Time to talk pooping!

Well I never thought it would be that time, but being out of action with a foot injury has allowed me time to think and refocus the blog!

Before heading to America I read a couple of interesting books on ultra light weight backpacking, and in one particular book (which did have some useful tips) there was a whole chapter about 'outdoor pooping' on the trail. Basically, it recommended using a tent peg to dig the hole, and "don't worry about toilet paper.... use fir cones, grass or smooth pebbles". Really!?!?!

Well I bought into the first tip on our recent trip (tent peg), but not the second. I took my 16g tent peg and thought this is a smart move, but immediately had to admit it wasn't and had to go cap (should it be crap!?) in hand to Abi to borrow her digging 'tool'. You could prod around with the tent peg, but not really empty a hole. The sea to summit was a great digging machine, but maybe over kill. Can double as a garden trowel at home though.

After the trip I discovered and bought what I think is the ultimate compromise. A titanium trowel - called the 'Big Deal' (17g), (available from http://qiwiz.net/ ). I've dug a few holes in the garden (sorry neighbours) and it seems affective, but not as yet trail tested it...............

Sea to Summit 107g, Big Deal titanium 17g and the MSR toilet peg 16g

Hopefully I will be able to get out in the hills soon so you won't have to suffer these posts....