How to Shit in the Woods

Type

Book

Authors

Meyer, Kathleen

ISBN 10

0898153190

ISBN 13

9780898153194

Tags

Safety & First Aid, Camping, Instructional, Outdoor hygiene, Sanitation in the wilderness, Leave No Trace practices, Backcountry camping, Wilderness survival skills, Environmental protection, Outdoor ethics, Field sanitation, Nature / Environment, Practical guides

Abstract

In How to Shit in the Woods, Kathleen Meyer presents a witty but serious field manual for managing human waste in wilderness settings without harming the environment. She walks readers through the “why” and “how” of safe, low-impact toileting: choosing a site, digging catholes, covering waste, managing toilet paper, dealing with snow or rocky ground, and minimizing contamination. Along the way she addresses health concerns, legal aspects, and common dilemmas (e.g. near trails, water sources, campsites). With humor, clear instructions, and ecological awareness, the book empowers outdoor participants to protect the landscapes they enjoy.

Description

How to Shit in the Woods: An Environmentally Sound Approach to a Lost Art (by Kathleen Meyer) is a concise, practical guide offering advice and best practices for disposing of human waste while outdoors, in a way that minimizes environmental and health impacts. It provides step-by-step techniques, ecological reasoning, and humor, addressing both basic principles and the challenges of wilderness toileting. It is often used by hikers, backpackers, campers, and outdoor educators.

The book also discusses related health issues, etiquette, and responses to common outdoor sanitation problems. In later editions, the author updates practices and addresses feedback from readers, reinforcing the importance of minimizing human impact in wild settings.

Number of Copies