Home Leave No Trace (LNT) for Climbers Vertical Waste Protocols: A Climber’s Guide to Pooping Outdoors

Vertical Waste Protocols: A Climber’s Guide to Pooping Outdoors

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A female climber with an athletic build kneels in a beautiful forest to properly dig a cathole with a trowel, following Leave No Trace principles.

Clipping the chains on your project, exhausted and triumphant, only to find the base of the climb littered with the unmistakable sign of irresponsible waste—toilet paper “flowers” blooming behind a boulder. That feeling of disappointment is a direct threat not just to the climbing experience, but to our continued access. This guide reframes proper waste disposal through a climber’s lens: a Risk Management Framework. We won’t just tell you the rules; we will equip you with the knowledge to manage the Environmental, Health, and Access risks, turning this critical task of backcountry hygiene into a core technical competency and one of the most essential outdoor skills.

For a dedicated climber, understanding how to poop outdoors is not a chore but a vital outdoor skill, equal in importance to rope management or anchor building. This is a masterclass in wilderness ethics. True mastery comes from transforming theoretical knowledge into an ingrained instinct that protects our health, our environment, and our access to the places we love. You’ll begin by viewing this topic as an inconvenient necessity and finish by understanding it as a system of risk management. You will feel empowered to confidently and ethically handle any situation, from a forested crag to a multi-day big wall, turning knowledge into confident, responsible action during all your outdoor adventures.

Here’s what you’ll master:

  • The “Why” Behind the Rules: Understand the science of decomposition and pathogen survival that makes backcountry sanitation a non-negotiable health and environmental imperative.
  • The Climber’s Decision Matrix: Learn a simple framework to determine the correct protocol—cathole, WAG bag, or poop tube—based on your environment, elevation restrictions, and local regulations.
  • Ground-Level Mastery: Master the art and science of the perfect cathole, including a practical toolkit for estimating the critical 200-foot safe distance.
  • Vertical & Pack-Out Protocols: Gain confidence in using specialized pack-out systems like WAG bags and poop tubes, including the first-ever detailed procedure for managing multi-pitch waste disposal at a hanging belay.

Why Is This a Core Skill? Deconstructing the Environmental and Health Risks

A single piece of improperly discarded toilet paper mars an otherwise pristine natural landscape near a clear mountain stream, symbolizing environmental risk.

This section establishes the foundational “why” by detailing the scientific and ethical reasons that underpin all waste protocols, providing the motivation for adopting these technical skills.

What happens when waste is disposed of improperly?

How poop decomposes isn’t magic; it’s a complex biological process requiring a specific recipe of deep organic soil, moisture, microbes, and heat. The “Ideal Scenario” happens in a temperate forest, where a properly dug cathole places feces directly into a biologically active soil layer. Here, a bustling community of microbes and fungus gets to work, effectively breaking it down. But for climbers, this ideal is rarely the reality. Contrast this with the “Problem Scenarios” we so often encounter: the sterile, frozen ground of an alpine environment like the Sawtooth Wilderness, the arid, sun-baked soil of desert destinations like Escalante National Monument, or the thin, fragile soils of high-altitude tundra. In these places, the lack of organic soil and moisture means waste doesn’t decompose. It mummifies or freezes, preserving dangerous pathogens for years.

This isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it’s a significant public health threat focused on disease transmission prevention. Human feces can contain over 100 types of pathogens, including bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, protozoa such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium, and viruses like Hepatitis A. Let’s take a “Pathogen Deep Dive” on Giardia lamblia. It’s a particularly nasty bugger that exists in a durable cyst form, allowing it to survive for long periods in the environment. Its primary transmission is through water contaminated by feces, leading to debilitating gastrointestinal illness. For an authoritative look at its lifecycle and health risks, the EPA fact sheet on Giardia is an essential resource. To underscore the risk, research shows that Salmonella can survive for up to 51 weeks even when buried 20 cm (8 inches) deep, shattering the common myth that simple burial is always a safe solution.

