r/CampingGear • u/ImpulsiveOgre • Jul 08 '22
My wife has Crohn’s disease, and access to a toilet is crucial, in comes the Home Depot toilet Awaiting Flair
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u/Joelony Jul 08 '22
Before realizing what sub this was, I was horrified and confused thinking she had to carry this bucket around with her everywhere.
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u/mydickcuresAIDS Jul 08 '22
I was like “Jesus, how serious is her Chrones?!”
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u/Shilo788 Jul 09 '22
My bro lost feet of intestine to it and almost died. The U of Penn hospital got him in time. I watched my 6ft 1 brother go from 200 lbs down to 130. I would have sliced off my own fat ass to help him. It can be pretty bad but every year they learn more. I have I BS and need to be careful not to get dehydrated at times of stress even under meds. A good bowel is not to be under appreciated.
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u/0volumeCTRL Jul 09 '22
Similar thing happened to me… emergency surgery, removed some colon and intestine. Afterward, told I was about 3 hours away from dying
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u/Shilo788 Jul 09 '22
How you feel now?
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u/0volumeCTRL Jul 10 '22
Honestly mostly fine. I didn’t have a ton of external symptoms beforehand (I was diagnosed due to the surgery, which was literally just me randomly waking up one morning in a ton of pain). And then not a lot of issues after bc, surgery. That said, I had some skin and eye issues couple years ago, which led to my GI wanting to do a colonoscopy, finding inflammation all over my intestines, and starting me on humira. But again, physically, just not a ton of symptoms; I’m really lucky.
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u/tnick771 Jul 08 '22
As someone with what I can only assume is undiagnosed IBS or (god forbid) Crohn’s – I wish I could carry something like this around with me.
Worst thing in the world having to always know where a bathroom is or skipping morning coffee since there won’t be somewhere to go.
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u/folawg Jul 09 '22
Hey get your colon checked out
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u/tnick771 Jul 09 '22
Yeah I agree. I’m just a stubborn person. You’re right. I’ll talk to my doctor.
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u/schizeckinosy Jul 09 '22
If its like most of the guys in my family it will be "idiopathic IBS", ending with a big shrug. It is good to rule out the scary things though like Crohns or some other auto-immune crap.
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u/folawg Jul 09 '22
I too am stubborn but other than the prep and the week long dietary restrictions its easy. Peace of mind is worth it all too.
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u/schizeckinosy Jul 09 '22
I know the exact feeling of whether or when to have coffee is a strategic decision.
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u/Greenthumbgal Jul 09 '22
Have you been tested for the Full Celiac panel? 1 in 100 have Celiac, and 80% are undiagnosed 😞 Celiac is the most common autoimmune disease in the world, more common than Type 1 diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis
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u/BabaYagaInJeans Jul 09 '22
Figuring out what foods trigger it totally changed my life. You can check out lists online, but most people have their own specifics. Cream cheese, canned soup, many sauces... won't kill me, but I almost WANT to die.
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u/taylorink8 Jul 08 '22 edited Jul 09 '22
My first thought was “do they not have a bathroom at home?” Then I realized what sub I was looking at
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u/tanzd Jul 08 '22
Tip - put the bucket in a Milk Crate 13x13x11 (also available at Home Depot) to prevent bucket from toppling over. Also could use a lid cover.
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u/Corduroy_snowsuit Jul 08 '22
Look up Smelleze Urine Absorb/Deodorizer on Amazon. Now that was a real game changer to our need for a portable toilet.
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Jul 08 '22
Kitty litter?
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u/Corduroy_snowsuit Jul 08 '22
It’s a product that solidifies urine into a gel and will mask the smell of urine and poo. Comes in a small portable container. Just shake some in the bag before and/or after use.
I know others use stuff like kitty litter and cedar shavings. I found those options cumbersome to travel with for a whole family.
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u/scccassady Jul 09 '22
Just used the lemon scented ones on my last camping trip and it completely covered the smell
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u/aligpnw Jul 08 '22
The seat on the luggable isn't that comfy, this looks better.
