Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Camping Toilet for Your Outdoor Adventures
What is the best camping toilet for your outdoor adventures? When selecting a camping toilet, comfort, convenience, and hygiene are key. This article takes a look into the various options available, providing a clear perspective on portability, functionality, and ease of maintenance. From bucket toilets to flushable luxuries, you’ll learn what it takes to pick a camping toilet that meets your needs without any fluff or confusion.
Key Takeaways
Portable camping toilets come in various types, including bucket, collapsible, flushable, and composting models, each with specific characteristics catering to different camping needs and preferences.
Important factors to consider when purchasing a camping toilet include its size and weight, waste capacity, ease of use, maintenance requirements, and cost—each impacting its suitability for particular camping scenarios.
Maximize your portable camping toilet experience with add-ons such as privacy tents, biodegradable toilet paper, hand sanitizer, odor control products, and portable waste bags for improved convenience and environmental friendliness.
Types of Camping Toilets: Pros and Cons
Let’s be honest, no one really wants to deal with the toilet issue…that is until they need a toilet. As gross as dealing with waste disposal is, let’s simplify it to help make your experience that much easier, cleaner, and convenient. Portable camping toilets come in various shapes and sizes, each with its unique set of pros and cons. From the humble bucket toilet to the more sophisticated composting model, there’s a portable toilet out there to suit every camper’s needs.
A few toilet options I like are as follows:
Bucket Camping Toilets
The bucket-style toilet is as simple as it gets. It’s a sturdy bucket with an attached seat and, in some cases, a lid to contain odors. This type of toilet is straightforward to set up – just place a disposable liner inside the bucket, attach the toilet seat, and it’s ready to go.
It’s an economical option and typically uses bags combined with chemicals or sawdust for odor control and waste management. However, keep in mind that while it’s user-friendly, it may lack the sophistication of other types and could potentially produce unpleasant odors if not managed correctly.
Collapsible Camping Toilets
If you’re a fan of lightweight and compact equipment, the collapsible camping toilet might be your go-to choice. These toilets consist of a collapsible frame and a built-in seat, supporting the use of disposable liners or bags for waste collection. An example of such a product is the Cleanwaste Go Anywhere, a highly portable camping toilet that simplifies waste disposal using disposal bags.
However, while they’re perfect for easy transport, they may not be as durable as other options for regular, heavy-duty use.
Flushable Camping Toilets
If comfort and hygiene are top priorities for you, consider investing in a flushable camping toilet. These self-contained units come with a fresh water holding tank for flushing and a separate waste holding tank, which can be easily detached for waste disposal. They are designed with secure clamps and latches to prevent leaks, and their waste holding tank typically has a large capacity to minimize the frequency of emptying.
Moreover, flushable camping toilets are equipped with an adult-sized seat and are constructed using high-density polyethylene for durability. However, they do require more maintenance and come with a higher price tag.
Composting Camping Toilets
The composting camping toilet is the eco-friendly choice for the green camper. It utilizes natural decomposition processes to convert human waste into usable compost, significantly reducing the environmental impact of camping. The Moloo composting toilet is an example of a model suitable for semi-permanent setups. It manages waste using a urine separation system, a seal for solid waste, and an exhaust fan, all without the need for water.
However, due to their complexity, composting toilets may be more suitable for semi-permanent setups than for short camping trips.
Essential Features to Consider When Purchasing a Portable Camping Toilet
Now that we’ve explored the different types of portable toilets, let’s consider the factors you should keep in mind when selecting one for your camping needs. Aspects like:
weight
capacity
size
ease of use
maintenance requirements
cost
All play a critical role in determining which portable camping toilet would be the perfect fit for your outdoor adventures.
We’ll examine these factors more closely in the next few subsections.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of your portable camping toilet largely depend on your type of camping and transportation methods. If you’re backpacking or hiking, a lightweight and compact toilet, like a folding or collapsible model, is ideal. However, if you’re traveling by car with ample space, you can opt for a larger and more comfortable toilet.
