Let's Talk Groovers

[Old406Kid]

This is something that I have no experience with but definitely see the need.

Going to the Bathroom (#1 and #2) On The River

Plenty of people have anxiety about going pee or poop on the river but here is the good news: it's not that hard or different than you're used to.

www.grandcanyonwhitewater.com

For those with experience, what are your suggestions for someone that will only occasionally use one?

 

[Jim F.]

Didn't the Rascals do a song about that?

 

[Wayne Kohan]

I have the Home Depot 5 gallon bucket with the toilet seat and use Wag bags. They are good for occasional use, easy to dispose. some river systems do not allow them if rafting through though. Warning that the bucket is low to the ground and my 6'5" fishing partner did not appreciate the toilet system for that trip.

 

[Evan B]

Paging @DanielOcean

 

[Eastside]

I use the ECO-Safe system which is cleaned out in the SCAT machines at the take-outs on the Deschutes River (https://www.nrs.com/eco-safe-toilet-system/plfk). Fortunately it was a fraction of the cost when I bought it. Fits in a metal “rocket box” and is very stable. Carried it for years on the Trout Creek to Harpham stretch of the river because there are numerous outhouses. When we float Mack’s Canyon to the mouth, we started using it. Eventually my dad got over not wanting to “poop in a bucket.” The SCAT machines at the take out make it easy to clean and I clean it again when I get home. As Wayne indicated, the bag systems are not allowed on the Deschutes (but are on the John Day which is totally weird. For other river systems as well as car camping without facilities, I have one of the Cleanwaste systems. That is what I would get for occasional use, or do as Wayne suggested.

 

[Buzzy]

Do they come with a bidet?

 

[DanielOcean]

Paging @DanielOcean

All you man.

 

[Northern]

Any idea why the bag systems are not allowed in some areas?

 

[DanielOcean]

By reputation I have been known to just go in my waders. #canchili

 

[Wayne Kohan]

Potential for breakage and spillage of biohazardous waste.

 

[iveofione]

I keep the Cleanwaste packs in both of my vehicles along with a pisaroonie. I don't know what people do when they get caught in a traffic jam caused by an accident that takes hours to clear. That won't be a problem for me.

 

[albula]

Which of these solid waste disposal methods would be most reliable, hypothetically speaking, should one unexpectedly be confronted with the sudden need to quickly dispose of incriminating documents?

 

[Northern]

Potential for breakage and spillage of biohazardous waste.

Are you referring to my question about bags, or Daniel Ocean's waders?

 

[Derek Young]

The opportunity for mishaps with self-contained waste disposal should determine the quality, performance, and user-friendly features. Because that's in the Top 5 for sure, along with proper hand washing hygiene, for multi-day trips. Shit cannot go wrong, so to speak.

I use the EcoSafe system, but there's lots of great options for every budget.

Eco-Safe System – Cascade River Gear

2016 Model tank has shaved corners to ease the cleaning process. This system was chosen for the Mt. Everest Cleanup project in 1998; financed by Nike and Microsoft. Eco-Safe uses a 5-1/2 gallon rotomolded plastic tank that fits inside a military surplus rocket box.

cascaderivergear.com

 

[bennysbuddy]

I have done the grand canyon float trip , every body waded out into the river waist deep to pee no big deal, the groover was set up at stops & campsite was like a old fashioned milk can it was set up always away from the stop /camp & back at the camp/raft there was a frisbee hanging ,if you went up to the can with out the frisbee it was on you if somebody walk up on you. that trip is so much fun I plan to do it a third time . I use a 5 gallon bucket with a lid on it & some lime in it for my personal use. I dump it in a pit toilet somewhere along my way

 

[Northern]

Makes sense that you wouldn't want to use bags only in that situation.

Not for remote floats in sensitive areas, but for kayak fishing in places without facilities: I keep a 5gal bucket with a gasketed, screw on lid like this in my vehicle

I use a double-seal WAG bag inside the bucket - with a foam seat placed on top - and it stays inside the sealed bucket until I'm somewhere with proper disposal. The tight seal prevents odors from invading the car during transport. Wipes, extra TP, extra bags, hand sanitizer are also stored inside the bucket, in their own big ziploc. Doesn't get used often, but when you need it..!

 

[Jim F.]

I once worked on a remote job where they had a Destroylet - when you closed the lid, a gas (Butane?) flame would incinerate the bag & contents. I never used it; wasn't too keen on placing "things" near & dear to me near an open flame. One malfunction would be one too many . . .

 

[Banned user]

I have nothing constructive to add, except this:

 

[Seaalki]

When out rollen with the AT Chaser, far from home, and nature calls and a response is needed, I call on Bumper Dumper, my Throne away from home…

 

[Long_Rod_Silvers]

I'd stick with the WAG back and bucket unless you're going somewhere that requires a groover. MF Salmon required one and it takes up quite a bit of space and gets a bit heavy by the end of the trip. And stinky, even though it says it's air tight, you could still get some pretty strong whiffs of stench.