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Toilet Paper Alternatives for Camino. . maybe?

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I'm not a big Earthday person, butt thought this article shares a Camino topic.




A Thru-Hiker's Guide to Toilet Paper Substitutes

APR 15, 2020​


By: Christine Martens

There are two topics of conversation that every thru-hiker seems to bring up sooner rather than later. Of course, the most obvious is food. We're all completely obsessed with food. Food we plan to eat, food we're carrying, food we're craving, and all the potential food options just a couple of days away in the next town. And then, well, there’s what that food leads to.

The next thing hikers are obsessed with is poop. Pooping stories are some of my favorites. I love to ask fellow thru-hikers where the most interesting place they've pooped was. I've heard some good ones. In the middle of a soccer field at night, in the vestibule of a tent, and in a bush by someone's driveway as they were driving past, are a few examples that come to mind. (Important note: the proper cat-hole was dug in each one of these cases.)

When it comes to pooping, a topic that often comes up is the use and availability of toilet paper and toilet paper substitutes. What I am hoping to discuss today are some ideas for toilet paper substitutes that have presented themselves to me over the past decade of hiking in various parts of the world and in various conditions.

Perhaps the best, most enjoyable, most satisfying toilet paper substitute is snow. When hiking southbound on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2014, I found myself hiking through hundreds of miles of snow in northern Washington, which sometimes made it quite difficult to find some actual ground to dig a hole into. I quickly figured out that my ice axe was a great tool for digging holes, and that a tightly packed ball of snow was a great way of reducing my need for toilet paper.

In 2018, I had the privilege of walking most of the length of New Zealand, where I discovered the magic of moss. New Zealand is very wet, and therefore, the moss action is top-notch. There was such an abundance of moss. When I felt how soft and fluffy it was, it was only natural to want to use it as toilet paper. It works amazingly well, and I just take the used chunks of moss and bury them along with my poop in my cat-hole. As a result, I hardly ever used toilet paper in New Zealand.

Once I was on to toilet paper substitutes, I started becoming more adventurous in what I tried. Rocks, if they're smooth or slightly pointed, work alright, and so do smooth sticks. I'm not a huge fan of using pine cones, and although leaves may be an obvious choice, many varieties break easily, so you kind of need to know what you're doing with leaves. Also, poison ivy is not fun to get anywhere on your body. I highly recommend striped maple leaves, taken straight off the tree – but always use two or three layers. Fallen leaves in the fall work great as long as they're not too dry, and again, layer them, because you don't want one thin layer of brittle dead leaf to be what's between your hand and your dirty butt.

Another option, which I've never explored, but I've heard many others that have, is a backcountry bidet. A carefully aimed squirt bottle seems to do the trick.

Since hiking the PCT, where toilet paper basically never degrades in the dry soil, I've always packed out any used toilet paper. Once it became a habit, I decided to keep that habit, even in places where toilet paper would presumably biodegrade quickly. The great upside of using any of the aforementioned options as toilet paper substitutes is that you don’t need to pack any of them out – just bury them along with your fecal waste.

There is one toilet paper substitute that I've been using basically since I started backpacking, and that is paper towels. Although not much different from toilet paper, I have found that paper towels are more sturdy than toilet paper, and the most I need is one paper towel per day of hiking, so it's really easy to take the right amount (I honestly wouldn't know how to ration toilet paper). I would not recommend burying paper towels, though, since they're not as biodegradable as toilet paper.

A good way to transition to toilet paper substitutes is to start by experimenting with some of the options that I've mentioned above for your "first wipe," and then using some kind of paper product for the "final wipe." You may find that depending on what's available on the trail you're on, you quickly convert to needing no toilet paper at all.

---

Christine Martens and John Haffner are outdoor enthusiasts who have hiked several long distance trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. They call Asheville, North Carolina their home, where they’ve worked as hiking guides for
Blue Ridge Hiking Company in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn more about their adventures on their blog.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
I'm not a big Earthday person, butt thought this article shares a Camino topic.




A Thru-Hiker's Guide to Toilet Paper Substitutes

APR 15, 2020​


By: Christine Martens

There are two topics of conversation that every thru-hiker seems to bring up sooner rather than later. Of course, the most obvious is food. We're all completely obsessed with food. Food we plan to eat, food we're carrying, food we're craving, and all the potential food options just a couple of days away in the next town. And then, well, there’s what that food leads to.

The next thing hikers are obsessed with is poop. Pooping stories are some of my favorites. I love to ask fellow thru-hikers where the most interesting place they've pooped was. I've heard some good ones. In the middle of a soccer field at night, in the vestibule of a tent, and in a bush by someone's driveway as they were driving past, are a few examples that come to mind. (Important note: the proper cat-hole was dug in each one of these cases.)

When it comes to pooping, a topic that often comes up is the use and availability of toilet paper and toilet paper substitutes. What I am hoping to discuss today are some ideas for toilet paper substitutes that have presented themselves to me over the past decade of hiking in various parts of the world and in various conditions.

