Photo Staff Sgt. Michael Keller, Public domain
Keeping clean in camp
Washing, the toilet and clean hands, so a trip does not end with a sick camp.
What you need
- A small trowel for the toilet hole
- Toilet paper in a sealed bag, and a second bag to carry used paper out
- Hand sanitizer, and soap that breaks down in the ground
- A wash basin or a collapsible bucket
- A small towel that dries fast
How
- Pick a toilet spot at least 60 metres from water, the trail and the tents, downhill from the water source if you can.
- Dig a hole about 15 to 20 cm deep, use it, and fill it back in with the dirt you took out.
- Carry used paper out in the sealed bag, or burn it right down in a good fire.
- Wash hands with soap or sanitizer after the toilet and before you touch food. Every time.
- Carry wash water well away from the pond or brook. Wash there, and scatter the used water on the ground.
- Wipe down with a cloth and warm water at the end of the day. Clean feet and a dry crotch prevent most trip sores.
Do and don't
Do
- Set up a hand wash station by the kitchen so it gets used.
- Change into dry, clean socks every night.
- Keep one person on cooking and the dishes if someone in the group is sick.
Don't
- Do not wash with soap straight in a pond or a brook, even soap that says it is safe.
- Do not leave toilet paper on the ground or under a rock. It lasts for years.
- Do not share water bottles or cups on a trip.
Watch for
Danger
- Dirty hands spread stomach bugs through a camp faster than bad water. See Making water safe.
- Diarrhea on a trip drains water from the body quickly. Drink more. See Staying hydrated.
- Wet skin rubbed all day turns into raw sores. Dry off and air out every evening.
Notes
In winter the ground is frozen and a hole will not work. Pick a spot away from water and trails, and pack out what you can.
At a cabin, the outhouse and the grey water have their own rules. See Water and waste at a cabin.
Updated 2026-09-28
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