Key Takeaways:
- The Best 12 Portable Toilets: Options range from compact choices like the Thetford Porta Potti 345 or Reliance Products Luggable Loo to premium selections like the Camco Portable Toilet for RVs. Features vary, including waste indicators and foldable designs.
- Investing in Portable Camping Toilets: Portable camping toilets offer the convenience of a home bathroom experience during outdoor excursions, ensuring hygiene and comfort.
- Potential Drawbacks: Manual waste disposal and tank maintenance are necessary inconveniences associated with portable camping toilets, requiring proper disposal and cleaning protocols for environmental sustainability and personal hygiene.
- Choosing the Right Toilet: When selecting a portable camping toilet, factors such as camper space, frequency of usage, and features like tank capacity and ease of cleaning should be considered. Seeking reviews and recommendations can aid in making informed decisions.
For many people, camping is time spent in nature. Whether you are camping out in the open or in your van living your best #vanlife, you still want to make sure that you have your needs covered, from your shelter and nutrition to your clothing and hygiene.
You might have your van or tent, food, and survival needs covered, but you should also make plans for your bodily functions. Portable camping toilets can help ensure that you can eliminate bodily waste properly, which you can easily dispose of and clean.
The most important thing is to get the portable camping toilet that best suits your needs and preferences. Don’t know where to start? Here are some things you can use to make the right decision.
Why Invest in a Portable Camping Toilet?
Before jumping into the world of portable camping toilets, it’s crucial to understand the driving factors behind your decision to acquire one. This initial step not only aids in pinpointing the most suitable type and size but also helps determine whether such an investment aligns with your outdoor lifestyle.
For many avid campers, the paramount reason to opt for a portable camping toilet lies in its ability to provide a convenient and hygienic solution for waste disposal while on outdoor excursions. In essence, it offers the luxury of a home bathroom experience amidst the rugged terrain of nature. No more relying on often-questionable public restrooms or resorting to primitive methods like digging holes in the ground. With a portable toilet, you can enjoy the comfort and privacy of an enclosed space for your bathroom needs, enhancing the overall camping experience.
Understanding the Potential Drawbacks
While the prospect of a portable toilet undoubtedly offers a myriad of benefits, it’s essential to acknowledge and address any potential drawbacks associated with its usage. However, it’s crucial to view these aspects not as disadvantages but rather as necessary inconveniences inherent to the maintenance of proper hygiene and waste management in outdoor settings.
One key consideration revolves around the proper disposal of waste from the portable toilet. Unlike conventional sewage systems, which seamlessly whisk away waste, portable camping toilets require manual disposal of their contents. This entails identifying designated waste disposal areas or facilities and adhering to proper waste disposal protocols to ensure environmental sustainability and compliance with regulations.
Furthermore, the maintenance and sanitization of the toilet’s holding tank are paramount to safeguarding personal hygiene and preventing cross-contamination. Regular cleaning and disinfection of the tank are essential practices to mitigate the risk of odors, bacterial growth, and potential health hazards associated with unsanitary conditions.
What are the Drawbacks of Using a Portable Camping Toilet?
While having a moveable latrine is a great thing, you might be wondering if it comes with a disadvantage. What you should remember as such drawbacks are not necessarily disadvantages, but more like necessary inconveniences. These portable toilets let you eliminate body waste in comfort, but you need to dispose of them in the proper place. You also need to make sure that you properly sanitize the tank to maintain your hygiene and remove any possible cross-contamination.
How to Pick the Right Portable Camping Toilet
Assess Your Camper
Begin by assessing your camper or RV to determine the available space for storing the portable toilet. Consider the dimensions and layout of your vehicle’s interior, identifying potential storage locations that offer easy access while minimizing obstruction. Keep in mind that the portable toilet will contain waste, necessitating a secure and stable storage spot to prevent spills or accidents during transit.
Evaluate Storage Space
In addition to your camper’s interior layout, evaluate the available storage space for accommodating the portable toilet when not in use. Depending on the size and design of your camper, you may need to designate a specific compartment or storage area dedicated to housing the portable toilet securely. Opt for a spot that is easily accessible yet discreet, ensuring convenience without compromising on aesthetics or functionality.
Consider Capacity and Usage
When selecting a portable camping toilet, consider your typical camping group size and usage patterns. Determine the frequency and duration of your camping trips, as well as the number of individuals who will be using the toilet. This information will help you choose a portable toilet with an appropriate tank capacity, ensuring it can adequately accommodate your needs without requiring frequent emptying or maintenance.