Perhaps the best, most enjoyable, most satisfying toilet paper substitute is snow. When hiking southbound on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2014, I found myself hiking through hundreds of miles of snow in northern Washington, which sometimes made it quite difficult to find some actual ground to dig a hole into. I quickly figured out that my ice axe was a great tool for digging holes, and that a tightly packed ball of snow was a great way of reducing my need for toilet paper.

In 2018, I had the privilege of walking most of the length of New Zealand, where I discovered the magic of moss. New Zealand is very wet, and therefore, the moss action is top-notch. There was such an abundance of moss. When I felt how soft and fluffy it was, it was only natural to want to use it as toilet paper. It works amazingly well, and I just take the used chunks of moss and bury them along with my poop in my cat-hole. As a result, I hardly ever used toilet paper in New Zealand.

Once I was on to toilet paper substitutes, I started becoming more adventurous in what I tried. Rocks, if they're smooth or slightly pointed, work alright, and so do smooth sticks. I'm not a huge fan of using pine cones, and although leaves may be an obvious choice, many varieties break easily, so you kind of need to know what you're doing with leaves. Also, poison ivy is not fun to get anywhere on your body. I highly recommend striped maple leaves, taken straight off the tree – but always use two or three layers. Fallen leaves in the fall work great as long as they're not too dry, and again, layer them, because you don't want one thin layer of brittle dead leaf to be what's between your hand and your dirty butt.

Another option, which I've never explored, but I've heard many others that have, is a backcountry bidet. A carefully aimed squirt bottle seems to do the trick.

Since hiking the PCT, where toilet paper basically never degrades in the dry soil, I've always packed out any used toilet paper. Once it became a habit, I decided to keep that habit, even in places where toilet paper would presumably biodegrade quickly. The great upside of using any of the aforementioned options as toilet paper substitutes is that you don’t need to pack any of them out – just bury them along with your fecal waste.

There is one toilet paper substitute that I've been using basically since I started backpacking, and that is paper towels. Although not much different from toilet paper, I have found that paper towels are more sturdy than toilet paper, and the most I need is one paper towel per day of hiking, so it's really easy to take the right amount (I honestly wouldn't know how to ration toilet paper). I would not recommend burying paper towels, though, since they're not as biodegradable as toilet paper.

A good way to transition to toilet paper substitutes is to start by experimenting with some of the options that I've mentioned above for your "first wipe," and then using some kind of paper product for the "final wipe." You may find that depending on what's available on the trail you're on, you quickly convert to needing no toilet paper at all.

---

Christine Martens and John Haffner are outdoor enthusiasts who have hiked several long distance trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. They call Asheville, North Carolina their home, where they’ve worked as hiking guides for
Blue Ridge Hiking Company in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn more about their adventures on their blog.
Bah! Softies!

What happened to wire wool and Dettol?

:)

The Malingerer.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
When I was a lad, and my dad took me fishing, he showed me how to use a "dock leaf" which is a large broad leafed plant, very common.

Don't wipe too hard with it though, it is organic 😂🚽
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
When I was young, we used corn stalk leaves while out playing ... convenient since there was usually a corn field nearby to ‘go’ in.

Other broad leaves will work. Just know your noxious weeds first.
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
Bah! Softies!

What happened to wire wool and Dettol?

:)

The Malingerer.
Reminds me of one of my old jokes:
Traveling health inspector visits a petrol station in Blackwater on the Capricorn Highway in the Australian outback and after inspecting the toilet calls the proprietor, Charlie, over for a chat. "That toilet is disgusting, Charlie, there is shit all over the bowl. I want you to get it cleaned up. I want to see a wire brush in there and a much cleaner toilet when I am next back here or I will have to close you down". The health inspector then leaves.

Sure enough, six months later he is s back and again inspects the toilet. This time it is even worse. There is not just shit on the bowl but shit on the seat, floor and walls.

He calls Charlie over for a chat and says "Hey Charlie, I thought I told you to clean up the toilet and get a wire brush in there, what happened?"

Charlie, in a slow drawl, replies "Yeah, we tried that for three weeks but no one really liked it so we went back to using newspaper".
 
I'm not a big Earthday person, butt thought this article shares a Camino topic.




A Thru-Hiker's Guide to Toilet Paper Substitutes

APR 15, 2020​


By: Christine Martens



Christine Martens and John Haffner are outdoor enthusiasts who have hiked several long distance trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. They call Asheville, North Carolina their home, where they’ve worked as hiking guides for
Blue Ridge Hiking Company in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn more about their adventures on their blog.

Was the use of "butt" an intentional pun?? Otherwise some useful comments.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
poison ivy is not fun to get anywhere on your body.
Reminds me of a certain woman I know (who will remain almost nameless in this post) who in pre-Rick days did use poison ivy. This last Christmas a friend gifted her with a book titled How to Take a [Dump] in the Woods.
 
Reminds me of a certain woman I know (who will remain almost nameless in this post) who in pre-Rick days did use poison ivy. This last Christmas a friend gifted her with a book titled How to Take a [Dump] in the Woods.
I'm familiar with a book having a very "similar" name as the one you mention.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
I'm not a big Earthday person, butt thought this article shares a Camino topic.




