Porta Potties between towns

[Lwight]

I have read that in 2019 there were no public restrooms between towns. Is there any update to this situation? I'm prepared for the worst news but it creates more weight and likely many embarrassing moments.

 

[wayfarer]

I have read that in 2019 there were no public restrooms between towns. Is there any update to this situation? I'm prepared for the worst news but it creates more weight and likely many embarrassing moments.

Not to my knowledge.

 

[Tincatinker]

The sanitation situation remains unchanged. Why would it change? Who would pay for that change?

The Camino Frances route is replete with cafes and bars complete with toilet facilities. If you want to use their facilities and don’t want to buy a drink just leave a €1 on the bar with a “gracias”.

If you have a specific health condition that might lead you to challenges there are many on this forum who have faced similar. Plan how you will deal with it and research “leave no trace”.

 

[Anamiri]

I have read that in 2019 there were no public restrooms between towns. Is there any update to this situation? I'm prepared for the worst news but it creates more weight and likely many embarrassing moments.

The towns on the Frances are close enough together that there will be a toilet opportunity in cafes/bars- buy a coffee, use the toilet.
On lesser walked Caminos, be prepared to 'go in the wild', and try not to leave evidence.

 

[Former member 59618]

Buy a roll of toilet paper, smash it flat, stick it in a plastic baggie in an easy to reach spot in your pack. Also, if you have any small compost bags, bring those along, as it’s a handy solution for disposing tissue. Drop the baggie off in the next town. Minimal weight.

 

[C clearly]

Buy a roll of toilet paper, smash it flat, stick it in a plastic baggie

You really don't need to carry a whole roll for possible emergencies!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

You really don't need to carry a whole roll for possible emergencies!

Half a roll?
Or for the ladies, how about using a mini day pad instead to catch drips when neeeding to go on the trail, and dispose at the end of the day?

 

[trecile]

Half a roll?
Or for the ladies, how about using a mini day pad to catch drips; dispose at the end of the day?

I usually have about a quarter of a roll or less - but I buy those big rolls from Costco!

 

[Tigger]

Ah, yes... should we be clear on what a 'roll' really 'is' so we are all working from the same concept?

 

[Former member 59618]

You really don't need to carry a whole roll for possible emergencies!

Oh my god the rolls of tp in Spain are small. I don’t know the OP’s needs and it was just a suggestion. The tp is also nice to have on hand for other things like a runny nose.

 

[Luther]

There is, or was only one that I saw in in 2016, after Sarria. It came at a time I wasn't feeling well and REALLY needed one. I was so happy it wasn't locked. It had no toilet seat, but had paper and indoor plumbing tho!

 

[Jkuhn]

For women look into a kula cloth for when you have to go “in the wild”. It replaces having to carry tp, at least for #1 .

 

[USSusan]

An inexpensive lightweight option for the “nothing left behind” is a doggie poo bag. They come in rolls of about 12 bags and are very lightweight. You can get biodegradable ones. They can also be handy for Apple cores, banana peels, etc. just tie the top and drop in the next trash can.

 

[woody66]

Seriously having no toilet paper is a real bummer !

 

[Rebekah Scott]

it's a pilgrimage. You adjust to conditions.

 

[Smash123]

An inexpensive lightweight option for the “nothing left behind” is a doggie poo bag. They come in rolls of about 12 bags and are very lightweight. You can get biodegradable ones. They can also be handy for Apple cores, banana peels, etc. just tie the top and drop in the next trash can.

I am currently on thé Chemin Le Puy and have a roll of biodegradable doggy poop bags. I started using them to pick up other people’s garbage, and emptying them in trash cans. The idea was to use them for myself au cas ou. I am sure some of what I pick up is dropped accidentally, but a LOT is not.

 

[Tincatinker]

it's a pilgrimage. You adjust to conditions.

Surely the conditions are supposed to adjust to me.....