Evaluate Features and Functionality
Explore the various features and functionalities offered by different portable camping toilets to identify the one that best aligns with your preferences and requirements. Look for features such as flush mechanisms, waste tank indicators, and odor control systems to enhance usability and convenience during camping trips. Additionally, consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance, opting for models with removable tanks or disposable liners for hassle-free waste disposal.
Seek Reviews and Recommendations
Before making a final decision, seek out reviews and recommendations from fellow campers or online resources to gain insights into the performance and reliability of different portable camping toilet models. Pay attention to factors such as durability, comfort, and overall user satisfaction to ensure you invest in a high-quality product that meets your expectations.
Top 12 Portable Camping Toilets to Choose From
Thetford Porta Potti 345
The Thetford Porta Potti 345 is one of the best choices for portable camping toilets because they come with everything you need to make sure that you can eliminate waste comfortably and hygienically. It has a lid, a high-capacity tank, and a toilet seat.
To help you determine whether you need to empty the tank, this moveable latrine has a waste-holding tank of 3.1 gallons. It can also hold 4 gallons of flush water, so you are sure that you can flush any waste down using a piston pump. You can easily dispose of the waste using a tube.
It is made of strong plastic in white and gray colors, giving off a sanitized appearance. The entire system is only 8 lbs, which is pretty good.
Pros:
- Comes with a seat and lid
- Has an indicator for efficient monitoring
- Light-weight and compact
Cons:
- Needs to be disassembled for disposal
Reliance Products Luggable Loo
If you are looking for something less bulky, you might want to go for Reliance Products Luggable Loo. This one weighs only around 1.3 kilograms, making it handier. It is also slimmer, so you can easily stow it away with ease.
This portable loo minimizes the need to store black water with the help of Double Doodle bags. You just need to lift the lid and seat, place the bag, and replace the seat, and you are good to go. Its bucket container can hold up to 20 liters.
This offers easier cleanup, but keep in mind that you still need to sanitize your moveable latrine after every use and trip. As mentioned, it comes with a lid, so you can keep it neat after cleaning up. You can also carry it more easily because of its bucket-style design.
Pros:
- Easier to clean up
- Convenient to store and carry
- Comes with Double Doodle bags
Cons:
- Not as appealing as those with built-in tanks
Camco Portable Toilet with Seat and Cover
If simple and fuss-free is what you’re after, the Camco Portable Toilet with Seat and Cover is right up your alley. This has a standard 5-gallon capacity that comes with a secure carry handle for easily transporting it.
This particular option is best if you want to have a portable toilet that still offers comfort from traditional seats. After all, this comes with its own seat and lid that attaches right to the rim of the bucket.
The smooth interior makes for fast and efficient cleanup. With three bag liners, you can rest easy knowing you won’t run out of bags during your trip.
Pros:
- Comes with three bag liners
- A lightweight bucket makes carrying distances possible
- Unparalleled comfort with seat and lid attachments
Cons:
- Circumference errs on the smaller side
Alpcour Portable Toilet
Get the look and feel of a regular toilet with this option. Since it has a similar design to your toilet at home, you’ll find sitting on this design more comfortably.
The Alpcour Portable Toilet can accommodate up to 50 flushes or more before being required to clean thanks to its massive 5.3-gallon tank. It can hold 3.2 gallons of water to send the goods into the holding tank without difficulty.
This is equipped with a waste level indicator to let you know when it’s time to empty the portable toilet. Cleanup is a breeze with the sprayer attachment, allowing you to wash the toilet after every use.
Pros:
- Clean and modern
- Comes with its own carrying bag
- Lightweight and easy to set up
Cons:
- Can be quite expensive
Hike Crew Advanced portable Outdoor Camping and Travel Toilet
Hike Crew’s Advanced Portable Camping and Travel Toilet take you to the future. It comes with its own waste level indicator that turns red to signal you when it’s time to dispose of waste.
A power flush is something you’ll appreciate with its Piston 3 directional T-Type flush and this can hold up to 50 flushes in one 2.6-gallon water tank. It’s worth noting that it does not come with circulating water, meaning it reduces the risk of contaminating other parts of the portable toilet and the unwanted spread of odor.
Another key feature of the Hike Crew toilet is its adjustable height. This comes in handy when you’re traveling with kids and older adults who may need different heights.