While folding toilets are easy to transport, do keep in mind that their suitability is more for occasional rather than regular, heavy-duty use due to potential durability issues.
Capacity and Waste Disposal
When it comes to capacity, standard and deluxe portable toilets can accommodate approximately 200 uses. Meanwhile, the Camco Portable Travel Toilet supports up to 330 lbs and is designed with a detachable tank for easy waste disposal. One downside to consider is that portable toilets have limited waste capacity, which might require more frequent emptying during extended trips or with a larger number of users.
However, the convenience in waste disposal and ease of transport make portable toilets a central advantage for outdoor activities.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
A user-friendly portable camping toilet can significantly enhance your camping experience. It should be easy to transport to chemical disposal points for emptying without causing leaks or spills. Regular maintenance, including a strategic combination of chemicals for waste management and odor control, is vital to keep your camping toilet hygienic.
Remember, safety first! Always wear protective equipment like gloves and eyewear when emptying a chemical toilet. After waste disposal, the toilet should be sanitized using specialized cleaners for a fresh and hygienic start for the next user.
Top Portable Camping Toilet Brands and Models
Having covered the basics, we’ll now examine some of the leading brands and models available. Whether you’re looking for a basic bucket toilet from Camco or a high-end composting model from Moloo, there’s a brand out there to suit your needs.
In the following subsections, we’ll review the features and benefits of various models from top brands like Thetford, Dometic, and Camco.
Brand A
Thetford, widely recognized in the portable camping toilet market, is known for its Porta Potti models, which stand out due to their generous tank capacity suitable for extended periods of dry camping. These porta potty features innovative elements, including a concealed toilet paper holder and a battery-operated flush pump. But remember, as the tank fills, it gets heavier.
Another Thetford offering, the Cleanwaste Go Anywhere, provides a unique all-in-one solution with a portable privacy shelter, making outdoor bathroom needs a breeze.
Brand B
Dometic, another key player in the portable camping toilet market, is known for its compact design and ease of use. The Dometic 2.6 Gallon Portable Toilet features a 2.6-gallon capacity and a simple emptying process. However, it has a smaller bowl and lower height, which might cause a risk of splashing for men standing. But if you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use option, this model might just be what you need.
Brand C
For budget-conscious campers, Camco offers reliable portable toilets, including RV toilets, with similar features to Thetford models but at a lower price point. The Camco Portable Travel Toilet is a highly portable toilet for camping, designed with an efficient flush and an extended multi-day use before tank disposal is required, making it an ideal toilet for camping.
Although it has a slightly lower tank capacity compared to Thetford models, its affordability and reliability make it a worthy contender.
Accessories and Extras for Your Camping Toilet
You’ve got your portable camping toilet, but how about enhancing that with some accessories and extras? Here are some options to consider:
Privacy tents for seclusion
Biodegradable toilet paper for eco-friendly waste disposal
Hand sanitizer for hygiene
Odor control products to keep your camping area smelling fresh
Portable waste bags for easy disposal
These accessories and extras can make your RV toilet and camping toilet experience more comfortable and convenient, especially when public restrooms are not available.
We’ll examine these extras in the following subsections.
Privacy Tents
Privacy is paramount when it comes to using a portable toilet in the great outdoors. That’s where privacy tents come in handy. These tents offer a secluded area for personal activities such as using the toilet or changing clothes, providing campers with an enhanced sense of privacy. Some even come with additional features like built-in flooring systems for increased comfort and convenience.
For instance, the Go Anywhere Complete Toilet System by Cleanwaste includes a portable privacy shelter, offering a unique all-in-one solution for your outdoor bathroom needs.
Biodegradable Toilet Paper
When camping, we should strive to leave no trace, and that includes minimizing our waste. Biodegradable toilet paper is an eco-friendly option that breaks down faster than standard toilet paper, reducing the longevity of waste in the wilderness. It’s usually made from sustainable materials like bamboo, hemp, or sugar cane, instead of traditional wood pulp.