 

[SF Walker]

Unfortunately, it is very obvious once on the Camino Frances to see where porta potties are needed. There are long stretches where people OBVIOUSLY can't wait and they are not trained in "leave no trace". There are lots of traces along the Camino. On longer, rural stretches one sometimes finds a "rest stop" with picnic tables, awnings, sometimes even BBQs but not a bathroom. At these rest stops, you don't need to walk more than 10 paces to see all the "traces" of bathroom activity. Disgusting--humans spoiling the nest so to speak. Why people can't walk further away to do their business, I don't understand. This is one of my pet peeves.

Some of the rest stops are along dirt roads used by tractors. One particularly nice rest stop had the tables, awning and even trash and recycling receptacles. It was at the junction of a paved road and a dirt, agricultural road. It would have been a great place for a porta potty or a real public restroom. Easy access for the maintenance crew--trucks go buy to pick up the trash, why not have a restroom there?

Very few towns had public restrooms. When they did, they were well maintained and well used.

Perhaps one way to fund porta potties/public restrooms and a maintenance crew would be to charge just a few Euros more for the pilgrim credential and use this money for facilities where they are most needed.

 

[Tincatinker]

Perhaps one way to fund porta potties/public restrooms and a maintenance crew would be to charge just a few Euros more for the pilgrim credential and use this money for facilities where they are most needed.

This is one of those topics that has been thrashed more thoroughly than a Benidorm Donkey but does still need some exercise.

Try here for one exposition https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...ue-on-the-cf-in-particular.71818/#post-962958 or just stick "Portaloo" into the search engine, pour a glass of wine, switch your 'phone to "silent" and enjoy your evening

 

[Tincatinker]

On longer, rural stretches one sometimes finds a "rest stop" with picnic tables, awnings, sometimes even BBQs but not a bathroom.

'S funny innit. Those little recreational spots - Barbie, tap, bit of shade - used by the locals on their inclinational days - everybody tells everybody make sure you've "been" before we go. The kids and especially Grandma. But everybody also knows how to "go" with a bit of discretion - especially Grandma ( she's had some practice over the years) And anyway there's always Uncle Juan with a spade in the back of his quatro/quatro. And then along comes a pilg, finds a spot just off camino, just behind that brick built hearth, just out of sight....

Aach, there's no point arguing this anymore, it's all a load of crap

 

[frannie z]

The sanitation situation remains unchanged. Why would it change? Who would pay for that change?

The Camino Frances route is replete with cafes and bars complete with toilet facilities. If you want to use their facilities and don’t want to buy a drink just leave a €1 on the bar with a “gracias”.

If you have a specific health condition that might lead you to challenges there are many on this forum who have faced similar. Plan how you will deal with it and research “leave no trace”.

Couldn’t state this more stribngly I hope there are NEVER Porto potties on any Camino!! For goodness sake carry a ziplock and some toilet paper. Don’t leave your trace!

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

Half a roll?
Or for the ladies, how about using a mini day pad instead to catch drips when neeeding to go on the trail, and dispose at the end of the day?

Except that one can end up with acid burns on intimate parts…

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

For women look into a kula cloth for when you have to go “in the wild”. It replaces having to carry tp, at least for #1 .

That and a little bit of water from a portable bidet (yes, they make them for camping) — or even a designated squirt bottle and all problems are solved. A little hand sanitizer and water to rinse that sticky feeling away… Bob’s your uncle.

 

[Tincatinker]

Except that one can end up with acid burns on intimate parts…

Drink more water

 

[alexwalker]

Go to the bathroom in the morning. Clean yourself to avoid rash in the heat of day. Carry toilet paper for emergency use. Use restrooms in bars (pay for it).This is not difficult.

Edit: Above all, behave, respect others, and leave no traces. Carry your sh*t with you.

 

[Tincatinker]

Go to the bathroom in the morning. Clean yourself to avoid rash in the heat of day. Carry toilet paper for emergency use. Use restrooms in bars (pay for it).This is not difficult.

