Backcountry Forum
Backpacking & Hiking Gear

Backcountry Forum
Our long-time Sponsor - the leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear
 
 
 

Amazon.com
Backpacking Forums
---- Our Gear Store ----
The Lightweight Gear Store
 
 WINTER CAMPING 

Shelters
Bivy Bags
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Snow Sports
Winter Kitchen

 SNOWSPORTS 

Snowshoes
Avalanche Gear
Skins
Hats, Gloves, & Gaiters
Accessories

 ULTRA-LIGHT 

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Bivy Sacks
Ultralight Shelters
Ultralight Tarps
Ultralight Tents
Ultralight Raingear
Ultralight Stoves & Cookware
Ultralight Down Sleeping Bags
Ultralight Synthetic Sleep Bags
Ultralight Apparel


the Titanium Page
WM Extremelite Sleeping Bags

 CAMPING & HIKING 

Backpacks
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Hydration
Kitchen
Accessories

 CLIMBING 

Ropes & Cordage
Protection & Hardware
Carabiners & Quickdraws
Climbing Packs & Bags
Big Wall
Rescue & Industrial

 MEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 WOMEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 FOOTWEAR 

Men's Footwear
Women's Footwear

 CLEARANCE 

Backpacks
Mens Apparel
Womens Apparel
Climbing
Footwear
Accessories

 BRANDS 

Black Diamond
Granite Gear
La Sportiva
Osprey
Smartwool

 WAYS TO SHOP 

Sale
Clearance
Top Brands
All Brands

 Backpacking Equipment 

Shelters
BackPacks
Sleeping Bags
Water Treatment
Kitchen
Hydration
Climbing


 Backcountry Gear Clearance

Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#97284 - 06/03/08 04:17 PM Cheap "Wag Bags"
300winmag Offline
member

Registered: 02/28/06
Posts: 1342
Loc: Nevada, USA
For good but cheap wag bags I'm now using left over coffee bags for carrying my used TP. 1 lb. bags seem to be OK for TP. They are the kind that are lined W/ aluminized plastic and will keep odor in very well, plus they have more secure wire reinforced closure strips.


I'm saving my big Costco Kirkland coffee bags for the rare trip where I' required to carry out even my feces. (GAK!) I've purchased some "poo powder" from an RV "camping" store to put in the big bags for odor and "fluid" absorption. These get Gorilla Tape duct tape for closure.

I DO refuse to carry out my pee and if that's required I won't hike there.

If this solution for above mentioned sanitary problem has already been posted I failed to find it but apologize in advance for repeating a post.

Eric
_________________________
"There are no comfortable backpacks. Some are just less uncomfortable than others."

Top
#97285 - 06/03/08 05:31 PM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: 300winmag]
phat Offline
Moderator

Registered: 06/24/07
Posts: 4107
Loc: Alberta, Canada

Not too sure I'd trust the closure on a coffee bag - I suppose if it was only for TP.

If I had to pack out the poop too, man, I'd be seriously considering if I really wanted to
go there, and, if I still did, I think I might be using a ziplock in a bear canister. (Maybe I could get a rental canister!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> )
_________________________
Any fool can be uncomfortable...
My 3 season gear list
Winter list.
Browse my pictures


Top
#97286 - 06/04/08 12:07 AM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: phat]
300winmag Offline
member

Registered: 02/28/06
Posts: 1342
Loc: Nevada, USA
Phat,

I neglected to say that, in the Paria Canyon, Utah I put the coffee bag W/ TP inside a ziploc bag. This is when it PAYS to be anal retentive about packaging!

Eric
_________________________
"There are no comfortable backpacks. Some are just less uncomfortable than others."

Top
#97287 - 06/04/08 12:36 AM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: 300winmag]
Ben2World Offline
member

Registered: 10/26/04
Posts: 1754
Loc: So Cal
Have you considered just cleaning with water -- and then applying a few dabs of Purell to your hands afterwards? It's both cleaner and lighter than TP. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Top
#97288 - 06/04/08 05:12 AM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: 300winmag]
kevonionia Offline
member

Registered: 04/17/06
Posts: 1322
Loc: Dallas, TX
Eric:

Quote:
. . . it PAYS to be anal retentive . . .

