Anyone who's lived off-grid knows the value of choosing the right gear. The kind of gear that saves you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
When you're traveling off the beaten path, you don't have unlimited access to water, dump stations, or replacement supplies. Every piece of equipment needs to work with you and your travels.
One of the biggest hesitations people have about off-grid travel is the lack of everyday conveniences. Running water, plumbing, electricity – all the comforts we're used to at home.
But isn't that the point?
To break routine. Slow down. Get outside. Trade convenience for adventure and reconnect with nature.
When it comes to toilets, many off-gridders have made the switch to composting toilets – and for good reason. Unlike traditional RV black tanks, composting toilets don't require gallons of fresh water or harsh chemicals to function. They also dramatically reduce trips to the dump station, giving you more time to explore.
Most travelers spend weeks researching which composting toilet to buy. That's a smart move and an important decision.
But there's another decision that's just as important, and it's often overlooked… What composting medium should you use?
Let's explore.
Why Composting Mediums Matter
Your composting medium isn't just something that covers waste. It's what helps your composting toilet perform and operate best.
After each use, the medium absorbs the excess moisture, introduces a natural airflow throughout the solids, and creates an environment where naturally occurring microbes can begin breaking down your waste. The drier and better balanced the material stays, the better your toilet controls odors and the easier it is to empty later.
Your compost medium is the foundation of the composting process.
Without the right medium, excess moisture can build up, odors become more noticeable, and waste becomes heavier and harder to manage.
Not every composting medium performs the same, though. Some are more sustainable for the planet. Some absorb moisture better. Others are easier on your toilet's system.
Choosing the right one can make a noticeable difference in your off-grid travels.
Comparing Popular Composting Mediums
The truth is, several materials can work inside any composting toilet. The best choice depends on your priorities – whether that's sustainability, convenience, impact on your toilet, or cost.
Peat Moss
For years, peat moss has been one of the most common composting mediums. It's lightweight, naturally absorbent, and does a good job controlling moisture and odor.
The downside? Peat moss is harvested from peat bogs. These are ecosystems that take thousands of years to develop and store significant amounts of carbon. Because of its negative environmental impact, many off-grid travelers are choosing renewable alternatives instead.
Coco Coir
Made from recycled coconut husks, coco coir has become the preferred composting medium for many adventurers.
It's highly absorbent, lightweight, and naturally helps to create the right moisture balance for composting. Because it's made from coconut byproduct, it gives new life to a material that would otherwise be tossed, making it a far more sustainable option than peat moss.
It also stays loose and fibrous, making it ideal for composting toilets with agitators like the OGO Origin.
Sawdust
Sawdust is inexpensive and often easy to find.
However, not all sawdust is created equal. Fine sawdust can compact when wet, reducing airflow and making waste harder to mix. Depending on the type of wood, it may also create more dust or contain additives that aren't ideal for composting toilets.
The Best Composting Medium for Sustainable Travel
When it comes to sustainable off-grid travel, Coco Coir checks every box. It absorbs moisture exceptionally well, helping keep the solids bin drier and reducing odors. It's renewable, environmentally friendly, lightweight to pack, and maintains the fluffy texture that composting toilets perform best with.
For OGO users, it's even better – our pre-moistened OGO Coco Coir is perfectly portioned for one complete fill of the OGO Origin solids bin. Each 24-ounce bag provides approximately 25–30 solid waste uses, which typically lasts anywhere from two weeks to a month, depending on the number of travelers and usage. No measuring and no guessing (you’re welcome). Simply open the bag, pour it in, and you're ready to hit the road.
Better yet, our coco coir is packaged in resealable bags that are easy to store in small RVs, vans, cabins, or tiny homes. And because coco coir stays light and fibrous, it helps maintain proper moisture levels inside the toilet while reducing buildup that can put unnecessary strain on the OGO Origin's agitator and components.
So, if you've been searching for a solid compost medium (all jokes intended), let this be your sign that OGO's Coco Coir is the best choice. It's pre-moistened, pre-portioned, environmentally friendly, and built to keep your adventures moving.
Go ahead and get outside. Travel farther, and be confident in your choice of composting medium.