The Use Of A Latrine When Camping In The Woods

Let's face it everyone goes and when out camping in remote sections of the forest it is necessary to provide a safe way to build and hide waste, instead of leaving a mess for someone else to come across. Most campgrounds have a means of disposal such as outhouses or better yet flush-able means. But off in the back country it is important to build a good latrine to handle the job.

It is important to consider its placement by paying attention to wind direction and your tent location, where your water source is located and a place that provides privacy. Building the latrine involves digging a hole or trench in the ground. For a family of 4 adults for a week, the hole should be about the size of a 10 gallon pail. Put the removed dirt in a pile, off to the side to be used to cover the latrine when you leave. For every 2 additional adults the hole should be about 5 gallons bigger. After the hole gets to about 2 feet in diameter it is suggested to start digging deeper to increase the size of the hole. Strong branches are used to build a seat or platform over the hole for safety and support in use.



Have you ever had the need to build a latrine or do you only use campgrounds that supply a place to go?

 

What about thunderboxes @shmuel.mule?

Personally that looks like way too much effort to me, I use the same method @MacGyver does. One time use and everyone does their own.

 

I didn't know it was a term used by the Aussies, that probably explains why I don't hear it used often. (except on camping babble, haha)

 

Just make sure it is stable and secure, you wouldn't want someone to be sitting on that when it SNAPS and then fall ass down into the mud.