Clesana
Camping toilets have come a long way, but few innovations have made waves like the new Clesana X1, a portable, battery-powered toilet from Switzerland that folds up into a cube and seals waste automatically. As New Atlas explains, this waterless “dry toilet” takes comfort and convenience to a whole new level for campers, van lifers, and anyone tired of dealing with messy portable loos.
When packed up, the Clesana X1 looks like a sleek plastic cube only 31 centimeters tall, small enough to tuck into a car trunk or camper cabinet. Once you set up camp, it telescopes upward to reach a comfortable 41-centimeter seat height – the same as a standard household toilet. That simple design shift eliminates the awkward squat that most portable toilets require, instantly making it more practical for everyday use in remote settings.
What really sets the X1 apart is its waste-handling system. Instead of water or chemicals, it uses a thermoelectric heat-sealing mechanism to contain waste. After each use, a push of a button activates a dry flush process that seals the waste into a single airtight bag and moves it into a lower compartment. The next time you open the lid, the toilet automatically prepares a fresh liner. No smell, no liquid, no cleaning, and most importantly, no unpleasant contact.
Powering the system is a rechargeable battery that’s compatible with popular Swiss battery brands, though it can also connect to 12-volt vehicle outlets or standard household power. This makes it ideal for camping, road trips, boats, and even off-grid cabins. According to Clesana, the unit is designed for up to 50 flushes on a single charge, depending on power mode and temperature.
Despite its tech-heavy design, the toilet remains portable. Weighing around 11 kilograms, it’s light enough for one person to carry, and a built-in handle makes it easy to transport. The company also claims that its bowl is one of the largest among compact toilets, reducing the risk of the, well, “misses” that plague smaller models.
The only drawback is the waste bags, which are made of plastic film. While odor-proof and leak-proof, they aren’t yet biodegradable. Clesana says it’s working on a bio-based liner for future use.
Set to launch at around €990, or roughly $1,150, the Clesana X1 isn’t cheap. But for anyone who’s ever dreaded the phrase “pit toilet ahead,” it might just be the ultimate camping luxury.