A Thru-Hiker's Guide to Toilet Paper Substitutes

APR 15, 2020​


By: Christine Martens

There are two topics of conversation that every thru-hiker seems to bring up sooner rather than later. Of course, the most obvious is food. We're all completely obsessed with food. Food we plan to eat, food we're carrying, food we're craving, and all the potential food options just a couple of days away in the next town. And then, well, there’s what that food leads to.

The next thing hikers are obsessed with is poop. Pooping stories are some of my favorites. I love to ask fellow thru-hikers where the most interesting place they've pooped was. I've heard some good ones. In the middle of a soccer field at night, in the vestibule of a tent, and in a bush by someone's driveway as they were driving past, are a few examples that come to mind. (Important note: the proper cat-hole was dug in each one of these cases.)

When it comes to pooping, a topic that often comes up is the use and availability of toilet paper and toilet paper substitutes. What I am hoping to discuss today are some ideas for toilet paper substitutes that have presented themselves to me over the past decade of hiking in various parts of the world and in various conditions.

Perhaps the best, most enjoyable, most satisfying toilet paper substitute is snow. When hiking southbound on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2014, I found myself hiking through hundreds of miles of snow in northern Washington, which sometimes made it quite difficult to find some actual ground to dig a hole into. I quickly figured out that my ice axe was a great tool for digging holes, and that a tightly packed ball of snow was a great way of reducing my need for toilet paper.

In 2018, I had the privilege of walking most of the length of New Zealand, where I discovered the magic of moss. New Zealand is very wet, and therefore, the moss action is top-notch. There was such an abundance of moss. When I felt how soft and fluffy it was, it was only natural to want to use it as toilet paper. It works amazingly well, and I just take the used chunks of moss and bury them along with my poop in my cat-hole. As a result, I hardly ever used toilet paper in New Zealand.

Once I was on to toilet paper substitutes, I started becoming more adventurous in what I tried. Rocks, if they're smooth or slightly pointed, work alright, and so do smooth sticks. I'm not a huge fan of using pine cones, and although leaves may be an obvious choice, many varieties break easily, so you kind of need to know what you're doing with leaves. Also, poison ivy is not fun to get anywhere on your body. I highly recommend striped maple leaves, taken straight off the tree – but always use two or three layers. Fallen leaves in the fall work great as long as they're not too dry, and again, layer them, because you don't want one thin layer of brittle dead leaf to be what's between your hand and your dirty butt.

Another option, which I've never explored, but I've heard many others that have, is a backcountry bidet. A carefully aimed squirt bottle seems to do the trick.

Since hiking the PCT, where toilet paper basically never degrades in the dry soil, I've always packed out any used toilet paper. Once it became a habit, I decided to keep that habit, even in places where toilet paper would presumably biodegrade quickly. The great upside of using any of the aforementioned options as toilet paper substitutes is that you don’t need to pack any of them out – just bury them along with your fecal waste.

There is one toilet paper substitute that I've been using basically since I started backpacking, and that is paper towels. Although not much different from toilet paper, I have found that paper towels are more sturdy than toilet paper, and the most I need is one paper towel per day of hiking, so it's really easy to take the right amount (I honestly wouldn't know how to ration toilet paper). I would not recommend burying paper towels, though, since they're not as biodegradable as toilet paper.

A good way to transition to toilet paper substitutes is to start by experimenting with some of the options that I've mentioned above for your "first wipe," and then using some kind of paper product for the "final wipe." You may find that depending on what's available on the trail you're on, you quickly convert to needing no toilet paper at all.

---

Christine Martens and John Haffner are outdoor enthusiasts who have hiked several long distance trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. They call Asheville, North Carolina their home, where they’ve worked as hiking guides for
Blue Ridge Hiking Company in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn more about their adventures on their blog.
We hike with our local Mountain Club, and you are expected to carry out any toilet paper you may use. A Ziploc bag works!
 
We hike with our local Mountain Club, and you are expected to carry out any toilet paper you may use. A Ziploc bag works!

Yeah, that is a common strategy discussed on the Forum, too.

Any of us who have grown up backpacking and climbing have long done that as a normal and natural course of action. This Forum's members, and members from other Camino groups, are trying to bring The Word to others on The Way. :)
 
It seems that anytime you take a step or two off the CF or look behind a bush or tree there is a mammoth pile not of TP but of the handy wipes. Maybe not so handy for the farmer who has to clean up after thoughtless pilgrims. I wish there was some sort of effort to educate pilgrims about cleaning up after ourselves. You can’t really hold people accountable to a rule or an expectation that is never communicated.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
It seems that anytime you take a step or two off the CF or look behind a bush or tree there is a mammoth pile not of TP but of the handy wipes. Maybe not so handy for the farmer who has to clean up after thoughtless pilgrims. I wish there was some sort of effort to educate pilgrims about cleaning up after ourselves. You can’t really hold people accountable to a rule or an expectation that is never communicated.
There have been several threads over the past few years dedicated to this problem. Various helpful suggestions have been offered to educate pilgrims on how to do a better "job". It never hurts to be reminded again.
 
