Outdoor Blog

How to Make a Camping Toilet

Published

6 years ago

December 15, 2019

When camping you have several options when choosing your campsite. You may choose to stay at a campground with showers and restrooms for your convenience. Campground restrooms are often well-stocked with toilet paper and running water for your hygiene needs, though not all public outhouses are created equal. Also, porta potties are not always available at all campsites. Car Camping and having a well-equipped RV gives the camper more options.

Some campers choose to get as close to back to nature as possible. If you are one of those people, you may find that the spot you chose has no toilet facilities, meaning you will need to do your business in the woods. This often means having to dig a hole to do your business in, and is not the most comfortable experience.

Luckily, you can have some level of comfort with a camping toilet. These are light, portable, comfortable, and environmentally friendly. What follows is a guide on how to create your own camping toilet to make your outdoor experience a little more comfortable.

DIY Camping Toilet

Creating your own camping toilet is a fairly easy DIY project. You will need a few materials to get started and this can be assembled fairly quickly. First, you will need the following supplies to get started:

- Tools:
- Utility knife
- Heavy-duty wire cutters
- Clamps

Materials:

½” polyethylene pipe wrap insulation

Large compostable garbage bags

Sawdust to fill an empty 2-lb coffee container

A sturdy 5-gallon bucket with lid

Roll of toilet paper

Once you have all of your tools and supplies, you are ready to construct your camping toilet. This can be done in a few easy steps.

Use your knife to cut the pipe insulation the length of the rim of the bucket. Fit the insulation along the rim and adjust as needed.
Slide the handle of the bucket to one side, and using the wire cutters, cut the wire as close to the center of the handle as possible. Gently separate the wire of the handle where you made the cut and slide the toilet paper roll over where you have made the cut. This will be your toilet paper holder.
Line the bucket with the garbage bag. This will keep the container clean after each use. Replace the pipe wrap and use a clamp to secure it to the rim when in use.
After you’re done, sprinkle some sawdust in the toilet. This will absorb moisture as well as cut down on any odors.
Remove the insulation wrap and secure the lid back on the bucket.
When the bucket is full, remove the garbage bag and either bury it or dispose of it according to local regulations.

This toilet can be assembled easily and quickly. In no time, and at very little cost, you can have a comfortable toilet to do your business in.

If you or your camping buddies enjoy the comfort and familiarity of a traditional toilet seat, these can be attached as well. Using plastic adhesive, attach the toilet seat to the insulation tubing. Once the adhesive dries, you will have a comfortable seat that can be attached and detached from your toilet.

If you have a jigsaw, you can also trace the bottom of a seat onto a piece of plywood and cut out the seat.

Then, drill holes through the wood at the points where the plywood will be screwed into the seat.
Using four small wooden blocks, nail or screw them to one side of the plywood.
Attach the plywood piece to the bottom of the seat using the screw holes at the hinge points.
Place the seat over the bucket, ensuring it has a tight, secure fit.

If you cannot find sawdust easily kitty litter, sand, or newspaper are good alternatives. You want to make sure you have some type of absorbent material in your bucket to aid in cutting down on odors and moisture. Odor reducing garbage bags can also help in masking any odors. Deodorization not only will make your trip more pleasant but will keep from attracting animals to your camp.

For extra privacy, you may also designate an extra tent as the toilet tent. When traveling with a group, this is a good option to avoid having to lug the bucket around every time someone needs to use the bathroom. A simple canopy tent can create an easy to assemble and transport outhouse. Just make sure that whoever uses it last properly disposes of their waste.

Using a Pool Noodle for your Commode

If you cannot find insulation tubing, a pool noodle can work just as well. Pool noodles are cheap and easy to find at most stores. They also come in a variety of colors, if you want to make your camping toilet a little colorful and more inviting.

Much like with the insulation tubing, you are going to make a cut down the tube about the circumference of the 5-gallon bucket. Use your hands to make sure that the cut is deep enough for the pool noodle to fit securely around the rim of the bucket.