Has anyone ever seen a U-bend video or blog or one of any of those other online expositions of Camino where the “hero” does what bears do? Doesn’t the entire online Camino experience mirror Dysney? No one ever takes a shit except Shrek. Wouldn’t it be great if all those bloggers didn’t edit out the “excuse me” bits.
I remember with some affection the faces of some of my OB trainees as I guided them in the digging of a trench latrine and demonstrated how to squat over it and as I cautioned them on the value of good balance and core strength

 

[alexwalker]

Has anyone ever seen a U-bend video or blog or one of any of those other online expositions of Camino where the “hero” does what bears do?

Bears use squirrels that don't lose hair, as wipes..... Environmentally friendly.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Except that one can end up with acid burns on intimate parts…

I've personally had no problem with that..."a lit'l dab will do ya".. No, I'm not talking the old Brylcream advert. jingle.

 

[Tigger]

Has anyone ever seen a U-bend video or blog or one of any of those other online expositions of Camino where the “hero” does what bears do? Doesn’t the entire online Camino experience mirror Dysney? No one ever takes a shit except Shrek. Wouldn’t it be great if all those bloggers didn’t edit out the “excuse me” bits.
I remember with some affection the faces of some of my OB trainees as I guided them in the digging of a trench latrine and demonstrated how to squat over it and as I cautioned them on the value of good balance and core strength

And reminded them when selecting a leaf avoid plants that had three leaves and were shiny...

 

[SF Walker]

This is one of those topics that has been thrashed more thoroughly than a Benidorm Donkey but does still need some exercise.

Try here for one exposition https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...ue-on-the-cf-in-particular.71818/#post-962958 or just stick "Portaloo" into the search engine, pour a glass of wine, switch your 'phone to "silent" and enjoy your evening

Thanks for the link. I see you were the only one to focus on cost and possible solutions. I bet it is all doable and at a reasonable cost. If there's the will there's a way....

 

[trecile]

Thanks for the link. I see you were the only one to focus on cost and possible solutions. I bet it is all doable and at a reasonable cost. If there's the will there's a way....

The problem is that there is no one entity that is in charge of the Camino. Each region has groups that are responsible for maintenance and signage, and some have more funds than others.

 

[Tincatinker]

Thanks for the link. I see you were the only one to focus on cost and possible solutions. I bet it is all doable and at a reasonable cost. If there's the will there's a way....

Thanks, but where it all falls down is that 90% or so of those who walk into Santiago start from near the 100km bar. I suspect they’ll be disinclined to bung €5 to provide for the random few that set out from stranger places

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I think porta-potties along the Caminos sound like an unsightly and "dirty" nightmare to me. I think I'd rather see the tp strewn along the trail behind bushes than catch a "wind" while using those plastic albatrosses dispersed along the trail; unsightly and probably not being taken care of properly.. I'm inclined to find my own bush and pack unmenionables out in a baggie...just saying.
P.S. On all of my Caminos I've never seen more than 2 or 3 poos left out in the open for all to see. I think the odds are slim.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

I've personally had no problem with that..."a lit'l dab will do ya".. No, I'm not talking the old Brylcream advert. jingle.

Personal mileage may vary as they say, but I’ve read this widely in different hiking and field-work guides: the pads were not meant to do this work and their materials do not protect against the acid, and so people who are more sensitive/allergic, inclined to rashes and hives and whatnot need to be forewarned That they should buy the lowest protection incontinence pads, not menstrual ones.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

I think porta-potties along the Caminos sound like an unsightly and "dirty" nightmare to me. I think I'd rather see the tp strewn along the trail behind bushes than catch a "wind" while using those plastic albatrosses dispersed along the trail; unsightly and probably not being taken care of properly.. I'm inclined to find my own bush and pack unmenionables out in a baggie...just saying.
P.S. On all of my Caminos I've never seen more than 2 or 3 poos left out in the open for all to see. I think the odds are slim.

Indeed. I once made the mistake of ducking into one near the church on the way up to Alto de Perdon after Pamplona and my eyes watered and I nearly threw up on my own boots! I had to open the door to catch a breath, and then prop it with my foot… I’ve never encountered such a thing before or since, but it certainly demonstrated a real hazard. Also: I like the term “Plastic albatross” — it’s perfect.

