I’ve been hitting the trails for over 15 years now, and while I’ve tried my share of makeshift solutions for the inevitable “call of nature” on extended hikes, folding camping toilets have always struck me as more of a car-camping luxury than a backpacker’s essential. Lately, though, I’ve noticed some gear reviews and manufacturer specs touting these things as “ultralight” and “backpack-friendly,” with weights under 2 pounds and setups that pack down smaller than a Nalgene bottle. That sounds too good to be true-especially when you’re already rationing every ounce in your pack.
Has anyone here actually tested one of these on a real multi-day backpacking trip, say 20+ miles with elevation? I’m skeptical about the durability claims; a flimsy plastic frame collapsing under you mid-squat in rocky terrain could turn a relief into a nightmare. Which models held up (or didn’t), and what’s the honest pack weight penalty when you factor in the waste bags and trowel alternatives? I’ve stuck with the dig-a-hole method myself, but if there’s solid evidence these foldables reduce environmental impact without sacrificing mobility, I’d love to hear it-specifics on brands like the Portable Waste Toilet or Reliance models would be gold. Let’s debate: are they a game-changer for Leave No Trace ethics, or just marketing hype for weekend warriors?