Portable Camping Toilet

Another option for campers are portable camping toilets. These toilets are designed to be easy to transport from campsite to campsite. Most of these toilets are on a foldable hinge with a toilet seat attached. A trash bag can be attached underneath the seat, or your 5-gallon bucket can be placed under the seat as well.

Portable camping toilets are also super lightweight. If you are backpacking, this may be a viable option. These toilets will fit snuggly over your backpack and won’t take up too much room. This will allow you to do your business in relative comfort.

Composting Camping Toilet

Composting camping toilets are a controversial alternative to the portable camping toilet. These toilets can be found in many campgrounds and parks across the country. The idea of these toilets is that it helps to break down human waste through the natural process of composting. The controversy comes from the fact that not all pathogens may be eliminated in this process.

The idea with these toilets is using separate toilets for liquid and solid waste. The dry waste is allowed to break down organically in a dry environment, which reduces water waste. The solid waste is mixed with solid materials like plant fibers and natural bacteria to create a compost like material. Using naturally absorbent materials such as moss will also help to cut down on any odors.

Composting toilets are becoming very popular with people who live off the grid or trying to go green. They are also popular with RVs and boaters in a portable form.

There are several types of portable composting toilets. These toilets are designed to separate solid and liquid waste. Other toilets use separate receptacles for each type of waste. The liquid waste can be properly disposed of, while the solid waste can be used to create compost.

Don’t Forget the Toilet Paper

This step should go without saying, but it is worth reiterating. Make sure to bring enough toilet paper for your needs while camping. You do not want to be out doing your business and realize you are out of toilet paper. This could lead to unpleasant situations such as wiping with leaves, etc. A good rule of thumb would be to take one roll for every two days you plan on camping.

If you worry about rolls of toilet paper taking up space in your back, Coleman makes toilet paper specifically for camping. These packs hold three rolls of toilet paper and can double as a dispenser. They also fit easily into a backpack.

Along with toilet paper, it is important to keep your hands clean. Using camping soap and wet wipes will help to keep your hands clean. Use them after each use of your toilet to keep your hands sanitary. Camping soap can work as an all-purpose cleaner, so it is worth adding it to your supply list.

Responsible Disposal of Waste

It is also important to properly dispose of your waste when you are finished using the camping toilet. Throw the garbage bag into proper trash can is available for hazardous waste, or bury the waste in the ground away from the campsite and water sources. Do not bury garbage bags. After emptying your camping toilet, sanitize it with soap and water.

Best Camping Toilets

As has already been discussed, there are several options when it comes to camping toilets. You can create your own bucket toilet to use, or you can also buy a camping toilet from many retailers such as Amazon. Most outdoor outfitters also have camping toilets available for purchase.

Emergency Zone has an emergency toilet seat. This seat easily snaps on to any 5-gallon bucket to make an instant camping toilet. Just make sure to line the container with your garbabge bag. When you are done, the seat comes off and can be stored away for future use.

For portable camping toilets, Green Elephant is a great choice. Their folding toilet is not only lightweight and portable but comes with plastic toilet bags. This bags cover the seat, so you do not have to worry about cleaning up any accidents. This is great for if you have little ones that will be camping with you.

Another easily portable toilet is available from Black Pine Sports. Their turbo toilet has a pop-up design which makes it easy to store. It comes in a zippered carrying case with waste bags and odor pills. Its sturdy design can also support 350lbs. This small toilet is perfect for backpacking and hiking with its compact design.

For a traditional bucket portable toilet, Relinace has you covered. Make of heavy-duty plastic, this camping toilet cames a detachable seat and can use any standard garbage bag for waste disposal.

If you want to go a little more high-tech, then Alpcour’s portable toilet may be the way to go. This toilet can be used with RVs, boats, or tent camping. The toilet has a 5-gallon receptacle and requires no extra power source for the flush system. It also has a spray cleaner, to make cleaning the toilet much easier. It also comes with a waste level indicator to let you know when it is full, as well as easy drain spouts to empty the contents. It also comes with a carrying case for easy transport and storage.

