Increased trail use can result in trail abuse, and nothing is crappier than too much crap on the trail. We're not talking about junky-looking 4x4s, but real human waste turning up all along populartrails such as the renowned Rubicon. So what is a responsible wheeler to do? Follow the old rule of hauling out what you haul in, even if it is the bodily byproduct of a few manifold burritos and a pound of trail mix. If you're looking for a safe, sanitary way to do this, as well as a private place to get some work done on the trail or at base camp, get a hold of the crew at Roundeyes.com and order one of these Portable Environmental Toilet Tent (PETT) systems. This compact tent sets up quickly and can be staked to the ground for those windy nights in the desert. Plus the three-legged folding stool supports a full-grown man for hours of magazine reading, while being collapsible enough to fit in its own carrying backpack. As an additional bonus, this same tent would work as an excellent portable shower if you have an underhood hot water heater and shower system on your 4x4. So after your next trip out, take your crap home with you.
The bag-lined toilette stool is standard height for ease of use, though we recommend setting it up on as level and firm a location as possible. When full, simply enclose the waste bag inside the puncture-resistant containment bag, zip the top closed, and dispose in a normal trash container. The gelling powder will encapsulate the waste and will biodegrade in six to eight months.
Within the folding toilette a WAG (Waste Alleviation & Gelling) bag is supported by a mesh net. This bag contains a nontoxic bioactive powder that neutralizes the odor of liquid and solid waste and helps decomposition. Each PETT kit comes with 15 WAG bags and each bag can be used four to five times before disposal.
As an added bonus, Roundeyes.com donates a portion of the approximate $300 sale of these PETT systems to help keep the Rubicon trail open for future use. For more info contact Friends of the Rubicon or the Rubicon Trail Foundation.