Nice double-entendre. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
- kevon

(avatar: raptor, Lake Dillon)


Top
#97289 - 06/04/08 06:27 AM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: Ben2World]
jshannon Offline
member

Registered: 02/14/06
Posts: 410
Loc: North Texas
Ben, in areas where WAG bags are required such as the Paria, I'd think it would also not be allowed to clean with water leaving feces on the ground next to a water source?
_________________________
Ten Essential Groups

Top
#97290 - 06/04/08 12:33 PM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: Ben2World]
300winmag Offline
member

Registered: 02/28/06
Posts: 1342
Loc: Nevada, USA
Ben,

Sorry, as an American raised W/ TP I culturally can't even begin to do the Middle Eastern style of wiping W/ my bare hands & water. EEeeewwww! Then there's the "poo-under-the-fingernails" problem too with the bare hand method.

But, as stated, my "final" wipes W/ TP use hand sanitizer on the TP. Plus, of course, hand sanitizer on my hands for a final cleanup. So It's TP or leaves but no bare hands & water for me.

Now having said that Ben I'll probably still shake your hand if I ever meet you. (hee, hee)

Eric
_________________________
"There are no comfortable backpacks. Some are just less uncomfortable than others."

Top
#97291 - 06/04/08 01:32 PM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: phat]
wandering_daisy Offline
member

Registered: 01/11/06
Posts: 2865
Loc: California
You are supposed to pack out the poo on Whitney and Shasta. The Forest Service gives you poo bags with cat litter along with your permit. So far they do not check your bag upon leaving! I can just see it -- busted and fined if you do not bring out a certain amount of poo!

You can buy plastic bags that are odor proof. They are intended for things like fish guts in bear country- but should work for TP and poo also. You should be able to find them in a fishing store.

Top
#97292 - 06/04/08 02:03 PM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: 300winmag]
Fiddleback Offline
member

Registered: 06/22/04
Posts: 478
Loc: Northern Rockies
The original WAG bags can be had from REI for less than $2.50 each which includes TP and hand sanitizer. The difference, aside from the convenience of the waste being turned into a non-offensive gel, is that the used bags can be disposed of in any trash container/landfill. Not so with untreated waste...

Two and a half bucks may, or may not, be expensive but it's OK by me given the convenience and sanitation factors. FYI, we use 'em in our barn which doesn't have a bathroom and is a long cold walk from the nearest toilet.

FB
_________________________
"...inalienable rights...include the right to a clean and healthful environment..." Montana Constitution

Top
#97293 - 06/04/08 03:07 PM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: Fiddleback]
Ben2World Offline
member

Registered: 10/26/04
Posts: 1754
Loc: So Cal
Fiddleback:

Am I right in assuming that wag bags are given out for free at Whitney (meaning they're included in the permit fee)? Are these bags the same as the REI ones?

Top
#97294 - 06/04/08 03:29 PM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: Ben2World]
sarbar Offline
member

Registered: 07/15/05
Posts: 1453
Loc: WA
Hey Ben,
In this months BP mag there is an article on the whole bag thing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
Freezer Bag Cooking, Trail Cooking, Recipes, Gear and Beyond:
www.trailcooking.com

Top
#97295 - 06/04/08 04:35 PM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: sarbar]
Ben2World Offline
member

Registered: 10/26/04
Posts: 1754
Loc: So Cal
Thanks, Sarbar. Time for my Borders and coffee fix anyway. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Top
#97296 - 06/04/08 05:53 PM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: Ben2World]
sarbar Offline
member

Registered: 07/15/05
Posts: 1453
Loc: WA
See, there is your Friday night <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
Freezer Bag Cooking, Trail Cooking, Recipes, Gear and Beyond:
www.trailcooking.com

Top
#97297 - 06/05/08 07:02 AM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: Ben2World]
Fiddleback Offline
member

Registered: 06/22/04
Posts: 478
Loc: Northern Rockies
I don't know...haven't been there, yet. I have read that the original WAG bags, by Phillips Environmental Products here in Montana, are used/recommended by the NPS and FS. And they are the ones offered by REI.

