The Best Way to Go to Bathroom Off the Grid
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Going camping is a great way to enjoy nature and just get away from it all. But when you’re miles away from civilization, with no indoor plumbing or even a pit toilet in sight, how do you go to the bathroom?
Let's face it, for most guys, the answer is pretty simple, at least when it comes to going pee, taking a whiz, or whatever you want to call it. But for women or when it’s time for more “solid” efforts, it can get a bit more challenging. And, believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to take care of business when you’re camping in remote locations.
In this video, Regena and I discuss the different ways you can go to the bathroom when you’re off grid and we will talk about which ones are best for treading lightly and leaving things better than you found them. We have used several different types of camping toilets on our overland adventures during the past few years and we will share our firsthand experience of the pros and cons of each, including a cassette toilet, a foldable toilet with disposable waste bag, and the good ‘ol shovel and cathole technique.
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ℹ️ PRODUCTS IN THIS VIDEO ℹ️
Cassette Toilet: trailrecon.com/dometic-972-po...
Foldable Toilet: trailrecon.com/instaprivy-toi...
Shovel: trailrecon.com/krazy-beaver-t...
Cathole Shovel: trailrecon.com/gsi-outdoors-c...
✏️ RELATED BLOG ✏️
Going to the Bathroom When You're Camping Off Grid: trailrecon.com/Going-to-the-B...
📲 SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS 📲
Facebook: trailrecon
Facebook Group: groups/trailrecon
Instagram: trailrecon
Cassette Toilet: trailrecon.com/dometic-972-po...
Foldable Toilet: trailrecon.com/instaprivy-toi...
Shovel: trailrecon.com/krazy-beaver-t...
Cathole Shovel: trailrecon.com/gsi-outdoors-c...
Пікірлер: 324
Volunteered on a trail system with a bag of trowels educating people to bury their poop. A smarty pants said "how do you know it's people pooping on the trail and not a dog? I said "dog's don't use toilet paper". Being older now I poop frequently. SO what I do camping is get ashes to put on the poop. It kills 90% of the oder. Just a small amount does the trick.
Brad looked so uncomfortable that whole time 😂 so glad y’all tackled this topic though and loving seeing Regina more especially with this one with it is a big reason she’s going out more with you
@TrailRecon
Жыл бұрын
LOL! Admittedly not my favorite conversation I've had on video.
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! This was definitely an unusual topic!😊
@AliciaInJeep
Жыл бұрын
You can tell that Brad wasn't happy about it, but they both were very natural and comfortable enough for me to watch without feeling bad for them. At the end of the day - we all do it, right?
@AliciaInJeep
Жыл бұрын
@@TrailRecon maybe not, but you did with grace and your personal charm anyway.
We use the cassette currently but have used the Luggable Loo with bags. One advantage of the LL is the bucket, you can just keep the used bags in there and set new bags on top. That way if there are leaks just throw the whole thing away when you get home.
Sensitive topic - well done.
Well done, guys! In the context of this video topic, that big red shovel was hilarious compared to the little orange one. Brad suddenly jumps up and says “Be back in an hour, honey; this one calls for the red shovel”.
I’ve used all three methods also. I have to keep the cassette toilet for when my wife camps. It is too bulky and gross to dump and clean. I currently use a HD bucket with the toilet seat lid. I crack up every time I use it because it says “LETS DO THIS” on the side. 🤣
@TheChicagOP
Жыл бұрын
This is gold
@glenneric1
Жыл бұрын
I imagine, with a bucket of pine scented kitty litter/mulch to pour on before and after, this would be ideal.
@michaelmattern8051
Жыл бұрын
@@glenneric1 I use Double Doodie bags. They have a chemical in the bottoms that dissolves the waste and the bag is a double bag with a double seal.
As a trail wife I really appreciate you for covering the business side of things 😊.
I cared for my stepfather with dementia for years and carried a foldable toilet. He didn’t have good control. But we both enjoyed being off-road. I still put mine in my SUV’s. But I totally prefer the cassette! It’s not glamorous but it’s a fact and honestly with your training I think you guys were the perfect people for this discussion. Thanks! I have seeing signs right alone the road.
I have a bucket with a toilet seat on it, and we use the bags.
Years ago when I had a pop-up camper this subject was one that always came up, especially if we were dispersed camping. I finally bought a cassette toilet and that made things much much better. The whole subject is one that many do not think about or even talk about, but "Leave no trace" takes many forms and this is one of them. Until next time... Travel Safe.