 

[backpack45]

I think porta-potties along the Caminos sound like an unsightly and "dirty" nightmare to me. I think I'd rather see the tp strewn along the trail behind bushes than catch a "wind" while using those plastic albatrosses dispersed along the trail; unsightly and probably not being taken care of properly.. I'm inclined to find my own bush and pack unmenionables out in a baggie...just saying.
P.S. On all of my Caminos I've never seen more than 2 or 3 poos left out in the open for all to see. I think the odds are slim.

Our first Camino walk was in 2001 and I saw lots of tp and some poo. It always seemed to be right next to the nicest shady tree along the way where I want to sit and have a snack. I think porta-potties at picnic grounds would be nice, but clearly it would be expensive to maintain and during the busiest seasons would be awful with the heat. It really is not all that difficult to do the LNT thing--carry doggie bags, some TP, hand sanitizer--and a plastic trowel for emergencies. There are probably others, but for $3.50 on Amazon, you can get yourself Coglan's Backpacker's Trowel. 2 oz.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I think porta-potties along the Caminos sound like an unsightly and "dirty" nightmare to me. I think I'd rather see the tp strewn along the trail behind bushes than catch a "wind" while using those plastic albatrosses dispersed along the trail; unsightly and probably not being taken care of properly.. I'm inclined to find my own bush and pack unmenionables out in a baggie...just saying.
P.S. On all of my Caminos I've never seen more than 2 or 3 poos left out in the open for all to see. I think the odds are slim.

Yes, as I've complained before, it is mostly WOMEN, peeing on the trail and leaving their tp behind.
I think in all the years I've bene walking I've only seen one or two poos as well.

 

[Anitra]

Buy a roll of toilet paper, smash it flat, stick it in a plastic baggie in an easy to reach spot in your pack. Also, if you have any small compost bags, bring those along, as it’s a handy solution for disposing tissue. Drop the baggie off in the next town. Minimal weight.

A roll of doggie doo bags is a very useful addition to your kit. Minimal size and weight but large number of bags. Good for unfinished pieces of food also.

 

[Bradypus]

A roll of doggie doo bags is a very useful addition to your kit. Minimal size and weight but large number of bags. Good for unfinished pieces of food also.

Try not to get them mixed up though.

 

[Dennis Pack]

I can't believe this "problem" needs so much discussion What is already provided for "pilgrims" is way beyond expectations. Seriously
I wonder if there is a "Club Med Camino" anywhere in the world?

 

[Texas Walker]

Buy a roll of toilet paper, smash it flat, stick it in a plastic baggie in an easy to reach spot in your pack. Also, if you have any small compost bags, bring those along, as it’s a handy solution for disposing tissue. Drop the baggie off in the next town. Minimal weight.

Campers' toilet paper rolls. They come in a plastic clamshell, they have no center tube, and they serve in airports, bars, restaurants, etc. etc. etc.
I will also throw in a small word for the poo bags that many folks have in their household supplies to pick up after their pets.

BC

 

[Texas Walker]

And reminded them when selecting a leaf avoid plants that had three leaves and were shiny...

Also be careful with briars...

 

[Sandra Heinzman]

I have read that in 2019 there were no public restrooms between towns. Is there any update to this situation? I'm prepared for the worst news but it creates more weight and likely many embarrassing moments.

I never saw any porta potties my 61 days on the CF last fall! Always used facilities at bars and bought something.

 

[good_old_shoes]

The only one I ever saw, situated on the Mosel Camino in Germany, and pretty sure it wasn't put there for pilgrims... But it was open and very much needed in this moment .

There are quite a few compost toilets on the way from Le Puy, but that's probably because there are much less towns between stages and even less bars/cafes. In France, in the smaller towns and villages, there was often a public toilet, also, usually close to the mairie or market place or sports area.