Final Being Responsible about Your Waste

No matter what type of camping toilet you decide to go with, being responsible for your waste is an important part of camping. Always dispose of your waste properly when you are camping. Human waste has many pathogens which can be harmful to the environment. Leaving your waste on the ground can cause disease to other campers as well as local wildlife and plant life.

Place your bag from the toilet inside another bag and, if available, in a hazardous waste bin at the campground. These bins are made to handle human waste and will be disposed of properly.

If this is not an option, find a spot a good distance away from the campsite and bury it. Make sure that it is not near a water source to avoid contamination. The hole should be at least 6 inches deep to keep animals from attempting to dig it up. Make sure to cover the whole and pack the dirt above it.

If burying is not an option, you will need to pack it with you and dispose of it at a proper site. Double-bag the waste in plastic bags. Using deodorization pills, odor-reducing garbage bags, and pleasant smelling absorbent materials will help if you are taking it away in your vehicle.

While this is not the most pleasant part of camping, it is important to be environmentally conscious. You want to make sure that not only is your camping experience enjoyable, but also for those that follow.

Related article: The 6 Best Backpacking Trowels Reviewed.

Outdoor Blog

How to Take Your Own Internet to Outdoor Events

Published

2 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

You’ve got the permits, the lineup, the stage design, and the crowd — but when it comes to WiFi, outdoor events can turn from dream festivals to data dead zones in minutes. Reliable connectivity is now as essential as power or sound. Whether it’s a music festival streaming to TikTok, a food fair using mobile POS systems, or a corporate brand activation relying on live dashboards, the internet connection is what keeps the gears turning.

But the truth is this: counting on venue WiFi at a large outdoor event is a gamble. Hundreds of devices fighting for the same bandwidth can jam up the signal before the headliner gets on stage. Public networks only have one backhaul connection, so your production crew, security cameras, and vendors could all be fighting with concert-goers streaming YouTube in the crowd.

So, if your aspiration is to keep the event chugging along like clockwork, the genius move is to bring your own internet — designed specifically for the occasion, private, and controlled by your event staff.

Why Venue WiFi Fails When Crowds Arrive

Let’s start with the numbers. According to Cisco’s 2024 Annual Internet Report, the average person now connects four to six devices at live events — phones, wearables, tablets, scanners, and streaming gear. Multiply that by 5,000 or 50,000 people, and you’re looking at a digital traffic jam.

Outdoor locations have a very minimal amount of wired infrastructure. The majority utilize older systems or common fiber links, which were not designed for thousands of users at once. When the signal is over-stretched, latency increases, access points fail, and the network grinds to a halt.

For event organizers, this is not only inconvenient — it’s a safety and revenue gamble. POS terminals won’t work. QR ticket scanners crawl. Even backup communication programs freeze.

The Smarter Solution: Creating Your Own Network

Constructing a stand-alone network for an outside event may seem daunting, but technology has made it relatively achievable. Instead of relying on one provider or tower, professional crews now use several sources of the internet to deliver redundancy and stability.

Outdoor WiFi specialists use multi-carrier cellular bonding, satellite uplinks, and WAN smoothing to keep traffic consistent even when one source is down. It’s a lot like having several water pipes feed one tank — if one pipe gets stopped up, others keep the flow consistent.

The best configuration depends on three variables:

Location: Urban park, remote valley, rooftop, or open desert all have different signal profiles and line-of-sight challenges.
Bandwidth Demand: Are you providing power to a 50-person AV crew or streaming to a million online viewers?
Duration: A day-long music festival versus a week-long brand tour will change the way you plan power, cooling, and redundancy.

Professional crews will often pre-deploy with site surveys — gauging carrier strength, spectrum congestion, and potential sources of interference such as LED walls or nearby broadcast towers.