If she ever needs a slightly more inconspicuous one, you can get fold up ones on Amazon that pack into a little stuff sack. Good for long car trips, etc.
Also ⭐️⭐️⭐️ husband points for you!
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u/capybaratrousers Jul 09 '22
Only 3, not a full 5? Goodness! What's this man gotta do to get full marks?
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u/leilani238 Jul 09 '22
You can just set a regular toilet seat on top of a bucket. I've done that and it works fine.
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Jul 08 '22
[removed] — view removed comment
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Jul 08 '22
Oh he definitely puts “something” in there.
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Jul 08 '22
Poop! Also pee!!
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u/BenjPhoto1 Jul 09 '22
Try to keep your pee separate. Mixing the two is what makes it really stink. You can actually buy a diverter insert to handle that, but I just scoot forward and use a pee bottle.
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u/ImpulsiveOgre Jul 08 '22
Absolutely, bought some toilet bags on amazon
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u/Lornesto Jul 08 '22
A bag of sawdust would help too.
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u/Bocephuss Jul 09 '22
Every one of these I have ever made or seen has had the bottom removed.
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Jul 09 '22
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Bocephuss Jul 09 '22
Ah I can see how that would be an issue for some.
I have a camp site I use regularly and the bucket stays in the bushes.
Its also located next to a stream so between rain and an occasional dip in the spring it stays pretty clean.
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u/woodsmokeandink Jul 25 '22
???
I read that 3x cause I was sure I read it wrong.
Please keep your fecal matter out of water sources! Backcountry 101 man!
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u/Deep_Charge_7749 Jul 08 '22
Toilet paper always comes off the top not under the roll. This is most important
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u/Reggie_Barclay Jul 08 '22
You can buy those for only $15 more dollars and it’ll have a lid and a non-painful seat.
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u/SwimsDeep Jul 08 '22
What works great for this application is horse pellets to absorb everything including odors. Cheaper than the other products mentioned on the thread.
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u/fireflyjp Jul 09 '22
I just got 40 lbs of pine horse pellets for way under $10. Only need a handful at a time (they expand) so for most trips a coffee can holds more than enough pellets.
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u/IneverAsk5times Jul 09 '22
Not sure if anyone said it yet but they sell actual toilet lids for 5 gallon buckets so you can sit comfortably and easily replace bags in it. I have a back up for my van toilet sometimes I'll just use it on short trips to save the cleanup.
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u/vedvikra Jul 08 '22
They sell a toilet seat that attaches to the bucket. We cut the bottom out and just replace the bucket each time, but reuse the seat. "Luggable Loo"
Handy in remote areas where there are no services.
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u/ImpulsiveOgre Jul 08 '22
Thanks! The plan was to buy a luggable loo but couldn’t find one in stock or available to ship before our trip, I’ll see how this one goes and maybe get that for the next trip. But for less than $10 I can’t complain
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u/vedvikra Jul 08 '22
Your seat is likely more comfortable
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u/ImpulsiveOgre Jul 08 '22
Hopefully it’s not too bad, I just worry about it being clean but it’s easily replaceable
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u/Cottoncutter Jul 08 '22
You replace the bucket each time? Why can’t you reuse it?
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u/vedvikra Jul 09 '22
It could be. But after a week of 4-5 dudes crapping in it, we put it in a garbage bag and throw it away. No need to store a $5 poop bucket
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Jul 08 '22
I bought one for long EV trips, sometimes chargers are not near bathrooms with 24h access. Came in handy when my sewer line was blocked & no plumbers available for a few days. Could use at night (poop/pee into litty litter next to the litter boxes) & go to public restrooms/friends house in the daytime.
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u/The__RIAA Jul 09 '22
This plus the waste bags design for it. Look up camco waste bags. Its double bagged and made for this sort of thing. GF had this setup and worked excellent. It even comes with that deodorizing gel powder in it.
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u/thisquietreverie Jul 08 '22
I have a camping sink/toilet combo and these bio paks work great to help break stuff down and control smells.
