Camp Toilets can be extremely simple or they can be complex stand alone units. There are a surprising number of designs and models available and a huge selection of additional accessories including many that are biodegradable for proper waste disposal. Many are designed for RV's and boats and are not truly portable. They are available from Decker's Hot Camp Showers, Cabela's, REI, Coleman, Bass Pro Shops, and others. The largest variety of toilets and especially accessories is available on-line at Safety Central (http://www.safetycentral.com).

Public toilets are usually readily available unless you are in the outback. We have not found that owning a toilet was ever a real necessity. In fact, we have only seen one homemade teardrop that was designed for using a toilet. It had a dropped bottom in the center of the floor to provide enough clearance for one to use a toilet. There were two single mattresses that were lifted and leaned against the walls to expose a false floor. The false floor was removed, the toilet installed, used, emptied and later cleaned. It was a clever design but far too complicated for the privacy and usefulness it provided.

Consequently, we are not doing a comprehensive review of camp toilets. But, we have selected a few of the many designs available whose design is in keeping with the teardrop ethic - i.e. efficient, effective and truly portable. Despite the fact that toilets are not generally a necessity, there are times when a portable private toilet is exactly what's needed - like late at night when it's cold and raining and when privacy and public toilets are not available. It might be best to plan to have one for special emergencies. REI has the simplest most direct device called the Sanitation Trowel ($1.75) and a folding U-Dig-It Stainless-Steel Hand Shovel ($17.95) that comes with a nylon belt pack. They also have a book, How to Shit in the Woods - 2nd Edition ($7.95).

Stansport Portable Folding Toilet with Steel Legs ($19 from Safety Central) and the nearly identical Texsport Portable Toilet ($10 from Bass Pro Shops) come with six reusable bags. Both fold down to a 19" X 13.5" X 1.75" package and have replacement non-biodegradable bags available.

REI has the Reliance Luggable Loo ($16) and Safety Central has the Portable Toilet Kit ($25) which is a bucket, seat and lid and also uses replaceable biodegradable bags. You can also buy just the Reliance Snap-On Luggable Loo Toilet Seat and Lid ($14) and provide your own bucket.

Cabela's has a Nature Bio-Toilet ($50) that folds flat. It comes with Biodegradable Waste Bags. Extra bags are $10 for a pack of 24. REI, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's also have the Phillips Environmental PETT Portable Environmental Toilet ($89 and $80 and $80 respectively) which is a tripod design that folds flat into a "briefcase". It uses kits that contain biodegradable bags, Pooh-Powder (odor neutralizer), storage bag, toilet paper and hand sanitizer (12 pack for $28 - $30 approx.) and includes it's own tent ($99) and it also comes as a complete kit ($249).

Cabela's Collapsible Toilet ($20) is a clever design closely resembling the common cross legged camp or lawn chairs seen everywhere except it has a cushion seat and cover and uses "disposable" bags that are not biodegradable. However the Luggable Loo Double DoodieTM Bags, which are biodegradable, are compatible with all toilets offered by Cabela's.

Used biodegradable and non-biodegradable bags require daily disposal (or cleaning) or temporary storage in a bucket and can be used by more than one person per day. Considering the ultimate destiny of the bag and it's contents, it is far more prudent to purchase a toilet that uses biodegradable bags or chose another unit. All self contained toilets beyond the ones discussed here assume short term storage (a week or two), use deodorizers, and chemical treatment of wastes. They require weekly or at least monthly cleaning. None are easily maintained and none are truly teardrop friendly.