Last year we were fortunate to do a long walk on trails from just outside Ljubljana, Slovenia to Trieste, Italy. One memorable spot was almost right on the trail where it was obvious a group of people had stopped to take a "break" and left everything out for anyone else passing to see. It was disgusting. We hike the backcountry with the leave no trace except for footprints philosophy. It's not hard! Aside from that, the trek was absolutely wonderful.
 
You can’t really hold people accountable to a rule or an expectation that is never communicated.

I cannot disagree with the thought behind this, but that leads me to ask if discarding litter is acceptable in some nations? Or is it an expectation -regardless of regulation - for people to dispose of it in trash bins? That doesn't even go into human waste contaminated litter.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
This idea is kind of on the same subject. I think you should have to buy the "Pilgrim's Passport". With it you are entitled to stay at Camino albergues for their typical fee. (should include muunicipals, privates, hotels - (if you want the pilgrim's discount),parrochials, monasteries, convents, parrish, etc. You can still do your pilgrimage without a passport, but can't stay at albergues.
Many of us are flying to Spain, and many are taking trains, buses, & even boats- tainswe are all spending lots just to get to our starting point. My best guess for the half of us starting back closer to France, we are doing it in up to 30 to 40 nights at an minimum daily expense of $20+ which is about $600 minimum. Most are typically closer to $30 +/- or $1,000 +/- Surely we can all afford $20 or $30 for the "pilgrim passport" (especially when you consider the average cost of round trip transportation (maybe another $1,000 +/-)
Last year there were about 350,000 pilgrims who completed their pilgrimage. 350,000 X $20 = $ 7 Million !! per Year! $10 Million if price is $30/passport!!! per year !!! Think of all the improvements which could be made over time with that kind of money. They could place Porta Potty sanitary toilets, which cost $700 to buy every kilometer for 800 kilometers for $560,000. Let's say another $1,440,000 for daily servicing at $5 per day for 800 porta pottys. So first year they are at $2,000,000, which leaves $5,000,000 for trail improvements. More water fountains, more resting benches, more graffiti on signs cleaning, more all kinds of stuff. Am I crazy? If you knew there was going to be a fully stocked, serviced toilet every kilometer, you probably would wait, and not have to worry about paper and hole digging. :cool:
 
This idea is kind of on the same subject. I think you should have to buy the "Pilgrim's Passport". With it you are entitled to stay at Camino albergues for their typical fee. (should include muunicipals, privates, hotels - (if you want the pilgrim's discount),parrochials, monasteries, convents, parrish, etc. You can still do your pilgrimage without a passport, but can't stay at albergues.
Many of us are flying to Spain, and many are taking trains, buses, & even boats- tainswe are all spending lots just to get to our starting point. My best guess for the half of us starting back closer to France, we are doing it in up to 30 to 40 nights at an minimum daily expense of $20+ which is about $600 minimum. Most are typically closer to $30 +/- or $1,000 +/- Surely we can all afford $20 or $30 for the "pilgrim passport" (especially when you consider the average cost of round trip transportation (maybe another $1,000 +/-)
Last year there were about 350,000 pilgrims who completed their pilgrimage. 350,000 X $20 = $ 7 Million !! per Year! $10 Million if price is $30/passport!!! per year !!! Think of all the improvements which could be made over time with that kind of money. They could place Porta Potty sanitary toilets, which cost $700 to buy every kilometer for 800 kilometers for $560,000. Let's say another $1,440,000 for daily servicing at $5 per day for 800 porta pottys. So first year they are at $2,000,000, which leaves $5,000,000 for trail improvements. More water fountains, more resting benches, more graffiti on signs cleaning, more all kinds of stuff. Am I crazy? If you knew there was going to be a fully stocked, serviced toilet every kilometer, you probably would wait, and not have to worry about paper and hole digging. :cool:

Interesting. The Credencial is already required for most alburgue use. As a Catholic Church document, I don't think approval would be granted to do what you propose.. . but who knows?

There was a thread last year that became a bit contentious on the issue of porta potties on the Camino, who would be taking care of them, etc.. . . . . I am too lazy to search for it right now, but it would probably make for a good read. :)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
I'm not a big Earthday person, butt thought this article shares a Camino topic.




A Thru-Hiker's Guide to Toilet Paper Substitutes

APR 15, 2020​


By: Christine Martens

There are two topics of conversation that every thru-hiker seems to bring up sooner rather than later. Of course, the most obvious is food. We're all completely obsessed with food. Food we plan to eat, food we're carrying, food we're craving, and all the potential food options just a couple of days away in the next town. And then, well, there’s what that food leads to.

The next thing hikers are obsessed with is poop. Pooping stories are some of my favorites. I love to ask fellow thru-hikers where the most interesting place they've pooped was. I've heard some good ones. In the middle of a soccer field at night, in the vestibule of a tent, and in a bush by someone's driveway as they were driving past, are a few examples that come to mind. (Important note: the proper cat-hole was dug in each one of these cases.)

