Choosing The Best Camping Portable Toilets
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How To Purchase The Best Portable Toilet For Your Trip
Spending time in the great outdoors alone or with family...there is nothing like the peace and tranquility that comes from getting away from it all. Whether you are taking a drive, hiking, having a picnic "off the beaten path" or overnight camping, portable toilets need to be packed in your vehicle, right next to the cooler (well...maybe not RIGHT next to it).
My husband and I are fortunate to live just a few miles away from beautiful Glacier National Park in Montana. Though we can never be sure about the weather when we're planning an outing (it can snow in June), we can always count on this fact - nature always calls when there is no outhouse in sight! In addition, no matter where you set up camp, it is not a fun trek to the outhouse in the middle of the night...and this is especially true in grizzly bear country, where we reside.
All happy campers know that wise "potty planning" is essential for a successful outing. However, it can be overwhelming trying to sort through the vast number of commodes available today, in addition to researching performance quality. There are portable potties available these days to suit virtually every need! Choosing the wrong toilet in haste can lead to a very unhappy camper...and we all know HASTE MAKES WASTE (could not resist the pun, our apologies).
We believe you would rather spend your valuable time planning your trip instead of learning about a portable toilet. Because we rv full time, we have plenty of time...so we constructed this article to help you find the right one for your outing, quickly and easily. We've also listed some of the best potties and their accessories, to help you purchase with ease.
One little toilet paper tip: no matter which toilet you choose, if you aren't using a garbage bag for contents, throw toilet paper in a ziplock bag for clean, easy disposal.
LET'S FACE IT...SOMETIMES WE WOULD WELCOME FINDING A TOILET LIKE THIS. NOT ANYMORE - YOU'LL BE PREPARED!
My husband and I are fortunate to live just a few miles away from beautiful Glacier National Park in Montana. Though we can never be sure about the weather when we're planning an outing (it can snow in June), we can always count on this fact - nature always calls when there is no outhouse in sight! In addition, no matter where you set up camp, it is not a fun trek to the outhouse in the middle of the night...and this is especially true in grizzly bear country, where we reside.
All happy campers know that wise "potty planning" is essential for a successful outing. However, it can be overwhelming trying to sort through the vast number of commodes available today, in addition to researching performance quality. There are portable potties available these days to suit virtually every need! Choosing the wrong toilet in haste can lead to a very unhappy camper...and we all know HASTE MAKES WASTE (could not resist the pun, our apologies).
We believe you would rather spend your valuable time planning your trip instead of learning about a portable toilet. Because we rv full time, we have plenty of time...so we constructed this article to help you find the right one for your outing, quickly and easily. We've also listed some of the best potties and their accessories, to help you purchase with ease.
One little toilet paper tip: no matter which toilet you choose, if you aren't using a garbage bag for contents, throw toilet paper in a ziplock bag for clean, easy disposal.
LET'S FACE IT...SOMETIMES WE WOULD WELCOME FINDING A TOILET LIKE THIS. NOT ANYMORE - YOU'LL BE PREPARED!
Table of Contents
- Prior To Buying Your Camp Toilet
- A Quick-Start Guide To Choosing The Best Portable Camping Toilet
- Finding A Portable Commode Needn't Be This Stressful!
- COLLAPSIBLE Portable Camping Toilets
- SELF-CONTAINED, BUCKET STYLE Portable Camping Toilets
- PORTABLE, DELUXE FLUSH TOILETS
- Other Great Products To Consider For Your Camping Trip or Outing
- Portable, Pop Up Privacy Shelter
- Final Words - Portable Camping Toilets
- Other Articles By Jim & Robin
- Leave A Comment
LOOK AT THIS FANCY TOILET AND SHELTER COMBO!
Privacy Shelter and Commode In One Set
For most of us, a small investment in an affordable portable toilet or privacy shelter will suit our needs just fine. But look at this fancy potty set...amazing! You can carry a complete bathroom with you wherever you travel. This is a deluxe combination for those who want to treat themselves. Below you can check out the many options that won't strain your budget in any way...
