Why Every Backpacker Should Carry a Backcountry Bidet
Let's face it—going to the bathroom in the backcountry isn't anyone's favorite part of an adventure. But with a little preparation and the right tools, it's possible to make the experience cleaner, more comfortable, and better for the environment.
One piece of gear that's become increasingly popular among hikers, backpackers, and thru-hikers is the backcountry bidet. Lightweight, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective, a bidet can dramatically reduce the amount of toilet paper you need to carry while helping minimize waste left behind in wild places.
Whether you're heading out for an overnight trip or tackling a multi-day trek, it's a simple upgrade that's worth considering.
Why Use a Backcountry Bidet?
Traditional toilet paper works, but it also creates waste that must either be packed out or carefully buried where regulations allow. Unfortunately, improperly disposed toilet paper remains one of the most common—and frustrating—examples of poor backcountry etiquette.
A backcountry bidet uses a small stream of water for cleaning instead. The result is often cleaner, more comfortable, and significantly reduces the amount of toilet paper needed. Many hikers find they only need a small square of toilet paper (or none at all) to dry off afterward.
The benefits include:
Less toilet paper to carry.
Less waste to pack out.
Better hygiene on longer trips.
Reduced impact on heavily visited trails and campsites.
Like many pieces of outdoor gear, it's one of those things that sounds unusual until you try it.
Popular Backcountry Bidets
CuloClean
TUSHY Travel Bidet
Happy Bottom Portable Bidet
Over the last several years, a number of lightweight options have appeared on the market. Most are simple nozzles that thread or press onto a standard water bottle and direct a narrow stream of water where it's needed.
Some of the most popular options include:
CuloClean
One of the lightest and simplest options available, the CuloClean is a small silicone nozzle that fits many common plastic water bottles. It's inexpensive, weighs almost nothing, and has become a favorite among ultralight backpackers.
TUSHY Travel Bidet
Known primarily for home bidets, TUSHY also offers a compact travel version. Rather than attaching to a disposable bottle, it uses a small squeeze bottle designed specifically for personal hygiene while traveling or camping.
Happy Bottom Portable Bidet
The Happy Bottom portable bidet is another purpose-built option designed for backpacking. It attaches to compatible bottles and provides a controlled spray while remaining lightweight enough for multi-day trips.
All of these accomplish essentially the same goal. The biggest differences come down to price, bottle compatibility, and personal preference.
A Surprisingly Affordable DIY Option
Several years ago, i decided to make the switch, but wanted something light and cheap since i wasn’t sure i’d even like using a bidet option on the trail. Size and weight were considerations for me as somebody who likes to keep their pack minimal. A quick search online and i realized options were plentiful and cheap. Ultimately, i went with the cheapest option at the time which was a generic 250mL squeeze bottle (like you might have used in 8th grade science).
At the time of writing this, you could grab a 4-pack off Amazon for four dollars, and i believe i paid around $5-6 when i bought mine several years ago. What’s more, they come in colors! So, if you’re one of those who likes to customize, you’ve got options.
All in all, I have been really happy with the switch to a bidet set up. I could go into detail, but I won’t. Suffice to say, it keeps me clean, costs little, and weighs even less (about 60g). I use less toilet paper, which means i carry less (offsetting the weight of the bottle) and i don’t have to bury or pack out nearly as much. It’s easy to use, and I can’t recommend it enough.
One feature I have seen on some of the commercially made bidets is a small key chain attachment. I have yet to create an option there, but it seems like an easy option to make that could be done simply with a couple zip ties and a small clip/carabiner.
Leave No Trace Still Comes First
A bidet doesn't replace good backcountry practices—it complements them.
Always follow Leave No Trace principles by digging an appropriate cathole where permitted, disposing of human waste properly, and understanding the regulations for the area you're visiting. Even when using a bidet, you'll still want to carry a small amount of toilet paper or another drying method if needed, and all hygiene products that can't naturally decompose should be packed out.
Reducing waste is only one part of responsible recreation. The goal is to leave campsites and trails looking as though no one was ever there.
Want to know more about Leave No Trace principles? Check out our guide to Leave No Trace.
Final Thoughts
Backcountry bidets may not be the most glamorous piece of outdoor gear, but they solve a very real problem. They're lightweight, inexpensive, and can make life on the trail noticeably more comfortable while reducing your environmental impact.
Whether you choose a commercial model or build your own, it's one of those small changes that can make a surprisingly big difference—both for you and for the places we all enjoy exploring.
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Product Details
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