may erode your cathole and carry your waste into the local water supply.
The standard dimensions for a cathole are 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. In desert conditions, a cathole should be shallower at 4-6 inches deep to allow sunlight and rain to penetrate the hole and speed up the decomposition process.
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Bury waste and toilet paper
Burying waste and toilet paper in a cathole is an important skill to master for a responsible hiking experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:
Selecting the Right Spot:
Choose a site that is at least 200 feet (approximately 70 steps) away from any trails, campsites, or water sources like streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes. This distance is crucial to prevent contamination of water sources and minimize the impact on nature. Look for an open but wooded area with deep organic soil that has a dark, rich color. The chosen spot should also have good exposure to sunlight, aiding in the decomposition process. Avoid areas with water runoff, especially above water sources, to prevent erosion and the risk of your waste entering the local water supply.
Digging the Cathole:
Use a sturdy trowel with serrated edges, such as the GSI Outdoors Cathole Sanitation Trowel, to dig a hole. The recommended dimensions for a cathole are 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. If you're in an arid or desert climate, adjust the depth to 4-6 inches. Place the toilet paper at the bottom of the hole first, followed by your solid waste.
Filling and Disguising the Cathole:
After you've finished your business, fill the cathole with the original soil you dug out. Use your foot to scrape some surrounding debris, leaves, or forest duff over the filled hole to disguise it. This step helps to camouflage the smell and appearance of the cathole, ensuring it remains undetected.
Additional Considerations:
- If you're camping with a large group or for an extended period, ensure everyone uses different cathole locations, and always use a single cathole for each instance of waste.
- While burying toilet paper is generally acceptable if done deeply, some sources recommend packing it out to prevent animals from digging it up and spreading it around. Use plain, unperfumed toilet paper, and store used sheets in Ziploc bags to prevent leakage.
- When urinating, do so on rocks, gravel, or mineral soil instead of vegetation. This protects plants from being chewed on by animals seeking salt.
- If you're in an area with challenging soil conditions, such as rocks or roots, consider using a tool like a MSR Blizzard Tent Stake or a 5-lb pick mattock to dig your cathole.
- Always follow local regulations or practices regarding the disposal of waste and toilet paper.
By following these steps, you can ensure the proper burial of waste and toilet paper in a cathole, minimizing your impact on the environment and maintaining a respectful relationship with nature.
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Disguise the cathole with debris
Once you've dug your cathole, it's important to disguise it with debris so that it's not visible to others and doesn't smell. This is an important step in the process of cathole creation, as it ensures that human waste is properly disposed of and doesn't spread disease.
To disguise the cathole, use your foot to scrape some of the surrounding debris, such as leaves, forest duff, and natural materials, over the hole. Make sure to use native materials to camouflage the area and break down the waste. The goal is to make the cathole look like any other part of the ground, with no signs of disturbance.
It's also crucial to select the right spot for your cathole, choosing an inconspicuous site that is at least 200 feet (70 steps) away from any trails, campsites, or water sources. This helps to ensure privacy and minimize the impact on the environment. Additionally, it's recommended to look for deep organic soil with a dark, rich color and good sunlight exposure, as this aids in the decomposition process.
When it comes to tools, while a trekking pole can help with balance and stability during the digging process, it might not be the best tool for digging the cathole itself. Consider using a trowel, shovel, or your hands to dig the hole, and then rely on your trekking pole for support if needed.
Remember, the key to disguising the cathole is to make it look as natural as possible. By taking the time to properly fill in the hole and disguise it with debris, you're doing your part to respect nature and ensure the safety and well-being of both humans and wildlife.
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Frequently asked questions
A cathole is a simple way to dispose of your waste when you're out in nature. It's a hole in the ground where you put your biodegradable waste, which can then be covered up, preserving nature and preventing the spread of disease.
It's best to dig a cathole when you reach your campsite. That way, if you need it, it's ready to go. If you don't end up needing it, you can just fill it in when you leave.
The right spot for a cathole should be at least 200 feet (70 steps) away from trails, campsites, or water sources. Pick a sunny spot with deep organic soil that has a dark, rich colour and good exposure to sunlight to aid in decomposition. Avoid areas with water runoff and grassy meadows, which can be hard to dig through.
A cathole should typically be 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. In desert conditions, a cathole should be shallower at 4-6 inches deep to allow sunlight and rain to penetrate the hole and speed up the decomposition process.
You can use a trowel, a tent stake, or a trekking pole to dig a cathole. While it is possible to use the heel of your boot, this may tear up the ground more.
