How to Pee While Hiking (for women and anybody who squats when they pee): A Complete Guide to Staying Clean Outdoors

If you want an even MORE in depth and thorough blog post about peeing outside, please check out this post here.  

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get talked about enough…

…but absolutely should.

If you’ve ever been halfway up a trail thinking:
👉 “Okay but… how do I actually pee out here?”

You are not alone.

Outdoor hygiene is one of the biggest (and most unspoken) barriers for women getting into hiking and backpacking. And the truth is—it doesn’t have to be awkward, uncomfortable, or confusing.

Let’s walk through your options, and then I’ll show you what most experienced hikers are actually doing.

The Most Common Ways to Pee While Hiking

1. Toilet Paper

The classic.

You bring toilet paper, use it, and then… pack it out.

The downsides:

  • You have to carry used toilet paper with you 😬
  • It gets soggy
  • It creates waste
  • It’s easy to run out
  • Sometimes people leave it in the backcountry (not good) ... and TP takes 1-3 years to biodegrade!  

2. “Drip Dry”

Also known as: hope for the best.

The downsides:

  • Not very clean
  • Can lead to irritation
  • Not ideal for longer trips
  • Your underwear becomes the 'defacto' pee cloth, and you marinate in it all day long. Gross.  
  • You become significantly more prone to UTI or chafing 

3. Natural Materials (leaves, etc.)

A creative option… with some risk.

The downsides:

  • Not always available
  • Not always safe (hello, poison ivy 😅)
  • Not super reliable

The Problem With All of These

  • You feel less clean
  • You’re managing waste
  • Or you’re just… hoping things work out
  • Hygiene derails more trips than 'bad gear' -- taking care of YOU is the most important part of your outdoor experience
  • It's hard to focus while worrying about discomfort or hygiene -- making you more prone to injury or illness while hiking
  • You are venturing into the wilderness because you want to feel connected and alive -- not uncomfortable and anxious.  

And none of those feel particularly great when you’re trying to enjoy being outside.

A Better Solution: Reusable Pee Cloths

This is where things change.

A pee cloth is a reusable alternative to toilet paper designed specifically for urine use while hiking, backpacking, and traveling. Note: pee only!  The pee cloth is not designed to be used for wiping after pooping.  

Instead of packing out toilet paper or dealing with drip dry, you use a cloth designed for the job.

What Is a Kula Cloth?

The Kula Cloth® is a reusable antimicrobial pee cloth made for outdoor hygiene.

  • Soft and absorbent on one side
  • Waterproof on the other
  • Antimicrobial to help prevent odor
  • Snaps closed for discretion
  • Attaches easily to your pack

It’s designed so you can feel clean, dry, and comfortable—without creating waste.

How to Use a Pee Cloth While Hiking (or anytime you don't have toilet paper!)

It’s very simple:

1. Use it like toilet paper
After peeing, wipe as you normally would. It's best to 'pat dry' instead of wiping from front to back (no cross contamination!). Sometimes it's easiest to simply 'hold it in place' until you can tell that all of the residual moisture has been absorbed into the cloth.  Remember: you are pulling moisture AWAY from your body so that you are not soaking in it all day long!

2. Snap it closed
One you use your Kula, snap it closed -- this prevents it from contaminating your backpack, and helps to keep it clean.  

3. Attach it to your pack
Let it air dry as you hike.

4. Wash it later
When you’re home (or whenever you’re ready). You can read here about how to clean a Kula Cloth properly: HOW TO CLEAN YOUR PEE CLOTH.  

That’s it.

Why So Many Hikers Are Switching

Because it solves all the problems at once:

  • No packing out used toilet paper
  • No guessing with drip dry
  • More hygienic and comfortable
  • Better for the environment
  • Always ready when you need it

And maybe most importantly…

👉 It removes the mental friction of bathroom breaks outside. It allows you to genuinely enjoy your time outside feeling more connected to nature and the present moment -- instead of overly concerned about your hygiene or feeling uncomfortable.  

Is It Sanitary?

Yes.

Reusable pee cloths like the Kula Cloth are made with antimicrobial fabric designed specifically for urine use. They dry quickly between uses and are meant to be reused safely.

What About Smell?

Also no.

When used properly, the antimicrobial material helps prevent odor. Most people are surprised by how clean and low-maintenance it feels.

Keep in mind that Kula is odor-resistant, not odor proof.  If you smoosh your nose into the Kula after peeing (not recommended), you will likely smell urine. However, in general, the Kula should not smell.  That being said: each person is different, and our body chemistries are different.  Things that might affect odors: what you ate that day (asparagus!), dehydration, or personal body chemistry.

We recommend washing your Kula with a few drops of soap. If you notice an odor, you can also try to wash with baking soda.  

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Because something as small as:

👉 “I don’t know how I’m going to pee out there”

…can be the thing that keeps someone from going outside at all.

And that’s a problem worth solving. Nobody goes outside because they want to think about their hygiene!  

Final Thoughts

Peeing outside doesn’t have to feel like a logistical challenge or a compromise.

It can just be… a normal part of being outside.

You deserve to have the experience that you WANT to have outside -- and hygiene plays such a huge part of that. Your body is the MOST IMPORTANT piece of outdoor gear that you will ever use!  

Ready to upgrade your trail experience?

👉 Explore all our beautiful Kula Cloth® options!  

Because you deserve to feel comfortable out there.
And because peeing outside should not feel like a crisis.