Tissue Paper for packing

Most beginner backpackers are grossed out by the idea of packing out their toilet paper, and that’s OK. But it’s an important thing to do in order to preserve our wilderness. Occasionally, you might see bits of toilet paper off to the side of the trail. How gross would it be if every hiker was that careless with their TP?

If you are burying your toilet paper, it still takes a long time to decompose, especially if you are hiking in a dry climate. Packing out TP isn’t really that bad once you get used to it. Even if you are an experienced outdoors woman who has been burying your TP for years, it’s never too late to change your ways.

What You Need:

• Have a Ziploc bag especially for used toilet paper. Some hikers like to double bag it to avoid accidental rips. I like to take a gallon-sized Ziploc and cover it in duct tape so I don’t have to look at the grossness inside.
• Don’t forget the hand sanitizer. I have met plenty of hikers who don’t use hand sanitizer after they do their business (or at all, for that matter). You don’t want to ingest germs or pass them on to other people, so get yourself a mini bottle of the stuff. And on that note, don’t let other hikers touch your food. You never know if someone cleans their hands or not.
• You will also need a digging mechanism. Plenty of people scoff at the idea of carrying a trowel just for the purpose of pooping. You can use your foot to dig, you can use a trekking pole or tent stake or a stick. Lately, I’ve heard other backpackers raving about a new trowel on the market, Deuce of Spades. It only weighs .6 ounces and it can double as a tent stake. It also comes in cool colors. I haven’t tried it myself, but I have heard great reviews. It’s something to consider to make the digging easier.
• I prefer baby wipes over toilet paper. I think that baby wipes make you cleaner, and since they’re damp they are more efficient than toilet paper. You don’t have to use as many! Plus, they are multi-functional. I use them to clean my Diva Cup during that time of the month, and I use them to wipe down my face and armpits when I get too smelly and dirty.
• Finally, I have a bivvy sack to keep all of the bathroom necessities in one place. Sometimes nature calls quickly, and I don’t like having to spend the extra time digging around my pack looking for everything I need. Plus, it’s a good way to keep your TP Ziploc from touching your other stuff.

• Toilet Paper Pack
• Tape, packing
• Tape for packing
• Bubble Paper for packing