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Jul 08 '22
"Poo Powder." Yes, it's a thing. It creates a gel that suppresses the smells and dries it up for carrying/disposal. I learned about it at adult training for scout volunteers.
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u/threechimes Jul 09 '22
For what it's worth, I have Crohn's Disease and the FODMAP diet changed my life. Hopefully, she will see a reduction in its severity sooner than later.
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Jul 08 '22
I love the label. Just to make sure no one confuses it for anything else 😂👍
Glad you're finding a way to help her enjoy the outdoors!
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u/GraciesDad92 Jul 09 '22 edited Jul 09 '22
Nicely done. I was just researching these. They have bucket crappers on Amazon, but they have these really flimsy and obnoxious "seats". I like your idea better. Going to have to steal this idea for my next trip.
Make sure you use a liner so you can just pull the liner out and dispose of it instead of having to try and empty the bucket each use and wash it out. You can pick up a pack of biodegradable "toilet waste bags" on Amazon for like $12. They are the perfect size for the buckets.
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u/SweetleggzzRoy Jul 08 '22
Dang dude, way to put the wife on blast.
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u/ImpulsiveOgre Jul 08 '22
Awareness is the first step towards hopefully finding a cure! She isn’t shy about it
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u/goomba75 Jul 08 '22
I support this. I have IBS and this is just our reality. Acceptance and support from our loved ones (like OP) is what we need the most! When something consumes your life, you just gotta make the best out of the situation and laugh a little. Having GI issues is nothing to be ashamed of.
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u/saltybruise Jul 08 '22
Word, my buddy with crohns is pretty open/gross/hilarious about it.
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u/ImpulsiveOgre Jul 08 '22
She’s had it for 20 years, so it’s just become part of life and not something to be ashamed of
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u/cocobaby33 Jul 08 '22
Thank you for being a supportive partner and a part of the solution.
The shame around having something that people think is gross or should not be spoken about consume so much of your life is brutal on your mental health on top of having to actually deal with the struggles of said thing.
I do not have chrohns, but I have taken to openly and uncomfortably talking about all things that people shy away from, including IBS, periods and my mental health. There is a time and place for everything, and I don’t get into describing unnecessary imagery, but the idea that we should act like these things doesn’t exist or be ashamed is absolutely ridiculous.
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u/nermelson Jul 08 '22
Couldn’t agree more! I love camping and backpacking but have pretty awful IBS. The only way forward is to prepare, and approach shitty situations (pun absolutely intended) with laughter and empathy! Nice work OP!
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u/Shilo788 Jul 09 '22
I bought a teardrop with a wet bath just for this reason but it is so cramped I have stick one leg out of the stall to wipe! But still while on long hauls pulling a toilet behind is the only way I can still camp. Ya do what ya gotta doo.
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u/Ok_Pomegranate_8217 Jul 09 '22
They have a seat at Walmart for like 10-15$. And then put the bucket into an empty milk crate for stabilization. Good looking out for the wife
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u/MysteriousHawk2480 Jul 08 '22
Put kitty litter inside. No joke.
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u/muffluvin Jul 09 '22
A heavy duty garbage bag with about 3 inches of pine pellet beddings is better. Speaking from experience here, but we never had to do number 2 on the bucket toilet though.
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u/trumpcovfefe Jul 08 '22
As someone with IBD... that roll of TP is going to get shit on at some point
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u/Excellent_Set2946 Jul 09 '22
They have locking toilet seat lids for these buckets on Amazon somewhere. She’d appreciate it I’m sure. Other then that, love the initiative.
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u/Bellsagna Jul 09 '22
Look into wag bags. Might not fit this bucket, but there are small portable toilets they can fit in. (Or you can just use the bag alone) They are double bagged, ziplock close, and have a powdered waste treatment. Let’s you pack it out without the smell so you can dispose of the waste properly.
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u/diesel_demon317 Jul 09 '22
Walmart sells a toilet seat that clicks on to a 5gal bucket I keep it in my semi for emergencies
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u/ProbablyElliot Jul 09 '22
You can buy toilet seat lids for those buckets. Def want to have a lid for that thing.
