Outdoor Defecation Techniques
More Articles Related to HealthThe How to Shit Outdoors Series
How to Shit Outdoors IntroProper Outdoor Defecation
Where to Defecate Outdoors
Outdoor Defecation Techniques
Outdoor Defecation Considerations
Now that we know the dangers of fecal contamination of water supplies during urban and wilderness survival situations and have a grip on how to properly dispose of human waste, we can discuss some tried and true methods of relieving oneself in the great outdoors.
Many of us rarely defecate outdoors, usually doing the deed in the privacy of our homes or in public restrooms that provide privacy and comfortable seating in the form of a toilet. We also usually have at our disposal plenty of commercial toilet paper in which to wipe our backsides with.
Those who are unaccustomed to relieving themselves outdoors may at first have difficulties letting nature take its course because of unfamiliar surroundings and lack of facilities they are accustomed to. This is only natural but in due course they hit their stride and are able to accomplish the task whenever and wherever required.
There are several techniques that can help make the process more comfortable. I urge you to try them all and find which work the best for you.
Methods of Outdoor Defecation
 |
Log Seat A good technique for neophyte outdoor defecators, sitting on a log is somewhat similar to sitting on an indoor toilet Once the outdoorsman has mastered sitting on a log, he or she will often move on to a variation of the squat. |
The Log Seat
For neophyte outdoor defecators the log seat method is often the most comfortable and familiar. This will help ease the process until you become for accustomed to relieving yourself in places other than restrooms and outhouses.
To defecate using a log, find or place a log so that it is a few feet off the ground and provides a reasonably comfortable platform on which to sit. Often as you feel the urge to defecate coming on you can keep an eye out for a suitable log that has been pre-placed by nature so that you do not need to expend any additional energy in preparation.
Once you have prepared the log of choice, dig a hole at the estimated position your feces is likely to fall. Use of a plumb bob is optional but if you do miss the target it is usually a simple matter to roll the feces into the pit you dug using a stick or rock. Fill in your hole and your done.
The Squat
As your progress in your outdoor defecation experience, you are likely to find you can dispense with seating altogether.
The most natural way to defecate is to squat and is perhaps the most universal and common method worldwide. After having squatted thousands of times over the years while defecating outdoors I have come to prefer this method over using the common bathroom toilet.
As with many good things, there are several techniques that can be used for successful squatting defecation:
The Simple Squat is just that; hunker down by bending at the knees so that your body forms a figure “Z”. When done correctly this moves your backside out over the hole you dug and away from your legs.
A problem with the simple squat is that all your weight is supported by your legs and feet. Good balance, flexibility, and a degree of strength and endurance are required. It can be somewhat difficult to get your backside out far enough so that you do not soil the back of your calves or feet.
 |
Squat Against a Tree You can press your back against a strong tree while you squat. This will take much of the weight off your knees and thighs, as well as allow your backside to extend further away from your legs and feet. Be sure to select a tree that is strong enough to hold you, and be careful of dead or broken tree limbs above you that could fall at the most inopportune time. |
Squatting Against a Tree helps hold your body up while providing a comfortable backrest. The support a large tree gives allows you to place your legs further away from your center of gravity, minimizing the risk of soiling a body part.
On slopes you are usually better off choosing to lean against the downhill side of the tree, but you have to do a few test runs to be sure since other factors such as the direction the tree leans plays a role.
Squatting with a Sapling is my personal favorite and if you were to catch me in the act this is usually how I would usually be found.
This method requires you to locate a tree small enough that you can grip on to with both hands. Holding onto the tree, squat down so that your backside is well away from other body parts and the tree is taking most of your weight.
There is More to Outdoor Defecation
Now that you are a skilled outdoor defecator there are a number of outdoor defecation considerations that will be covered in the next Survival Topic in the How to Shit Outdoors series.
 |
Squat Holding a Sapling My favorite method is to squat while holding onto a sapling for support. |
You are welcome to share this Survival Topic with others. I only request that you use a short blurb (not the entire survival content) and this code to
link to the origional:
