It is my pleasure to explain to those who aren’t familiar with what a wag bag is. Or even better the exciting contents found inside! To start I’ll explain proper LNT practices when pooping above tree line. Human waste takes much longer to break down up in alpine zones found typically above 11,500-ft. in the state of Colorado. So, us folks who spend a lot of time in the alpine carry our handy dandy waggy baggies wherever we go!
Contents of bag
- Toilet paper
- Hand Sanitizing wipes
- NASA space age technology deodorizing liquid to solid powder
- Small bag
- Large bag
Let’s go over some Wagging techniques. You know, the simple dos and don’ts. Shall we?
Pros
We’ll start with great wag moves that will leave you with a positive experience. Here’s how!
- Location, Location, Location! Who wants to wag with a bad view? Think about your scenery, your sense of tranquility, your experience as a whole! It all starts with a great view.
- Privacy. For some, it’s a must but if you’re a group pooper kudos to you. All that being said it can be a crippling experience when a stranger walks up and you’re in full on wag mode. You’re feeling vulnerable, maybe a little uncertain about how things will go, then WAM eye contact! Never a great feeling. Do your best to avoid these situations then you are good to go!
- Seeing Wildlife. Wildlife viewing may turn your experience from a check plus to a check star. That’s an upgrade! From marmots cuddling to mountain goats sparring, the moment is yours to chase!
- It is essential to consider weather when wagging. Although, when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. It always adds to the moment to wag on a nice, sunny calm day.
PRO TIP: When unveiling the wag be aware of your surroundings and how fast you unfold the bag contents. If standing in talus, especially consider that the TP and sanitizing wipes may fall into deep cracks or crevices found between boulders. Try opening the contents slowly to avoid bad LNT practices and sparing yourself in a possible moment of crisis.
If you plan to follow steps 1-4 when wagging, I bet you’ll walk away with a smile and a thumbs up!
Cons
Now we’ll discuss some things to avoid…
- Wind. Sometimes you can’t avoid it. If that’s the case, prepare to struggle unless you’ve got some sort of shelter, a rock or a slope perhaps.
- Losing bag contents. We touched on this above. Open slowly…When you are relying on the TP and it disappears you will be sorry.
- Eye Contact (Refer to pros column under privacy)
- Negative attitude. Confidence is key when it comes to wagging. It is never good to start off the experience with a frown.
- Try not to wag in the wind.
DO NOT use the smaller bag initially! Consider the larger bag and simply tie it up and deposit it into the smaller bag!
Well, there you have it. The rock solid dos and don’ts of wagging. Get out there. Do the right thing. And as always, wag confidently! I’ll leave with you with a few quotes and a few pictures of some of my wag views 😉
“The Wind It whispers into my heart, Never, I thought this would be art. To help the nature of this alpine world. Into this bag, my waste it goes.” –Eric McSwan
“You haven’t lived yet until you have defecated into a wag bag at 13000+ft. in the face of an imminent hail storm”- Eric McSwan
