2023’s Best Portable Toilet For Camping: Compact & Odor-Free Options
Are you tired of having to find a suitable ‘bush’ in the darkness when you’re out camping? Is nature’s call turning your outdoor adventure into a nightmare? Well, pack your troubles away! This blog post will guide you through the best portable toilets for camping in 2023. These little lifesavers are designed to make your camping experience a whole lot more comfortable, and most importantly, a lot less messy.
If you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast, you understand the sheer beauty of the wilderness, the crisp fresh air, and the stunning starlit skies. However, the one thing that’s not so glamorous? The lack of a convenient bathroom. That’s where portable camping toilet step in, saving you the discomfort of having to squat in the bushes or run miles to find a public restroom.
Portable toilets are more than just a convenience. They are a necessity! They bring the comfort of home to your camping site, ensuring you can answer nature’s call with dignity and privacy. So, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week-long adventure, investing in the best portable camping toilet can make your experience more pleasurable and less stressful.
We’ve done the hard work for you, and compiled a list of the top five portable toilets for camping in 2023. Each model has been carefully selected based on its specifications, benefits, pitfalls, and pricing. By the end of this post, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision, ensuring that your next camping trip is one to remember for all the right reasons!
Our Top Picks:
- Thetford Porta Potti 135
- Reliance Flush-N-Go 1020T Portable Toilet
- Reliance Luggable Loo Portable Toilet
- Dometic 972 Portable Toilet
- Laveo Dry Flush Toilet
What Are the Top Portable Toilets for Camping?
When hunting for the best portable toilet for camping, there are a few key factors to consider. The size, weight, flushing system, and storage capacity are all important elements that can affect your overall camping experience.
Size and weight are crucial, especially if you’re planning on backpacking or hiking to your campsite. You don’t want to be lugging around a heavy toilet that’s going to slow you down and make your journey more taxing. On the other hand, if you’re driving to your campsite, you might prefer a larger, more robust model that offers the comfort and functionality of a home toilet.
The flushing system of a portable toilet can range from a simple bucket-style system to more sophisticated models that feature a hand pump or button flush. While bucket-style toilets are cheaper and easier to use, they might not offer the best odor control. On the other hand, models with a flushing system can be more expensive but offer better sanitation and odor control.
Lastly, storage capacity is another important factor to consider. If you’re camping with a large group or for an extended period, you’ll want a toilet with a larger holding tank. This will save you the trouble of having to empty it frequently. However, larger tanks can make the toilet heavier and less portable.
Choosing the best portable toilet for camping is not just about convenience, but also about maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the great outdoors. After all, nobody wants to leave their ‘business’ behind for others to stumble upon. So, let’s dive into our top picks for the best portable toilets for camping in 2023. Trust us, your future camping self will thank you!
1. Thetford Porta Potti 135 ($104)
The Thetford Porta Potti 135 is a compact and lightweight portable toilet that is perfectly designed for small spaces. Ideal for camping, it is not only easy to move and store but also offers a comfortable and easy-to-use system for managing human waste.
With a 2.6-gallon fresh water tank and a similar capacity holding tank, this portable toilet ensures you have ample capacity for several uses. It is equipped with a hand pump for flushing and has a sealed valve and pour-out spout for easy emptying. The lid can latch and snap shut, effectively locking out odors.
Specifications
- Dimensions LxWxH: 13.54 x 12.13 x 15.12 inches
- Weight: Just under 8 pounds
- Material: Durable Plastic
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Lightweight, easy to move and store, hand pump for flushing, latched lid for odor control
- Cons: No level indicator, not standard toilet height
2. Reliance Flush-N-Go 1020T Portable Toilet ($74.08)
The Reliance Flush-N-Go 1020T Portable Toilet offers the convenience of a home toilet in the wilderness. It has a large holding tank and stands at the height of a traditional home toilet, making it perfect for larger families or longer trips.
This portable toilet features a simple setup with a hinged two-handle release option to separate the top from the bottom. The toilet and the holding tank both have handles for easy mobility. The secure pull cap locks away odors when the toilet is not in use.
Specifications
- Dimensions LxWxH: Not specified
- Weight: Not specified
- Material: Durable Plastic
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Large holding tank, standard toilet height, simple setup, odor control
- Cons: No level indicator, water pump can be stiff, bulky and heavy when full
3. Reliance Luggable Loo Portable Toilet ($25.99)
The Reliance Luggable Loo Portable Toilet is a simple and affordable solution for your outdoor adventures. It’s essentially a bucket with a toilet seat, providing a straightforward and easy-to-use system for managing human waste.
Despite the simplicity, this portable toilet is highly functional. The seat and lid are removable, making it easy to clean and empty. However, it lacks a flushing system and doesn’t seal out smells well, so it’s not recommended for long-term storage.