These risks are precisely why the core tenets of Leave No Trace, championed by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, include Principle #3, “Dispose of Waste Properly.” This principle has four clear objectives: minimize water contamination, minimize social and aesthetic impacts, minimize the spread of disease, and maximize decomposition. This leads to a critical corollary for every climber: if burying your waste cannot achieve all four of these objectives, you must pack it out. Understanding the environmental impact of improperly disposed waste transforms the conversation from simple etiquette to a matter of personal and community safety.

What’s the Right Protocol? The Climber’s Decision Matrix

A male climber stands at a trail junction between a forest and an alpine zone, thoughtfully making a decision about the correct waste disposal protocol.

This section provides a simple, actionable framework to help climbers quickly and accurately determine the correct and legal waste disposal method for any given environment.

How do I choose between a cathole, WAG bag, or poop tube?

The choice of method is not a matter of personal preference. It’s a technical decision dictated by two non-negotiable factors: environmental conditions and the rules of the local land managing agency. To remove ambiguity and empower you to make the right call every time, we use the Waste Protocol Decision Matrix.

Waste Protocol Decision Matrix

A guide to waste management across different climbing environments.

Key Characteristics

Deep organic soil, ample moisture, rich microbial life.

Common Land Manager Rule

Catholes permitted >200ft from water.

Key Characteristics

Sandy/rocky soil, low moisture, slow decomposition. (e.g., Coyote Gulch)

Common Land Manager Rule

Mandatory pack-out.

Key Characteristics

Thin soil, frozen ground, fragile tundra. (e.g., Sawtooth Wilderness)

Common Land Manager Rule

Mandatory pack-out due to elevation restrictions.

Key Characteristics

High proximity to water, concentrated use, fragile riparian zone.

Common Land Manager Rule

Mandatory pack-out or use of river toilets (Groovers).

Key Characteristics

No ground access, sustained vertical environment.

Common Land Manager Rule

Mandatory pack-out.

Key Characteristics

Snow cover prevents proper cathole digging.

Common Land Manager Rule

Winter waste disposal requirements are standard.

It’s crucial to understand the trend in land management: as recreational use in an area increases, regulations invariably become stricter. Popular desert climbing areas that once allowed catholes now have mandatory pack-out rules to protect the fragile ecosystem. The BLM guidance on desert waste disposal, for instance, provides the legal rationale for these rules. With this matrix, you can confidently select the right tool for the job. Let’s start by mastering the most fundamental skill: the ground-level protocol.

How Do I Master Ground-Level Protocols? The Art and Science of the Cathole

A female climber with an athletic hourglass figure demonstrates how to choose a proper cathole site in a dense forest, showcasing ground-level waste protocols.

This section provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to the most common backcountry waste method, addressing the critical content gap of how to practically estimate distance and select a proper site.

How do I properly locate and dig a cathole?

The universal standard for location selection criteria is clear: your cathole, often called a “cat hole,” must be at least 200 feet from water/trails/campsites—approximately 70 adult paces. We have to be honest: estimating this distance in the uneven, forested terrain below a crag can be challenging. This is where a “Distance Estimation Toolkit” comes in. For a quick visual cue, 200 feet is roughly the full length of a 60-meter climbing rope stretched out. For greater accuracy, develop your “Pacing Method” by walking a known distance, like 100 feet, and counting your steps. Once you know your personal pace count, you can reliably measure distances anywhere in the outdoors.

A two-panel infographic explaining how to dig a cathole. The left panel illustrates the 200-foot rule for selecting a location away from water and trails. The right panel shows the proper digging depth and technique for both forest and desert environments.

Site selection, however, goes beyond just distance and privacy considerations. You need an inconspicuous location with rich, dark, biologically active soil that will fuel the decomposition factors. Prioritize a spot with maximum sun exposure, as the sun’s UV rays are highly effective at killing pathogens. Finally, choose slightly elevated ground to prevent any possibility of water contamination prevention during a storm.

Pro-Tip: A great place to find rich, deep soil is on the uphill side of large downed logs. Over time, organic matter accumulates there, creating a perfect spot for rapid decomposition.