FB
_________________________
"...inalienable rights...include the right to a clean and healthful environment..." Montana Constitution

Top
#97298 - 06/05/08 10:17 AM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: 300winmag]
NiytOwl Offline
member

Registered: 11/06/04
Posts: 501
Loc: California
Quote:
Now having said that Ben I'll probably still shake your hand if I ever meet you. (hee, hee)


Just shake his right hand.

OK, let me explain. In countries where they wash instead of using various absorbent products, custom dictates that you use your LEFT hand to perform personal cleansing functions. It's considered to be a real insult to offer food to someone with your left hand.

I know it's a bit difficult to get over the "Eww, gross! I'm touching my own poo!" syndrome, but I used to carry TP and then baby wipes to prevent "monkey butt" syndrome. That's 4 fewer ounces I have to carry now, I never get monkey butt, and I don't have to bury my turds very deep because there's no TP to decompose.

For those looking to join the TP-less club, here's my method:

Before the trip, get a zip-closure sandwich bag. Cut off a bottom corner - enough so that when you fill the bag with water you get a narrow stream of water. Now fold the corner over and clip it with a bobby pin.

So now you're in the boonies and gotta go. Dig your cat hole, pour some water in the baggie, do your business. Hold the baggie in your RIGHT hand and unclip the bobby pin. Wet your LEFT hand and then squeeze the bag with your RIGHT hand, directing the stream of water from the bag onto the soiled area. You don't have to squeeze hard - too much water pressure will lead to spattering! Now use your LEFT hand to continue the cleansing.

If you do this correctly, your RIGHT hand and the baggie remains clean. A little soap and water will clean up the LEFT one, although in my experience the LEFT remains quite clean provided that you wet it before touching yourself. I've never had a problem with poop under the fingernails, but if it bothers you, use a latex/nitrile glove.

The added benefits are that your derrier will never become sore - even if you have a bad case of the squirts and it's your fifth time today - and you can say good-bye to the "sticky/messy poop" that would have consumed nearly your entire roll of TP to clean up.

Top
#97299 - 06/07/08 04:43 PM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: NiytOwl]
Spock Offline
member

Registered: 01/10/06
Posts: 679
Loc: Central Texas
NiyatOwl,
Good for you! I use the same method and often do a broader range wash up while I have the water and soap out. Sure cuts down on the hiker funk.

Top
#97300 - 06/18/08 11:17 AM Re: Cheap "Wag Bags" [Re: Spock]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
Geeze, hygenic hikers <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />, what's this World coming too! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!

Top

Shout Box

Highest Quality Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags
 
Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
 
Lite Gear Talk - Featured Topics
MSR Recall
by balzaccom
02/24/24 11:13 AM
Backcountry Discussion - Featured Topics
Yosemite Winter Rangers
by balzaccom
12/21/23 09:35 AM
Make Your Own Gear - Featured Topics
Featured Photos
Spiderco Chaparral Pocketknife
David & Goliath
Also Testing
Trip Report with Photos
Seven Devils, Idaho
Oat Hill Mine Trail 2012
Dark Canyon - Utah
Who's Online
0 registered (), 58 Guests and 0 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Noodles, McCrary, DanyBacky, Rashy Willia, WanderBison
13240 Registered Users
Forum Links
Disclaimer
Policies
Site Links
Backpacking.net
Lightweight Gear Store
Backpacking Book Store
Lightweight Zone
Hiking Essentials

Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:

Backcountry Forum
 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
 
 

Since 1996 - the Original Backcountry Forum
Copyright © The Lightweight Backpacker & BackcountryForum