Ever been out on a long trail run or hike and faced with the inevitable moment—where’s the bathroom? Let’s be real for a moment here; managing bathroom breaks in the backcountry isn’t exactly the most glamorous part of our outdoor adventures. But if you’re serious about trail running, hiking, or camping, finding a practical, eco-friendly solution is pretty essential.
That’s where the PACT Lite Kit comes in – a compact, all-in-one bathroom kit designed to make nature’s calls a little less awkward and a lot more responsible.
In this review, I’ll explain how the PACT Lite Kit works, and why it’s a must-have for anyone who spends time in the great outdoors.
What’s inside the PACT Lite Kit?
The PACT Lite Kit is ingeniously designed to simplify bathroom breaks in the backcountry. Here’s what you’ll find inside:
- Ergonomic Shovel: A lightweight aluminum shovel that makes digging a cathole (a small pit for burying waste) fast and easy. Compact, durable, and comfortable to use, it’s ideal for rough terrain.
- PACT Wipes: Compressed, plant-based wipes that expand with water into a thick, 9-inch towel. These wipes are eco-friendly, decomposing 85% in just 40 days, perfect for an environmentally-conscious cleanup.
- PACT Tabs: These mycelium-based tabs (made from fungi!) help break down waste faster and kill harmful bacteria, making them a game-changer for reducing your environmental footprint.
Everything tucks neatly into the shovel handle, so you’re not adding any unnecessary bulk to your pack. I like how the bungee wraps around the handle to ensure it doesn’t come apart when you’re on the move – you can aslo use it to attach the kit you your backpack, or running hydration pack. This kit is all about convenience and sustainability.
The ‘Pack Out Kit‘ (as seen also in the image above) is not included in the PACT Lite Bathroom Kit but I recommend getting one of them too, for reasons outlined in just a moment.
Why, when and how to use the PACT Lite Kit
Let’s face it, if you’re passionate about trail running, hiking, or camping, you’ve probably been caught without a bathroom nearby. But responsible adventurers also know that leaving no trace is very important to any ecosystem. The PACT Lite Kit lets you manage bathroom breaks while adhering to Leave No Trace principles, without feeling like you’re lugging extra gear around. Some reasons I find it so convenient include:
- It’s Lightweight: At only 120 grams (4 oz), you won’t even notice this kit in your hydration pack or running vest.
- It has a compact design: Everything – shovel, wipes, tabs, all fit neatly into the shovel handle.
- It uses eco-friendly materials: Both the wipes and tabs are plant-based, helping to minimize your impact on the environment.
Using the PACT Lite Kit: a quick step-by-step guide
If you’ve never had to “go” in the wilderness, don’t worry, using this kit is super simple. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Find the right spot: Choose a location at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites. Use the ergonomic shovel to dig a small cathole, about 6-8 inches deep, as recommended by Leave No Trace guidelines.
Do your business: The ergonomic shovel makes digging even in rocky terrain a breeze. Once the hole is ready, well…you know what to do!
Clean up with PACT Wipes: A splash of water turns the compact wipes into large, soft towels in a couple of seconds. These are chemical-free, biodegradable, and decompose quickly, perfect for a gentle but effective cleanup.
Cover it up: After you’re done, cover the cathole with soil. Drop a PACT Tab in the hole to speed up waste decomposition and kill harmful bacteria.
Check local rules: Some areas may have specific regulations on waste disposal, so be sure to know the guidelines before you head out. Leave No Trace always advises packing out toilet paper and hygiene products if you’re unsure.
When you can’t bury your waste, use the PACT ‘Pack Out Kit’ instead
In some outdoor environments like alpine regions, deserts, or areas with heavy traffic, you’ll need to pack out your waste instead of burying it. That’s where the PACT Pack Out Kit comes in. For $33, this lightweight kit (just 1.4 ounces!) gives you everything to transport waste responsibly.
The kit includes:
- A durable outer bag for safe transport
- An inner poop bag with Poop Powder to deodorize and dehydrate waste
- (2) PACT Wipes for cleanup, plus an antiseptic hand wipe
It’s essential for fragile ecosystems or areas with strict regulations. When should you use it? Think alpine environments, arid deserts, or when you’re too close to water sources, campsites, or trails.
Where to buy the PACT Lite Kit
Ready to give the PACT Lite Kit a try or thinking about buying it as a fun gift to a friend or family member? Here’s where you can grab one but if you buy it from the PACT Outdoors website, be sure to use our exclusive code for 15% Off your entire order with code ‘TRAILANDKALE15‘.
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The bottom line
If you love spending time in the backcountry but want to keep things clean, lightweight, and eco-friendly, the PACT Lite Kit is a no-brainer for anyone who poops (yes, everyone, haha). For just $35, you’re getting an all-in-one solution that’s ideal for trail runners, hikers, and campers who care about preserving the environment while enjoying it.
Plus, it’s compact and durable enough to take on any adventure—without weighing you down.
What do you think?
➡ Have you tried the PACT Lite Kit yet? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! And if you’re interested in more gear reviews, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter and check out my latest YouTube review for more outdoor gear reviews.
Let’s leave the trails as we find them. 🌲 -Alastair