The liner bags contain special powder which combines with the waste to produce a neutral end gel. The bags can then be safely disposed of in any bin. This is really useful and means you don’t have to search around for an Elsan point or dog waste bin. CampingGaz, the ubiquitous supplier of butane/propane camping gas, sells a range of camping gear, including the Campingaz 20L portable toilet. Emptying the 335 requires some dexterity when it’s fully ‘utilized’. It can get a bit heavy, although you only have to carry the lower half to the Elsan point and this also includes a handy spout for emptying. Hold your nose and look away! When folded it takes up very little space, but expands to a height of 1.9m and over a square metre of floor space. The updated model we had to review included a rain cover which could be used to cover a mesh opening at the top of the tent. The mesh is useful to allow unpleasant odours to escape! If you’re camping in a caravan or motorhome, you’ll find that many have an in-built toilet in the washroom. These toilets are generally made by one of two manufacturers, Thetford or Dometic.

Although you’ll find all sorts of pop-up and emergency toilets, ranging from stools with a bag hanging underneath, to folding cardboard boxes and chamber pot style containers, for family campers, I believe there are only really 2 sensible camp toilet choices. Some things in life shouldn’t be complicated too much. The Carplife Bivvy Loo takes that mantra and applies it to one of life’s essential processes. The end result is a camping toilet which does its job well, can be folded away unobtrusively and renders the ‘end product’ biodegradable too – we love the simplicity of it. But the times they are a-changing. The Covid-19 pandemic has forced everybody to reassess their hygiene habits in a world where it seems like more people than ever are camping or pursuing outdoor hobbies such as fishing, hunting or mountain biking.

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At the top end of the market, Thetford’s Porta Potti 565 has an electric (battery-powered) flush or manual.

If you’re limited on space, a collapsible camping toilet such as the Carplife Bivvy loo is a good idea, as this will fold up easily and include a seat and a waste bag. Urine gets pumped out with a diaphragm pump but could go to a bottle if in a boatyard. Poop goes to separate container with bag and I use sawdust. No smell and easy to use and dispose of,” says Andrew. There’s not much to say which isn’t positive about this great loo. If you’ve got the space then go for it. However for most of us who are cramming our cars and campers to the brim before setting off, it probably is a little excessive in size, especially if the place you’re going to already has toilets. In the end that has to be your decision, but my friend has one and I don’t – and that’s irritating!This loo has recently been redesigned after some owners reported a bad seal between the lid and seat, but our review unit was strong and very comfortable to sit on (mind the silent ‘h’ there). Height is an excellent 41cm off the ground and so you don’t feel like a naughty kid conducting toilet training.

PBO reader Stefan Leschner says ‘Air Head’ is the way to go. The Air Head compost toilet is a durable, waterless toilet suitable for canalboats, campervans, caravans, yachts and motorhomes.

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Big family tents will often have several different rooms or even a side entrance that you could use as a makeshift bathroom. or you can buy stand-alone toilet or utility tents. Thetford have a long history of making portable toilets, and operation of the Qube 335 is very simple as might be expected. The first rule of chemical toilets is that you must only empty them in a specifically designated place. Apart from the obvious hygiene issues, the chemicals should not go straight into the sewerage system.