When hiking without bathrooms, you should always pack out all hygiene waste—including wipes, tampons, pads, and toilet paper—using a sealable, odor-blocking bag.

The most effective option is a biodegradable outdoor hygiene bag, which keeps waste contained, discreet, and easy to dispose of later.

Hygiene products don’t break down quickly in nature. Leaving them behind:

• Pollutes trails and campsites
• Harms wildlife
• Violates Leave No Trace principles

Outdoor hygiene waste includes: wipes, tampons, pads, liners, toilet paper, and related packaging.

👉 Simple rule: If you packed it in, you pack it out.

You should always pack out:

• Toilet paper

• Baby wipes or body wipes (even “biodegradable” ones)

• Tampons and applicators

• Pads and liners

• Menstrual cups (contents handled properly)

• Packaging from hygiene products

Step-by-Step

1. Use a sealable hygiene bag
Choose a durable, leak-resistant bag designed for personal waste.

2. Place waste inside immediately after use
Avoid leaving anything exposed.

3. Seal tightly 
This prevents odor and leakage.

4. Store overnight in an animal proof container 
Handle like other “smellables” such as food, toothpaste to keep curious animals out.

5. Dispose properly later 
Use a trash bin when available.

You should bag never bury or leave period products outdoors.

Best Practices

• Wrap used products (optional but helpful)

• Place them in a sealable hygiene bag

• Store in a discreet pouch

• Pack out and dispose later
  
  

💡 Pro tip: Carry extra hygiene bags for longer trips or heavier days.

Toilet Paper

• In some areas, it can be buried in a cathole (6–8 inches deep)

• However, best practice is still to pack it out, especially in high-traffic areas

Wipes

❌ Never bury wipes (even “biodegradable” ones)
👉 Always pack them out

• Leaving wipes or toilet paper behind

• Burying non-biodegradable items

• Using thin, non-sealable bags

• Not bringing enough supplies

Biodegradable outdoor hygiene bags provide a better solution because they:

• Reduce plastic waste

• Contain odor and moisture

• Make disposal more hygienic

• Support Leave No Trace practices

They’re a simple upgrade that makes a big difference—for both you and the environment.

Handling hygiene waste while hiking doesn’t have to be complicated.

With the right system, you can:

• Stay clean and comfortable

• Protect the environment

• Feel confident on any trail
  
  

👉 Bottom line: Pack it in. Pack it out. And make it easier on yourself with the right gear.

Happy Trails!
Dani & Becca

Q: Can you throw tampons in the woods?
  No. Tampons should always be packed out using a sealable hygiene bag.

Q: Are biodegradable wipes okay to bury?
  No. Even biodegradable wipes should be packed out.

Q: What is the best way to carry out hygiene waste?
  Using a sealable, odor-blocking biodegradable hygiene bag is the easiest and most effective method.

Q: Where can I learn more about Leave No Trace guidelines for handling hygiene waste outdoors?
  Check out Leave No Trace for more information on minimizing our human impact on natural environments!