Why a Pee Cloth Belongs on Your Pack
Have you tried a pee cloth yet? If you’re someone who squats to pee, believe me, a pee cloth will change your life in the backcountry. A pee cloth is one of those things that you don’t technically “need” but that will make a huge difference in your experience on the trail. Once you go with a pee cloth, you won’t go back!
What Is a Pee Cloth?
A pee cloth is a reusable piece of fabric you use to wipe after peeing in the woods (or desert or mountains or anywhere outside). While many people who squat to pee use bandanas as a pee cloth, Kula Cloth has taken the pee cloth world by storm with their purposefully designed pee cloth.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links.
What Is a Kula Cloth?
A Kula Cloth is “an intentionally designed reusable antimicrobial pee cloth.” It has snaps to attach it to your backpack and another snap to keep it closed so the used side won’t touch anything. The absorbent side is infused with silver and antimicrobial.
Kula Cloths come in a variety of fun colorful and funky patterns, and it’s always fun to see other Kulas on the trail – it’s like you’re in a secret little community of Kula cloth users!
GRAB MY [FREE] OUTDOOR BACKPACKER STARTER KIT
I created the Ultimate Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for you (and it's FREE)! This starter kit is filled with 14 pages of my best hiking and backpacking tips to help you learn what it takes to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient outdoor backpacker!
Why Use a Pee Cloth for Hiking
Is a pee cloth absolutely necessary? No – obviously, if nature calls, you gotta go, even if you don’t have a pee cloth on your pack. But for less than 25 bucks, this small square of fabric can make going to the bathroom so much more comfortable and clean.
You can do your business and use the cloth instead of toilet paper. Then simply attach the cloth to your pack and let it dry in the sun. The sun and anti-microbial fabric work together to keep the cloth clean. After trying out the Kula Cloth for awhile, I really love it, and so do most women hikers I know.
How to Pee in the Woods
Peeing in the woods is pretty simple, but if you are someone who squats to pee, you have to take a few more things into consideration than the guys do. You have to find a place to squat, think about possible splashback, and answer the age old question – drip dry or wipe?
Let’s go over the scenario: You find a tree or bush a little off the trail that can duck behind, pop a squat, and position yourself so the stream doesn’t hit your pants or shoes. Then your options are to continue to squat there for a minute and drip dry or wipe with something.
You could use a rock or leaves, but some of those things can be irritating down there – and make sure you can identify poison ivy, so you don’t accidentally wipe with that! You could also use toilet paper, as long as you’re prepared to pack it out.
Or you can use a pee cloth! The Kula Cloth was made for this moment. Wipe with the absorbent side then snap it back on your pack and continue on the trail.
Leave No Trace
When you’re going to the bathroom in the backcountry, you always have to follow the rules of Leave No Trace (LNT). Using a pee cloth means you don’t have to deal with toilet paper (well, at least if you’re only going number 1), so you don’t have anything to pack out except your pee cloth. Here’s some great info about how to use a pee rag to Leave No Trace.
Camping Hygiene
Another useful tool for peeing in the backcountry is a pee funnel. I especially like the pee funnel when I know there won’t be a lot of privacy on the trails (like a crowded trail with minimal tree coverage). I also use my pee funnel a lot in mountaineering, and sometimes when I’m on a trip doing the van life thing.
Just like the pee cloth, a pee funnel or female urination device (FUD) is one of those god-send gadgets you never knew you needed until you try it out. Combine these two pieces of gear, and it will change your entire backcountry bathroom game.
With the pee funnel, you don’t have to deal with popping a squat ever again, and with the pee cloth, you don’t have to bring toilet paper or drip dry. But using a pee funnel does take some practice, so take a few trial runs at home if you’re feeling a little anxious.
If you’re wondering what to do about number 2, a pee cloth should never be used for poop, But if you want to learn more about pooping in the woods, check out my Essential Backpacking Hygiene Tips post (which also covers what to do about your period in the outdoors).
Do you love your Kula Cloth? Did this post convince you to give a pee cloth a try? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for More Hiking & Backpacking Resources?
Check out these blog posts with more tips and gear recs:
Cheers,
Allison - She Dreams of Alpine
25 Wonderful Presents for Nature Lovers | Spending time outdoors truly does enrich your life in so many ways. Whether you’re watching the sunset from a secluded campsite or having a picnic in the park, nature makes life better. This guide to the best presents for nature lovers will help you find the ideal gift for someone who can’t get enough of their time outside. | shedreamsofalpine.com