Stargazing, swinging in a hammock, sitting around the fire, hiking, and...going to the bathroom in the wild. Camping is all fun and games until that moment when nature calls, and you have to get creative to do your duty in a safe place and try to stay clean in the process. Sounds familiar? It looks like you need a camping toilet!
With so many portable loos in the market, choosing the one that best fulfills your needs can be an overwhelming process, but don't worry! We did the research for you. We loved the Camco Portable Travel Toilet because of its waste capacity, sturdiness, and ability to neutralize odors. Keep reading our guide if you want to learn about nine other great toilets that will make your outdoor adventure only fun and games.
There are three main things to consider when choosing your porta potty: portability, the length of your trip, and the access you have to a waste dumping site. Be sure to keep your regular camping habits in mind before you invest in your outdoor throne!
41541
$78.89
Type | Flushable |
---|---|
Dimensions | 15.5 x 14 x 16 in. |
Weight | 10.8 lbs. |
Waste tank capacity | 5.3 gal. |
565E
$187.16
Type | Flushable |
---|---|
Dimensions | 18.39 x 15.75 x 17.83 in. |
Weight | 13.45 lbs. |
Waste tank capacity | 5.5 gal. |
$209.99
Type | Flushable |
---|---|
Dimensions | 16 x 13 x 17 in. |
Weight | 11 lbs. |
Waste tank capacity | 5.3 gal. |
41544
$78.18
Type | Flushable |
---|---|
Dimensions | 18 x 16.25 x 17.5 in. |
Weight | 11.5 lbs. |
Waste tank capacity | 5.3 gal. |
$940.48
Type | Compost |
---|---|
Dimensions | 22 x 20.5 x 21.7 in. |
Weight | 28 lbs. |
Waste tank capacity | N/A |
$41.38
Type | Bucket |
---|---|
Dimensions | 12.8 x 14.57 x 13.39 in. |
Weight | 3 lbs. |
Waste tank capacity | 5 gal. |
$68.64
Type | Bucket |
---|---|
Dimensions | 17 x 16 x 14 in. |
Weight | 5.5 lbs. |
Waste tank capacity | 8 gal. |
$47.90
Type | Bucket |
---|---|
Dimensions | 14.7 x 14.7 x 14 in. |
Weight | 5 lbs. |
Waste tank capacity | Not specified |
$54.99
Type | Foldable seat |
---|---|
Dimensions | 15.3 x 14.5 x 16.5 in. |
Weight | Not specified |
Waste tank capacity | N/A |
$17.98
Type | Seat |
---|---|
Dimensions | 13.33 x 12 x 1.3 in. |
Weight | 15.2 oz. |
Waste tank capacity | N/A |
Image | 1 ![]() Camco | 2 ![]() Porta Potti | 3 ![]() S AFSTAR | 4 ![]() Camco | 5 ![]() Nature's Head | 6 ![]() Reliance Products | 7 ![]() Playberg | 8 ![]() Reliance Products | 9 ![]() Blika | 10 ![]() Emergency Zone |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Portable Travel Toilet | Portable Toilet | Portable Toilet With Splash-Free Dumping | Premium Travel Toilet With Detachable Tank | Self Contained Composting Toilet | Luggable Loo | Basicwise Portable Travel Toilet | Hassock Portable Lightweight Self-Contained Toilet | Folding Commode Portable Toilet Seat | Brand Honey Bucket Emergency Toilet Seat |
Features | A Classic, Flushable Toilet to Make You Feel at Home | A Battery-Powered Flush for a Cleaner Bowl | A Toilet With a Spout for Mess-Free Dumping | A Basic Flushable Toilet With a Larger Seat | A Compost Toilet That is the King of Toilets | A Bucket Loo for Simpler Campers | A Practical Bucket That Looks Like a Toilet | A Very Portable Bucket Toilet | A Super Lightweight and Foldable Seat | BYOB: Bring Your Own Bucket |
Price | $78.89 | $187.16 | $209.99 | $78.18 | $940.48 | $41.38 | $68.64 | $47.90 | $54.99 | $17.98 |
Type | Flushable | Flushable | Flushable | Flushable | Compost | Bucket | Bucket | Bucket | Foldable seat | Seat |
Dimensions | 15.5 x 14 x 16 in. | 18.39 x 15.75 x 17.83 in. | 16 x 13 x 17 in. | 18 x 16.25 x 17.5 in. | 22 x 20.5 x 21.7 in. | 12.8 x 14.57 x 13.39 in. | 17 x 16 x 14 in. | 14.7 x 14.7 x 14 in. | 15.3 x 14.5 x 16.5 in. | 13.33 x 12 x 1.3 in. |
Weight | 10.8 lbs. | 13.45 lbs. | 11 lbs. | 11.5 lbs. | 28 lbs. | 3 lbs. | 5.5 lbs. | 5 lbs. | Not specified | 15.2 oz. |
Waste tank capacity | 5.3 gal. | 5.5 gal. | 5.3 gal. | 5.3 gal. | N/A | 5 gal. | 8 gal. | Not specified | N/A | N/A |
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We created a guide explaining the the main aspects keep in mind in order to find your perfect toilet for the wild. Being aware of your usual camping habits and means goes a long way when it comes to choosing your ideal portable potty.
