[pct-l] burying TP/feces

[Stephen]

I been contemplating different stove ideas and fuels etc...  Wood stove now 
in particular, and I can use the TP for starter.  Right now it's a toss up 
between one of the alcoholic stoves, but the penny stove, if it pops the 
penny, it shoots burning fuel out and could be dangerous to user and others. 
Wood stove has a real advantage, esspecially concerning this TP issue.  On 
the other hand, I don't have to go looking for fuel worry about shipping it, 
running out (in most places), and it appears to be relatively reliable and 
safe.  And the beauty in that is start it with TP, and add fuel as needed. 
The penny is so light I might bring the bottom (approx 1/2oz) without stand 
and it makes a back up and a little fuel can be used to help start the wood 
if necesarry or conditions limit use of wood.  Just place TP in bottom as 
starter, load stove, and wash hands, which needs to be done a few times a 
day I think anyway.  I probably wont keep a wood stove in my pot anyway, so 
why not use it for a waste basket/stove/incinerator?  Then its in there and 
in water rationing sections an extra washing can be forgone.  No need to 
purify the stove as it will take care of that everytime it is used.  If 
pushing on down the trail 'til dark, just pickup fuel along the way before 
dark, and voila,  cook, move on with a cup of tea for an hour and camp. 
Besides burning the TP, I have negated the problem of carrying four days to 
a week of fuel, and besides a little backup/starter alcohol, the worry of 
finding it at the next stop if at all.  It's easy to make a little cook 
fire, but I don't like the idea of leaving a trail of disturbed earth and 
ashes.  Thus the 3oz can wood burner is looking profitable in many ways. 
It's a lot less smog than I'd make using my vehicle to get to a trail head 
300 miles away.  I've already got my pack weight down to 14 lbs without bear 
can, but that includes a 3-1/2 oz canister stove and 1/2lb fuel can.  Dump 
the fuel and I'm at 13-1/2lbs now.  And the stove weight stays about the 
same.  The idea is to get the weight down to about 16 lbs at most with the 
bear can so I can bring 2-ply softy TP (just kidding).  Just thinking 
aloud...
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Chamoun" <nano.michael at gmail.com>
To: "GARY HEBERT" <hikerfedex at gmail.com>
Cc: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2009 5:33 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] burying TP/feces


> We should NOT wait for "policy" to change in order for backpackers to make
> the decision to pack out TP.  Backpackers are educated in the sense that
> they should know how sad and disgusting it is the see these white shit
> stains out in the wilderness that I consider sacred.  Be thoughtful and
> conscious. Pack it out. Leave nothing.
>
> Nano
>
> On Sun, Jan 25, 2009 at 5:16 PM, GARY HEBERT <hikerfedex at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I am not aware of any leave no trace or other rule that does NOT allow 
>> for
>> burying your feces and TP. They specify distance from streams/water,
>> campsites, and trails, and how deep the hole should be, etc.
>> Obviously when a privy is available you should use that. Usually these 
>> are
>> in high traffic areas. I too have dug up others' TP, but that's a
>> density/overuse problem in busy areas/campsites. There are only so many
>> trees to go behind surrounding a busy campsite. It's not the hiker's 
>> fault.
>> They did follow policy.
>>
>> I've not read of any policy suggesting I should not bury my TP.
>>
>> Was somebody really suggesting hikers should pack out their dog's pooh?
>> (obviously in a public picnic/park area, sure. but on the trail in the
>> middle of the woods???)
>>
>> Anybody know anything different on the PCT or elsewhere?
>>
>> FedEx
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