Trail Toilets: What to Pack in Your Trekker’s Toilet Bag

It’s one of those topics that doesn’t get a lot of glamorous airtime on social media—but when you’re deep into a multi-day trek and nature calls, you’ll be grateful you packed the right supplies.

Toilet needs vary dramatically depending on where you’re hiking. On trails like Scotland’s West Highland Way or the Tour du Mont Blanc, you’ll often start and end your day in a town or mountain refugio, with access to flush toilets and a real restroom. On those kinds of routes, you may only need your toilet bag for the occasional trailside emergency—just enough to dig a quick cathole, take care of business, and pack out your trash responsibly.

But more remote trails, like Peru’s Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, demand a more self-sufficient approach. You’ll encounter fewer bathroom structures and may be relying on nature more often. On Mt. Kilimanjaro, you’ll usually have access to basic squat toilets at camp (picture a hole in the ground with four walls and a door—nothing fancy, but better than nothing), and you may choose to pay extra for access to a private camp toilet.

The truth is, no matter where you are, being prepared for a variety of bathroom situations isn’t just about comfort—it’s about ethics. Every time we go outside, it’s our responsibility to leave no trace. That means digging catholes at least 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources, always packing out toilet paper and hygiene products, and minimizing our impact on trails we love.

A group of enthusiastic hikers pauses for a photo on the Marangu Route of Mt. Kilimanjaro, surrounded by stunning landscapes and ready for adventure.

💡 Why Bathroom Prep Matters More Than You Think

There are a few trail realities that make having your toilet kit dialed in especially important:

• Unfamiliar Foods: Traveling abroad often means trying new (and sometimes spicy or rich) foods. Even seasoned travelers can find themselves with an upset stomach in the middle of a hike.

• Altitude Meds: If you're trekking at high altitudes, there's a good chance you’ll be taking Diamox, a common altitude medication. It’s a diuretic—which means you’ll be peeing more often than usual.

• Limited Facilities: On remote trails or high-altitude climbs, restrooms may be few and far between. Being ready means less stress when nature calls.

• Tummy Troubles Happen: Pack a small stash of belly-soothing meds—think Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, Tums, and stool softeners or constipation relief—because the combo of travel, altitude, and exercise can mess with your digestion in either direction.

  
  

🧻 Trekker's Toilet Bag Checklist:

• Wag Bags (or other human waste disposal kits) – Especially important in fragile alpine or desert environments where burying isn’t an option.

• Toilet Paper – Keep it dry in a ziplock or waterproof pouch.

• Unscented Baby Wipes – Great for freshening up, but always pack them out!

• Hand Sanitizer – Non-negotiable for hygiene.

• Trowel – Lightweight and useful for digging catholes.

• Ziplock or Odor-proof Waste Bag – For packing out used TP and wipes.

• Menstrual Supplies – If needed, and a second bag to pack out used items.

• Pee Rag (like a Kula Cloth) – Washable, reusable, and great for reducing TP use.

• Gloves – Optional, but can be nice to have when using wag bags or cleaning up.

• Belly Meds – Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, Tums, stool softeners or laxatives, and any meds you know work for your system.

  
  

Even if you never end up using every item on the list, being prepared means you're respecting the land, your fellow trekkers, and yourself. Keep it clean, keep it respectful, and let’s all do our part to keep the wild--wild.

An excited group of Authentica women gather at the Londorosi Gate, ready to embark on their Kilimanjaro adventure on day one.