When it comes to pooping, a topic that often comes up is the use and availability of toilet paper and toilet paper substitutes. What I am hoping to discuss today are some ideas for toilet paper substitutes that have presented themselves to me over the past decade of hiking in various parts of the world and in various conditions.

Perhaps the best, most enjoyable, most satisfying toilet paper substitute is snow. When hiking southbound on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2014, I found myself hiking through hundreds of miles of snow in northern Washington, which sometimes made it quite difficult to find some actual ground to dig a hole into. I quickly figured out that my ice axe was a great tool for digging holes, and that a tightly packed ball of snow was a great way of reducing my need for toilet paper.

In 2018, I had the privilege of walking most of the length of New Zealand, where I discovered the magic of moss. New Zealand is very wet, and therefore, the moss action is top-notch. There was such an abundance of moss. When I felt how soft and fluffy it was, it was only natural to want to use it as toilet paper. It works amazingly well, and I just take the used chunks of moss and bury them along with my poop in my cat-hole. As a result, I hardly ever used toilet paper in New Zealand.

Once I was on to toilet paper substitutes, I started becoming more adventurous in what I tried. Rocks, if they're smooth or slightly pointed, work alright, and so do smooth sticks. I'm not a huge fan of using pine cones, and although leaves may be an obvious choice, many varieties break easily, so you kind of need to know what you're doing with leaves. Also, poison ivy is not fun to get anywhere on your body. I highly recommend striped maple leaves, taken straight off the tree – but always use two or three layers. Fallen leaves in the fall work great as long as they're not too dry, and again, layer them, because you don't want one thin layer of brittle dead leaf to be what's between your hand and your dirty butt.

Another option, which I've never explored, but I've heard many others that have, is a backcountry bidet. A carefully aimed squirt bottle seems to do the trick.

Since hiking the PCT, where toilet paper basically never degrades in the dry soil, I've always packed out any used toilet paper. Once it became a habit, I decided to keep that habit, even in places where toilet paper would presumably biodegrade quickly. The great upside of using any of the aforementioned options as toilet paper substitutes is that you don’t need to pack any of them out – just bury them along with your fecal waste.

There is one toilet paper substitute that I've been using basically since I started backpacking, and that is paper towels. Although not much different from toilet paper, I have found that paper towels are more sturdy than toilet paper, and the most I need is one paper towel per day of hiking, so it's really easy to take the right amount (I honestly wouldn't know how to ration toilet paper). I would not recommend burying paper towels, though, since they're not as biodegradable as toilet paper.

A good way to transition to toilet paper substitutes is to start by experimenting with some of the options that I've mentioned above for your "first wipe," and then using some kind of paper product for the "final wipe." You may find that depending on what's available on the trail you're on, you quickly convert to needing no toilet paper at all.

---

Christine Martens and John Haffner are outdoor enthusiasts who have hiked several long distance trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. They call Asheville, North Carolina their home, where they’ve worked as hiking guides for
Blue Ridge Hiking Company in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn more about their adventures on their blog.
Davebugg, have you ever considered the very "Continental" portable bidet sprayer? They are the best alternative to toilet paper plus you don't need to pack anything out. There are different companies that make them and are reasonably priced.



Or you could also use bottle with a cap that opens when you press one side so the contents come out at an angle.

Just saying:)

Ultreïa,

Mary
 
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Davebugg I wish I had known you were in NZ. We live on the route of the Te Araroa. You are something of a hero in our house and have learned so much from you.

I appreciate your kind words. I live in the North central region of Washington State in the US. If you are referring to the article, its author had the good fortune to visit there. . I did not write the actual article itself.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Gosh, the things I haven’t thought of; call me posh but I had planned to just have stops along the way where I could get food & use a bathroom; I do love walking but not too good on anything related to penance...😐 ps thanks for your thoughtfulness, we do not appreciate exposed toilet waste here in NZ, it’s most definitely frowned upon & hopefully a law against it by now (‘freedom camping’ is a swear-phrase here)...
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
that leads me to ask if discarding litter is acceptable in some nations?
I spent some time in China several years ago. The cities are kept spotless by the sanitation workers, but the "leave no trace" principal did not seem to have reached the countryside at all. I visited one ancient hilltop shrine popular with bus tours, where the general litter was ankle deep, with nowhere in the vicinity to dispose of it. Our country hostel had its own version of an albergue, with dormitory rooms for groups. The common areas were spotless, but the fields in the vicinity were littered with unburied feces, paper of various sorts and other garbage. I conclude that standards, and how they are enforced, can be quite varied in different places.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
A Porta Potty every few kilometres? Please, no! There are enough "improvements" on the Camino Frances since I first walked it. I shall forever mourn the beautiful narrow earth path through nature's garden just beyond Villares de Orbigo. When I first walked it the flowers were so prolific and the path so winding and interesting, it felt like the plan of a master landscaper. Now there is a straight 8 metre wide bulldozed roadway with pushed up high banks destroying the wildflowers.
 