I realize this may be a delicate and weird subject to discuss for some people but you two did a great job with it. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experiences with all methods of waste disposal. I have added the foldable unit to my list of "must haves" for the overland trailer build.
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! We love the foldable because it's pretty compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to pack.
Thank you for telling it like it is.great conversation and good humor too. Very helpful.
Surely I'm not alone since this video exists but this is an important topic as it relates to getting my bride to be comfortable camping "roughing it" out in the AZ desert whilst Jeepin'. Pushing play now :)
Great video on a not often talked about topic. Like yourselves, we started out with the cassette toilet and then graduated to the pett. Yes, the three-legs can be tricky. I might have to check out the more stable folding variety.
This was probably the most informative video I've viewed in quite some time, my rig is a Jeep TJ so space is a big consideration and that folding toilet seems like a game changer! Thanks!
Thanks you guys!! Very important topic! Glad you made it through!
Keeping every topic covered as always. Love it.
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! 😉
You should call this a Public Service Announcement. It’s a subject everyone on the trail should be educated about. The cassette toilet has been a definite game-changer for us. To stretch its use on a trip, we use it only for #1 and when no public facilities are available, as well as during the night. We have the one you featured. When we know we won’t be near a dedicated bathroom AT ALL on our trip, in addition to the PortaPotti we will bring along our other contraption, which is a black bucket with toilet seat attachment that uses waste bags containing bio-gel. I guess you could call it an off-brand Luggable Loo. This is for #2. We’ve not tried the shovel approach. 🙂Thanks for posting about this delicate subject!
I love that you guys are doing these videos together! my wife wasnt to savvy on going out and roughing it out, but once she saw that regina had a womans perspective and opinions shes asking me nonstop when our next trip is! Thank you guys, I absolutely love your videos
@TrailRecon
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! It’s always better when your spouse has adventures with you.
Thanks for covering a needed topic. I see way to much tp on trails all the time. More people need to hear about & follow Leave no trace & pack it in/out principals.
You guys, I wouldn't expect that this topic could be that interesting and entertaining. The way you talk about 'the business' is so natural and comfortable. Thank you for sharing your experience with different equipment. I actually found foldable one with lid, and you can use it with one bag multiple times, you just need the cat litter to put after every use. Haven't tried yet, so interesting how is going to work. Thanks again!
@TrailRecon
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I enjoy all of your videos, but may appreciate this one the most!! I have been telling Dirk that I need to make a video, but I will now be sharing yours. While not the most glamorous topic, this is so important!!! Thank you!!
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! Definitely had fun with this one! 😂 You should totally do your own video as I'm sure you'll have some different insights. The more the merrier! 😄
Appreciate you tackling this topic!
My old gripe about 'glamping' is the bathroom situation. which is why I haven't been able to venture past campsites. However, I'm ready to truly dry camp and toileting is one of those primary components to camping that is often difficult to discuss. Thanks so much for the video.
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Erika! 😘
@kd5949
Жыл бұрын
Purchasing a portable tent and a comfortable camp toilet was THE game-changer for my wife. She even tells friends who are skeptical of camping off the grid that it is so much much better than campground bathrooms.
You guys are awesome!! It was super well handled!
Good job and good discussion! I loved the intro- “Hi, I’m Brad, and I’m Regina”. I love seeing you both on the channel and your perspectives. Love it!
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! 😊
U guys are awesome, this video was much appreciated
Thank You!!! for all the info. My wife Julie and I are getting back into camping after a long pause to be caregivers to her mom and dad. We had a pop up then a class C motor home and we bought a Jeep and want to do more off grid camping, so this video was perfect for us. Thank you again. We never miss an episode and can't wait to meet you at Overland East (our fist Expo)
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Family always comes first. Safe travels!
Brilliantly done for such an important and under discussed topic. Thank you for this.
The conversation nobody wants to have, but everyone has questions about. Thanks for braving the "waters" yall! Great info in this one!!
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! It's been something we've wanted to do for a while because you're right...everyone has questions!
Good video about a topic that people don't like to talk about. Earlier this year I was boondocking near Quartzite, AZ, I set up camp without doing a thorough walk around, & after setting up camp I realized there were a large amount of flies in the area. Did a walk around & realized the area was disgusting. I built my own toilet using a 7 gallon bucket, pool noddle (for seat), plastic bottle & funnel for capturing #1, with bags catching #2. Thank you for sharing your recommendations & nothing like a solid tree for a back rest when you need it.