Prior To Buying Your Camp Toilet
Ponder Your Potty
After this segment, you will find a quick-start guide to quickly help you decide which type of toilet is best suited for your needs. Before going further, however, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind prior to adding a commode to your list of camping accessories:
- If you are tall or have bad knees, you want to be sure to purchase a taller toilet. Some commodes sit very low or are less sturdy.
- Be sure that the item you choose is designed to hold your weight.
- For women, there is a whole line of affordable, female urinals...perfect for hiking, camping, avoiding sitting in public restrooms and many more uses. I wrote a lens dedicated to just this topic, which you can view here: Portable Toilets For Women
- Though strong waste bags are available, keep in mind that they can leak or get pierced, which can result in a mess. This is especially true if you decide to use a regular trash bag...watch for leaks!
- If traveling with small children, be sure to choose a commode that takes their size and needs into consideration. For the toddlers, it is best to bring their own port-a-potty along.
- Privacy can be tricky in a more populated setting - we highly recommend investing in a privacy shelter, but if you choose to use your tent, be sure it is spacious enough where you can sit comfortably.
- Depending on the type of trip you have planned, sometimes you might need a few different varieties of portable toilets/products to be the best prepared.
- As you can see, there are many Other Products To Consider. You can click the link to view the items discussed above.
A Quick-Start Guide To Choosing The Best Portable Camping Toilet
Select The Right Camping Equipment For Your Outing
Collapsible Toilets are a good choice when:
- PORTABILITY is your primary goal.
- Your vehicle has limited space for all of your camping equipment.
- You plan to do a lot of hiking and driving "off the beaten path."
- You will have access to a trash receptacle (you won't need to store or haul waste bags).
- You plan to make a Cathole Pit Toilet (these are great to set up over a pit toilet).
- You will have a level surface to place the toilet (most collapsible toilets have legs, not a flat base).
Self-contained, Bucket Style Toilets are a good choice when:
- EASE OF USE is your primary goal.
- Your vehicle is not limited on space for all of your camping gear.
- You prefer to leave the toilet in one place during your trip (your tent, rv, privacy shelter).
- You will need to haul your waste to a trash receptacle or outhouse.
- You want an affordable product that does not require purchasing a lot of "extras"
Portable Deluxe Flush Toilets are a good choice when:
- SIMILARITY TO A REGULAR TOILET is your primary goal.
- Your vehicle is not limited on space for all of your camping gear.
- You prefer to leave the toilet in one place during your trip (your tent, rv, privacy shelter).
- You like the idea of setting up a commode and then not having to worry about doing anything more such as dumping waste or bags, setting up bags before each use, etc.
- When full, someone will be able to lift the toilet without trouble.
- Maintaining and cleaning/disinfecting your investment after your trip is not bothersome to you.
- You are looking to add a toilet to your RV or camper without spending a fortune.
Finding A Portable Commode Needn't Be This Stressful!
COLLAPSIBLE Portable Camping Toilets
Toilets by Reliance, PETT and TravelJohn
Collapsible camping toilets are the perfect solution for portability. They fold down to a more manageable size than other rigid toilet models. If you plan to be on the move, they can easily store in the trunk of your vehicle or behind a back seat. They are a great addition to a pit toilet, if you will be in a remote outdoor environment.
To be so portable, you will lose some conveniences found in other toilets. Though some models are taller than others, they don't tend to sit as high as the bucket or flush style toilets. Due to the leg design, vs. a flat base, they cannot be propped up to sit higher and can be unstable on uneven ground.
The three brands listed below and their additional supplies are very highly rated for strength and durability. They all offer their own collection bag and waste kits, though over time some thrifty campers find ways to use their own bags and products for economical purposes. If you have determined that a collapsible toilet is the right choice for your trip, you cannot go wrong with the ones we have listed here!
To be so portable, you will lose some conveniences found in other toilets. Though some models are taller than others, they don't tend to sit as high as the bucket or flush style toilets. Due to the leg design, vs. a flat base, they cannot be propped up to sit higher and can be unstable on uneven ground.