On the Camino Francés in Spain you'll find an open cafe/bar at almost every corner. That's how you do it on the Francés:

1. Use the bathroom in the albergue in the morning before you start walking.
2. At every open bar/cafe you pass by (which is, with few exceptions, about every half hour to every hour or so), ask yourself, might I need a toilet soon? If the answer is yes, then
3. Go into the bar or cafe and order a coffee (or aquarius, or coke, or bottle of water to carry with you, or a bocadillo, or a beer ect).
4. Use bathroom.
5. Continue walking.

It's really that easy.

For emergencies a large poncho is useful as a screen. It's your portable toilet-tent in areas without trees and bushes where otherwise you can be seen from 5kms away while sitting down to...

As others said, carry out the waste you produced during such an emergency stop.

There's usually no need for those, though, unless someone has a weak bladder or a health problem (which of course requires different planning).

 

[WGroleau]

I have read that in 2019 there were no public restrooms between towns. Is there any update to this situation? I'm prepared for the worst news but it creates more weight and likely many embarrassing moments.

You're new here, so you haven't seen the dozens of discussions about the barbarians who leave their T.P. visible from the trail along with the reason for its use. On Camino Francés, the longest stretch without a village is seventeen kilometers.

 

[Ohanaed]

Buy a roll of toilet paper, smash it flat, stick it in a plastic baggie in an easy to reach spot in your pack. Also, if you have any small compost bags, bring those along, as it’s a handy solution for disposing tissue. Drop the baggie off in the next town. Minimal weight.

I always carry a roll of squashed t.p. It will come in handy.

 

[isawtman]

I come from a backpacking background in the United States so I have developed a system for pooping in the woods. Basically, as a backpacker I started out using a trowel to dig a little cathole someplace, do my duty, then cover it and the tp up with dirt. That's the recommended way of doing it for backpacking. I have changed my technique a little bit over the years. Now, I just use my hiking pole to dig the hole. It's a little bit cruder than a trowel, but it gets the job done, and I have the hiking pole, anyway. I took a crap in the outdoors a grand total of 3 times on the 500 mile Camino Frances. Once was on the 17 km stretch with no towns between Carrion de los Condes and Calzadilla de las Cueza. Another time was on the 13 km stretch with no towns between El Burgo Ranero and Reliegos. Both of those times I went away from the Camino at least 75 yards. I went through a rest area and went out the back to find an area concealed by trees and brush. Basically, there are times that you just have to go, and you need to be ready for it.

 

[trecile]

The Camino isn't a wilderness hike. Unless you have a sudden and urgent problem you should be able to make it to a town with a toilet to empty your bowels. I have thus far on 6 Caminos never had to go "off trail."
If course I carry necessary supplies if I can't make it to a bathroom.

 

[alexwalker]

The Camino isn't a wilderness hike. Unless you have a sudden and urgent problem you should be able to make it to a town with a toilet to empty your bowels. I have thus far on 6 Caminos never had to go "off trail."
If course I carry necessary supplies if I can't make it to a bathroom.

Likewise.

 

[SteveSherry]

I have read that in 2019 there were no public restrooms between towns. Is there any update to this situation? I'm prepared for the worst news but it creates more weight and likely many embarrassing moments.

The rest rooms between towns are called Trees. Just be careful if you need one. A dig and bury your own waste policy is a good one. I only got caught out once and was seconds from disaster so I can provide an extra tip. Don’t buy any freshly squeezed orange juice from roadside vendors who leave their oranges in the sun; enough said.

 

[Leaderene]

I have read that in 2019 there were no public restrooms between towns. Is there any update to this situation? I'm prepared for the worst news but it creates more weight and likely many embarrassing moments.

Bushes, walls, etc I find work very well.

 

[Rita Flower]

Oh my god the rolls of tp in Spain are small. I don’t know the OP’s needs and it was just a suggestion. The tp is also nice to have on hand for other things like a runny nose.

In an attempt to reduce any waste I have returned to the old fashioned hankie for my nose. The two I took on my last Camino got a good workout.