how to eliminate on Mt Everest

Fri, 11/23/2007 - 03:01 — bcoons52

I am not a climber and have no intentions to every climb at my age (59).
I have been watching Everest on the National Geographic Channel
(both this year and last) and just love the show and the courage that it
takes to climb Everest. I have on stupid question to all of you climbers,
when going to the summit of Everest and with the weather as it
is toward the summit, how does one use the bathroom since it takes
so many hours to leave the last base camp, climb to the summit and
return. I think I know but I would appreciate an explanation from someone
that has been there and done it. What arrangements are made with
clothing, etc.
Thank your very much for an answer.

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How to eliminate on Mt Everest

Paul Adler — Tue, 11/27/2007 - 01:19

This is a common question asked by both non climbers and climbers. There are probably lots of different views out there - here are some of them.

Urinating is very easy for males, but for women it's a little more difficult. For females a urinary funnel (freshette is one brand) I am told works well for both use with pee bottles and whilst standing up outside, although storing it after use is a little problematic. A snaplock bag is probably the best option.

I have gone to the toilet twice on the South Col at 8000m and both times it was reasonably poor weather (cold, windy & snowing). There are no rocks to shelter behind, so you just have to do it in the open. Needless to say that although privacy is not your main concern, it was a very quick affair. Most down suits have a full zip that goes from the outside of one leg across the top of your bum and then to the other leg. This allows you to gain access without needing to totally undress. It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it. I haven't ever had to go to the toilet other than urinate while actually climbing. This is probably because you are not eating much fiber up there or other food and every ounce of energy is being extracted from the food. But if you did, I don't think it would be too difficult to unzip and go.

If the weather is extremely bad some people collect snow on a snow shovel & go to the toilet on this snow inside the vestibule of their tent and then flick it outside when they have finished. I haven't done this - there could easily be contamination issues if you use the same shovel to collect snow for water.

I think that we will see poo tubes of the type being used on Denali and Antarctica, on all mountains. This will enable people to take all their rubbish off the mountain.

Some people take immodium to block the system up, but I think that this can't be good for you, plus it results in you carrying extra weight, which is a definite hindrance, so I don't use this at all.

Hope this gives you some info. I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has any comments or tips.

Paul.

There are no rocks to

Visitor — Sun, 02/10/2008 - 13:01

There are no rocks to shelter behind, so you just have to do it in the open. Needless to say that although privacy is not your main concern, it was a very quick affair. Most down suits have a full zip that goes from the outside of one leg across the top of your bum and then to the other leg.ski vacations in utah