Once you’ve found your spot, it’s time to dig. Your most essential piece of gear is a small trowel made of lightweight metal. Good camp trowels, like the popular Deuce of Spades trowel, are far superior to plastic for cutting through roots and rocky soil. The cathole dimensions are critical: for temperate forests, dig 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches wide. This places the waste in the most microbially active layer of soil. For arid deserts, there’s a crucial exception: dig a shallower hole, only 4-6 inches deep, to allow the sun’s heat to penetrate the ground and aid in desiccation.

To squat and defecate, you can use the simple squat or the “Tripod Method” (two feet and one hand on the ground) for stability. After you defecate, take a stick and stir the feces with the soil from the bottom of the hole; this introduces microbes and fungus to jump-start decomposition. Then, backfill the hole and disguise the site. And what about ancillary waste? The rule is unequivocal: you must pack out toilet paper. Never bury toilet paper. It decomposes extremely slowly and presents a significant wildlife attraction risk. According to the Leave No Trace principles for waste disposal, this is a non-negotiable part of the process. A trowel should be considered part of your essential climbing equipment just like a harness or chalk bag.

How Do I Master Pack-Out Systems for Sensitive Areas?

A female climber with a perfect athletic figure organizes her gear in a desert environment, with a WAG bag pack-out system clearly visible and ready for use.

This section provides clear, actionable instructions and gear recommendations for using mandatory pack-out systems like WAG bags (sometimes generically called “blue bags”) and reusable poop tubes, which are essential for climbing in regulated or fragile environments.

What are WAG bags and poop tubes, and how do I use them?

A WAG (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) bag, also known as a toilet-in-a-bag, is a brilliant piece of engineering. It’s a double-bag system containing a gelling polymer, enzymes, and deodorizers that renders waste inert, solidifies liquids, and neutralizes odors. This chemical treatment is what gives these commercial bags their critical legal distinction: they are EPA-approved for landfill disposal. Using a standard plastic bag is not an acceptable substitute, as it creates a dangerous biohazard. Using a WAG bag on the ground is simple: find a private spot, open the system, squat over and use the inner bag, add your toilet paper, and then seal the inner bag tightly. Place the sealed inner bag into the more durable outer transport bag, and you’re done.

For longer trips, many climbers prefer a DIY “Poop Tube.” This is a durable, reusable container made from a 4-inch diameter PVC pipe with one permanently sealed end cap and one threaded, removable plug. This system is bombproof and completely odor-free if sealed properly.

A labeled diagram showing the anatomy of a DIY poop tube. It illustrates the main components including the PVC pipe body, a glued end cap, a threaded female fitting with a screw-on male plug, a keeper cord, and a webbing haul loop.

The standard procedure for using a poop tube is to defecate into a primary container, like a paper bag or large coffee filter. Fold this into a “burrito,” deposit it in the tube, and add a small amount of desiccant, like kitty litter, to control odor and moisture. If a DIY tube isn’t your style, commercially available alternatives like the soft-sided, haul-rated Metolius Waste Case are lighter and less bulky. These outdoor poo packs can be found at retailers like REI Co-op.

Regardless of the system you choose, your “poo-kit”—one of the four essentials, which includes your WAG bags or tube, TP, and hand sanitizer—should be considered a critical part of your health and safety protocols, on par with a helmet or a well-fitted and familiar harness. The disposal rule for WAG bags is crucial: they must go into a regular trash can. Never throw them in a pit or composting toilet. The National Park Service approved toilet systems are required in many sensitive areas for exactly these reasons.

How Do I Manage Waste on a Vertical Wall?

A competent male climber with a muscular physique is secured at a hanging belay on a huge cliff, with a poop tube clearly visible as part of his vertical waste management system.

This section fills the most critical content gap for the target audience by providing a detailed, step-by-step guide for vertical waste management. This is the complex and high-consequence procedure for using a WAG bag at a hanging belay or on a portaledge. This is the ultimate activity-specific adaptation for climbing sanitation.

