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A WAG bag is also known as a waste alleviation and gelling bag used to collect human waste where toilets are unavailable, like in the backcountry, which can be an emergency kit or camping gear. It's simply a dog waste bag for humans.

History

WAG bag has an official name as 'Waste Aggregation and Gelling bag'. It was developed by three residents of Bozeman, Mont., in 1999. To lessen human damage in wilderness places, Bill and Pam Phillips and Mike Groff invented the bags and the "Pooh Powder" that fills them to be practical and quickly biodegradable.

Because there aren't many flush toilets in Iraq, the military started giving WAG bags to soldiers there. Soldiers have long constructed outhouse-style latrines, and Vietnam War movies made famous the practice of burning waste in 55-gallon drums from beneath them. Although outhouses are still constructed, the new bags eliminate the need for troops to burn garbage.

Components of WAG bag

WAG bags provide two layers of bags with high quality puncture-resistant fabrics. The outer bag includes a secure zip top that forms an airtight seal when closed. A gelling powder known as Pooh Powder is included in the inner layer. This powder quickly gels the waste and eliminates the smell. Pooh Powder's ingredients are both non-toxic and biodegradable. The decomposition process is faster while using a WAG bag because of the powder. Both the bag and the waste are completely decomposed within a few months. Persons with allergies can use WAG  bags because they are hygienic and contain no perfumes.

The use of a WAG bag

A wag bag can be used similarly to a cathole, except that there is no need to initially dig a cathole; the wag bag serves as the cathole. First step, remove the bag liner inside of the outer bag that is resistant to punctures. Next step, take away the tissues and hand sanitizer. Finally, hold the plastic bag around the hips to retain the waste. After finished, close and tie off the inner pouch with the plastic bag's cinch loop, then run the fingertips along the outside pouch's zip lock closure to seal the waste and stink.

After use

If the user is going on a multi-day excursion, stow the used wag bag in the bottom of the rucksack away from food once the user collected his waste and sealed the bag (be sure there aren't any openings or leaks). As Wag bags include a solidifying agent that breaks down and deodorizes waste, so once the user returned from the journey, he can throw the wag bag in a regular trash can. The bag has already completed the task ; there is no need to reopen it and flush it down the toilet.

Benefits of WAG bag

Any form of hiking or camping gear would benefit from having the WAG bag. The bags are practically weightless and easily fit into a backpack. There is absolutely no specific equipment needed to use a WAG bag. The WAG bag can be used with any folding toilet currently available on the market, including camper toilets without a water source for flushing, for persons who prefer to bring along a vehicle for camping. The WAG bag is a fantastic complement to trekking and camping gear and can also be useful around the house. The WAG bag can be conveniently used in the event that a plumbing problem necessitates temporarily turning off the water.

WAG bag is also a part of Leave No Trace Ethics for Human Waste in the Backcountry by

• Minimize water contamination

Since there is a freeze-drying agent and there is no need for flushing water, therefore not contaminating the water.

Water contamination affects the life cycle of aquatic animals. For example, wastewater caused by toxins can cause the immediate death of fish and other organisms. The wastewater caused by oxygen in the water is reduced. May destroy plants and small aquatic animals that are food for fish, causing the fertility or food source of aquatic animals to decrease. It is a source of disease outbreaks such as cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea. It have an impact on cultivation because acidic and alkaline waste water is not suitable for farming. It cause changes in the ecosystem, such as a bad smell from polluted water.

• Minimize social and aesthetic impact

It can reduce the digging of excrement holes in various natural attractions.

• Minimize the spread of disease

When there is no excrement digging or using public toilets, It will reduce the accumulation of germs and contagious diseases. When water contamination is reduced, it also reduces the spread of pathogens.

• Minimize decomposition

The decomposition process is faster while using a WAG bag because of the components in the bag, the powder. Both the bag and the waste are completely decomposed within a few months.