AnswerID: 254557 Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 16:47
ExplorOz Team - Michelle
replied:
I can put a female perspective on this discussion - from an experienced point of view if you like. I am more than happy with the bush toilet method, ie. "squat" for No. 1s or 2s, and I've taught my 2 daughers (now 3 and 6 yrs) how to do the same. I've travelled extensively, done very long terms trips (2 years) and short term trips. I've never used the toilet seat with bag option, but last year we purchased a porta pottie due to regulations for where we wished to camp.
The porta pottie is a very good option - if you use it right you will find it is both convenient and offers a choice of disposal options. They all come with a storage resourvour so after doing your business you close the lid and pump the waste into the storage bay and the solution cleans the bowl and closes the value so you don't see anything. Depending on the size of the storage bay and how many people using it, you can get up to week of storage. The waste is all broken down into a slurry by the solution (non-harmful biodegradable options available). You can choose to either bury the slurry waste in hole away from the camps, and creeks or take it with you or tip it down the next toilet you come to (if you've used the proper solution). If you use the chemicals that are not biodegradble you are limited to ONLY tip it down a chemical disposal point found at caravan parks.
I think they are a great idea that more of us should embrace when bush
camping more than 1 night in a bush camp - you can still tip it down a deep hole you would dig in an appropriate spot, but it will degrade quicker due to the active solution and the loo paper can't be dug up by animals. If
camping with a group, the "disposers" can prepare a communal hole and tip it all in one area and then cover it up properly - thus limiting the number of "holes".
They aren't really practical for driving legs due the storage issue, unless you have a secure storage bay say on a trailer. In general, on driving legs we find that we may be passing public facilities for No 2's, so No.1s we find are perfectly ok for doing behind shrubs. If emergency No. 2's are needed with no public facilties we take a break - park properly, make a tea break out of it, and go for a walk with the spake, a gas igniter (the long handle makes it easier than a match and less anoying when the wind wants to blow it out), and toilet paper. There are some trips - choose ground that is soft, even in hard ground the soil around the base of a tree or shrub will be softer, then dig the hole as deeply as you can, keeping the soil in a neat pile on the edge of the hole. Straddle the hole with your feet on either side, do your business but put the paper on top last and avoid wetting the toilet paper. Ignite the edge of the paper with a flame and watch to ensure the paper turns to black completely and then extinguish it fully by tipping some soil/sand over it. Then back fill your hole and stamp on the ground to make it level. You can make it look like you've never been there - there is nothing wrong with organic waste disposed of properly in remote areas when necessary.
When disposing of porta pottie waste in a hole, the toilet paper will not be distinguishable as it will have become part of the slurry so there is no need to burn anything. Just make sure the hole is deep enough and away from waterways and traffic areas in camp spots.
I guess it is personal, but I thought I put in my opinion and experiences on the mater as both a lady and a mum (ok, and a rough bush chick too when I have to be).
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| Michelle Martin
ExplorOz Advertising Director |
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