The three brands listed below and their additional supplies are very highly rated for strength and durability. They all offer their own collection bag and waste kits, though over time some thrifty campers find ways to use their own bags and products for economical purposes. If you have determined that a collapsible toilet is the right choice for your trip, you cannot go wrong with the ones we have listed here!
Reliance Products Fold-To-Go Collapsible Portable Toilet
Camp Toilets on Amazon
Amazon has an A to Z guarantee that you will be satisfied with your toilet. They often offer free shipping and a safe buying experience. So many toilets to choose from!
The PETT Portable Environmental Toilet - Collapsible
Camp Toilets on Amazon
Amazon has an A to Z guarantee that you will be satisfied with your toilet. They often offer free shipping and a safe buying experience.
TravelJohn Foldable Commode /Chair - Collapsible
Camp Toilets on Amazon
Amazon has an A to Z guarantee that you will be satisfied with your toilet. They often offer free shipping and a safe buying experience.
SELF-CONTAINED, BUCKET STYLE Portable Camping Toilets
Toilets By Reliance
Self-contained, bucket style toilets are the perfect solution if you are looking for something easy to use. You can use them with or without bags, though bags are recommended for an easier clean-up. Their flat-bottomed surface makes them sturdy, even on uneven ground. Made of plastic and being self-contained, there won't be any unwelcome surprises from a leaking bag. They tend to be taller and can be set up even higher on a safe, flat surface. Contents can be hauled with ease. Affordable and quick, this style is very popular with the outdoor enthusiast.
We've used this style quite often, without bags, for liquids only. Collecting toilet paper in a separate bag makes dumping contents in an outhouse (or in the deep woods) a breeze. Easily rinse out with a little water and you're good to go. We spray with Lysol after each use and have found this very clean, odor free and simple.
If you use bags, you will be limited in how much weight they can hold. Therefore, if you do not have a trash receptacle or outhouse to dump the contents, the bag will risk breaking with multiple use. Some people recommend putting cat litter at the bottom of the bag, to help absorption. The toilet is not collapsible, so be sure you have room for it among your other camping equipment.
The Reliance brand listed below is hard to beat, if this style is the one for you.
We've used this style quite often, without bags, for liquids only. Collecting toilet paper in a separate bag makes dumping contents in an outhouse (or in the deep woods) a breeze. Easily rinse out with a little water and you're good to go. We spray with Lysol after each use and have found this very clean, odor free and simple.
If you use bags, you will be limited in how much weight they can hold. Therefore, if you do not have a trash receptacle or outhouse to dump the contents, the bag will risk breaking with multiple use. Some people recommend putting cat litter at the bottom of the bag, to help absorption. The toilet is not collapsible, so be sure you have room for it among your other camping equipment.
The Reliance brand listed below is hard to beat, if this style is the one for you.
Reliance Products Luggable Loo Portable 5 Gallon Toilet - Self-contained Bucket Style
Camping Toilets From Amazon
We have used the bucket style many times. For easier disposal in the woods, we have used it without bags (for liquid only, of course!) and hung a solar shower in our campground to rinse it out after use. Keep toilet paper out of it for easy dumping in the woods, and simply put used toilet paper in little baggies, for clean disposal. Works like a charm! Amazon has an A to Z guarantee that you will be satisfied with your toilet. They often offer free shipping and a safe buying experience.
Reliance Products Hassock Portable Lightweight Self-Contained Toilet, Bucket Style
Camping Toilets From Amazon
Amazon has an A to Z guarantee that you will be satisfied with your toilet. They often offer free shipping and a safe buying experience.
PORTABLE, DELUXE FLUSH TOILETS
Toilets By Thetford and Sanitation Equipment
If having a toilet that functions like the one at home is what you are looking for, there is no question that this is the style of portable toilet you will want. You will not have to work with setting up bags, disposing of bags, etc. These are perfect in a stationary setting, like an RV, motorhome, tent or privacy shelter. They are an affordable solution to a pop up camper or smaller travel trailer that does not come equipped with a toilet. As long as they can fit into your vehicle, they are an excellent choice. They are sturdy and can also be placed on a safe, raised surface to accommodate those who have trouble with their knees.
