Re: [Paddlewise] Packing waste out

Just got back from La Paz, Baja, where we had to pack out our solids. Wasn't 
pretty, but is a vital effort for wild lands. Our group used anything from 
homemade 5" pvc pipes, BDH packs (available at Great River Outfitters), 
coffee cans and dry bags. If you trust it to hold a seal, it fits in your 
kayak and it's structure is tough enough to withstand the abuse of a lengthy 
trip, it ought to do.

The trick is: bring multiple 12x 15 waste can liners. use a new one each day. 
You may even want to double bag it if you want to use the container again. 
Some folks bring along a bag of lime or baking soda to cut down on the odors. 
You can even scruff about for a little charcoal at campfire rings, it is 
nearly as effective. Be extra cautious of your personal hygiene by washing 
your hands carefully when handling waste. 

Some folks bring a can big enough to catch solid emissions without secondary 
handling, others bring one that require "doody tongs" to place waste in bag 
secondarily. That may depend on local regs or operator's sensibilities. 

I'm glad the emphasis is on waste management these days, heavily impacted 
sites are really scary when folks don't take back what they brought, to put 
it politely. Log onto backpacker.com and they will have some further info 
that is valuable. Occasionally the paddling mags deal with this issue to. 
There is a book available called "How to Shit in the Woods", but I forget who 
it's by. Any decent outdoor store would likely have a copy.

By the way, the emphasis is on solids, not liquids. Unless your solids are 
liquid which is another issue that may cause you to bring a small supply of 
Immodium or some such stopping agent. I do, and it has saved the day(s). I've 
noticed other fellow travelers grab their cans multiple times in a day 
reaffirming my decision to always update my first aid kit before each trip. 

Finally, if the place you plan to visit is alive with biting insects you may 
want a pee bottle in your tent. I am never so bitten when I make midnight 
trips to tend to bid'ness. Pee bottles remove 85% of the effort and introduce 
no new insects on your body or in your tent at night. If you have a tent 
mate, you may have problems, though. Something to think about. 

Good luck! We expect a full report (of the paddling!) at trips conclusion. 

Rob
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************