Last Updated on September 2, 2020
Are you searching for the best portable toilet?
Whether you are a camper, hunter, preparing for a power outage, or want a reliable backup toilet, a quality portable toilet is a valuable investment.
I have reviewed the most popular models on the market and after reading this article you will know my recommendations.
Check out the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for the best portable toilet picks, or read on for the full review:
When choosing the best portable toilet you must consider two main types of camping toilets.
Simpler camping toilets will not have moving parts and are generally very lightweight.
They are easy to transport, use, and set up quickly.
Most of these toilets are designed to be used with plastic bags to contain waste, which is not environmentally-friendly or everyone’s cup of tea.
One reason I think that everyone should consider a simpler portable toilet is that they are much more cost effective and their design isn’t as difficult to understand.
More complex portable toilets are great options too. They generally have a storage tank for freshwater that is used to rinse out the bowl of the toilet.
They also have a storage area for waste, effectively trapping odors until you find the time to empty the container.
These toilets are much larger and heavier than simpler portable toilets.
Generally, you need to use a powder or liquid product that is designed to neutralize and liquefy waste.
This makes it very easy to empty out these toilets, and many users love that they don’t have to worry about using any waste bags when they use the toilet.
Benefits of Having a Portable Toilet
Whether camping or faced with an emergency situation, it’s imperative that you do everything you can to remain clean and to limit the spread of disease.
Portable toilets are incredibly effective at maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of disease.
By using a portable toilet, you can decrease the likelihood of germs spreading when you use the bathroom and help keep odors to a minimum.
Using a portable toilet allows you to enjoy all of the benefits of using your own toilet, but on a smaller and portable scale.
These toilets are easy to carry with you on a trip, easy to clean, and will ensure that you don’t have to use dirty public facilities when you’re camping.
Rather than worrying about where you or your family members will be able to use the bathroom, when you invest in a quality portable toilet, you can bring your bathroom with you on the go.
This means that you’ll never be far from having a bathroom break. This is particularly important when traveling with younger children or the elderly who need to stick to their toileting schedule.
What to Look For
There are a few important features you need to consider when selecting a new portable toilet.
These can make or break your experience.
The first is the volume of your new toilet.
You want to make sure that your toilet can easily hold the amount of waste that you need it to.
Consider how long you will be using it, as well as how often you will need to clean it.
Also consider the dimensions of your new portable toilet, as this will play a huge role in how easily you can pack your toilet up and take it with you on the road.
If you want to travel with your portable toilet, then it is imperative that it can easily fit in your car, truck, van, or RV.
A portable toilet that is too large simply won’t be easy to use on the road.
Some portable toilets have features to make cleaning and emptying them easier, which I think is incredibly important.
While others can be used with a bag to make emptying the toilet fast and clean.
Considerations
Unfortunately, there will also be some problems with portable toilets.
One major problem that some people encounter with portable toilets is that they tend to smell.
It’s important that you look for features that will help guard against odors.
Another issue that some users have with portable camping toilets is that they aren’t always easy to clean.
Unfortunately, this can cause the toilet to smell a lot more than necessary.
When making my selections, I have taken all these into consideration.
Top Portable Toilets
SereneLife Outdoor Portable Toilet with carry bag 3 way pistol flush
With a fresh water tank that can easily hold 3.2 gallons of fresh water, you won’t have to worry about whether or not you can flush this toilet when you are away from home. The piston pump is very easy to flush, and, thanks to the specially designed pour spout, it’s easier than ever to empty the waste holding tank without accidentally making a mess.
Pros
● Extra large toilet tank holds 5.3 gallons
● Splash-free rotating pour spout makes emptying the toilet fast and easy
● Doesn’t retain smells
● Includes carrying case
● Features double-sealed drain valve
● Corrosion-resistant materials
Cons
● Indentations inside the holding tank can be difficult to clean
Leopard Outdoor T-Type Three Directional Flush Portable Travel Toilet
The new 3-way flush ensures that the entire toilet bowl is covered and cleaned when you flush, which means that you don’t have to worry about waste being left behind. At only 11.5 pounds when empty, this toilet is light enough that you can easily take it with you without worrying about who is strong enough to carry it.
Pros
● Durable and sturdy base will prevent the toilet from tipping or being knocked over
● Side latches ensure that the waste tank doesn’t shift during transport
● Handles make it easy to lift and move the toilet
● Easy to set up
● Offers 3-way flush
● Waste tank removes easily for cleaning
Cons
● Is time-consuming to empty and clean
Palm Springs Outdoor 5 Gallon Portable Outdoor Camping Toilet
The full-size seat and durable lid make this portable toilet feel more like a real toilet that you have in your home than one you would use on the road. This means that you don’t have to worry about whether or not the people using it will be comfortable. Additionally, this toilet offers a simple flush system to make using it as easy as possible.
Pros
● Matte finish helps to hide scratches
● One-piece tank is leak-proof
● Arrives assembled
● Holds 5 gallons of waste
● Easy to use without accidentally spilling
● Easy to deodorize and doesn’t retain odors
Cons
● Doesn’t hold more than 2.5 gallons of fresh water
Reliance Products Luggable Loo Portable Toilet
If you don’t want to have to buy a portable toilet that holds its own water and can be difficult to rinse and clean out, then this is a great option to consider. The lid snaps securely onto 5 gallon buckets, which means that you can easily use most any bucket that you have on hand without having to worry about finding the original bucket. It’s rugged and durable, and it’s perfect for taking on the road.
Pros
● Weighs only 3 pounds
● Holds up to 5 gallons of waste
● Works with standard double doodle bag
● Snaps onto the bucket for safety
● Fits most industrial pails
● Incredibly affordable
Cons
● Doesn’t flush or use fresh water
● Tends to allow odors to escape
Reliance Products Hunter's Loo Portable Camouflage Toilet
Perfect for hunters who want to make sure that their toilet blends into the environment when they are in the woods, this portable toilet from Reliance Products is durable and incredibly simple to use. The snap-on seat and cover make it easy to operate and will limit the possibility of there being a major spill. Not only is it easy to use, but it is easy to clean out and to rinse so that you don’t deal with unpleasant odors.
Pros
● Offers 5 gallons of storage
● Features traditional snap-on hinged seat
● Compatible with double doodie bag
● Features 5-year warranty
● Camouflage design that is useful for hunters in the woods
● Incredibly light and portable
Cons
● Flimsy seat doesn’t offer enough support for large adults
● Metal handle may corrode in salt water
The simple design of the Palm Springs Outdoor 5 Gal Portable toilet really sets it apart from others on this list and ensures that you can easily set it up and use it without worrying about whether or not you are going to spring a leak. I like that it holds plenty of freshwater and that it weighs less than 10 pounds when it is empty. Because it arrives at your home fully assembled, it’s ready to go on your next adventure or to be kept in your garage in case of an emergency. The full-size seat on this toilet makes it a lot more comfortable to use than many other portable toilets on the market.
Fred is the Ready Zeal owner and editor. He has been passionately pursuing all things emergency preparation since working alongside his grandfather as a boy growing up in the Midwest. When not working on the family homestead he can be found brewing coffee and reading a good book or backpacking in the wilderness. Contact Fred at fred@readyzeal.com