Here in the Vail Valley we are blessed to live at the doorstep of three pristine Wilderness areas and we are surrounded by an abundance of beautiful public lands. Sadly, in some of the more popular camping sports, human waste has become a serious issue, and shallow burials and wads of toilet paper are unsightly. Human waste can decompose but it can also introduce pathogens and pollutants that can harm wildlife and water sources. Animals may be attracted to human waste, which can disrupt local ecosystems and lead to health issues for both wildlife and humans. If bacteria from human waste seeps into the ground or nearby water sources, it can contaminate drinking water, spread disease and harm aquatic ecosystems.
In most cases, people don’t leave poop and toilet paper because they don’t care, they do this because they haven’t received education about how to poop in the woods and they are unprepared. In the same way that backcountry adventurers plan their gear, routes, meals, and shelter, they should consider a plan for how they are going to manage their waste. While it’s a natural process, it’s critical to manage waste responsibly to minimize environmental impact. A standard ‘Poop Kit’ includes a trowel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, a wag bag and 2 plastic bags to pack out waste.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to relieve yourself in the wilderness/backcountry, it’s best to follow Leave No Trace principles or to Pack-It-Out. The standard Leave No Trace protocol is: Dig a hole at least 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter, 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites. Cover the hole when finished and pack out any toilet paper or hygiene products.
A better alternative is packing out waste. Poop-packing has been embraced by a growing number of backcountry users and parks. Outhouses have been dismantled in some wilderness areas and “Pack It our rules are in effect in several national parks and backcountry areas, from Denali to the Grand Tetons. More poop on public lands prompts federal agencies to restrict access with dispersed camping and in many popular destinations. Initiatives like “Respect the Vail Valley” empower visitors and locals to properly dispose of human waste in the outdoors through education. The ultimate goal is to give public lands users the tools and know-how to enjoy the outdoors and not leave a mess when nature calls.
WAG Bags/ Restop/Biffy Bags have been used by outdoor adventurers for decades. They are an important part of gear on responsible high altitude mountaineering expeditions, in caves, in desert environments and on rivers. Wag bags are simple and easy to use and light weight to carry. Everything you need is in the packet; hand sanitizer, toilet tissue and two bags. A kitty-litter type product is in the poop bag to suppress odor. These types of human waste bags can be easily purchased through outdoor stores or ordered online. Biffy bags have a custom cut bag with a tie-around waist like a diaper for privacy. A new product called the PACT System uses mycelium from fungi to naturally break down poop faster and to kill harmful bacteria. The PACT Kit includes a lightweight shovel, their ingenious dehydrated wipes that spring to life with a few drops of water, and the PACT fungi tablets. These thoughtfully designed kits may be ordered through their website or purchased at outdoor stores.
This Summer VVMTA Trail Ambassadors were stationed at trail heads or hiking on trails giving out wag bags and PACT kits for free to hikers/backpackers to try. USFS Rangers in our district were also offering them to hikers on trails or at the Mintum USFS Ranger Station.
An additional note about peeing in the alpine: Mountain goats are attracted to the salt in human urine. Peeing on rocks helps to protect fragile alpine tundra from their digging. A friendly reminder for ladies, please always take a plastic bag and pack out toilet paper. Bits of toilet paper on trail sides in popular ‘pee spots’ have become unsightly.
The Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance is committed to protecting the pristine beauty and cleanliness of our wild places. Look for WMTA Trail Ambassadors at trailheads next Summer offering free wag bags and education about how to responsibly poop in the woods!
Sincerely,
Ellen Miller – VVMTA Volunteer Trail Ambassador
