We use cloth diapers, about eight on an average day. What is the best method for cleaning them while backpacking and camping and how many should we bring?

Mike Soult
Tallahassee, Florida

Alice's Answer:

Mike,

Bravo for you!

I used cloth diapers when my son was young; however, now that I have twin girls, I confess that we've switched to disposables.

Diapers of any kind are a major hassle when backpacking, a bit easier if you're car camping, but certainly a viable option. For instance, hiker Cindy Ross and her family took along 100 cloth diapers for their son as they hiked the 500-mile Colorado Trail through the Rockies. However, they did have llamas to help carry the load. You'll need the number of diapers you usually use, plus a few extra for insurance purposes.

Here are some specifics:

		Treat waste matter as you would your own. In other words, bury it or dump or flush it if a pit toilet or flush toilet are available.
		If you're car camping, you can even bring along whatever container you stash the dirties in at home.
		On backpacking trips, bury waste matter. Rinse them when you're well away from a water source and store soiled diapers in sealable plastic bags, to be washed at home or in a laundromat.
		For diapers that have been wet, but not soiled, wring out excess urine. You may want to rinse it also. Fasten the diaper to the outside of your or your wife's pack, and it will dry if the weather is right, reducing the weight of your load. Again, wash it when you have access to laundry facilities.
		One last word: start potty training as soon as possible. Things get a lot easier then.

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