A Leave No Trace Guide to Pooping Outside in the Snow

[Steve D]

A common Leave No Trace question is “how do I responsibly go to the bathroom outdoors in the winter?” Even if you are comfortable doing your business outdoors in warm weather months, figuring out what to do when the ground is covered in snow and ice can be difficult.

When you can’t dig a cat hole, make an effort to go before you go – use designated toilets at home, at trailheads and along the trail. Toilets and outhouses aren’t always available, though, so be prepared to pack your waste out with you just in case. This could mean using a W.A.G. bag (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) or a discreet bag you bring from home.

For more information on these and other options for disposing of waste this winter, check out Leave No Trace’s Guide to Pooping Outside in the Snow.

[Dinsdale]

In the overused high peaks of the ADK's its disgusting to walk off trail.

One area where there was a lean to by Indian falls going up marcy should be classed as a waste site.

[wolc123]

Its not just a problem up in the ADK's.  The four legged poopers have been leaving plenty of deposits around my turnip plots in WNY.

 

[Robhuntandfish]

Last year I made sure to warn the guy I hunt with... " Do not use the handkerchief next to the wayback stand no matter how bad you need to blow your nose". Lol

But like Dinsdale said. Some of the hiking trails in the dacks are disgusting. 

[Moho81]

We tried to convince the new guys that we had a strict carry in carry out policy for number 2's in our woods. We where even suggesting what types of bags work best! 

[Salmon_Run]

The state vigorously promotes the Adirondacks and hiking trails, meanwhile they removed old structures for "wilderness" experience of forever wild and create a major overflowing parking issue and solid waste in and around the popular trails is a major gross issue. The trails around Marcy, Algonquin and more common peaks are simply littered with human crap and paper even directly on the trails....