How to take a bog in the bush can get the dunny talk going nationwide! But which camp toilet is right for you depends on what kind of camper you are, the style of setup you have, and what your personal needs and preferences will be when you are away from home.
Of course, the need for a portable toilet is not as necessary if you’re staying at a campsite with suitable amenities. However, if you’re heading off-grid, then you’ll need to consider your options. There’s no way around it, we’re all human – and when we gotta go, we gotta GO!
Simple camp toilets
Folding frames
An upgrade from the basic dig and squat method, folding frames are just as their name suggests. They are compact, foldable frames with a toilet seat attached or a foldable box with a toilet seat top and lid.
Both the folding frame and box designs can be placed over a deep hole which is then dealt with in the same way as the dig and squat method. Many consider this option to be the freshest smelling dunny you’ll ever use when camping. But you need to be camping in a remote location and you go about things responsibly.
Instead of digging a hole, some people prefer to attach a plastic bag and use that for the catchment. The box styles like Jimmy’s Thunder Box and Companion’s Bush Dunny have space within the enclosed area for a bucket to be used instead of, or in addition to a plastic bag.
Buckets
There’s the option to skip using a frame and go straight for a bucket. Some opt for a multiple bucket system and once full, they secure a lid over the top so they can be safely transported to a suitable dump point. Others choose to line the bucket and fit a toilet seat over the top for comfort. Or we’ve even heard of people custom fitting a foam pool noodle over the bucket rim. The idea here is to slit the noodle length-wise through to the hollow core and then fit the cut around the lip of the bucket. According to Kenneth in our YouTube comments, it’s ‘the most comfortable toilet I’ve ever sat on‘.
The ready-to-go Thunder Down Under Toilet bucket is designed to be used with a bio-degradable liner but is the same concept as the bucket idea above, and recent additions to the range include collapsible toilets that take up minimal space in your vehicle but expand out to a comfortable sitting height when setup. Some people feel a little nervous about a collapsible toilet, but rest assured we are yet to hear of one collapsing mid-job.
The main consideration here is the responsible disposal of your waste, and also whether or not you have the packing space to accommodate the bucket inside your vehicle (unless you go down the collapsible path). Bear in mind that on your return trip, this bucket will likely have its contents inside unless you dig a nice deep hole. One that is deeper than a basic dig and squat hole as you need to cater for more than the one toilet trip.
Modular separating toilets
There is really only one toilet quite like this, the Joolca GottaGo, and it very quickly gained popularity when it hit the market. It has a flushless design and doesn’t require water meaning there is more space for waste, and they are easier to transport.
These toilets feature a separating design so your number one’s and number two’s end up in different tanks, reducing bad smells and creating versatility when it comes to disposing of your waste. The tank for number one’s can be thoughtfully disposed near a tree, while number two’s either go into a hermetically sealed tank where you can use chemicals and dispose of at a dump point, or opt for the eco tank where you can use bags or compost your waste.
Portable chemical toilets
Portable chemical toilets can be a little more complicated and have a few extra features to think about, so let’s break these options down.
The Thetford range may not be the cheapest brands on the market, but when it comes to toilets you don’t want to take shortcuts. A cheaper brand can be made with inferior materials which can result in leaks and frankly, no one wants a leaky loo!
You want your toilet to do its job and spending a bit more on a quality unit means that the seals will be airtight and should you ever need to replace something, then spare parts are available.
If you have a specific space in mind for permanently housing your unit, for example, a camper or caravan. Or, if there’s a space designated to store/transport your toilet, then dimensions will be important.
For those who are tall, have difficulty in squatting or have knee/back issues, then the height of your toilet becomes a major consideration. Throughout both the Thetford and Dometic ranges, height varies between just over 30cm up to 40cm. Thetford also has two deluxe options that sit a smidge over 44cm but we’ll talk a little more about those later.
Anatomy of a portable toilet
These features are similar across models and brands, they may just feature in a different location or unique format. Here’s the lowdown on the most common features and functions on portable camp toilets.
At the front?
- Carry handle – most toilets have a carry handle somewhere, Thetford has theirs on the rear, Joolca is built into the base.