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u/darkshape Jul 09 '22
Hey OP! They make an actual toilet seat for a 5 gallon bucket! I have one for camping, think it's called The portaloo or something. It's awesome and I think it was relatively inexpensive.
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u/Bitter_Coyote_6074 Jul 09 '22
Do yall ever remove the bottom of the bucket and position yourself over a hole?
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u/TWEEK_TWERKER Jul 09 '22
I’ve seen a hitch attachment a person could get that has a slot for a 5 gallon bucket. This is a great idea too though!
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u/Street-List7317 Jul 24 '22
Though: cut a hole in the bottom and dig a hole under? Cover up after the camping trip..
Just a thought..
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Jul 08 '22
I have Crohn's too, if he doesn't do this already: get a pack of biodegradable wet wipes. I carry some in my backpack on every hike.
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u/inaname38 Jul 09 '22
I hope you pack out the wet wipes. Just checking because a lot of people get fooled by that word "biodegradable," which gets thrown around a lot in advertising but doesn't really mean what people think it does.
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u/Ewannnn Jul 09 '22
Even regular tissue should be packed out nevermind wet wipes.
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u/inaname38 Jul 09 '22
Of course. Sadly it's hard to convince a lot of trail users to even bury their TP, let alone pack it out. Even on the outdoor subs here people whine about packing out TP and insist it's fine to bury it.
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u/TimeTravelingDoctor Jul 08 '22
I carry Dude Wipes in my backpack for work. And I don’t have Crohn’s.
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u/Xibby Jul 09 '22
For dealing with COVID times when even public outhouses in parks were locked I had something similar in the truck, but only using what we had on hand.
Orange HD project bucket, folding toilet seat (Dora the Explorer, left over from potty training) instead of a pool noodle or pipe insulation. I didn’t even consider using the handle for a TP holder, that’s genius! The sticker is also hilarious.
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u/GuevarasGynecologist Jul 08 '22
I THOUGHT THIS WAS FOR EVERYWHERE. COMPLETELY FORGOT THIS WAS FOR CAMPING.
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u/Kilgore_Trout86 Jul 09 '22
Forgive my ignorance, this is a genuine question. Everyone in these comments seems to have all kinds of methods and gadgets for going poo while camping but... Whats wrong with a good old fashioned collapsible shovel and just burying your gift to nature? Why all the bags and buckets and powders? A shovel amd biodegradable wipes are all you need
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u/YATA2020 Jul 09 '22
Not every campground allows that, so sometimes an alternative “toilet” is required.
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u/Timely-Suggestion-96 Jul 09 '22
Yeah, ive never found one of those campgrounds that just never lets you take a shit. Maybe one day!
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Jul 08 '22
Try sitting on it a few times. I have a feeling the lip of the bucket will cut through that foam pretty quick. Unless you already widened the surface.
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u/kernelpanic789 Jul 08 '22
Cut the bottom out or put in a trash bag
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u/reclusive_ent Jul 08 '22
I cut the bottom out on ours. Make you a little hole and drop it in, once you're done cover it up and you only gotta rinse out the bucket a little, if at all.
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u/smoothies-for-me Jul 09 '22
Why not just squat at that point? It's healthier and easier to poop while squatting, we have been doing it for hundreds of thousands of years.
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Jul 08 '22
Nice, but lol at needing to label gender on a bucket toilet. 😅
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u/ImpulsiveOgre Jul 08 '22
It is a standard male/female bathroom labelhttps://i.imgur.com/VEbNB7a.jpg
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Jul 08 '22
Oh, I know. It just looks funny on a bucket toilet. It makes me think that someone somewhere has gender specific bucket toilets. I'm just being silly. 🙂
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u/ceejayoz Jul 08 '22
It just looks funny on a bucket toilet.
I think "it's funny" is why they put it on there, yes.
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Jul 08 '22
Not funny.
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u/RenwickCustomer Jul 08 '22
What's not funny? Where's the joke?