Based on the way they work, there are four main types of porta potties. They go from simple foldable seats to full-out toilets that can be used for months. Keep reading to learn more!
This type of toilet looks like a foldable stool with a hole in the middle. They are very light, easy to carry, and excellent for hikers and other lightweight campers.
The way to set them up is very simple. You unfold it and put a special bag in the middle, covering the seat. Then you attend nature’s call. Whenever you’re ready, remove the bag and throw it away at the camp’s designated area. You can also add waste-solidifying powder or cat litter in the bag and toss it in the trash.
There are two ways to use bucket seat toilets. The first option is to cover the inside of the bucket with a bag and use it just like a foldable toilet. We recommend this option since there's very little chance of accidents and it's more hygienic.
The second one is to add specially designed gel, powder, or liquid chemicals to the bucket before using it. This way, you can use the toilet more than once before you have to throw away the waste. However, we recommend that you don't let a lot of time go by before dumping the waste because buckets will retain the smell!
Since there’s no drain, you will have to tip the bucket over to dump it out. If that grosses you out too much, you can always go back to option one or consider a different toilet type. Nonetheless, if you want something light and super easy to transport, add this to your list.
These toilets have a flushing system that's a little more complex, but they're still easy to set up. They consist of a water tank, a seat, and a waste tank.
After you finish your business, just flush the toilet as you do it at home, and the tank will release water that will take the, ahem, stuff to the waste tank. The latter will be preloaded with chemicals that will neutralize the waste and the odor. After the trip is over or the tank is full, throw away the waste at your camp's designated dump station.
Some versions of these toilets have a battery-powered flushing system that makes them cleaner and more efficient. These do tend to be bulky, but they're available in different sizes and are easy to empty. If you go for these models, make sure to have extra batteries on hand!
These loos have a completely dry system that separates the solids from the liquids. This way, you can empty the liquids daily around trees or plants and dispose of the solids every couple of weeks after they have started to decompose. You can even bury the compost if you wish.
They usually have an air system that ventilates the toilet to neutralize any odors. This system needs to be plugged in to an electricity source, so if you don't have an RV or an outlet nearby, you may not be able to use the fan. But, most of the time, the fan is not entirely necessary when the toilet is set up in an open space.
Bucket toilets and foldable seats are very light and compact, whereas their flushable and compost counterparts are on the heavier side. It usually takes two adults to carry the latter.
Choose a flushable or compost toilet only if you have a car to transport them. On the other hand, if you are a lightweight camper, choose a foldable seat or a bucket-style potty.
If you’re hiking, definitely pick a foldable seat. It will lighten the load on your back and save you valuable packing space.
We know that the lack of home comfort is a big part of your outdoor adventure. However, after a few days, it can become burdensome to have to throw away a bag every time you need to go to the bathroom. If you’re camping for more than a few days, we recommend getting a flushable or compost toilet.
However, some campsites won’t have an area where you can dump toilet chemicals. That means you might be stuck with your waste for a while. Check to see if you’ll be able to dump your stuff ahead of time or go with something non-chemical!
Seniors or people with a disability can have a hard time squatting on lower-seat toilets. Also, consider the stability. Foldable toilets may be too wobbly to use for some campers.
On the other hand, children will have the opposite problem using a seat that they have to climb to use. Take a close look at the size of the toilet before you buy it!
Every type of toilet needs different consumable items to work. Bucket-style and foldable seats will need specially-designed bags. These are usually biodegradable and very heavy-duty. Don’t attempt to use regular bags for this purpose!
To avoid messes, you can add a little cat litter to the bags so the waste will become more manageable. If you’re using a bucket-style toilet without a bag, you should buy neutralizing powder. Flushable toilets require the use of waste digestant chemicals for the waste tank.
Compost toilets need a compost medium, such as sphagnum peat moss or coconut coir. However, these materials are usually extremely cheap and last for a long time!
A lot of portable toilets have extra functions that can make your camping life easier. Ventilation systems, toilet paper holders, full tank indicators, and different flushing handles are a few perks that you can get with your new toilet! Consider what types of situations you'll be in and the level of comfort you prefer. For example, if you're sensitive to smell, a ventilation system might be a necessary feature!
If you are already planning your next venture in the wild, you may want to make it as comfortable as possible. Take a look at some other items that will make your camping trip all play and no work!
Spending a few days with mother nature doesn't mean that you have to suffer to stay clean every time you have to go to the bathroom! When you choose a portable toilet, remember to think about your trip length, the toilet's portability, and the people who are camping with you.
So whether you are a professional camper or going on your first camping trip, we hope we help you find your best toilet!
Author: Anel Carmona
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