When embarking on a rafting river trip, you should never forget the essentials: PFDs, helmets, throw ropes, beer, an adventurous spirit, and yes—a groover toilet. In this article, we will answer the question, “What is a Groover Toilet?”
We will also explain how a groover toilet is used, why it is called a groover, what is included in the set-up, and more!
What Is A Groover Toilet?
A groover is a portable toilet designed especially for river trips. It allows people to go to the bathroom in the backcountry without leaving waste behind. Carrying all solid waste away is an essential part of a rafting trip and a key element of the leave-no-trace principles.
The groover setup is one of the most important essential items needed for a rafting trip.
It is typically set up as an ammo can with a removable toilet set attachment. Ammo cans are used because they are airtight and waterproof, making them a simple and sanitary form of transporting human waste.
On river trips, it’s important (and often a requirement) to use a groover toilet system rather than digging holes and leaving human waste behind. But even if it’s not a requirement, we highly recommend it to help protect the pristine nature of riverside campsites.
Originally, the groover was a simple ammo can used to store the ‘goods,’ but over time, it has evolved into an all-encompassing, relatively simple toilet system.
Why Is It Called A Groover Toilet?
The story behind why it’s called a groover is a piece of rafting legend.
The first users of these ammo cans discovered the hard way that sitting directly on metal for a significant amount of time leaves… ‘memorable’ impressions on the backside. Hence, it “grooved” its mark into the backside of early river pioneers and into history.
Fortunately, today’s groover toilet systems come with comfy seats, sparing our bottoms these impressions. Most groover toilet systems now include a full toilet set comparable to what you’re used to at home.
What is Included in the Groover Toilet SetUp?
There are various portable toilets that one can build or buy. The list below includes one of the more cost-effective groover setups, the NRS ECO-Safe Toilet System.
- Two large, 20 mm ammo cans. One is used for everyone’s ‘solid waste deposits’ and the other for storing the groover accessories and supplies.
- Toilet Seat (generally stored in a trash bag, inside the second ammo can).
- Toilet Paper.
- Hand Sanitizer.
- Flushable disinfecting wipes (for cleaning up spilled waste).
- RV Toilet Chemicals (used to break down the waste).
- Pee bucket. Not everything goes into the groover. Liquid waste should be separated by peeing into a separate bucket first.
- Reading material (a magazine, a book, a river map, or the latest edition of the Journal).
More sophisticated groover systems don’t use the ammo can system but instead stainless steel or plastic containers.
These systems can often hold a lot more solid waste than an ammo can but are far more expensive (ranging from $500 to $1000). The Ammo can system costs around $200-$300.
Ammo can groover systems are also a little less stable than ones from companies like Partner Steel. As such, it’s vital to find a flat, stable area to set up your groover if you’re using an ammo can system.
This is the groover toilet system we use: NRS ECO-Safe Toilet System. The plastic jug then sits inside an ammo can for safe storage and transfer.
This video from our friends at Oars describes how their groover toilet system is set up Their setup is slightly different from the ones we typically use, involving ammo cans. However, the concept is the same.
How to Set Up A Groover Toilet
Setting up a groover might sound like a crappy job, but with the proper knowledge, it can be smooth sailing. (See what I did there?)
- Choose the Right Spot: Location is key! Whoever is in charge of the groover has a sacred duty. They must find a beautiful, private location. After all, there’s no reason why one shouldn’t enjoy a serene view while taking care of business.
- Assembly: Once you’ve picked your spot, assemble the groover and its accessories. This involves setting up the container, placing the seat on top, and ensuring it’s stocked with all necessities. Keep the lid on the ammo can that stores the TP in the event of rain.
- Set up hand washing: On the best river trips, we have a hand washing station dedicated to the groover area and one for the kitchen area.
- Breakdown: The morning after, once everyone’s done their ‘duty,’ the groover must be broken down, sealed properly, and stored for transport. During transport, store your groover system in the upright position to avoid unnecessary sloshing.
Groover Toilet Etiquette
- Consider everyone’s privacy. Set the groover up in a location away from the group and where people can feel comfortable.
- Set up a system to let others know the groover is in use. We call this “The Key” to the groover. Our key is typically an oar stationed in the direct path to the groover. If the oar is upright, the groover is available. The groover is occupied if the oar has been laid down on the path.
- If you make a mess, clean it up. Sometimes, waste doesn’t go directly where intended. Use the flushable wet wipes to clean it up out of respect for the following user.
- When the container starts getting full, use a stick to poke it into the corners to maximize use of the container.
- Go over hygiene with all members of your trip. Re-enforce from the beginning that proper hand washing is not optional on a river trip.
- Feminine hygiene products should not be disposed of in the groover.
Other Top Groover Toilet Systems To Buy
The NRS Eco Safe Toilet System isn’t the only groover system out there. There are groover toilets with different designs from other companies, as well as opportunities to rent a groover from a rafting outfitter.
If you are a casual rafting person who only embarks on overnight trips occasionally, renting a groover can be a good option. However if you go on one or more overnight rafting trips per year, owning your own groover can save you money.
Here are some other top groover toilet systems you can buy:
- Jon-Ny Partner Toilet from Partner Steel – easy to set up, large capacity, very expensive (over $1,000).
- Selway Fabrication Riverbank II Full Toilet System – made of plastic, fulling enclosed, lighter to carry, mid-range price (around $500)
- Rocketbox (Groover) Toilet System – Very similar to the NRS Eco Safe system for approximately the same price.
- Coyote Portable Camp Toilet – Single wall design, less expensive than other options.
River Regulations for Groover Use
Rivers are beautiful, and we must help keep them that way. There are often strict regulations for groover use on river trips.
These guidelines ensure that our natural spaces remain uncontaminated and beautiful for generations to come. Always familiarize yourself with local regulations before setting out.
In the event you don’t have access to a groover system, we recommend the use of Wag Bags as a secure method of hauling away solid waste.
Conclusion
The groover toilet system plays a vital role in ensuring that our river trips are both comfortable and environmentally friendly.
For a successful overnight rafting trip, all boaters should understand what a groover toilet is, how to set one up, and specific river regulations for groover use.
If you are unsure how to set up a groover, bring a printed copy of this article on your next trip.
Thanks for reading.