Toilet Paper

While on the trail you might be able to hold it for a day or two, but Philmont trail meals are super charged with extra fiber plus to make sure you are regular. If you’re holding it for more than a day, you’re making an effort to keep it in or you are probably dehydrated.

Don’t bring toilet paper to Philmont. Most store bought toilet paper has a fragrance sprayed on it to make you feel fresh while you’re doing your business. While that is not a problem when you are in the luxury of indoor plumbing with a septic system, when that paper is sitting outside it will attract animals. This is no laughing matter. A lot of people think that Winnie the Pooh lives in the hundred acre wood. Well, if you leave scented items such as scented toilet paper in a cat hole or latrine… you just might get to meet one of his cousin Pooh Bear.

Another reason you don’t want to bring toilet paper from home is because most store bought toilet paper is designed to be handled by a septic system. It will not biodegrade or break down quickly.

The final reason you should not bring toilet paper from home is that it is against Leave No Trace Principle 1. Understand and respecting the regulations of the property owner not only preserves the land; it allow others the same experience and opportunity to those following you.