I never carry toilet papier when walking a Camino. Personally, I’ve grown accustomed to using a creditcard:
  • It’s reusable numerous times, if treated with care.
  • It’s easily cleanable: just use the soles of your shoes to wipe of the worst ’dirt’.
  • Using the card at a cash machine or to pay for groceries will help to clean off the last bits.
  • Every pilgrim carries one and it’s lightweight.
;)
 
In a month on the Camino, I was NEVER so far away that I couldn't find an indoor bathroom with flush toilets. Occasionally I used the Kleenex I carried in my pocket, if the timer-light went out and I couldn't find the toilet paper in the dark. But really, Spain is not the wilderness! It's where people live! Do people come and poop on the ground in your neighborhood? I realize some men feel it's okay to pee outdoors in the city, but I wish they wouldn't (the smell of alleys behind bars ... ewwww).
 
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A selection of Camino Jewellery
I make sure my guts are emptied out before I start walking, or wait until I get to a bar. No intention of doing #2 on the road.
 
Saw this product advertised today while I was looking at hiking stuff. It seems to be what Davebugg was suggesting at the start of the thread.
I’d pretty happily consider this as it obviates any need for TP.
I’ve never done a “stop, drop, roll” on the trail, but I’ve had to pee a few times, and though I’ve always packed out my TP in a baggie, I think I’d rather have a porta-bidet!

 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
Other than the lesser walked routes, through less populated areas, the Camino (especially the Frances) is not an actual hike in any stretch of the imagination. Really no need for using leaves, snow or any other type of field expedient butt wiper, and believe me from experience (army, actual hikes in wilderness) you really don't want to use them.
The waste covered toilet paper, whilst nasty, rude and disgusting is actually not that common an occurrence even on the Frances. Seems to be concentrated in certain spots. In areas you expect to see it. All toilet paper does disintegrate in a heavy rain. Not saying I like seeing it, but it will fall apart eventually. Mind you, I too would prefer nobody does number two anywhere near the Camino route path. In my own personal experience after about 200 days on the Camino routes, not once have I had to do number two while walking. Mind you, I have come close though, and of course have in my backpack toilet paper and hand sanitizer in the event I did.
Probably the best solution for those concerned would be carry biodegradable toilet paper and a lightweight trowel. Keep in a large ziplock bag in an outside pocket of the pack.
 
Other than the lesser walked routes, through less populated areas, the Camino (especially the Frances) is not an actual hike in any stretch of the imagination. Really no need for using leaves, snow or any other type of field expedient butt wiper, and believe me from experience (army, actual hikes in wilderness) you really don't want to use them.
The waste covered toilet paper, whilst nasty, rude and disgusting is actually not that common an occurrence even on the Frances. Seems to be concentrated in certain spots. In areas you expect to see it. All toilet paper does disintegrate in a heavy rain. Not saying I like seeing it, but it will fall apart eventually. Mind you, I too would prefer nobody does number two anywhere near the Camino route path. In my own personal experience after about 200 days on the Camino routes, not once have I had to do number two while walking. Mind you, I have come close though, and of course have in my backpack toilet paper and hand sanitizer in the event I did.
Probably the best solution for those concerned would be carry biodegradable toilet paper and a lightweight trowel. Keep in a large ziplock bag in an outside pocket of the pack.

Noting that the women-folk tend to use TP without having to do “number two”. Some have recommended panty-liners but that seems unwise to me as the acid in urine would actually be held near to the skin using such a method (liners are not the same as a product like “Depends” and function differently; products such as Depends seem like overkill). The little ports-bidet has the added attraction of having a bit of water to give the hands a rinse.

But right at this minute? I feel we are in a “who am I kidding? We are never going to be able to return to Camino...” as we walk back to lockdowns....
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Perhaps it is my age, but If I tried to use some of these methods, I’m wondering 😀😀🤪 ....would I be able to contine walking?


6E5B3887-12E4-4CCC-8180-60228262783B.jpeg
No, I think I will continue to carry my tissues and doggie bags and be able to leave no trace!
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Or you could try the SheWee https://www.shewee.co.nz/ It allows women to urinate while standing up and without removing clothing. My travelling daughter recommends it.
It sounds like a great idea, but I've tried it before and it only works if you wear no underwear and cut a big slit in the crotch of your pants, or pull everything completely down, but then you are more exposed than squatting.
Btw, my SheWee is for sale.😂
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
It sounds like a great idea, but I've tried it before and it only works if you wear no underwear and cut a big slit in the crotch of your pants, or pull everything completely down, but then you are more exposed than squatting.
Btw, my SheWee is for sale.😂
I agree. The only thing the shewee and other feminine urinary devices did for me was allowed me to pee down my leg!
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
It sounds like a great idea, but I've tried it before and it only works if you wear no underwear and cut a big slit in the crotch of your pants, or pull everything completely down, but then you are more exposed than squatting.
Btw, my SheWee is for sale.😂
I researched several FUDs (female urinary devices), and ended up with a Pstyle - I believe that someone here recommended it. Rather than a funnel it's more of a chute. I've practiced with it at home in the shower, but fortunately, I've never had to use it on the Camino. I've always been able to find a bar when I need to use a toilet. I make a point of knowing how far the next town is, and not leaving a town without using los servicios, whether I need to or not, if it's quite a distance to the next town.
 
