Nature’s Head vs. Laveo Dry Flush: Which is the Best Van Life Toilet?

When choosing a van life toilet, two of the most popular models are the Nature’s Head Composting Toilet and the Laveo Dry Flush. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and deciding which one is best depends on your van life setup, how frequently you’ll use the toilet, and what features are most important to you.

In this post, we’ll compare these two models across several key categories, helping you make the right choice for your van camper.

Overview of Nature’s Head Composting Toilet

The Nature’s Head composting toilet is well-regarded for its eco-friendly design and long-term functionality. It uses no water, separates liquid and solid waste, and turns solid waste into compostable material over time. Many van lifers prefer composting toilets because they reduce environmental impact and require less frequent emptying.

• Pros:
• Environmentally friendly, turning waste into compost.
• Great odor control with a built-in fan.
• No water or plumbing required.
• Low maintenance: solids need to be emptied only every few months, depending on usage.
• Cons:
• Higher upfront cost (around $1,000).
• Requires venting and installation of a urine drain.
• Takes up more space than other types of toilets.

Overview of Laveo Dry Flush

The Laveo Dry Flush offers a completely different approach to waste management. Instead of composting waste, it seals it in a double-lined bag using a cartridge system. After each use, the toilet spins and seals the waste, leaving it odor-free. This toilet is ideal for those who want a simple, no-mess solution.

• Pros:
• No plumbing, water, or venting required.
• Extremely portable, easy to set up anywhere in the van.
• Completely odor-free, as waste is sealed in bags.
• Easy to maintain, just replace the cartridge when needed.
• Cons:
• Cartridges need to be replaced after 15-17 uses, adding to the long-term cost.
• Not eco-friendly, as the cartridges aren’t biodegradable.
• Higher cost per flush compared to composting toilets.

Nature’s Head vs. Laveo Dry Flush: Side-by-Side Comparison

What Is The Environmental Impact

• Nature’s Head: Composting toilets are the most environmentally friendly option, as they turn waste into compostable material. This means no need for chemicals or disposable bags.
• Laveo Dry Flush: Although it doesn’t use chemicals or water, the waste bags aren’t biodegradable, which creates more waste over time. If sustainability is a top priority for your van life, this could be a drawback.

Maintenance and Ease of Use

• Nature’s Head: Requires a bit of effort to set up with proper venting and urine drainage. Once installed, it’s relatively low maintenance, with solids needing to be emptied every few months.
• Laveo Dry Flush: Extremely easy to use and maintain, with no setup required beyond charging the battery. However, cartridges need regular replacement, which can become costly and inconvenient over time.

Odor Control

• Nature’s Head: Odor is well-controlled through the separation of liquids and solids, along with the use of a ventilation fan.
• Laveo Dry Flush: The cartridge system completely seals waste after each flush, meaning you won’t have to worry about smells escaping into the van.

Cost $$

• Nature’s Head: Priced around $1,000, it’s a higher upfront investment, but with fewer ongoing costs for maintenance.
• Laveo Dry Flush: Costs around $700-$800, but the need to regularly replace cartridges adds to long-term expenses, making it pricier in the long run if used frequently.

Portability and Setup

• Nature’s Head: This toilet is more permanent due to the need for venting and drainage, making it better suited for those with a fixed installation.
• Laveo Dry Flush: Its lightweight, portable design makes it easy to move around or install anywhere in your van without venting or plumbing.

Which One is Right for You?

• Choose the Nature’s Head if you’re looking for a long-term, eco-friendly solution for full-time van life. It requires more setup but pays off with low-maintenance, odor-free performance over the long haul.
• Choose the Laveo Dry Flush if you want a hassle-free, portable toilet that doesn’t need any installation. This is ideal for van lifers who prioritize convenience and don’t mind the cost of replacing cartridges over time.

Check Price on Amazon for the Nature’s Head.
Check Price on Amazon for the Laveo Dry Flush.

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