- Waste indicator – not all models feature a waste indicator on the front of the unit. The models using the feature may cost a little bit extra but it’s much nicer to gauge how full your holding tank is without having to open it up. The style of indicator differs between brands but the concept and float mechanism are largely the same.
- A – Thetford’s Porta Potti 145 does not have an indicator.
- B – Thetford’s Porta Potti 365 has a little window that changes from green to red indicating when the cassette/holding tank is full.
- C – Another example of a tank level indicator.
- Flush button – The toilets on the right have a button that is part of the flushing action, this is unique to this toilet which is no longer available.
- Lever – each of these units has a lever which controls the valve inside the toilet, the models pictured are at the front, Joolca has theirs to the side. When pulled out, the lever opens the valve and allows your waste to deposit into the holding tank.
On top?
- Lid – pretty self-explanatory, remember to put it down after use to avoid arguments..
- Seat – the part you sit on, better quality toilets offer more comfort… make sure you put this bit down too,
- Bowl and valve – the bowl directs your business towards the hole at the bottom which is sealed by the valve to keep smeels contained once you’re finished.
- Flush discharge nozzle – for flushing models, these are moulded into the inner sides of the bowl beneath the rim. When you flush, the chemically-treated flush water stored within the top tank is discharged from the nozzles and swirls around the bowl to clean and aid your waste through the open valve.
- Fill port – for toilets that have a flushing action this is the capped opening where you fill your flush-water tank (the upper chamber) and also your rinsing chemical/water mix.
- Flush water tank – beneath the surface lives the flush water tank and the capacity of this varies across brands and models.
Pumps and the ‘Pooker’
Illustrated below are the three types of most commonly used pumps in flushing models.
- D – piston pump
- these are the most popular type of pump and the easiest to use.
- this pump creates a high-pressure seal and forces the flush water into the bowl which washes the waste away.
- E – bellows pump
- these feature on the cheaper units and are possibly the pump that requires the most effort to use.
- they involve a lot of moving components and although replaceable, they are probably the part that suffers the most wear after a significant amount of use.
- F – pressure pump
- this pump is step 1 in a dual-action flush system and brings into play the button that features at the front of the Dometic units (step 2).
- you need to pump it up and down a number of times (approx. 15-20) to build enough pressure and then once the button is pressed, the air is released which discharges the flush water.
- when the air pressure is released, it simulates the sound of a normal flushing toilet.
- Pooker stick
- Joolca have included this little gem with their toilet as they don’t have a flushing feature, instead you wrap the end of the ‘Pooker’ in clean toilet paper, give the bowl a spray with an eco friendly vinegar and water mix, then get to work cleaning the bowl before poking the toilet paper down into the waste tank.
The holding tank
This image below shows Thetford on the left and another example brand on the right.
Obviously, there are size variants with waste holding tanks across both brands, ranging between 12-litres and 21-litres. But the waste holding tank is otherwise very similar.
- Rear lever – to separate the two tanks, the toilets generally have a horizontally actioned lever or similar on the back that releases the locking mechanism and allows you to unclip the top chamber from the bottom chamber.
- Valve – This is the valve that is controlled by the lever generally located on the front of the units and is what creates the airtight hermetic seal on the bottom chamber.
- Pouring spout – this pipe has a removable threaded cap and a firm swivel action to allow secure stowing when not in use. This port is used for the disposal of your waste and is the same between brands.
- Breather vent – this comes into play when you are emptying your toilet cassette, it creates an air intake to stop glugging and splashing when emptying – indicated by G and H in the image above.
- G – Thetford and Joolca feature a button that must be pressed down while you tip your waste out of the pouring spout and into the dump point.
- H – An example of another brand that uses a dial that you move from close to open before you tip your waste out and it will stay in its position without being held.
Carrying and disposal
- Carrying
- If you are stationed in a caravan park where a dump point is easily accessible, it’s so much easier to empty every 3-days or so. Don’t wait until your holding tank is full, as the fuller it is, the heavier it will be!
