Toiletries left in the wilderness harms the fragile ecosystem and negatively impacts visitor experience/NPS

WAG' bag: A plastic bagging system used for containing and carrying out human waste.

There's a need for them in many units of the National Park System, and particularly at Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas, where the growing number of people who crap in the backcountry and leave it, and TP, behind has the park superintendent instituting a requirement that all backcountry travelers pack out their human waste.

“The highest point in Texas is not a toilet,” says Superintendent Eric Leonard. “This requirement asks visitors to take responsibility for their impacts to the environment as they visit the park.” 

The requirement takes effect June 21, but you don't need to wait until then to act thoughtfully. 

The bag-within-a-bag design and zipping closure securely contains waste and odor, while the special blend of polymers contained in the bags breaks down waste and renders it into a deodorized gel. The contents of the bag are safe for disposal in trash receptacles and landfills, and the bags provide a lightweight, sanitary way to pack out waste.

These waste disposal systems are widely available through online retailers, and for purchase at the Pine Springs Visitor Center in the park. Backpackers will be required to carry a minimum of one bag per person per night for the duration of their trip and present proof that they have the required number of bags before their permit will be issued. Day hikers should come to the park properly prepared for their trips and should carry an adequate number of landfill-safe commercial toilet bags for their group.  

The park has seen increased visitation over the last few years and this has led to increased wilderness impacts. One of these issues is a dramatic increase of human waste and exposed toilet paper along trails, high use areas, and primitive campsites.

The use of personal toilet bags to pack out human waste will reduce environmental impacts and sustain quality wilderness experiences for visitors in the future. Due to the rocky nature of the soils and dry environment in the park, the use of “catholes” is difficult-to-impossible in the best of circumstances.

Wilderness stewardship is the responsibility of all visitors to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Making sure that you’ve packed  all 10 Essentials and reviewed material relating to human waste management prior to arrival are some ways to prepare to do your part to preserve the Guadalupe Mountains.