Have you ever reached for toilet paper in the great outdoors, only to find a damp, unusable mess? There’s nothing worse than discovering your essential Travel Toilet Tissue has succumbed to moisture halfway through your camping or canoeing adventure. But fear not, there’s a simple and effective solution that seasoned outdoor enthusiasts swear by.
The Frustration of Soggy Toilet Paper
Anyone who has spent time camping, backpacking, or canoeing knows the struggle is real. Humidity, rain, accidental splashes – moisture is the enemy of toilet paper. A soggy roll isn’t just unpleasant; it’s practically useless and can quickly become a heavy, disintegrating burden in your pack. This is especially true during canoe trips where water exposure is almost guaranteed.
The Ziplock Bag Solution: Simplicity at its Best
The answer to this age-old camping problem is surprisingly straightforward: the humble ziplock bag. Yes, that’s it! This incredibly simple method is my go-to for keeping travel toilet tissue dry and accessible on every camping and canoe trip. If you haven’t tried this trick yet, prepare to be amazed at its effectiveness.
Why Ziplock Bags are Perfect for Travel Toilet Tissue
- Waterproof Protection: Ziplock bags are designed to be airtight and waterproof, creating a barrier against rain, splashes, and humidity. This is crucial for keeping your toilet paper dry in any weather condition.
- Lightweight and Packable: Ziplock bags add virtually no weight to your pack and take up minimal space. They are flexible and easily conform to the shape of your gear, unlike rigid containers.
- Reusable and Durable: A good quality ziplock bag can be reused multiple times, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. They are also surprisingly durable and can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures.
- Easy Access: Clear ziplock bags allow you to see how much toilet paper you have left at a glance. Opening and closing the bag is quick and easy, even with gloves on.
How to Pack Your Travel Toilet Tissue in a Ziplock Bag
- Choose the Right Bag: Select a heavy-duty ziplock bag that is large enough to accommodate your roll of travel toilet tissue. Gallon-sized bags work well for standard rolls, but adjust size based on your needs.
- Remove Excess Packaging: Take the toilet paper out of its original plastic wrapping. This reduces bulk and allows it to fit more easily into the ziplock bag.
- Place Toilet Paper in Bag: Insert the roll of toilet paper into the ziplock bag.
- Seal Tightly: Ensure the ziplock seal is completely closed to create a waterproof barrier. Expel any excess air to minimize bulk.
- Pack Strategically: Place the ziplock bag of toilet paper in an easily accessible location in your backpack or canoe dry bag, so it’s readily available when nature calls.
My Toilet Paper Saved the Day: A Canoe Trip Story
Back in 1995, I was on a week-long canoe trip down the Yellowknife River in the Yukon Territory. During a particularly challenging section of rapids, our canoe became snagged, and in the ensuing chaos, we ended up losing our canoe downstream with most of our gear. It was a stressful situation, to say the least, being days away from our destination with limited supplies.
After retrieving our battered canoe and assessing the situation, we were relieved to find that most essential items had survived, including – and perhaps most importantly – our food and shelter. And to my immense satisfaction, my ziplock bag of toilet paper had also weathered the ordeal completely dry! Amidst the minor disaster, this small victory was a significant comfort and highlighted the value of this simple packing method. It wasn’t the first time I’d used this method, but it was certainly the trip where I most appreciated its effectiveness.
Stay Dry and Comfortable on Your Next Adventure
Don’t let soggy toilet paper ruin your next camping or outdoor experience. Embrace the ziplock bag method for keeping your travel toilet tissue dry, clean, and ready when you need it. It’s a simple, reliable, and time-tested trick that will make your outdoor adventures more comfortable and worry-free. Try it on your next trip – you’ll be converted too!