It’s a weird conversation but definitely a necessary one as like many of us, we have come across “waste” at some very nice campsites. It is very disgusting to say the least. Thanks for getting this out there and perhaps more of the You Tube creators can get on board and do a PSA on their channels. Cheers! And “taking care of business” is a great song! Would have been a great intro!!
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
We get asked this question all the time so decided it was time to make a video. It's definitely not the more glamorous side of what we do! 😂
I bought the whole privy kit from you, except for the plastic shovel I agree it’s excellent. The toilet folds downs small, holds the bag extremely well, and is very strong. The bags are the best ever when it comes to strength and odor blocking.
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
It is a great kit. The only thing I just couldn't get onboard with was the pop up privacy tent (or should I say "hat") that came with it. 😂
@johnowens8530
Жыл бұрын
@@regenakowitz I showed that to a girl at a campsite near me. She almost laughed me off the reservation. Especially when I repeatedly stood up and ran ten feet and dropped back down. 😁
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
@@johnowens8530 😂😂😂
Thank you for the video. I’ve seen you set up the foldable one in previous videos and wanted this info.
Very informative, I have the portable flushing toilet but I can definitely say it takes up space. Definitely looking into the folding toilet.
Great info! Glad someone talked about this more finally. It doesn't matter what you drive, or how you get out there. Everyone has to deal with this.
@AliciaInJeep
Жыл бұрын
exactly ;)
Maybe the most informative (in SO many ways😂) and funniest video you’ve ever posted. Thank you for addressing this! I know I found it very helpful and I’m sure many others will also. Happy Trails!
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! We had fun making this one! 😂
Essential information. Thanks for sharing!
As a society we have accepted picking up after our pets in neighborhoods and parks. Glad you have chosen to discuss this to inform our established overlander crowd and for the newer audience joining the overlanding experience to keep the camp sites clean. To further the recycle movement I repurpose used fabric softener dryer sheets as TP then disposing them appropriately. Now to educate people to stay on the trail and not create bypasses around mud holes or snow drifts. Thanks for sharing this sensitive topic.
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Check out the info at the 3:00 minute mark, kzread.info/dash/bejne/lWSmzKOaoM62opc.html 😄
My respect to both of you. You guys are down to earth and I'm just glad I found this informative video.
@TrailRecon
Жыл бұрын
Thank you and glad you enjoyed it!
Sitting down to eat dinner, found an informative KZread video to watch…. Watched it an hour later 😂. Seriously though, glad you covered it. It needed to be discussed and shared
You guys did a great job covering this necessity. Had me laughing at times but it was all great. And on a side note.... I absolutely love the Def Leppard and Van Halen albums on the wall. Lol
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! And yes, Brad is a huge hair metal fan!
@davidr.1517
Жыл бұрын
@@regenakowitz Me too!. 😀
Thank you for this information. Very helpful and appreciated.
Lol - this was a great video. I love how you guys kept it light, but serious too... You too are the masters of Doodie. J/K :-) Chava and I had the three-legged toilet and there was more than one time that I had to help a crying child get up after falling with it. We upgraded to and love our Thunderbox, and completely agree with you that a foldable (stable) toilet is the best choice. Take care and we can't wait for your next video...
Awesome! Thanks!
Great topic and one that is difficult to talk about. You guys handled it well. Humorous and with absolute sincerity. 🤭
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! 😄
Bachmann Turner Overdrive's hit "takin' care of business" has a whole new meaning now!
Thank you for broaching this topic and giving your opinions and reviews. Stay safe and God bless.
THANK you for making this video! Hopefully enough people will catch on to the pack in/pack out regimen. We have the 3 legged wobbly wonder seat, but I really like the new foldable you have. Plus the carry case is super awesome. We all 💩💩💩but nobody wants to find it anywhere. Seriously, thank you both for making this video.
I appreciate you guys getting through this uncomfortable topic, I have really been curious what other people are doing for that. There isn’t very many videos about it, so it’s hard to get new ideas about it, definitely picking up that foldable toilet!
@TrailRecon
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! We laughed a bunch making the video but we knew it would be helpful because this is something we get asked about a lot. If you want more information, Regena wrote a blog on this topic, trailrecon.com/Taking-Care-of-Business-on-the-Trail_b_30.html.
Really important topic and extremely well done as always!
@AliciaInJeep
Жыл бұрын
totally agree with you!
To funny. I don't think Brad was able to sleep that night thinking about posting the poop video! Hahahaha.
Great video!! I almost wish you want MORE in depth. Cuz some stuff was skimmed over. Like do the bags for the folding toilet leak? Do you put them in your trasharoo? How’ does that work over a few days?? Good work tho!!
