Made from repurposed Lexan®, this serrated, sure-grip sanitation shovel is a great piece of kit for the proper disposal of human waste whilst in the backcountry. The serrated edges also make this trowel handy for general light duty digging tasks in and around your campsite. The Cathole Trowel from GSI is lightweight, quite a bit more durable than other camp trowels, and has Leave No Trace™ Usage Guidelines molded into the back.

Leave No Trace – Centre for Outdoor Ethics (Attached to each GSI Cathole Trowel)

“Improper disposal of human waste profoundly impacts the once pristine natural environments which we all cherish. From the simple unpleasantness of encountering someone else’s waste to the potential contamination of water sources, waste disposal affects everyone who ventures beyond the confines of the urbanized landscape. A cathole is an excellent way to dispose of human waste in the backcountry.”

Location:

• Select an inconspicuous site at least 200ft. (approx. 70 adult paces) from water sources, trails and campsites.
• The best sites have deep organic soil with dark, rich coloration and maximum  exposure to sunlight to aid decomposition.
• Avoid areas of water runoff; seasonal or otherwise.
• When camping for an extended period at one site or with a large group, be sure to widely disperse cathole locations.

Note: When camping in river canyons, solid human waste must be packed back out.

Excavation:

• In most environments, dig a hole 6″ to 8″ deep and 4″ to 6″ in diameter.
• In arid or desert conditions, dig a hole 4″ to 6″ deep and 4″ to 6″ in diameter.

Toilet Paper:

• Use only plain, non-perfumed toilet paper in sparing amounts.
• In arid conditions, toilet paper should be sealed in plastic bags and packed back out.
• Whenever possible, substitute stones, leaves, snow or other natural materials for toilet paper.

Tampons:

• Tampons must be packed back out in sealed plastic bags as they do not biodegrade readily.

Burial:

• Always fill cathole with original soil and disguise with native materials (rocks, brush, etc…)
• When burying toilet paper, be sure to bury it at bottom of catholes and cover completely with soil.

Urination:

• When urinating, try to select inorganic surfaces like rocks or gravel which will serve to disperse urine and protect vegetation and soil.

Note: In some Western River Corridors, it is best to urinate directly in the river to protect the vulnerable shoreline. Please refer to local land management recommendations.

www.LNT.org

From the GSI website:

“Made from repurposed GSI Outdoors Lexan products Serrated edges make for easy digging, even in the most stubborn soil. Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Usage Guidelines molded into back of trowel.”

MAJOR DIMENSION

10.2″

WEIGHT

3.1 oz.

DIMENSIONS

10.30″ x 2.60″ x 1.00″

MATERIAL

Recycled Polycarbonate

www.gsioutdoors.com

Cost: Around CDN $4.25