Folding Chair Toilet

Many years ago, while on active duty, I noticed when we deployed into the woods for a week or two on some training exercise, nobody thought about our bathroom needs. You were really on your own. Some folks would use the collapsing shovel we all had, a Military issue Tri-Fold Entrenching Tool (E-Tool), folded strategically to support one half of your buttocks. I tried this once and it was very awkward. Other guys would limit their food intake and just hold it. Not a healthy choice.

Of course, the modern military sends out porta-potties, but back then, you were simply on your own.

I scrounged a metal folding chair, cut a hole in the seat, and bolted on a standard replacement toilet seat from our local hardware store. I even attached a tissue holder. The result: a Frankenstein monstrosity who’s purpose was painfully obvious with the glaring white seat on a dark brown folding chair.

The project met with sneers, jeers, and laughter. Nick, you are one silly dude! Fast forward about three days later after eating military rations, and those same naysayers came hat in hand asking to borrow the chair. Silly dude became sanitation genius in the time it took for the average Joe soldier to become “backed up”. As crudely constructed as it was, the chair with a toilet seat became a staple in our packing and preparations for field duty.