I carry a plastic trowel to bury my tp and other waste, for those situations where my body just can't wait, and, of course, I try to get out of view. When walking the VdlP, I found myself "caught short" in a farming region; a gravel road with fields on both sides and deep ditches. I thought I could get out of sight, but as I was clambering down into the ditch a large farm machine arrived, parked itself in the corner of the field facing my ditch and sat there. When the driver took out his phone and started to talk (or take photos, for all I know) I gave up, climbed out of the ditch and went on, without doing the necessary or revealing anything more than I wished to reveal to an ignorant male. I can't remember how far I had to walk in discomfort after that. But there are also situations, in very dry or rocky territory, where it can be impossible to dig a hole. I do the best I can, climbing well out of view of the trail. Consciousness is important here. I try to avoid offending anyone. And there are health issues involved in deliberately risking dehydration to avoid having to relieve oneself on the trail,
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
It sounds like a great idea, but I've tried it before and it only works if you wear no underwear and cut a big slit in the crotch of your pants, or pull everything completely down, but then you are more exposed than squatting.
Btw, my SheWee is for sale.😂
My late dutch mother told me that the female field workers had underwear with slits in the crotches so they could squat in the fields and do their business (#1) with their long skirts giving themselves privacy. I like the SheWee and once you get the hang of it, there are no issues using it.
 
Is the use of paper and other objects to clean ourselves purely a Western thing?
In many parts of the world the left hand and lots of water is all that is required ;)

And Yes I have tried it, when I had to, as that was how the local toilets were equipped.
Hole in the floor and a big bucket of water or hose.
It works fine.

I just feel the need for lots more water and soap to wash my hands!
Seriously though, if you have plenty of water, (a stream of water is ideal like from your water bottle) it works fine.....

Actually far more hygienic in many ways when you think about it.
(just remember to eat with your right hand)

Someone once compared the Western habits like this.............

Imagine after dinner, merely wiping your dishes with paper and putting them away. Yuk! :eek:


Top Tip. If travelling in countries without Western style toilets, which apparently are very bad for the body's natural motions anyway, always carry a bit of TP for blotting dry....
 
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Exactly. If the same substance 💩 was on your fingers a quick wipe with a dry tissue wouldn't cut it!
But a lot easier to clean your fingers :D

This could get gross if we get too descriptive, but actually your fingers survive fairly 'un-yukky' ;)

We need an expert opinion. Where's @VNwalking when you need her ?
You must be used to this in your part of the World I think?
 
I wish that when we built our house 15 years ago I had had the foresight to have electrical outlets installed near the toilets so that we could easily install those wonderful Japanese bidet seats.
I think that they are especially wonderful for the elderly who need a little help in that area.
 
I'm with trecile. I have the Pstyle and really love it. Caught in heavy rain on the Sanabrés in the spring of 2017 with down jacket, windbreaker, pack, and a long raincoat over everything. Really had to go! There was no place dry to take the raincoat and pack off and that is when I vowed to try a FUD. (I had had the experience of not taking backpack off and squatting, luckily when with my husband -- I grabbed a branch to help myself up and it broke. He had to come and help the "turtle" upright.)
I carry the "device" with a small (6x6) baby washcloth from the $ store (it serves as the TP) in a little drawstring bag which hangs from my belt. (No one has any idea...) When I wash my clothes at night I wash it too. The system has served me well on 2 subsequent caminos and hikes around here.
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
I wish that when we built our house 15 years ago I had had the foresight to have electrical outlets installed near the toilets so that we could easily install those wonderful Japanese bidet seats.
I think that they are especially wonderful for the elderly who need a little help in that area.

Being married to a Thai, we have those little hoses on the wall next to the toilet. Love them !
The paper is merely to 'pat dry'........
Very easy to install.


Spray.jpeg
 
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This idea is kind of on the same subject. I think you should have to buy the "Pilgrim's Passport". With it you are entitled to stay at Camino albergues for their typical fee. (should include muunicipals, privates, hotels - (if you want the pilgrim's discount),parrochials, monasteries, convents, parrish, etc. You can still do your pilgrimage without a passport, but can't stay at albergues.
Many of us are flying to Spain, and many are taking trains, buses, & even boats- tainswe are all spending lots just to get to our starting point. My best guess for the half of us starting back closer to France, we are doing it in up to 30 to 40 nights at an minimum daily expense of $20+ which is about $600 minimum. Most are typically closer to $30 +/- or $1,000 +/- Surely we can all afford $20 or $30 for the "pilgrim passport" (especially when you consider the average cost of round trip transportation (maybe another $1,000 +/-)
Last year there were about 350,000 pilgrims who completed their pilgrimage. 350,000 X $20 = $ 7 Million !! per Year! $10 Million if price is $30/passport!!! per year !!! Think of all the improvements which could be made over time with that kind of money. They could place Porta Potty sanitary toilets, which cost $700 to buy every kilometer for 800 kilometers for $560,000. Let's say another $1,440,000 for daily servicing at $5 per day for 800 porta pottys. So first year they are at $2,000,000, which leaves $5,000,000 for trail improvements. More water fountains, more resting benches, more graffiti on signs cleaning, more all kinds of stuff. Am I crazy? If you knew there was going to be a fully stocked, serviced toilet every kilometer, you probably would wait, and not have to worry about paper and hole digging. :cool:
Totally understandable. Having the privilege to travel a historical and life changing route is a once in a lifetime experience.
 
