As we head outdoors this summer, it’s important we remember our impact on the areas we visit. A lot of climbers head out to the same crags, and we have a big influence on the environment. One way to lessen that impact is to follow LNT or Leave No Trace principles, especially when it comes to our poop.
Brendan Leonard, the author of Semi-Rad, aptly describes how to poop outdoors in this flow chart.
But if you want a few more serious tips:
- If there’s a bathroom or pit toilet relatively close, use it! That will have the least impact on the environment and other climbers in the area.
- If you’re in a desert-like environment, area you can’t dig in the earth, or high use crag, pack out your poop. You can bring a fancy wag bag like this one. Or you can go true dirt bag and create your own. I’ll let you use your imagination on that one.
- If you can’t do one or two (pun intended), then remember to move over 200 ft away from water and then dig a hole. LNT recommends 4-6 in in a desert and 6-8 in elsewhere.
- Poop in the hole and then pack out the toilet paper. Fill the hole with dirt.
LNT has this chart as a reminder.
We only have one Earth, and we want to be able to enjoy it – as climbers and as people. Please remember these simple tips and guidelines as you adventure outdoors this summer!