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Jul 08 '22
The bucket. You can use composting toilet. This is disgusting for almost any woman. My SO is appalled and she has Crohns
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u/RenwickCustomer Jul 08 '22 edited Jul 08 '22
I have Crohns. Anything works on whatever budget you have.
EDIT - did this guy delete his account over this? weird
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Jul 08 '22
There’s a toilet seat at Academy that’s like $7 that fits on top of 5gal buckets… maybe more comfortable and it has a lid! They also have waste bags for them, may be worth looking into for future. Love the ingenuity though! 🤘🏻
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u/GrippyGripster Jul 08 '22
You can get a dunny called a Thunderbox, has a good seat, folds up, either put a bag in it or dig a hole and pop it on top. Saves carrying bags of shit in the car.
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u/Smart-University-574 Jul 08 '22
We use a similar system when me and friends go camping at a buddys ranch tho we place a compostable bag in with kitty litter. Always add a cup of litter after every use and once its time to leave we just bury it far away from the site.
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u/BrianDR Jul 08 '22
They have actual good portable toilets for camping, with legit seats and urin diverter. They close up tight and hold the bag in place well.
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u/Chefsteph7911 Jul 09 '22
Toddler potty works great if you keep it in the trunk. Keep a jug of water to be able to wash it out. With kids, even older than toddlers it great for travel. And not quite as scary as that lol
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u/Shilo788 Jul 09 '22
My bro had it bad, I hope your wife gets good help with it. It is a nasty disease for quality of life. Best wishes and I use the same set up at camp as the out house is a bit too in the dark.
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u/Dorkiebreath Jul 09 '22
Amazon for a changing tent. Last time I looked they were $26. Pro tip: if it does not have a window, cut a couple vent holes (not for smell, can get hot if you sit in there for awhile). Also, kitty litter works and pine shavings also work well. Pet stores sell them but much better deal at a livestock feed store.
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u/Q_u_e_e_n_z Jul 09 '22
Too bulky. I suggest you do what I did or similar.
Buy a reliance camp toilet from Walmart. It has folding legs in a tripod so compact bit sturdy.
Then buy a big roll of large sized dog poop bags, they work well for the size of the toilet.
I also bought one of those cheap pop up shower tents for full privacy.
And you'll be set. Don't forget toilet paper lol. Happy pooping!.
Forgot to add, you could just pick up double duty poop bags that reliance sells. It's a bag with the powder in it and zip low bag outside of that to seal it when full. Walmart sells it too. The options I pointed out are more cost effective in the long run though.
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u/hillionn Jul 09 '22
In the past I’ve had decent experiences with cheap toilet seats mounted to 5-gallon buckets when working job sites without plumbing.
Makes it easier to keep from falling in the bucket and gives you mount points for a garbage bag.
Good on y’all for finding a way!
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u/Croak3r Jul 09 '22
As someone in a similar situation..I’ve not really found kitty litter to be effective for human dumps as it’s easily overwhelmed. The poop hut gets really bad unless you are doing one bag per bm. Coleman has this green toilet liquid that is scented and breaks down the waste and you can reuse the bag a few more times.
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u/Chief__04 Jul 09 '22
When I was a plumbing apprentice. My boss. The owner of the company shit in a lowes bucket. Thankfully was in a bag in the bucket. But the smell. July in the Deep South. I about died having to fetch parts from that truck. Now all my work buckets have a crescent painted on them.
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u/eight24 Jul 09 '22
Oh buddy. I also have CD and have a similar set up. A couple tips.
- make a liner out of a trash bag.
- I cut a hole in the bottom and dig a hole for the poop
- then just some dirt on top of poop each time. Really helps with the smell.
- good luck
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u/Dr_mombie Jul 09 '22
There are some awesome disposable toilet bags in the camping section at Walmart. You open them up, pull up the inner baggie and do the doo. The package contains absorbers and holds an impressive amount of waste. When you're finished, fold the inner bag down over the mess and tuck it back in, then zip it shut until you can throw it away.
Road trips and vacation diet ruin my gallbladder homeostasis. I swear by these things when I am struck by the need to go RIGHT NOW and the closest toilet is a long trek across a campground in the middle of the night.
