A cathole or cat hole or sometimes pighole[1] is a pit for human feces. Catholes are frequently used for the purpose of disposing of bowel movements or waste water (such as the water from cleaning the kitchen dishes) by hikers and others engaging in outdoor recreation.
They can also be used to dispose of menstruum from a menstrual cup.[2]
According to the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, catholes should be dug at least 200 feet (60 m) from water sources, walking trails or campsites. Additionally, the same cathole should not be used twice. Catholes should be between 6 and 8 inches (15 and 20 cm) deep and disguised after use to prevent access by animals, some of which are coprophagous.[3][4] The digging of catholes is forbidden in some regions of high elevation where the climate can hinder the decomposition of waste.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Meyer, Kathleen (2011). How to Shit in the Woods: An Environmentally Sound Approach to a Lost Art (3rd ed.). Ten Speed Press. p. 13. ISBN 978-1-58008-363-8.
our small one-sit hole (also termed a cat hole)
- ^ Maiers, Bobbi; April 15, Alicia MacLeay. "Human Waste Disposal in the Backcountry: How to pee and poop in the woods - Trailspace". www.trailspace.com. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "When Nature Calls: How to Dig a Cathole". Leave No Trace. 2017-02-18. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
- ^ "Catholes: Proper Disposal of Human Waste". Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
- ^ "How to Dig a Cathole - Trail to Summit". www.trailtosummit.com. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
External links
edit- Sanitation - instructions from Olympic National Park.
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