Specifications
- Dimensions LxWxH: Not specified
- Weight: Just over 3 pounds
- Material: Durable Plastic
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Affordable, easy to use, portable, lightweight
- Cons: No flushing with water, tough to clean without liner bag, doesn’t seal out smells well
4. Dometic 972 Portable Toilet ($234)
The Dometic 972 Portable Toilet offers a more sophisticated and comfortable outdoor bathroom solution. It features a simple button flush and a holding tank level indicator for added convenience.
This portable toilet doesn’t require any pumping to get the water moving in the bowl. With a simple one-push button, you can flush the water and waste quickly and efficiently. The whole package is robust and well-constructed with high-strength ABS plastic for long-term durability.
Specifications
- Dimensions LxWxH: Not specified
- Weight: Not specified
- Material: ABS Plastic
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Simple button flush, holding tank level indicator, robust construction
- Cons: More expensive compared to other portable toilets
5. Laveo Dry Flush Toilet ($1395)
The Laveo Dry Flush Toilet is a high-end portable toilet that uses a dry flush system, eliminating the need for water. It uses a lined container under the seat to store waste, creating a clean and easy-to-use system.
This toilet wraps the waste in material after each flush, which can then be removed and disposed of. The cartridge is also easy to replace. However, the high price tag and the cost of refill cartridges might make it less suitable for long trips.
Specifications
- Dimensions LxWxH: Not specified
- Weight: Not specified
- Material: Durable Plastic
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Easy to use and clean, doesn’t require water, easy cartridge replacement
- Cons: Expensive, cost of refill cartridges, not suitable for long trips due to frequent cartridge replacement
How Can the Best Portable Toilet for Camping Benefit You?
A portable toilet can be a game-changer for your camping experience. It provides you with a convenient and clean way to answer nature’s call, saving you the discomfort of having to squat in the bushes or run miles to find a public restroom. A good portable toilet will also lock out odors and be easy to clean and empty. So, you can enjoy your camping trip without any unpleasant smells or sights. Most importantly, a portable toilet helps in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the great outdoors, leaving the environment undisturbed for others to enjoy.
Buyers Guide: How We Conducted Our Research
When conducting our research to find the best portable toilets for camping, we followed these steps:
- Pricing: We compared the cost of each portable toilet to ensure we covered a range of budgets.
- Features: We thoroughly researched the features of each product, focusing on aspects like size, weight, flushing system, and storage capacity.
- Negatives: We took into account any potential drawbacks or missing elements of each product.
- Support or Refund: We checked if the brands offer customer support, community forums, or a refund policy.
Comparison of Products
| Product Name | Price | Weight | Water Tank Capacity | Holding Tank Capacity | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thetford Porta Potti 135 | $104.00 | 8 lbs | 2.6 gal | 2.6 gal | Hand pump for flushing, latched lid for odor control |
| Reliance Flush-N-Go 1020T Portable Toilet | $74.08 | N/A | 2.5 gal | 5 gal | Standard toilet height, secure pull cap for odor control |
| Reliance Luggable Loo Portable Toilet | $25.99 | 3 lbs | N/A | N/A | Bucket-style, easy to use |
| Dometic 972 Portable Toilet | $234.00 | N/A | 2.6 gal | 2.6 gal | Button flush, holding tank level indicator |
| Laveo Dry Flush Toilet | $1395.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Dry flush system, easy cartridge replacement |
Conclusion/Wrapping Up
Venturing into the great outdoors doesn’t mean you have to leave all your home comforts behind. The best portable toilet for camping can make your outdoor adventures a more pleasant and stress-free experience. It keeps you clean, comfortable, and focused on enjoying nature. So next time you pack for a camping trip, don’t forget to include a portable toilet in your checklist. Your future camping self will certainly thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most lightweight portable toilet for camping?
The Reliance Luggable Loo Portable Toilet is the most lightweight option on our list, weighing just over 3 pounds.
Do all portable toilets for camping have a flushing system?
No, not all portable toilets for camping have a flushing system. For example, the Reliance Luggable Loo Portable Toilet is a simple bucket-style toilet without a flushing system.
Can I use a portable toilet for camping in any outdoor setting?
Yes, portable toilets are designed to be used in a variety of outdoor settings, including camping, hiking, boating, and even tailgating.
How often should I empty my portable toilet when camping?
The frequency of emptying your portable toilet depends on its holding tank capacity, the number of users, and the length of your camping trip. However, it’s a good idea to empty and clean it regularly to prevent odors and maintain hygiene.
Are portable toilets for camping environmentally friendly?
Yes, most portable toilets are environmentally friendly. They contain waste and prevent it from contaminating the surrounding environment. However, it’s important to dispose of the waste at approved sanitation facilities.