Pooping in the woods is a complicated, important, complex, and oft ignored process. It involves complicated decisions, balance, patience, and a certain type of zen. With thought and care the process can be easy, safe, and clean. Rushing through is just bad business and should be avoided. After a little practice, likely places for a great latrine will be easily and quickly spotted with a minimum of fuss. Everyone has to do it, even the bears, but don't go into the process without forethought and awareness. Make sure you are armed with a little knowledge and you may just find that that it really isn't so bad after all.
The first decision to be made is when. All I can say here is don't wait. The upcoming adventure should not be rushed, if you can tell that the moment is coming, don't put it off, make the decision to do it and make it the best experience possible. If you take your time and get it right the whole process will be smooth and easy, if not enjoyable. A rush at the last minute can make for an uncomfortable, messy, and environmentally and personally unhealthy experience. Don't wait, please don't wait.
Next is tool selection. I happen to have a specific folding poo shovel with a sheath. It is connected to a heavy-duty carabiner that can be clicked on to my belt super easily. You don't need anything quite so complicated, a local stick can work but remember to add that to your time equation. You will need to get at least 8 inches down, sometimes in hard soil, so finding a tough enough stick can take a while especially if you're in a hurry. I usually have TP wrapped in at least one layer of zip-lock type bag. If you're more into doing things the natural way then keep that in mind all day so you know where the best leaves are to be found. This could be very important information. Have anything else you might need ready to go; flashlight, camera (those perfect shots sometimes come at awkward times), bug spray, etc. One thing I learned about recently is to bring those handy packaged wet wipes, they make a huge difference in the feeling of cleanliness. They are well worth the extra weight. Have everything stored and ready to go in a fanny pack or in cargo pockets; be prepared to hike a little, to climb some, you don't want to be encumbered with hands full of loose articles.
Now for the most important decision of all: Location, location, location. There is SO much riding on this decision, it can make your experience hell or make it yet another relaxing and satisfying moment in nature. This decision is so critical, make sure that there is no rush or hurry. Relax, and think about it. First, make sure you are well away from camp, water sources, active trails, or any place that could accidentally booby trap someone. Whatever the local ordinance is concerning distance from water, at least double that distance; no sense in pushing it. Now pay attention to the wind. You will want a cross wind, preferably a headwind. This is not just for scent purposes, this is also to keep the bugs from your bared behind. Now consider the view. You might as well have a nice place to look around, although almost any place in nature, with a bit of patience and the right attitude, becomes a place of wonder and beauty. You're narrowing in the decision now. The next step is a matter of preference. Some people are fine with a simple squat position for the act itself so no debris is needed. Some people like to have a tree in front of them so that they can grab it and lean WAY back. Still others prefer a log that they can sit on, or actually OVER. I have tried them all and my favorite is the leaning method. I look for something solid beside me, a rock, tree, log, it doesn't matter, just something near my side to assist. After finding the appropriate crutch, start looking for soil that you can actually dig.
Time to dig. Hole placement and depth are very important. This can be harder than it sounds. This may take some experimentation to get exactly right; it you're a beginner, then make it wider than you think. Depth should be at least 8 inches deep. This can be tricky and sometimes nearly impossible. It may take digging in a few different areas before a respectable depth can be achieved. Occasionally I will roll a rock or log and use the softer ground under, then roll it back in place when finished. In really difficult areas, one may have to dig a few inches deep and then build a cairn on top afterwards to bury it, although this is not preferred. Where this hole is located in relation to the log or rock is important and a few 'test squats' may be in order. Just assume the position and mark the ground where you think splashdown will occur. Place the dirt, rocks, and other debris you dig up behind the hole, out of the way, but close enough that is will be easy to scoop it all back in to the hole when the job is complete.
It is time to make it happen. Personally, as a man, I prefer to go pee somewhere else first, this just makes it easier for me and keeps my heels from getting wet. I hate that. After this, I like to set the paper (or leaves) in an easily accessible spot, it's best to have anything you might need handy and ready with a minimum of movement from the chosen location. I like to completely take my pants or shorts off one leg; having my feet tied together while hovering over my poo pit in an awkward and precarious position is too potentially dangerous to take any risks, even in winter. I just slip one leg out so I can have free movement in case I start to slip or lose balance. It is of course important to make sure your trousers are then pushed down and to the side to keep them away from danger. Now just hover, lean, stretch, or whatever method you choose and let nature takes its course. Enjoy your view, and appreciate your choice of wind direction. When cleaning up, be thorough; it may not be a pretty subject but it is very important to be clean, especially when hiking. A nasty rash can utterly ruin a good trip, and it's not like you're going to jump into a shower soon.
Bury your waste completely, using the dirt you put behind the pit. Maybe even scrape some dirt, leaves, and other surrounding soil on top of the hole. If you turned over a log or rock, turn it back on top after filling in the hole. My brother taught me a little trick; plant a stick in the hole, straight up. This a warning to any other potential users of your perfect location that this is a dangerous place to dig. By the time the stick would fall down it would likely no longer be a dangerous place to dig. Search the ground for any missing articles, thank the area for the indulgence and thank all the bacteria, fungi, and insects who will turn your waste into soil again for doing such an important if inglorious job. Mosey back to camp, your backpack, trail, or wherever the next destination may be. If near water, a quick hand cleaning is of course in order.
With patience, foresight, and a little knowledge, elimination in nature is, well, natural and not some terrible thing to be endured. Take your time, and do the right thing.
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