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! To answer your questions... No, we've never had one of the toilet bags leak. They're pretty durable. Yes, we put them in the trasharoo, usually inside of one of our other trash bags. We empty the trasharoo whenever we have the opportunity and it's always been fine for a day or two.
@NemeanLion-
Жыл бұрын
I think if the folding toilet bags leaked, it wouldn’t be their favorite. Also at the end he said you dispose of the bags as you would a diaper, so I assume you can throw it in the regular trash. Personally, I would put them in an contractor trash bag until the end of the trip and either throw it in a public dumpster or if I took it home, outside in the bin.
Haha, great topic... we have the same set up as you guys started with shovel then went to a Porta Loo then purchased a very similar product to the folding seat with plastic bags, ( placed inside a toilet/shower tent) we find the latter the best solution for us. Great vid ! ☺️🚙🇦🇺
Thank you guys, important topic for new campers
I know that this was a difficult topic to discuss, but thank you for this video. I am trying to convince my wife that having a toilet option in our future Overlanding build is a must. This video helped me explain to her the pros and cons of the issue. Thanks again.
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Happy to help! 😊
THANK YOU! This is a human necessity! To poop. Why do we treat is with such embarrassment? You provided the information in a clear and concise manner. Again, thank you❤ to the both of you!
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
We appreciate you watching! Definitely a topic that everyone wants to know about, but no one wants to bring up!
Great video! Thank you!
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for watching! 😊
great video guys, i know it is an uncomfortable subject, but it is good info and people need to know. thank you
This topic is probably why I just won't ever do any overlanding lol. I'm a city boy. I will have to live vicariously through you guys. 😅
Awesome video, thanks. I'm steering my customers towards this video when they feel undecided or uncomfortable about that subject. Well done and very informative, like usual!
@TrailRecon
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
First time I've seen this all too important topic covered in detail. Congratulations on great husband-wife teamwork.
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! We definitely had some fun making this one!
Should’ve know. This was coming since the “privacy tent” is featured in so many videos LOL!!! Nice job on dooty duty. 😂
About time, well done
This has definitely gave me a better idea on how to go 2 as a guy especially having Crohn’s while camping thanks brad
You forgot to show the best feature about the portable foldable Instaprivy which is the mini privacy tent that covers you while you are sitting and taking care of "business" and then folds up into that backpack so you dont actually need a full sized seperate tent. I saw it at the Flagstaff outdoor expo and recently bought one and yes, it's a minimalist setup but it gets the job done. I'm a big fan of that particular folding setup for that reason.
@instaprivy9444
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Carl! We appreciate your comments.
@off2dabeach
Жыл бұрын
@@instaprivy9444 , I was looking to buy the toilet but don’t see where you can purchase the bags.
Thank you for educating me on this matter.
Such an under appreciated topic 😂 thanks for the info! Any experience with the luggable loo bucket toilets?
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Nope, sorry. Never used one of those...but I don't think I'd enjoy hauling around a bucket. I love how the foldable toilet packs away and is pretty lightweight. I even bring it on day trips because it's so convenient. 😊
@AliciaInJeep
Жыл бұрын
I bought one of these, heard a good opinion. I will be using very soon, so we will see.
THANK YOU GUYS, FOR EXPLAIN IT, THIS IMPORTANTS THINGS.
Thank you very informative. This helped me make a good decision. Thanks again.
I always tell people. If you can nail bathroom time when outdoors it opens up some amazing secluded campsites. Not the video we want but the video we need!
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! 😂
East Tennessee: Good informative video for sure. It is definitely an overlooked issue and people definitely take their wild spaces and trails for granted. We have lost many nice places around here due to destructive and unobservant attitudes especially here in the south.
It is true, this is something we all do. Funny to watch you both laugh about it. It is something we should all laugh about. Hehehe. All kids at heart.
Great job fighting the awkwardness if this topic lol. Reconsidering some of our toileting options after watching!
@TrailRecon
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! We were definitely laughing as we were filming it.
Great candid information. Tough break on the embarrassment but good video. Thx Trail Recon
Regina, I just bought a porta-potti, you inspired me in previous episodes :)
This is a great topic! As my wife and I are planning adventures where we move away from staying in hotels to camping out of our Gladiator, this is a question that keeps coming up. Thanks for your insight.
Thanks for your review, all good choices, but the one thing you didnt mention when you were talking about eviromentle impact was the double bags used with the folding toilet, thats a lot of plastic going into the landfill...
