Weird question but, Ive only gone backpacking on overnight trips 2 of which were at the Guadalupe Mountains. On the back of the permit it states you must pack out everything even used toilet paper. By chance I had gone before and after and never needed to while out in the back country so was wondering if you all take special bags for this or how its done so your pack doesn't get any smell.

Thanks.

I use doggie cleanup bags (about 5"x8") because they're (1) opaque so I don't have to look at my work and (2) mildly scented so I'm not reminded of what I'm carrying on a hot day. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> And then that's double bagged in a regular ziplock. The bags never go inside my pack. I only use packs with open outside pockets, usually mesh.

If I'm having a campfire, which is rare, I burn it.

There are also alternatives to T.P. which have been discussed here.

Out of curiousity, what is driving the current state of packing out TP rather than burning it? Is it just the risk of fire or something more enviornmental?

Well I know in the Guadalupe Mountains they don't allow camp fires because its so dry. You are not even allowed to filter water from a spring if you so happen to find one, since its so dry its left for the wildlife. Well at least thats what I heard. So I'm sure thats the reason why at GMNP.

Maybe consider a change in paradigm?

Do your business, clean with a bit of water, then sanitize your hands with a dab of Purell? No TP to pack in -- or out.

All around the world, I believe there are still more people using the water method than paper.

Something I've been meaning to try is TP for RV's. It supposedly dissolves completely when it gets wet.

Yeah, if I had to pack it out, I'd be doing something "alternative" - stick and water time.

You may end up using twice as much since it's single ply, and I do mean single ply <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I find it no big deal to pack it out. It goes into a ziploc bag along with wet wipes and any other associated trash, and I put that inside a second ziploc or thick plastic bag.

Never had a problem with odors, leakage, or anything else.

Toilet paper can last a long time in some environments, and also if it's dumped into the snow, where it plops out at some point in the spring in a big mess. I really don't see the problem with packing it out, and it sure makes things nicer for future visitors.

At Yosemite in winter, packing out everything is the rule-right now the snow is so deep that is the only way to keep unwanted waste off the ground. I use trash compacter bags-very strong and big and then double bag on the way out if I have anything to carry out.

i put the used TP in a ziploc bag, and store the ziploc inside a brown paper lunch bag. i just keep it on the outside of my pack, rolled up right next to my bathroom kit (mini trowel and TP). never had any problems at all, it's second nature to do it now.

in dry areas, discarded/buried TP will last for a loooooooooooong time.