Pros:
- Rotating spout gives easier and mess-free cleanup
- Accommodates different heights and needs
- Comes with a waste level indicator
Cons:
- Portable toilet comes with a bit of bulk and weight
Lionalp Portable Folding Toilet Seat
Get the best of both worlds with the Lionalp Portable Folding Toilet Seat. This option gives you the choice of using a bucket under the seat or a bag if you’re without the other. Featuring a seat that measures 15 inches wide, which gives users the comfort they need to proceed with their business.
The stainless steel frame is heavy-duty and can carry up to 400 pounds. This is further complemented by the rubber cap on the legs, preventing it from slipping and making it stable enough for campers of all sizes.
The toilet seat comes with different attachments and built-in features, including an anti-slip ring to secure waste bags and a built-in strap for your toilet paper roll.
Pros:
- Folds into a compact size for convenient stowing
- Strong yet lightweight
- Comfortable toilet seat and height
Cons:
- Toilet bags come separately
SEAFLO Portable Toilet
The lightweight design and wide comfortable seating of the SEAFLO Portable Toilet are perhaps what will attract users to purchase this. With ergonomic carrying handles and a compact size that weighs only 11 pounds, this stays true to its portability aspect.
The SEAFLO Portable toilet likewise gives you the choice to go with a larger holding capacity between 2.6-gallon or 5.3-gallon waste tanks that are supported by a 3.43-gallon water tank.
This design makes this portable toilet easy to clean since you can just separate and throw the waste left in the holding tank.
Pros:
- Comes in 2.6-gallon and 5.3-gallon varieties
- Portable and ergonomic design
- Comfortable to sit on
Cons:
- Does not have a waste level indicator
Camco Portable Toilet for RVs
A more premium line that exudes luxury and ease is no other than the Camco Portable Toilet for RVs. This comes with a comfortable seat that sits on a detachable tank that makes dumping waste a simple enough task.
You have the option of choosing between two waste tank sizes, with either a 2.6-gallon or 5.3-gallon option to pick from. The flush holds 2.5 gallons of water which are ample enough for multiple uses. This model has slide valve locks that seal in the odor and waste.
Pros:
- Big-capacity waste tank
- Detachable tanks make for easy cleanup after use
- Sturdy design
Cons:
- Clunky design
Thetford Porta Potti 135
The simple and stylish Thetford Porta Potti 135 lives up to the compactness and portability that you need when you’re on the go. Coming in at just 8 pounds, this is one of the lightest portable toilets in the bunch and can fit in the smallest of spaces.
The holding tank detaches with ease with just the touch of a lever, making emptying effortless. The design also comes with a flush system and a spout to make dumping and cleaning manageable.
Pros:
- Toilet lid snaps shut for a clean look
- Has a small storage area for toilet paper and other necessities
- Ability to lock in odors
Cons:
- Portable toilet sits at a much lower height
Cleanwaste Portable Toilet
The Cleanwaste Portable Toilet boasts a simple design that folds up into a briefcase for trouble-free transport. This makes this toilet fit into any storage space and does not require assembly.
Unfolded, however, this portable toilet opens up to a seat with a disposable bag that can carry waste and easily be disposed of right after. You can seat with ease knowing it supports up to 500 pounds and the reinforced legs make it stable enough to be placed on different types of ground.
Pros:
- Folds up nicely to a compact size
- Fast and easy set-up
Cons:
- Needs to be emptied immediately after use
Playberg Portable Indoor and Outdoor Travel Toilet
The Playberg Portable Indoor and Outdoor Travel Toilet are perhaps one of the most minimalist and unassuming portable toilets you’ll ever come across. Despite its seemingly small size, this holds 8 gallons in its waste compartment.
The compact toilet has a full-size seat and a toilet paper holder on the side. It comes with a toilet cover to prevent odors from coming out.
Pros:
- Equipped with detachable bucket tank with cover for hassle-free cleanup
- Side handles make it easy to carry
Cons:
- Waste needs to be cleaned right away
Triptips Portable Toilet
Save space when you travel with the Triptips Portable Toilet. This folds into a small and lightweight size that can fit into the tightest of spaces, weighing only 3.8 pounds. Despite its compact size, this unfolds with ease and requires no set-up at all.
Made of ABS plastic material, this can support a weight of up to 330 pounds. Besides being a toilet, this can also function as a seat or storage bin with the help of its functional cover design.
Pros:
- Multifunctional design
- Slim and lightweight
- Can accommodate a large capacity of toilet bags ranging from 6 to 8 gallons
Cons:
- Does not come with toilet bags
The Bottom Line
Spending time with nature does not have to put you at a disadvantage if you don’t have a toilet in your RV. With these portable camping toilet options, you can bring some of the comforts of home wherever you might be.