You will need to be prepared to lift the toilet, which can get quite heavy, at the end of your trip (unless you are in an area where you can empty it more frequently, to keep the weight down). In addition, be prepared to clean and disinfect your investment when you return home from your journey.
We have listed two brands below.. They have both received excellent reviews and are rated highly for odor containment. Both are in a more affordable price range. You can, of course, find more luxurious models out there, but these have everything you need at an economical price. You will want to purchase a deodorizer that breaks down waste and toilet paper (some examples of easy "drop in" types are available below).
You will need to be prepared to lift the toilet, which can get quite heavy, at the end of your trip (unless you are in an area where you can empty it more frequently, to keep the weight down). In addition, be prepared to clean and disinfect your investment when you return home from your journey.
We have listed two brands below.. They have both received excellent reviews and are rated highly for odor containment. Both are in a more affordable price range. You can, of course, find more luxurious models out there, but these have everything you need at an economical price. You will want to purchase a deodorizer that breaks down waste and toilet paper (some examples of easy "drop in" types are available below).
Thetford 25112 Porta Potti 365
Portable Deluxe Flush Toilets on Amazon
Amazon has an A to Z guarantee that you will be satisfied with your toilet. They offer free shipping on these deluxe toilets and a safe buying experience.
Sanitation Equipment Visa 268 Deluxe Portable Toilet
Portable Deluxe Flush Toilets on Amazon
Amazon has an A to Z guarantee that you will be satisfied with your toilet. They offer free shipping on these deluxe toilets and a safe buying experience.
Other Great Products To Consider For Your Camping Trip or Outing
Female Urinals, Disposable Urinals, Children's Potties
Portable, Pop Up Privacy Shelter
When Camping, Bring Your Own Privacy Tent!
A portable privacy shelter is a great investment. They are the perfect for housing your portable toilet, most set up in minutes and they are lightweight, taking up very little room. Pop up privacy tents are designed to set up in seconds. You can also use these shelters for changing clothes, sponging off, etc.
Final Words - Portable Camping Toilets
Essential Camping Gear Equipment For A Happy Camper
We certainly hope we have assisted you in finding the right camping toilet for your next outing, quickly and easily. We sincerely doubt that most people desire to spend a large part of planning their camping trip reviewing toilets. Choosing the right toilet for your temporary trip or permanent RV toilet (collapsible, bucket style or deluxe flushing toilet), as you can see, can take a lot of time and thought. Even if you camp by an outhouse, these commodes come in handy in the middle of the night and are always with us on a back country driving trip where there are no rest areas for miles. We hope you will be pleased with your choice...and we hope you will think of us the next time nature calls, underneath the stars...
HAPPY CAMPING and Best Wishes,
Jim & Robin
HAPPY CAMPING and Best Wishes,
Jim & Robin
Other Articles By Jim & Robin
Be sure to visit our site RV Gifts and check out our other articles below, too!
Leave A Comment
If you have something to share, here is the perfect place!
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CampingMemoriesDotCom
Apr 26, 2012 @ 4:15 am | delete
- thanks for the great advice.
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CampingMemoriesDotCom
Apr 26, 2012 @ 4:15 am | delete
- definitely one camping item you should add to the check list.
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norma-pawley
Apr 20, 2012 @ 11:22 am | delete
- You say you are in bear country. Some of the waste bags are described as 'deodorized'. Is there any problem with either the waste odors or the deodorant odors associated with these porta-potties attracting bears?
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mountaincabinmercantile
Apr 21, 2012 @ 10:49 am | delete
- Hi - thanks for your questions! In grizzly bear country, the rule of thumb is to not bring ANY deodorant items that will attract bears...not just waste bags but perfumed soaps, etc. Human waste should be 200 yards from your camping area as well. The rules are a little different in grizzly bear country vs. other areas of the country. You want to do all you can to not draw them into your camp - so be as odor free as you can!
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gonzalezdenise
Feb 29, 2012 @ 5:13 pm | delete
- Thanks, great lens.
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