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This partially answered in this question about toilet paper alternatives but it only says be careful what plants you use.

I'd like to know specifically what plants are the best in your part of the world and why? Also, where is that part of the world? If you could comment on availability, durability, potential for collection and carrying, and other relevant info that would be a big help.

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    Call me childish, but somehow all the answers to this question are hilarious to read.
    – fgysin
    Commented Oct 6, 2015 at 9:33
  • I basically never find usable leaves in the areas where I hike. For natural wipes I use rocks. When I tell people this, they always act shocked, as if it must be the most uncomfortable thing in the world. I actually don't find it uncomfortable at all.
    – user2169
    Commented Oct 6, 2015 at 14:42
  • @BenCrowell - There's a great nickname in there somewhere.
    – That Idiot
    Commented Oct 6, 2015 at 19:28

6 Answers 6

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The leaves of the Striped Maple ("Moose Maple") are a no-contest winner, at least in the forests of the northeastern US. The leaves are large, and softer than some forms of toilet paper.

Striped maple

As for availability: Anecdotally, I tend to see this plant in most deciduous forests of New Hampshire. It tends to grow bush-like near the ground, at least while it's young. At higher elevations you may need to resort to another alternative.

As for durability: It's a leaf of the same thickness as a standard maple leaf - don't expect it to survive days in your pack. It's got the durability of a leaf; nothing special. Shouldn't break while you're using it, if you're reasonably careful.

via Wikipedia

10

Thimbleberry leaves are my favourite (Rubus spectabilis), They're all over the place in the Kootenays in British Columbia (Southern Canadian Rockies). They're soft and they're about the size of your hand or bigger. The berries are very tasty too, so you you can have a peachy-fuzz-tart-raspberry snack while you do your business.

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Hand for reference, this leaf was about 30cm wide.

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    AND then plant some new ones at your next stop!! I love it.
    – That Idiot
    Commented Dec 19, 2014 at 19:43
  • 3
    Never thought of that before... I could very well have ingested berries from bushes that myself (or worse; someone else) is responsible for "planting" :S
    – ShemSeger
    Commented Dec 19, 2014 at 19:46
  • 2
    Its the cycle of life somehow.
    – That Idiot
    Commented Dec 19, 2014 at 19:47
  • 3
    Note to self: Don't eat thimbleberries that grow around established latrine sites...
    – ShemSeger
    Commented Dec 19, 2014 at 19:50
  • sings lion king song "the circle of life....."
    – user2766
    Commented Dec 20, 2014 at 10:02
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Dock leaves are good:

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They're big, durable, plentiful, and (most importantly) non-stinging. A little rough, maybe, but what do you expect from a leaf... ?

Remember, try to leave no trace.

7

I'll start with a local favorite: great mullein or common mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Introduced to the North America. I've found it from New York to North Carolina. Apparently originated in Europe and Asia, I think.

The leaves are large, moderately durable, thick, but soft and fuzzy. Their usefulness is somewhat limited by the fact that they tend to be found on disturbed sites in full sun - and not likely to be found in deep shaded forest areas. But the leaves remain usable for some time, so you can collect some for later use.

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Leaves are only an option while they're in season. In winter, snowballs work great.

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  • +1 Because I have actually done this on multiple winter camps, but you can't use a well packed snow ball, it has to only be a semi-packed ball, so it can take the form of your, "wiping area" and absorb some of the... excrement. Also, it's better I think to do this bare-handed, because it's easier to clean a bare hand than it is to clean a glove off in the case of an, "event" if you catch my drift...
    – ShemSeger
    Commented Oct 6, 2015 at 4:29
1

Plantago major is not only a rough plant with strong leaves which grows technically everywhere, but also a useful herb. Try to find bigger leaves, perhaps not from the strict proximity of the road.

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