What is the step-by-step procedure for a hanging belay?

Let’s be direct: this procedure is difficult, exposed, and awkward. There is no room for error. But mastering it is the solution to a critical information gap that separates responsible climbers from those who leave a trace. Think of it as another technical system to be dialed in, just like setting up a haul line or performing a pick-off rescue.

Step 1: Secure Yourself. Before you do anything, confirm you are securely attached to the anchor via your personal anchor system. Communicate your intentions clearly with your partner.

Step 2: Prepare the System. Have your WAG bag readily accessible—clipped to a gear loop or the haul bag—and open the entire system before you begin fumbling with your harness.

Step 3: Drop Your Seat. This is the key mechanical trick. Most modern harnesses have detachable leg loops with rear clips or buckles. Unfasten them, allowing you to lower your pants and underwear without ever removing or un-weighting the harness itself.

Step 4: The Maneuver. This is the crux of the operation. You must remain seated in your harness while squatting and holding the WAG bag open behind your buttocks. The goal is to create a stable, wide-mouthed target. Precision and stability are key.

Step 5: Contain and Seal. After use, carefully place your toilet paper in the bag. Seal the inner bag first, then the outer bag. Take extreme care to avoid contaminating your ropes, gear, the anchor, or the rock face.

Step 6: Stow Securely. Immediately place the sealed WAG bag into the designated haulable container (your poop tube or waste case) for the remainder of the climb. This container must be absolutely secure.

For hauling, the best practice is to make the waste container the last item in the haul train, hanging below the main haul bags. This position minimizes the chance of it being crushed and helps keep any potential odors away from you at belays. Mastering this vertical protocol is the pinnacle of responsible climbing practice. This isn’t just good etiquette; in places like Yosemite, Yosemite National Park wilderness regulations legally mandate that all human waste be packed out from big wall climbs. This procedure is a systematic approach to mitigating risk, protecting both the environment and your health.

Pro-Tip: Don’t let your first attempt at this be 1,000 feet up El Cap. Practice the entire sequence—especially Step 3 and 4—while hanging from a pull-up bar or a tree branch just a few feet off the ground. Dialing in the motor skills in a safe setting is critical for high-stakes execution.

Conclusion

The evidence is clear: proper waste disposal is a technical skill, not an afterthought. It is based on managing scientifically-proven risks to environmental health, public safety, and our continued land access. The correct method—whether a cathole, a WAG bag, or a poop tube—is not a personal choice but is dictated by a clear decision matrix based on the environment and land manager rules. We now know that pathogens like Salmonella can survive for nearly a year even when buried, making mandatory pack-out the only safe and responsible option in sensitive or high-use places. Finally, mastering vertical waste protocols, such as using a WAG bag at a hanging belay, is a core competency for any responsible multi-pitch or big wall climber.

Uphold the climber’s pact. Before your next trip, build your comprehensive poo-kit, learn the specific regulations for your destination, and lead by example. Share this guide with your partners to ensure our community protects the places we play.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Backcountry Waste for Climbers

Can I bury my toilet paper?

No, you should always plan to pack out toilet paper. TP decomposes extremely slowly, is often dug up by animals creating an eyesore and health hazard (a significant wildlife attraction risk), and is a major fire risk if you attempt to burn it.

Why can’t I just dig a cathole everywhere I go?

Catholes are only effective in environments with deep, organic soil rich in microbes. In deserts, high alpine zones, or frozen ground, waste does not decompose and can preserve harmful pathogens for years, making pack-out systems mandatory.

What is the single most important rule for choosing a cathole spot?

The most critical rule is to be at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) away from any water source, trail, or campsite. This buffer is essential for water contamination prevention and to minimize social or aesthetic impacts on other users.

How do I properly dispose of a used WAG bag?

A used WAG bag can be disposed of in any regular trash receptacle that goes to a landfill. Because the contents are chemically treated and rendered inert, they are considered solid municipal waste. Never throw them in a pit toilet or a composting system, like an AMC composting privy, as the plastic is a contaminant.

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