When you’re out in the wilderness, communing with nature and experiencing the raw beauty of our planet, it’s crucial to consider certain essential needs, one of which is undoubtedly the call of nature.
Yes, today we’re diving into the much-overlooked topic of the best portable camping toilets. A pivotal part of any camping trip, selecting the right portable loo can significantly impact your overall outdoor experience.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Thetford Porta Potti 365
The Thetford Porta Potti 365 is a classic choice and tops our list due to its outstanding performance. This flushable toilet offers home-like comfort with its full-sized seat, ample tank capacity, and an indicator for both fresh water and waste levels. It uses a sealed valve to lock in odors, ensuring a fresh environment. However, it might be bulkier for minimalist campers.
2. Best for Backpackers: Cleanwaste Go Anywhere
For backpackers where every ounce counts, the Cleanwaste Go Anywhere is a champion. The foldable design transforms into a sturdy toilet, capable of supporting up to 500 pounds. It uses a waste bagging system, with each bag containing a gel to solidify waste, making disposal easier. However, remember to pack enough bags!
3. Best Budget: Reliance Products Luggable Loo
For budget-conscious campers, the Reliance Products Luggable Loo offers simplicity at an unbeatable price. This bucket-style toilet is essentially a heavy-duty 5-gallon pail with a snap-on toilet seat. It’s a no-frills solution, so you will need to buy waste bags separately.
4. Best for RV Camping: Camco 41541
The Camco 41541 is a favorite among RV campers. It features a 5.3-gallon waste tank and a flush system. The sealing slide valve locks in odors and protects against leakage. It also boasts a sturdy construction, providing the feel of a traditional toilet.
5. Best Eco-friendly: Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet
An eco-friendly solution, the Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet turns waste into compost. It’s compact, odorless, and uses no water, making it perfect for long trips or off-grid living. It requires more initial setup and a higher upfront cost, but it’s a long-term investment in sustainability.
6. Best for Comfort: Dometic 972
The Dometic 972 is a standout when it comes to comfort. It offers a full-sized seat and sturdy construction that closely mimics a home toilet. Additionally, it includes a powerful push-button flush system, and the high-strength ABS construction withstands harsh environments.
7. Best for Family Camping: ZIMMER Comfort
The ZIMMER Comfort features a large capacity suitable for families or large camping groups. It includes a 5-gallon waste tank and a 3-gallon water tank for flushing. The double-sealed drain valve protects against leaks and locks in odors, while the sturdy construction can support users of different sizes.
8. Best High-End: Thetford Curve Porta Potti
The Thetford Curve Porta Potti is a high-end choice that offers numerous luxurious features. It has a battery-powered flush system, an integrated toilet paper holder, and a comfortable height and size. It also includes a level indicator for both waste and freshwater tanks. The Curve is a top pick for those who want a premium camping toilet experience.
9. Best Lightweight: Stansport 273-100
The Stansport 273-100 shines in the lightweight category. This simple, bucket-style camping toilet weighs just 4.4 pounds when empty. It can be conveniently carried around and stored. It is built with durable high-density plastic, ensuring it can withstand weight up to 350 pounds.
10. Best Self-Cleaning: SereneLife Outdoor Portable Toilet
The SereneLife Outdoor Portable Toilet offers a unique self-cleaning feature, which rinses the bowl after each flush. It also includes a 5.3-gallon waste tank, a 3.2-gallon water tank, and a splash-free rotating pour spout for easy disposal. This is an excellent choice for campers seeking a low-maintenance option.
How to Choose an Ideal Portable Camping Toilet
Choosing the perfect portable camping toilet depends on various factors. It’s not just about picking the most advanced or expensive model but selecting the one that best suits your specific camping needs and preferences. Here are some key considerations to guide you on your quest for the ideal product.
Understand Your Camping Style
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand your camping style and what it necessitates.
Backpacking
If you’re a backpacker carrying all your gear on your back, lightweight and compact design are paramount. In this case, you might opt for foldable toilets or bag-based toilets. You also need to consider how many waste bags you can carry.
Car Camping
If you’re car camping, you have more flexibility in terms of size and weight. You might prefer a larger, more comfortable toilet model, even one with a flushing mechanism.