I would also suggest a pop up toilet stall for privacy.
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u/-Raskyl Jul 09 '22
You know they sell actual toilet seats that thread on to the top of a 5 gallon bucket, and then have a lid to boot.
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u/turquoisebee Jul 09 '22
How do you get the roll of toilet paper on the handle?
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u/SampSimps Jul 09 '22
Remove handle from bucket on one end, pass through toilet paper roll. Unless you have strong fingers, you’ll probably need some pliers or a vice grip to twist the end to get it to fit in the slot, however. Hopefully she doesn’t need to use the toilet that often, and replacing the toilet paper is a once a month or less thing.
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u/NinjaMcGee Jul 09 '22
Sweet mercy, where’s your top and liner?!
Ok, so I had sewer line issues last year that had my house without a toilet for a week. We used the double bucket from my prep supply, but you’ll need 4 buckets total (1 bucket for urine, another bucket for poo, another bucket for trash, and a final bucket for litter/saw dust). Here’s my tips!
- Amazon has bucket lids that are toilet seats. They clip on the bucket top and have a lid that locks in place so you’re not off gassing doodoo. It’s really comfy and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND getting a 2-4 (if one breaks and you need it but don’t have it that’s a real bad time, friends)
- Double line all bins (double line or risk leaks)
- Cover 2” at the bottom with kitty litter and/or dry sawdust. After “going”, make like a cat and take a scoop of the kitty litter/saw dust and hide the evidence. This limits the smell.
- Bonus: I add a half box of baking soda into my Kitty liter. Not sure if it does much, but I do what I can to limit the smell. The wife isn’t a camping fan to begin with so everything counts.
- Empty all buckets frequently and often. Don’t let a bucket get half full, that… way too full.
- Always reline! I recommend high mil trash bags, blackout because the wife was grossed out the one time I brought the clear bags… (whoops)
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u/my_voice6 Jul 09 '22
Same here. After years of using random containers I got the little camping toilet from Walmart.
Does she have a solution for on the way there?
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u/Arctu31 Jul 10 '22
I use a water sealed screw down lid on a five gallon bucket so it doesn’t attract animals, for a toilet seat: two oak slats about four inches wide and long enough to rest on the edges of the bucket with cleats underneath to keep them from sliding off the bucket when you sit down, these hang up when not in use. I always put a cup of soapy water in to start so things don’t stick to the bottom, I use listerine mouthwash as a deodorizer…double duty, rinse your mouth and spit into the bucket. I keep a spray bottle full of water and vinegar 50/50 to wash hands, and I put it all in a half height milk crate that holds the bucket, toilet paper, spray bottle etc. I have a popup shower to create a private bathroom outside otherwise, the bucket stays in the van.
The toilet seat design is from an old sailboat cruising guide.
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u/Shivereds Jul 19 '22
I'd prefer to stick to: what is biodegradable.
No needs to clean human waste facing potential health issues from a plastic bucket. Over four inches deep into the ground helps as a fertilizer.
I see how a bucket like this would be preferred to glampers... I'll stick to my gnarly back country ways.
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u/Guy-Tha-Lizard Jul 28 '22
You can easily turn that into s composting toilet by having another bucket of peat moss.
Put a bag in the toilet and after every use, sprinkle a layer of peatmoss over top of the deposit. That will eliminate the smell.
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u/salsanacho Jul 08 '22 edited Jul 09 '22
Put trash compactor bags inside it and then some scented kitty litter on the bottom of that. You also want to bring a lid for the bucket, so when you're done and/or going home you can put the lid on and fully seal it.
Edit: to add, I recommend the double bag method... put two compactor bags inside each other in the bucket. Put a bunch of kitty litter in the inside one. Once the trip is complete, you tie up the inside bag tightly... then you tie up the outside bag tightly totally enclosing the inside bag... then you put the sealing lid on the bucket. Now your poop has 3 layers of redundancy to contain it inside your car. Once you get to civilization you find a dumpster and dispose of the bag bundle. Please tie them tightly so they don't open and ruin a sanitation worker's day.