Outside and with no bathroom in sight, what to do?
Rules of conduct and tips for relieving yourself outdoors
Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, lounging on a deserted beach, or biking in nature, at some point your bladder will start to take its toll. But what do you do if there are no public bathrooms nearby? What should you take into account when using natural toilets for small and large matters?
Outdoor toilets: respect for nature
The basic rule is: you must leave nature in the state in which you found it. This means that waste of any kind, i.e. wet wipes, toilet paper, nappies, tampons or sanitary pads, must be returned in a bag and must not be left there. Depending on their composition, these things break down very slowly.
Therefore, it is recommended that outdoor lovers always carry a bag with them. A little tip: a crushed aspirin tablet or slightly damp tea bags should neutralize the smell of used paper. A zippered pocket closes tightly and can be carried in the outside side pocket of the backpack.
The right place for the bathroom.
It goes without saying that for matters big and small, you should choose a place where you won’t be seen. In nature, bushes and forests are ideal. It is especially important to maintain a sufficient distance from homes or playgrounds. Good to know: “Urinating in public” is officially prohibited in France according to the catalog of fines. In legal jargon, this is often called “inciting public shaming” and if that goes wrong, you can be prosecuted with a warning or fine.
If you can’t avoid it, you should be careful not to choose natural baths near rivers and lakes. The hiker thus avoids the possible spread of pathogens. Although the germ load in urine is still relatively low and can cause an unpleasant odor but not contamination, more attention should be paid to the venue during the big event. Solid human feces often contain a variety of germs, bacteria and viruses that should not be released into the environment.
It is also worth taking a look at the terrain. Slopes and stones should be avoided, it is best to choose a flat, earthen surface. Natural baths should be located so that they are easily accessible when it rains. To avoid skin irritations and allergic reactions, it is also worth paying attention and avoiding poisonous plants. The same applies to animals, as ants, ticks or mosquitoes can quickly become annoying companions when they relieve themselves.
Outdoor gear: 20 useful things to spend time outdoors
- Particularities of the large toilet.
If you can do your small business quickly and without rushing, large ones require some special features. To avoid leaving traces, you have to dig a hole about 15 centimeters deep. Only excrement may be deposited there, and toilet paper or other items must be collected and removed. If you don’t have a shovel, you can also use a stick. It is also possible to use large, non-toxic maple or beech leaves, which can be buried for scrubbing.
Unthinkable in the forest, but possible in the desert, it is possible to burn toilet paper with a lighter. However, you must be absolutely sure that there is no risk of fire.
When you are done, you should seal the hole well and cover it with branches and leaves to prevent curious animals from starting to dig there. To warn others, you can mark the spot with a branch that you plant vertically in the ground. And to avoid transmitting germs to other people through your hands, it is best to use a disinfectant.
Tips and tricks for a good placement in large companies
Anyone who is taking a long trip outdoors for the first time and has never done their big business outdoors is probably wondering how they should squat, position themselves, and sit for it to work. It works easily. With all the options, you should try to find the best position for you.
- Deep Squat: Squat down as deeply as possible, making sure your clothing falls below your knees. This way nothing can get dirty.
- Squat deeply with support: If you find squatting too tiring for long periods of time, you can also find a place with a rock or tree to support yourself.
- Squat position: In the so-called squat position, you half squat, with your legs slightly apart and your hands on your thighs for balance. This position is sometimes a little more strenuous, but it is suitable if, for any reason, you do not want to squat directly on the floor.
- Hanging from the tree: Here the knees are placed at a 90-degree angle and we hang from the tree to relieve tension in the muscles. Leaning back far enough will keep your clothes clean.
- One-legged: This position is somewhat similar to a peeing dog, except that the raised leg rests on a rock or tree stump for balance.
- Thunder Ray: If you are walking through the woods and find a supported tree, consider yourself lucky and sit on it. To do this, the buttocks must look far enough back.
Tips and Tricks for Good Positioning for a Grand Entrance
If you’re attending a long outdoor meeting for the first time and have never done your big business outside, you’re probably wondering how you should crouch, position and sit that way. May everything turn out well. With all the options, you should try to find the best position for you.