@zachowens1412
Жыл бұрын
I was thinking the same thing. I wonder if there is a company out there that makes biodegradable bags. We use compostable trash bags for our trash so I’m sure it could be done.
@stuartmaclean5572
Жыл бұрын
Not sire if they are the compostable bags or not some brands like green elephant have compostable bags that look just like plastic bags.
I spend significant time climbing glaciated volcanoes and camping above the tree line. There is insufficient bacteria & liquid water to break down excrement. Many of the local volcanoes provide "blue bags" for use on the glaciers to pack out your stuff. In addition to buying the bags with gel, you can make your own using a paper bag with some kitty litter in it.
😂- reminds me of a time I had elevation sickness hiking in the RMNP and was terribly I’ll… before we headed down from elevation my wife collected all our “baggies” and backpacked them out!!! Tough subject, we’ll done guys!
I do find this informative. thanks!
We all have to go, so this is honestly one of the most important topics of off road travel, whether a day trip, or an extended overland or rock crawling adventure. I did get a kick out of Brad's obvious discomfort with the subject and Regena's ease. 😎I like the compact foldable Black Pine Sports Turbo Toilet which uses the bags, and the Wolfwise easy install privacy tent.
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Brad was fine...just not our usual conversation!😂
@kd5949
Жыл бұрын
@@regenakowitz I hear ya! 😂
Good info that's not talked about often
Cheers for that one.well done
I've been using this mounted to 500lb drawer slide in our van for a couple years. It's more expensive but the lack of smell and easy disposal makes it work it for me.
Came to the same conclusion after using all the other methods. Great video.
Regena is a great addition to the videos! She's doing great!
@TrailRecon
Жыл бұрын
So thankful she is willing to have these kinds of discussion with me on camera!
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! ☺
Cassette toilet is nice but the disposal and cleanup makes it a no go. I like the folding one best, use with bags or a hole.
Watched quite a few videos about this special problem, yours is one of the best! Didn’t know this type of folding seat, will check it out. Did you made any reviews of privacy tents?
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! The folding toilet is definitely my favorite because it is so easy and convenient to use. We have not done privacy tent reviews because I've only had the one...the Nemo. We've been using it for about three years and I love it. I know lots of folks love their pop up ones because they are easier to put up and break down than mine, which does have a frame. Having said that, my tent is still pretty quick and easy to put up...it takes about 5 minutes. Same with break down. But I like mine because it's totally enclosed (it has a floor), whereas most of the pop ups are not. Having it totally enclosed means no critters, especially mosquitos, are likely to make their way into my tent.
Good job, I have used all of them as well. The big downside with the foldable is the amount of trash in the form of plastic. It was my favorite as well except for the plastic.
Hi Brad, I was hoping you would give credit to the original designer and marketer of the folding “Insta Privy” toilet. He is also a veteran and an amazing person. The best part about it is the pop out privacy curtain that is suspended from a hat. Very innovative and lightweight. You can use it virtually anywhere (without the risk of poison oak bum rash). It all fits in the same khaki bag you have there. I’ve even used it on my Jeep roof rack! Thanks for the reminder to those that may not think about the next camper-
A timely video! I have just recently gotten my better half to make some trips with us and this was one of her main concerns!!! Thanks for your input
@TrailRecon
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
This is vitally important info! 😉
I like the thunder box!
Shitty topic, but so glad you covered it. What do you do with gray water from dishes etc. ?
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
😂😂😂 We dispose of the gray water using pretty much the same principles as going pee...away from camp, away from water.
@gregtennyson
Жыл бұрын
I use it to put out the fire before bed
You should also discuss the FUD. It took me for ever to get the wife to embrace it , now it is her best friend.
I have a 5 gallon bucket with a lid and the same bags. It takes up space though. I do like that folding one!
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
I LOVE the folding toilet...if you can say such a thing about a toilet! 😂
Thank you both for this video. It reminded me to reorder more bags before my next trip.💩
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
Haha! Happy to help jog your memory! 😂
Kind of a crappy subject to discuss. 😂 Thanks for covering this. I’m surprised that the cassette toilet isn’t your favorite too.
@TrailRecon
Жыл бұрын
LOL!
@regenakowitz
Жыл бұрын
😂😂😂
A canvas carry bag is great addition for the cassette style toilet. It gives you an extra layer of protection for spills and smells.
I don't think I could have a 15 min conversation with my wife like that lol.! Thanks for the options.... =) Great video!
@TrailRecon
Жыл бұрын
We laughed a lot while making this video! Still can't believe we made a video about this topic but it's one that we get asked about a lot.