These 5 makes us want to stay at home… 😔  

I usually grab a couple branches when I need to poop called a "Cheek Spreader" because when u sit on it causes your cheeks to spread out. Take two branches about 4-5 feet long and strong enough to sit on, put both sticks parallel about 3 inches apart, with one end up on a log and the other ends angled down on the ground, about a 30 degree angle, the branches form a comfortable chair, sit on both branches facing towards the ground end, go between the branches. My "Cheek Spreader Version 2.0" is much more comfortable, cut two fire logs about 4 inches diameter around 12 inches long and place parallel about 3 inches apart coming out from behind a tree, dig a trench between the two logs, sit on the logs with your back against the tree, this is so comfortable in a recliner position that I feel like I should be reading a paper while I go.

Shitting in nature is awesome, you're so free, and the best views. And squatting is a very healthy way to get full elimination. I dodge the mosquitos by only going out in the winter here in Sweden. I've been twice to Padjelanta for 10 days tramping, and put up with the mosquitos, not fun, but not as bad as the ones in New Zealand.

What's that filter you used on your folda-cup? Not in your gear list, and i havent seen it in your videos.. Thanks in advance Pooping while squating is actually much faster/easier than in sitting position, as it's more natural - something about it makes it physiologically healthier. I got used to it by pre-digging catholes while in camp - saves time in case I'm in a rush or such. Plus, using a bidet is a game changer! I started with it because of hiking but now use it everytime. It's part of my EDC. Sleep, I fixed by using the Amok Draumr instead of a tent. As everyone says, it's like sleeping on a cloud. So worth the price/weight penalty. With it I actually look forward to sleeping in the outdoors. It's just a bit of a hassle in some aspects - but I sleep soundly. Plus since it uses a pad, I'd have no problem If I needed to sleep on the ground. About the traveling to the trail start, it's the reason I started bikepacking. Got tired of those in betweens. With a bicycle I have been able to start from my home and go on plenty more adventures than I ever thought was possible, and I started so many from my own home!

For the winter snow camping just carry a WAG bag. It's not really practical to dig down 4 feet of snow and then dig another 6 inches of frozen earth to bury, so just poop on the snow like a dog does and pick it up with your inner bag, seal it, then put inside outer bag, seal it, pack it out, and then throw away in regular garbage when you reach civilization. That way you will not contaminate the water sources when the spring thaw comes.

I AM warm and comfortable with just a cellfoam pad in winter. But it's a 19mm thick 900g monster with an R value of 5 that I have no problem of bringing with me despite the large volume when using a pulka anyway.

Tip for a good sleep: drink calming tea before the sleep. Like lemon balm. It helps me.

Nice video. Thanks. - I usually burn used toilet paper when the situation permits it, even in snow. I find the sight of used toilet paper disgusting and don't want anybody to encounter that when the snow has melted. Also it takes much longer than the poop itself to decompose.

Haha, love this video especially the first minute :D watching it from home, planning my next hike...

Love watching your videos Robert very practical and encouraging.

Sleeping is the worst thing for me, partly because I do go to bed a lot earlier in camp than at home, but mostly because for the last twenty years the only time I don't go to sleep with my arms around my wife is when I'm backpacking. If she's not there something is wrong and I can't sleep. There's been times when I've actually pulled my backpack into my sleeping bag and hugged that instead and it works. The worst part about dropping the kids off at the pool is the prep work involved. It's all so tedious, especially if the ground is frozen or full of rocks, but the act itself.... There's just something so right about hanging your bare ass out in the woods. On the subject of mosquitos, in the US we have something called Skin So Soft lotion with an insect repellant in it. It works great, lasts a long time and isn't all sticky and smelly. It's not a substitute for spraying your shoes for ticks, but it's fantastic for keeping the flyers off your arms and legs and out of your face. It comes in a spray, too, so you could put it on your clothes, but we like lotion.

The mosquito question. The worry I have is that Thermocell/Flextail chemicals are said to be toxic to aquatic life. When you spread them in the air, are you near water? Will the chemicals ever breakdown? Will they accumulate in lakes, rivers, and aquifers forever? Do spreading these chemicals violate our Leave No Trace principals?

It's good that people are uncomfortable, so I don't have to see them out in the wilderness 👍👍

Thanks Robert, although that was a somewhat disturbing intro 😅 You saved me money with the MSR stake idea

Most of the problems in the video will be mitigated with experience, but off course it is a barrier to get into hiking initially. Hiking in the winter period, when then sun sets at the afternoon, do create an issue what to keep you occupied until it is time to sleep, I usually ends up sleeping too early. Though most pain for me is waking up in the middle of the night, you are sleepy, warm and cozy, it is dark, cold and maybe wet outside, BUT you have to get up to take a pee..

If I have privacy, I actually almost enjoy pooping in nature, communing with the forest. It might sound dumb, but even in the cold it can be quite refreshing, although not much fun in the rain. Certainly much better than using some of the public toilets I have seen in the forests.

Bunching your pants at your knees is a great way to assist with squating.

You are too funny! :D

Best thumbnail ever!

What jacket are you wearing Robert?

8:36 "It is better to do a short day hike than not to hike at all." +1 Most of the weight of the MontBell "toilet" is in the frame. It might not be difficult to make a seat-top for it, so that it could serve double-duty as a real chair. Maybe tarp fabric and duct tape?

You didn't mention the biggest pain in the butt, selfish people who aren't bothered about others. The type who turn up two hours after you have set up camp and park themselves within metres of your and then start to drink & make a noise as you want to get to sleep.

The lengths that you go to to drop a bit of weight hey !