- Think of water volume to weight ratio where approximately 1-litre = 1-kg. use this for a guide but then add a little more to accommodate the weight of your sullage. If your waste holding tank has the larger capacity of 21-litres, that’s at least 21kg that you’ll be lugging to the dump point.
- Of course, if you are travelling remotely and based somewhere for an extended period of time, emptying more regularly might not be an option, but it is worth bearing in mind when planning your itinerary, and also when deciding upon a larger unit.
- Seal
- Better quality units have more airtight seals. Once the valve is closed over the waste holding tank it creates a hermetic seal so you can confidently carry your tank on its side by the handle.
- Disposal
- The pouring spout and the breather vent (G and H previously mentioned) work simultaneously.
- The breather vent allows air to come in, preventing splatter and enabling an even flow of sullage out of the port.
Portable toilet accessories
Toilet chemicals
From the questions and comments that we’ve received, it seems many people are scared, confused or mystified over the chemicals required to maintain your portable camp toilet. There’s a huge range available so that might contribute to uncertainty but really, here are the basic things to remember.
- There are two distinct types:
- One is for the flush-water tank and helps to clean your bowl, deodorise and lubricates the seals on the bottom of the unit.
- The other is for the waste holding tank and helps to break down your poo, wee and toilet paper – liquefying it for easy disposal. This chemical also reduces that build-up of gas within your holding tank and therefore, helps to keep the stink factor down!
- Nope, you do not have to use the same brand of chemical as your brand of toilet.
- Yes, it is a good idea to pre-mix your measured dose with water before adding to the water inside your tank.
- Chemicals are available in liquid or tablet form
- There are all-in-one tablet options available
- Yes, there is a more eco-friendly choice.
Toilet paper
When using a system that manages its own waste, be it the dig and squat method, a bucket, or a portable chemical toilet, it’s best to avoid regular toilet paper. Instead, choose a paper type that will more readily break down, and is made without synthetic dyes and fragrances.
- Thetford has developed their Aqua Soft Toilet Paper specifically for use in chemical toilets. It’s designed to prevent clogging and dissolve quickly.
- Who Gives a Crap is toilet paper on a mission! These rolls aren’t necessarily designed for camp toilets, but without all the dyes and fragrances, this paper will also break down quickly.
Sea to Summit’s Ultra-Sil® Outhouse is a waterproof toilet paper holder that can hang wherever you need it and will keep your loo paper dry and dirt-free.
Toilet carry bags
A toilet bag helps to keep dust and grime off your toilet while it’s in storage and transit. Plus, they make for easy carrying from A to B.
A good quality canvas and/or PVC toilet bag such as those manufactured in Australia by Blacksmith Camping Supplies and Navigator will set you back the most cash but provides the most peace of mind when it comes to transporting something you definitely don’t want escaping the confines of the toilet, let alone a toilet bag. OZtrail always offer a reliable and affordable option if your budget doesn’t stretch that far whilst Joolca have their own GottaGo Toilet Bag.
Hopefully, that deep dive into the dunny has made your decision easier. If you’re after a recap or 3D perspective, watch Ben’s video above, some of the products featured are no longer available, and new versions have come onto the market, but it still provides a good overview of toilet types.
What are your main considerations when choosing your camp toilet?
Trekker, swimmer, surfer, climber, mountain biker, runner, camper.
Participator in most things… master of none.
Also a co-host on the Snowys Camping Show podcast and Snowys team member for a very long time.
What about composting camp toilets?
Hey Ross! The Joolca GottaGo can be used as a composting toilet – you can check out the range here, and tune into Ep137 addressing the ins and outs of camping toilets here. Hope this helps! 🙂
G’day! First of all, kudos for reminding us to consider how high our portable chemical toilet is to ensure easy access. My cousin and her friends are going on a camping trip to a forest reserve near Brisbane next week. Hmm, I believe they should just find the right amenity from a rental company eventually. https://centenaryhire.com.au/product-tag/portable-toilet/
Far and away the most comprehensive, detailed and exceptionally helpful dissertation on various toilet options for camping I’ve yet to read! Thank you so much!
That is so great to hear, John! We’re really glad you found it helpful, thanks for the feedback mate.