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I did end up buying the port-bidet! It is not very heavy — made of silicone and it folds up like an accordion so that as you use the water you can still maintain water pressure.
I have not had the opportunity to take it on a long walk because lockdown happened and such things are not allowed here. Cops can stop us to see if we are a “reasonable distance” from home on an exercise walk.
Anyway, I bought some little terry cloth wipes to go with, and I would carry 2-3 of those and just pop them into my laundry on an ”as needed” basis.
Maybe in 2022 I will see how well it goes on an actual Camino.
Some contacts in Spain are saying” 2023...
 
I wish that when we built our house 15 years ago I had had the foresight to have electrical outlets installed near the toilets so that we could easily install those wonderful Japanese bidet seats.
I think that they are especially wonderful for the elderly who need a little help in that area.
A Bidet....
Every time I see a bidet I think of my dear old Dad.
Many years ago when we were all somewhere or other, he came out of the bathroom looking very pleased with himself...
"They've even got a contraption to wash our feet in" he said
When we explained the nature of a bidet, he didn't stop laughing for the week!
And his feet were well washed I think!!!!
 
Reminds me of a certain woman I know (who will remain almost nameless in this post) who in pre-Rick days did use poison ivy. This last Christmas a friend gifted her with a book titled How to Take a [Dump] in the Woods.
Other than the lesser walked routes, through less populated areas, the Camino (especially the Frances) is not an actual hike in any stretch of the imagination. Really no need for using leaves, snow or any other type of field expedient butt wiper, and believe me from experience (army, actual hikes in wilderness) you really don't want to use them.
The waste covered toilet paper, whilst nasty, rude and disgusting is actually not that common an occurrence even on the Frances. Seems to be concentrated in certain spots. In areas you expect to see it. All toilet paper does disintegrate in a heavy rain. Not saying I like seeing it, but it will fall apart eventually. Mind you, I too would prefer nobody does number two anywhere near the Camino route path. In my own personal experience after about 200 days on the Camino routes, not once have I had to do number two while walking. Mind you, I have come close though, and of course have in my backpack toilet paper and hand sanitizer in the event I did.
Probably the best solution for those concerned would be carry biodegradable toilet paper and a lightweight trowel. Keep in a large ziplock bag in an outside pocket of the pack.
I live on the Camino after Sarria, so unfortunately, the first day for many new pilgrims. So, many are caught short, and toilet paper litters beside the path wherever there is a little side track. The summers are dry so it takes a long time for the paper to degrade. I wish for brown paper, so it blends in more with the environment and so I don't have to see the brown poo marks.
The other issue I have had is people expecting to use my loo. In previous years I have provided a place for pilgrims to rest and donativo snacks and bottled water. I am in a small village and have a small fosa septica, a hole in the rock, which has to be pumped out when it is full - a messy, smelly operation. I have been abused by many a pilgrim when I have refused the use of my toilet, one even telling me I was not a good Christian. Fortunately, Vilachá in the last year boasted 2 bars, so I could point pilgrims elsewhere. Although, the bar owners have had to enforce a "please buy something to use our toilets" policy., as in summer there are thousands a day. So, whilst the Camino is not a wilderness trek, there are sections where one walks 7 or 8 kilometers between bars, so pilgrims do need to be prepared to manage their own evacuations should they have the urgent need between facilities.
When the Camino reopens, in this Jacobean year the numbers will be enormous..I read 350,000 completed the Camino last year. Do the maths. If 10 of those thousands use the same off path place to have a number 2 and leave loo paper, I will be virtually knee deep in it by the end of the year. Needless to say, I am enjoying immensely the freedom of walking up the Camino at the moment and after all the winter rain it is pristine.
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
Demolition man with Sly Stallone springs to mind
John Spartan : I'm happy that you're happy, but the place where you're supposed to have the toilet paper, you've got this little shelf with three seashells on it.

Erwin : He doesn't know how to use the three seashells!
 
One benefit of being an intelligence officer is many of us have access, as a researcher, to the National Archives. I have found that, in other countries, they will recognize the credential and you then have access to some very cool national museums and historical sites. While stationed in Paris, I used the creds on many occasions; one being Versailles. Here's an interesting "poop" fact about the palace. Other than facilities for key residents, visitors to the palace had to relieve themselves where ever. That meant, hallways, behind columns, stairwells, etc. When you walk along the well manicured "Thousand Mile Garden" there are many enclosed mini-gardens that are used, even to this day, by visitors for a "comfort station." I personally, once checking for the occasional "land mine", took advantage to "Skip the lite fandango" behind said royal foliage.
Buen "Ah, misspent youth..." Camino
Arn
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Since we are on the toilet topic, I just wrote a blog post about these kinds of issues/tissues. hehe
 

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