Inyo National Forest

Recreational Activities - Mt. Whitney

Pack It Out!
Managing Your Human Waste While Visiting Mt. Whitney

The ONLY acceptable waste disposal method is to pack-it-out! Because of its extreme popularity, disposal methods that are appropriate elsewhere are unacceptable at Mt. Whitney. Packing out human waste is a common practice among climbers, river rafters, kayakers, cavers and canyoneers. It is encouraged or required at Mt. Shasta, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood, Grand Tetons National Park, Zion National Park, Denali and other areas.

In 2007, visitors packed out at least 6,330 lbs of human waste!

The waste is collected in barrels. If the barrels were stacked, they would be 200 feet tall!! As of September 3, 2008, visitors have packed out over 4,600 lbs of waste. This is similar to what was packed out at the same time in 2007.

In August, 2007, New York Times reporters visited Mt. Whitney to learn more about the human waste pack-out program. Follow this link to view a video version of the front page article.

Pack-Out Kits

Pack-out kits are available at the InterAgency Visitors Center in Lone Pine, and at Crabtree Ranger Station. Each kit provides a means to securely "double-bag" human waste. An absorbent powder soaks up liquid, turning it into an odor-fighting gel. A kit will serve a person for 2 to 3 days.

Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

How to Use Pack-Out Kits

1. Find a secluded location.
2. Spread the large inner bag on the ground. Don't spill the powder!
3. Crouch over the bag and relieve yourself. Dispose of toilet paper in the bag.
4. Tie a loose knot in the bag, and then seal it inside the zip-close outer bag.

Tips from the Rangers (We've been using Pack-Out Kits for years!)

Fight odors: The powder in the kits absorbs liquid, turning into an odor fighting gel. Add some water, or urinate in the large bag to create some gel. Bring additional zip-close bags to triple or quadruple bag your waste.

Urine: The powder in the kits will absorb a great deal of liquid, so you can pee in them. However urine, does not need to be packed out. Avoid water and campsites when you pee. If you use toilet paper, be sure to pack it out!!

Animals: Don't put anything in your pack-out kit except human waste and TP. Trash and food scraps might attract animals.

Storage: Used kits can be stored outside your tent or in your pack. Do not store them in rented bear canisters or food containers.

Disposal: Dispose of used pack-out kits in the receptacle at the trailhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I pack out my poop?

• You'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you helped keep Mt. Whitney clean and beautiful.
• You'll be able to relieve yourself wherever, and whenever you want to.
• If you pack-out your poop, you won't contribute to a problem that has plagued Mt. Whitney for decades.
• You will have fulfilled your obligation to "Leave-No-Trace".

Why can't I just bury my waste?
That's been tried on Mt. Whitney, and it does not work. Every year, from all directions, thousands of people converge at Mt. Whitney. The area simply cannot absorb the vast amount of human waste that visitors generate. Much of the area is solid bedrock. Where there is soil, it is coarse and shallow, and will not adequately isolate human waste. If everyone tried to bury their waste, they’d dig up other people’s waste in the process.

What if my pack-out kit breaks?
Leakage and breakage are extremely rare. Just use common sense; for example, don’t put it next to your crampons. If you are worried, bring additional zip-lock bags or a plastic jar to pack your kit in.

What do I do with my pack-out kit after I've used it?
Dispose of your used pack-out kit in the human waste receptacle at Whitney Portal.