Lessons from the Field

Outdoor WiFi would be a niche specialty, but in today’s world it’s simply part and parcel of modern event production. In the last decade, TradeShowInternet’s teams have helped support hundreds of big outdoor festivals and corporate activations, and there have been a few hard-won lessons along the way.

There was the time crews climbed a half mile up the flank of a Santa Fe mountain with over 200 pounds of gear to put in a solar-powered relay antenna for Red Bull’s Guinness World Record truck jump. A second assignment involved digging cable trenches through snake country in Los Angeles for Christian Dior’s fashion show.

When Univision taped La Banda on the beach in Miami, technicians climbed a 20-foot truss into a lightning storm to raise antennas. These are probably war stories, but they represent reality: each outdoor location introduces its own wildcards. Wind, weather, terrain, and local RF noise all push the limits of planning.

The lesson? Experience is as important as gear. Knowing when to use additional directional antennas, when to flip to satellite failover, or how to protect a router from 100-degree heat isn’t something you can read in a manual.

The Technical Side: How Redundant Networks Keep Events Alive

This is how seasoned outdoor internet crews engineer reliability into temporary networks:

Multi-Carrier Bonding: Equipment stitches together data from multiple cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to maximize bandwidth and fill signal gaps.

WAN Smoothing: Packets are duplicated and relayed on secondary paths to prevent noticeable drops or hiccups in live streams.
Satellite Integration: Especially when out at remote sites or in mountain events where cell phone reception is spotty.
5G + LTE Hybrid Units: Combining newer high-bandwidth 5G networks with more predictable LTE offers well-rounded throughput.
Portable Mesh Access Points: Create overlapping areas of WiFi that eliminate dead spots across vast grounds or over tented locations.
Power & Weather Protection: Ranging from Pelican case enclosures to solar power solutions, all of which ensure uptime regardless of adverse weather conditions.

It’s a multi-layer strategy — not one device straining the load, but several working in tandem to handle bandwidth, robustness, and coverage.

Why Your Vendors, AV Staff, and Guests All Need Their Own Network Layer

External events normally have three distinct user communities that require the internet:

Production and AV Personnel – operation of live feeds, mixing panels, lighting, and communications programs.
Vendors and POS Devices – card transaction processing, QR menus, and inventory software.
Guests and Media – posting, uploading, or taking part in brand interaction activity.

Mixing them all on one open WiFi is risky. It provides security vulnerabilities and causes too much congestion. The preferred method is network segmentation, creating separate virtual networks that prioritize mission-critical traffic (production, POS, security cameras) and restrict non-mission-critical use like social browsing.

This is exactly how professional outdoor WiFi & Internet solution companies like TradeShowInternet build event systems. They design bespoke topologies that match the unique demands of every event, whether a food festival, marathon, or big corporate activation.

Budgeting and Planning: What Organizers Should Know

According to EventMB’s 2024 Event Technology Report, 73% of event planners say maintaining a reliable connection is important to attendee happiness, yet less than half have a standalone internet budget in place upfront while planning. That’s a recipe for last-minute scrambling.

For all to run smoothly, the network plan needs to be created alongside stage design and power planning — not an afterthought.

Some planning advice:

Start early: Conduct site surveys at least 30 days ahead of the event.
Prioritize wired backbones: Use fiber or Ethernet in production areas whenever possible.
Segregate guest WiFi: Utilize bandwidth caps or sponsored captive portals to control usage.
Redundancy: Cellular + satellite bonding is well worth the investment for mission-critical space.
Post-event review: Collect performance data to inform next year’s plan.

Real-World Use Cases

Outdoor connectivity is not just for music festivals. It’s a necessity for:

Marathons and triathlons – for timing chips, live maps, and emergency co-ordination.
Outdoor conferences or summits – where executives require office-grade internet to make presentations.
Food truck festivals and markets – all vendors need POS access.
Film and TV productions – production villages rely on low-latency connections for uploads.
Races and motorsport events – telemetry, live scoring, and media streaming.

Each of these environments needs a different trade-off among coverage area, upload speed, and mobility.