RV Camping
For RV camping, the ideal toilet might be a larger, more luxurious model with a high-capacity tank that reduces the frequency of waste disposal.
Consider Waste Disposal
The waste disposal mechanism of a portable toilet is an essential aspect to consider. Some models use a waste tank system where the waste is stored in a tank for later disposal. Others utilize a bagging system where waste is collected in bags, which can be sealed and disposed of. The former requires a location for emptying tanks, while the latter needs a supply of waste bags.
Think About Comfort
Comfort is a subjective factor that varies from person to person. You may prefer a seat that is higher off the ground, more closely resembling a home toilet, or you may not mind a lower, more compact design. Consider the seat size, the toilet’s stability, and if there’s a backrest – these are all factors that can contribute to your comfort.
Looking for the ultimate comfort during your outdoor adventures? Check out our comprehensive guide on the top 10 picks for the best air mattresses designed specifically for camping in 2024.
Check the Capacity
The capacity of a portable toilet refers to the volume of waste it can hold before needing to be emptied or replaced with a new bag. If you’re traveling in a large group or for an extended period, you may need a toilet with a larger capacity. For solo or short-term trips, a smaller capacity model may suffice.
Cost Considerations
Lastly, consider your budget. Portable camping toilets come in a wide range of prices. Determine what features are essential to you and what you’re willing to spend. There are budget-friendly models that offer basic functionality and high-end models with luxury features.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Portable Toilet Is Ideal for Backpackers?
The Cleanwaste Go Anywhere is a top pick for backpackers. It features a foldable design, making it easy to pack and carry. Despite its lightweight construction, it’s sturdy enough to support up to 500 pounds. It employs a waste bagging system, which solidifies waste for more straightforward disposal.
2. Which Portable Camping Toilet Is Suitable for A Tight Budget?
The Reliance Products Luggable Loo is a cost-effective solution, particularly suitable for campers working with a tight budget. This bucket-style toilet is essentially a heavy-duty 5-gallon pail with a snap-on seat, offering a straightforward, no-frills approach to portable sanitation.
3. What Is the Best Portable Camping Toilet for RV Camping?
For RV campers, the Camco 41541 Portable Toilet is often recommended. This model features a 5.3-gallon waste tank and a flush system, providing a traditional toilet experience on the road. Its sturdy construction and sealing slide valve, which locks in odors and prevents leakage, make it an excellent choice for RV camping.
4. Are There Eco-Friendly Portable Camping Toilets?
Yes, the Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet is an eco-friendly option. It composts waste instead of merely storing it, doesn’t require water, and is compact and odorless, making it ideal for extended trips or off-grid living.
5. Which Portable Camping Toilet Is the Most Comfortable?
When it comes to comfort, the Dometic 972 is often rated the best. It features a full-sized seat and a sturdy construction that closely resembles a home toilet, contributing to an enhanced user comfort level.
6. What Is the Best Portable Camping Toilet for Family Camping?
For family camping, the ZIMMER Comfort is a worthy choice. Its large capacity, including a 5-gallon waste tank and a 3-gallon water tank, can accommodate multiple users, making it suitable for larger groups or families.
7. Which Portable Camping Toilet Is the Best High-End Option?
The Thetford Curve Porta Potti is considered the best among high-end products. This model boasts luxurious features, including a battery-powered flush system, an integrated toilet paper holder, and a comfortable height and size, offering a premium experience.
8. What Is the Lightest Portable Camping Toilet?
The Stansport 273-100 is a standout in terms of weight. This bucket-style camping toilet weighs only 4.4 pounds when empty, making it highly portable for a variety of outdoor adventures.
9. Are There Self-Cleaning Portable Camping Toilets?
Yes, the SereneLife offers a unique self-cleaning feature, which rinses the bowl after each flush. This model is an excellent choice for campers seeking a low-maintenance sanitation solution.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you prioritize comfort, portability, capacity, or luxury, there’s a portable camping toilet out there to meet your needs. No matter your choice, each of these toilets can significantly enhance your camping experience by providing a convenient, hygienic solution to a basic human need. Remember, the goal is to enjoy your outdoor adventures responsibly while minimizing your impact on the environment.