Biodegradable toilet paper is available in both standard and wet wipe forms, offering environmentally friendly options. However, do keep in mind that higher ply options may take longer to degrade.
Odor Control Products
Managing smells associated with portable camping toilets can significantly enhance the camping experience. Various products, such as deodorizing pods and specific maintenance chemicals, can help control odors. Simple portable toilet designs, like bucket toilets, might not have built-in odor control systems; however, additional materials like sawdust or kitty litter can help manage smells.
Additionally, periodically ventilating the portable toilet by keeping the door open can also aid in airing out odors.
Tips for Proper Camping Toilet Etiquette and Maintenance
Now that we’ve covered the types, brands, and accessories, it’s time to delve into some tips for proper camping toilet etiquette and maintenance. Ensuring that your portable camping toilet is well maintained and doesn’t disturb others not only makes the camping experience more enjoyable for you but also for your fellow campers.
We’ll discuss these tips in the following subsections.
Proper Disposal of Waste
Proper disposal of waste is crucial for maintaining sanitation standards and respecting the environment. Here are some guidelines for disposing of portable camping toilet waste:
Dump waste at designated dump stations or permissible locations like public park bathrooms or friends’ toilets.
For bucket-style toilets, collect waste in a plastic bag with chemicals or sawdust added to reduce smell.
Responsibly dispose of the waste bag.
Remember, disposal of regular trash should be in compliance with local waste disposal regulations, so always check the rules of your camping site or area.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Regular cleaning and sanitizing of your camping toilet are essential to prevent unsanitary conditions. This includes:
Flushing and cleaning with water and disinfectant
Airing out if possible
Using non-commercial products like white vinegar to sanitize the interior surfaces
Using tank deodorizers to handle any vinegar odors
After handling waste, always wear gloves to prevent contamination. And don’t forget, after every trip, thoroughly clean and disinfect the camping toilet and its components to prepare it for storage or future use.
Respecting Fellow Campers
Respecting fellow campers involves more than just maintaining a quiet campsite. It also means ensuring that your camping toilet is clean, odor-free, and well-maintained. Here are some tips to follow:
Use a camping toilet silently during nighttime hours.
Keep the toilet tent and area around the camping toilet clean.
Regularly dispose of waste according to campground regulations.
By following these tips, you can ensure a pleasant camping experience for everyone.
Removing any visible waste left behind by others, even if it’s not yours, contributes to a cleaner campsite for everyone. After all, a happy camper is a respectful camper!
Summary
In conclusion, the world of portable camping toilets is more diverse and innovative than you might have initially thought. From the simple bucket toilet to the advanced composting model, there’s a portable toilet out there to suit every camper’s needs. And with the right accessories, including privacy tents, biodegradable toilet paper, and odor control products, you can enhance your camping toilet experience even further. Remember, the key to a successful camping trip lies in proper planning, respect for others, and care for the environment. So, equip yourself with the right portable toilet and enjoy the great outdoors worry-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of portable camping toilets?
There are four main types of portable camping toilets: bucket toilets, collapsible toilets, flushable toilets, and composting toilets, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose the one that best fits your camping needs.
What factors should I consider when purchasing a portable camping toilet?
When purchasing a portable camping toilet, consider factors like weight, capacity, size, ease of use, maintenance requirements, and cost. This will help you find the best option for your camping needs.
What are some top brands of portable camping toilets?
Consider checking out Thetford, Dometic, and Camco for quality portable camping toilets with a range of features and benefits. Happy camping!
What accessories can enhance my camping toilet experience?
Adding accessories such as privacy tents, biodegradable toilet paper, and odor control products can greatly enhance your camping toilet experience. Happy camping!
What is proper camping toilet etiquette?
Proper camping toilet etiquette involves maintaining a clean and sanitary environment, disposing of waste properly, and respecting fellow campers. Remember to leave the camping toilet as you would like to find it.