Why Experience Matters for Outdoor Internet Installations

Each outdoor location is unique. Trees, humidity, metal buildings, even bodies of water can affect wireless performance. Having individuals who’ve done hundreds of installations means fewer surprises and faster repairs when something unexpected happens.

That’s where TradeShowInternet, a leading outdoor WiFi & Internet solution company, comes in. The company has built up networks on deserts, beaches, helipads, mountain ridges, and pop-up brand villages — keeping organizers, vendors, and AV teams connected wherever the event is hosted.

Outdoor Blog

Outdoor Event WiFi: The New Backbone of Open-Air Experiences

Published

2 weeks ago

October 17, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

A concert in the canyon. A film night under desert stars. A bustling waterfront food festival with 10,000 guests. Across the country, outdoor events are turning parks, coastlines, forests, and fields into memorable destinations. But there’s one service now as essential as power, permits, and porta-potties: outdoor event WiFi.

Whether for ticket scanning, mobile POS systems, sponsor activations, or live-streaming performances, WiFi for outdoor events has become the invisible support that keeps everything running. Without it, payments stall, communication falters, and digital engagement stops.

Why Outdoor Event WiFi Is Mission-Critical

The outdoor events sector, from farmers’ markets to endurance races, is growing quickly. Allied Market Research predicts global festival revenues will exceed $50B by 2030. These venues offer unique charm, but they also pose a challenge: a lack of built-in internet infrastructure.

“Outside doesn’t mean offline,” says Emma Castillo, a production manager for festivals, film nights, and open-air corporate launches. “We rely on temporary internet for outdoor events to manage our security communications, allow vendors to keep selling, and ensure our livestreams don’t drop.”

Cellular service can struggle with the demands of thousands of devices. Some remote locations may not have any service at all. That’s where outdoor event WiFi solutions come in—portable, scalable, and designed for unpredictable weather.

How Outdoor Internet Keeps Events Moving

Today’s outdoor events rely on connectivity in ways that go far beyond letting guests post on social media:

Mobile POS & Cashless Payments – No signal means lost revenue for vendors.
RFID & Access Control – Real-time validation at gates and VIP areas.
Streaming & Social Content – From TikTok reels to sponsor livestreams.
Sponsor Engagement – QR contests, AR activations, and digital signage updates.
Safety & Logistics – Staff communication, emergency alerts, GPS tracking.

A recent Event Manager Blog study found 63% of sponsors now require guaranteed internet access before committing. Attendees want it too; more than half say connectivity is a key factor in their event satisfaction.

Outdoor Event WiFi Solutions in Action: “Lights on the Lake”

In June, the lakeside town of Lakeshore hosted a three-day open-air film festival. The views were stunning, but no wired internet was available, and mobile service barely worked.

The technical crew set up:

Multi-carrier 5G bonding for vendor and guest networks
Long-range weatherproof access points covering the pier and food court
A private secure network for organizers and emergency staff
A satellite uplink for backup

The festival processed thousands of transactions, streamed Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, and even operated a live voting app without a single connectivity failure.

Industry Perspective: Connectivity as a Core Utility

According to WiFit founder Matt Cicek, changes in event technology priorities have been significant:

“Five years ago, internet at an outdoor event was seen as a nice-to-have. Now, it’s as essential as running water and electricity. From safety coordination to sponsor returns, there’s too much at stake to leave it to chance.”

The Future of Temporary Internet for Outdoor Events

As events become more complex, WiFi for outdoor events from service providers like WiFit will play an even larger role. Expect advancements like:

Solar-powered network kits for sustainable operations
AI-managed bandwidth that adjusts to real-time crowd size
Edge computing for instant AR and interactive attractions

For event planners, the message is clear: the quality of your internet connection is as important as your stage, lighting, or sound system. The next time you’re booking a venue, remember—the crowd may be watching the performers, but they’re also looking at their screens. They expect both to work perfectly.

Outdoor Blog

Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

Caleb Cole

Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.