Actually, it is NOT a California thing....it is the Forest Service.
Depending on where you are hiking in National Parks, or wilderness, it can be a requirement. The closest example by me, is the Mt Whitney trail. A permit is required to go into the wilderness and bags are provided with said permit. The "nature fakers" seem to have no problem holding each others bag....?
Prior to this requirement, the trail, from the air, resembled a goose hunting club with thousands of snow goose decoys left out.
Me personally, I was not born with enough hands to be able to take a dump in a plastic sack, and I seriously doubt that I am asking any of my friends for ASS-istance!
I am suprised that some recent vets have not added to this, as it is my understanding, that it has been a requirement of our troops in some areas of Iraq and Afganistan.
At my age, I have what I call the
"10-10 Tango"....10 yards and 10 seconds, and you better not be in my way!
Follow me around and you will know why they call it the "painted desert"!
"whackin' a surly bartender ain't much of a crime"