Bathroom Protocol on the Camino de Santiago

With a more than half a million people on the Camino trails each year, the practice of “leave no trace” is more important than ever. There isn’t an established infrastructure for cleaning the Camino, so it’s up to each of us to do our part to keep these sacred paths free of litter.

In 2018, after spending seven weeks picking up trash along the camino francés, I created the Camino Cleanup campaign to inspire pilgrims to leave the trails in better shape than they found them. Seven years and 294 bags later, there is still much more to be done to raise awareness of the “leave no trace” concept, especially when it comes to bathroom-related trash. You can help. Here’s how:

Learn the basics

Because the vast majority of those who walk the Camino de Santiago are not experienced backpackers, it is important to learn proper bathroom protocol – both for yourself and to inform your pilgrim friends along the way.

The global organization Leave No Trace offers these guidelines for going to the bathroom outdoors:

Step # 1: Walk at least 70 steps away from trails, water, and people.

Step # 2: If you have to poop, you have two options.

Option # 1: Dig a hole at least 6 inches deep (15 cm), dispose of your waste in the hole, cover it, and pack out your toilet paper.

Option # 2: Use a “wag bag” (a disposable bag to poop in, found in most outdoor stores) so you can pack out your waste and deposit it in the next available waste bin.

Recommended tools

Lightweight trowel: This is what you would use to dig a hole. This one weighs 0.6 oz (17 g), which is the weight of 3 US quarters. When not in use, a trowel can also double as a shoe horn!

Wag bag: This is an example of a disposable bag that is designed to poop in. Even if you’ve never had to go # 2 outdoors and have no plans to do this ever, it still makes sense to carry one of these for emergencies, especially to help out a fellow pilgrim in need.

The wag bag kit includes a puncture-resistant zip-close disposal bag with Poo Powder gelling agent, toilet paper, and hand cleaner. You use it, seal it, and throw it away as normal trash. Weighs 2.4 oz (68 g).

Biodegradable wipes: I like these. They are made from renewable natural fibers and are flushable.

Plan ahead

Of course, the idea is to never have to use the above tools. PRO TIP: One way to avoid having to poop outdoors is to wait a bit after your morning coffee and use the restroom at the bar or albergue before you start walking. Later in the day, support the small businesses along the Camino by purchasing something first before using their WC.

Attention ladies

Ladies, if you have to pee outdoors, do not leave your used tissues or toilet paper behind. Pack them out to dispose later or, better yet, get a pee cloth. A pee cloth is an eco-friendly alternative to using tissues or toilet paper. Pee cloths are reusable, antimicrobial, and weigh almost nothing.

This one has a hand grip and a waterproof fabric on the outside. The absorbent inside is made from silver-infused fabric to prevent odor or bacteria. After use, it folds in half and snaps to your backpack, so no plastic bags or tissues are needed:

This one comes as a 3-pack and includes a nice storage bag to separate the clean cloth from the used ones:

If squatting down to pee is too difficult for your body, consider one of these urination devices that allow you to pee while standing. Best to practice with it in the shower at home first before using it on the Camino.

Here is a reusable eco-friendly option:

Need a handy guide to take with you on your camino?

Make the most of your camino with Your Inner Camino: Your Pocket Guide to Inspiration and Transformation Along the Camino de Santiago. It offers bite-size nuggets of inspiration and contemplation just when you need it. It’s like having a personal coach, a comedian, and a therapist all in one – right in your pocket for easy access while walking. Weighs a pilgrim-friendly 1.4 oz (40 g).

Paperback edition available from Camino Chronicles Press.
Kindle edition available on Amazon.

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.