In an earlier post, I covered the basic five steps to successfully using a squat toilet in the developing world. It generated a good number of comments and one of them referred to an advanced technique: “It’s near impossible to not crap on your pants. My advice is to take them off before squatting.”
This is good advice — a well-executed Pantless Squat will allow for a wider stance, better balance, use of both hands, and lower cleaning bills. However, it’s not easy as it sounds and I felt it would be irresponsible not to follow up with some tips for anyone attempting this maneuver.
Sure, it sounds easy: simply remove your pants, do your business, and get on with your life. Please keep in mind however that the floor is most likely wet and filthy. Avoiding contact with either your pants or your bare feet is hard to pull off while balancing on one foot, removing shoes, and clenching your bowels.
A few tips that might help:
1. Never attempt this unless there is a nearby wall, stall door, or sink that you can grab onto. If possible, find a clean corner and back into it — losing your balance will simply result in your shoulders or back touching the wall. This is perfectly acceptable compared to the alternative: landing on the cold, wet floor with your bare ass.
2. Sandals or flip-flops are the footwear of choice. Boots are hard to get in and out of and — at the very least — will result in wet laces that will have to be handled later. Wet socks and cursing are also very likely.
3. Once you have successfully removed your pants, you’re probably feeling pretty smug. This is when you are mostly likely to drop them entirely, or to empty the contents of your pockets onto the floor and/or toilet. Carefully roll your pants, sealing the pockets shut, and place the roll in the sink until you’ve finished.
Keep these points in mind, move slowly, and you’re well on your way to a successful Pantless Squat. Best of Luck!
Have any tips of your own? Let’s hear ‘em!
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A good idea, but not always executable. In China for example the squat holes are often lined up next to each other with no walls between. Really the key is to perfect your childs squat pose. If you practice while waiting for local buses and wearing your pack your position will improve! Squat deep.
This is the kind of information you don’t find in travel guides, but that many people still want to know about, although they would never admit it. It’s sometimes harder to do than you’d think haha…
I totally agree, Sophia. I mean, it should be the easiest thing in the world, right? It sure can get complicated quickly…
Haha! Fantastic post. Managing the dirty and disgusting squat toilet is one of the toughest challenges when travelling. I avoid the bus stop toilets at all costs. On travel days I drink and eat as little as possible and Dave always pops an immodium. Sometimes however, it just can’t be avoided and this is good advice. I am always amazed with how the locals come out looking fresh as a daisy:)
Haha. One of the things I’m most dreading is the long bus ride. Trapped in the bus for hours, then having to do your business behind 2 fence posts and a cinder block. Hoo boy….
After living in China for a year (and using squat toilets), I spent the next several years squatting on purpose whenever I had the chance. This both built up my flexibility and muscles so that I can squat flat-footed now without raising up off my heels. I can use squat toilets without problem and no need to remove my pants. Practice before hand is the key.
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