Peeing In the Woods

One of the most frequently cited inconvienences that keep women from enjoying the woods is voiding.

We have special considerations. While men can just open a zipper and let it out, we have to generally bare our butts, squat to some degree, and deal with a portion of paperwork.

Some plastic devices, which supposedly make it easier, have been made available but as yet I have no experience with them. Please feel free to e-mail me, if you do, and tell me what you have found.

The situation is at least equalized when a dump is involved, and both genders have to commit themselves totally to the task at hand. So, for now, I will deal primarily with the subject of peeing.

I have gathered some tips from numerous women of different backgrounds. If you have something you would like to contribute, please e-mail me. I would love to hear your views or experiences on this.

The easiest method I have ever heard of, and one used by some ethnic groups is to just wear a skirt. Nothing is worn underneath. When voiding, simply spread your legs wide to keep the fabric out of the way, and go. To me, it seems strange not to have some sort of underwear on while wearing a skirt. However, one young woman wore a wrap skirt for at least several hundred miles on the PCT, with nothing under it. She reported that it was very comfortable and convienent.

A possible solution, is to wear something with a closure, ie, snaps, that can be undone and reclosed after voiding. However, after a lot of hiking, I believe that type of panty would cause iritation. Another solution is to wear a high cut/thong style panty and pull the crotch out of the way, and void. Another method is to wear loose shorts, pulling the crotch out of the way(to one side) and urinating. A word from experience here. Some shorts are not as loose as they seem, and cannot be pulled to the side sufficently to avoid getting them wet while urinating. If this is the method of voiding you wish to use, practice with the shorts you intend to hike in.

To urinate while standing, please try the Practice exercises discribed below, and this method will be easier to do than it sounds here.

Keeping this idea in mind, when sleeping, simply wear a long t-shirt. If a night time leak is necessary, you can feel sufficiently clad to just leave your tent, go a few yards away, and spread your legs to void.

Because some women prefer to hike in tighter shorts or pants, other stlyes of peeing become necessary. So far, with these types of garments, I haven't found a way to avoid pulling the pants down at least part way.

Find a secluded spot, behind brush or a large tree. Look around to be sure no poison ivy is near. If you feel somewhat unsteady, you may want to use one hand to touch the tree. Avoid any tree with a vine growning up it. Avoid any brush having three leaves in groupings. It's nice to have ground sloping away from you (towards the back). Otherwise, you can dig a small hole. This will help to keep your boots dry. You will need the small hole if you intend to bury any tissue paper, but More about that later.

Pull garments down to your thighs. Lean forward to about a 45 degree angle. Pull garments forward with one hand, and aim for behind the waistband. You can use the other hand to brace yourself on a tree, if you feel unsteady.

Practice

Some women might feel uncomfortable with the notion that they can actually "aim" their stream while urinating. Several exercises will help. These can be done in the comfort of your own bathroom at first, then practiced on the next excursion outdoors.

First, its important to be able to stop midstream if necessary. Kegel exercises make this possible. Kegel exercises are done by tightening up the vaginal muscles and rectal muscles, holding for the count of ten. Do a set of 10, and try to accomplish several sets each day. You know you are tightening the right ones if, while urinating, you are able to stop the flow of urine, and restart it, at will.
Perhaps you have or will need to use this skill next time you are asked to give a urine sample at the doctor's office. It also helps to control urinary stress incontinence experienced by some older women.

This exercise is preformed while showering.

While standing in the shower, spread your legs and tilt your pelvis backward. Try aiming behind you. Make a concious effort to increase the flow to direct it better, and decrease drips.

Every woman's body is different. You may find it necessary to spread the labia with one hand. At first it may be hard to relax and let go. Turn on the shower, relax as the warm water flows over you, and it will seem easier.

More

I was off backpacking one evening when I felt confident enough to share with another woman my discovery. I told her it seemed unfair that men should have it so easy peeing in the woods. Not only do we women have to take down some clothes, but we have to deal with burying or packing out toilet paper.

I confided that I had started using various leaves which I was familiar with, and she responded "My grandmother's favorite was a maple leaf. Nice and broad."

While this may make some people cringe, it seems that only in the past hundred years toilet paper has been available. So, what did our pioneer women use? Leaves seem to be a natural conclusion. I haven't noticed any adverse reaction up to this time. Poison Ivy and Poison Summac are the main cautions. Learn which leaves are safe, and you will never have to bury or carry again.

Large ferns, mule ears, and moss are some others I have tried. I prefer regular paper, but these can be used in emergencies.

While hiking in Oregon, I noticed the wonderful draping moss on the trees. This makes great "paper", however I used it primarily for bowel movements. Be sure to remove any twigs before using.

If you don't wear underwear, you may be satisfied with simply air drying.

I have also heard of women using panty liners to catch any moisture. However, I would be concerned about dangerous bacterial infections, and you would still have to deal with extra paper.

Just recently, I learned how nice it was to wear loose nylon shorts without any undergarment. Not only did they dry fast, they were simplicity at its finest. They can be washed out in streams,without any soap, on a daily basis. Very lightweight and versatile, loose nylon shorts make an ideal backpacking garment. If you choose certain colors, (muted greens, brown, beige, black or grey), you will be almost invisible while taking personal moments while hiking. It is surprising how well you can blend in with your environment and gain all the privacy you need, when choosing muted earthy colors. Sky blue, I found out, is not a stealth color, and can be picked out from several hundred yards away.

In spite of the inconvience associated with peeing while backpacking, it is very important to stay well hydrated. Drinking at least three quarts of water each day is minimal, and 4 quarts average, while hiking. If you are not voiding several times per day, it is advised to increase your fluid intake. Many medical problems can arise from cronic dehydration, including constipation, low blood volume(poor circulation, dizziness), urinary tract infections, and kidney stone formation.

If anyone has additional tips, I would love hearing from you. Please e-mail me using the link found on the home page.

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