Ladies: Bathroom breaks on the trail - Please help with ideas and products!

[seanz0rz]

My wife and I are planning a 3 day, expedition style trip for our 1 year wedding anniversary with several other people. (yeah, i found the girl for me :D )

The only sticking point for both of us is bathroom use. being male, #1 is easy to accomplish throughout the day, and #2 can be saved for camp with a bucket and double doodie bags with a seat, and a pop up shelter.

the issue arises for my wife using the restroom during the day. She wants/requires something that is easy, sanitary, and i think most importantly, discrete. her biggest fear is advertising to everyone that she is using the restroom.

so, what products or methods have you found to accomplish relief on the trail?

i have seen these:
http://www.amazon.com/Travel-John-Portable-Bathroom-pack/dp/B000QCN298

has anyone used it? comments?

thanks for your help! i know some of this has been covered before, but i didnt find any information for being on the move without setting up the proper toilet, etc.

[98roamer]

She could follow you into the woods with the GoGirl
81076
And small enough,
81077

[613Duramax]

:iagree:

what? she isn't into squatting off the back bumper? :REExeSquatsHL1:

A friend of mine used to use these and she claimed great success (I never saw it in action ). She wasn't scared of outhouses with this thing. Maybe more waste than needed, but allows peeing standing up.

http://www.pmateusa.com/home.html

good luck.

[rambrush]

32 - 48oz dixie cup kept in a 1 gallon zip lock baggie keep handi wipes nearby and good to go.

[HillbillyfromAL]

PETT toilet is what my wife likes to use.

[78Bronco]

Depends?

[nwoods]

Since most people seem to need to use the restroom from time to time, it is NEVER a big deal out on the trail. In mean, what, some is going to say, "Egads dear lady, I can't believe you tinkled way out here in the middle of nowhere hours from the nearest proper toilet!"

I think the whole rigamarole of setting up a pottie shelter is way less discrete than dropping out of site for a moment or two. When I lead groups, I establish a port and starboard rule. One side of the line up for men, and the opposite side for the ladies. I have taken literally hundreds of people out into remote areas ( a dozen or so at a time), and have NEVER had an issue or compliant with this policy. It's really not a big deal with the type of people you find willing to go outdoors, pun intended. Nothing could be more natural, and isn't that the point of being out there, experiencing Nature?

[overlander]

I think your best bet is a PETT and pop up shelter. There's nothing wrong with other knowing you need to hit the head. Since you are going with others, you can schedule rest breaks every 1.5-2 hrs on the trail. Then set it up (which only takes a few min) and I'll bet almost everyone will use it in your caravan.

If she is new to this, you don't want to shortcut this experience...trust me. Having positive experiences in the first few trips will seal the deal for long term travel together. Get it wrong and you might as well find another passion.

[1911]

I think the whole rigamarole of setting up a pottie shelter is way less discrete than dropping out of site for a moment or two.

While I agree completely, nevertheless my womenfolk appreciate and use the PETT toilet. Never set it up during the day though, only in camp at night.

Then there are the places like Canyonlands N.P. where packing out your waste is required by the permit.

[nwoods]

While I agree completely, nevertheless my womenfolk appreciate and use the PETT toilet. Never set it up during the day though, only in camp at night.

Then there are the places like Canyonlands N.P. where packing out your waste is required by the permit.

Oh yes, I completely agree. There is a distinct difference between in camp (or major stopping point) verses on the trail, which is what I thought the OP was inquiring about. I also fully agree with Marks comment about doing all you can to keep her happy. When "momma" is happy, everyone is happy.

[Gooseberry]

its simple

Girls go trail right and boys trail left.

[seanz0rz]

thanks for the suggestions!

i agree that to us as a whole, and to me to a certain degree, people knowing is no big deal. we all do it, no surprises, etc.

that isnt the way my wife was raised. to her its something to be hidden, and i can respect that.

setting up a potty on the trail is everything but discrete. she really wanted something she could use without anyone being the wiser.

this isnt behavior im going to be able to change, nor do i really want to. i just want to make her comfortable on the trail.

as for devices, the funnels mentioned above seem awkward to use, the pett is just too conspicuous, and the depends are a definite possibility.

keep posting! ladies, id like to hear from you!

[Smksignals]

my wife will only use a public toilet as a last resort. she will never use the construction site type of port-a-pottie. that being said we took a 3 day trip over the summer and she used the Pett toilet no problem. At camp, I set up the shelter for privacy. While on the trail, I would pull over, set the Pett up next to the car on the passanger side, and pack out the waste when done.

[overlander]

Ladies? What ladies? I think setting up a quick tent for a 15 minute potty break is discrete enough if everyone is using it. I'm not sure how literal you're being about nobody knowing, but when you are at a restaurant sitting at a table, and she gets up to go, what does she say? I'm sure everyone knows she's using the restroom.

[nwoods]

that isnt the way my wife was raised. to her its something to be hidden, and i can respect that... she really wanted something she could use without anyone being the wiser.


I think you are going to need something like this then:

http://www.crfcommunities.com/assets/wysiwyg/RV%20015%20(Small).jpg

[weezerbot]

! ladies, id like to hear from you!

I'm a lady, and I'm certainly not trying to be harsh or rude, but I say she needs to get over it....this is camping! I think its great that you are trying to find alternatives for her, but if she doesn't even want people to know she is running to the potty then I don't know what to tell you. If you are in mid-trail taking a break, to me it would be less obvious to just sneak off around a tree and do the biz instead of popping up some potty tent and making a big production about it. I personally like the Pett toilet and the boys on the right, girls on the left rule. In camp a nice privy with a Pett inside is great and trust me no one is going to go home and post on their Facebook about how many times your wife went to the bathroom. The only other suggestion I can make is purchase a compact toilet and cram her using it into the back of your 4Runner. I have the same truck as you, it will be a tight fit but I think possible.

[monkeyplunger]

My wife and I have been on many trips from overnight to a couple weeks at a time into the back country. For our honeymoon we spent two weeks in our jeep exploring Colorado's back country. I will be as realistic with our experiences as possible. My wife was the same way, but quickly realized that going #1 on the side of a trail for a quick break is really no big deal at all. What makes it tolerable for her is TP, wet wipes, a ziplock bag for the used paper, and hand sanitizer, that is all it basically takes. If she needs real privacy - just go farther off the trail. #2 is a different story as she (and I) much prefer the use of a privy. But when nature calls, a shovel, bag, tp and again hand sanitizer are very effective.

You can go with all sorts of fancy devices, but in the end you are still dealing with the same product - human waste. Asides from a flush toilet there is going to be some level of commitment which requires handling. I would much rather dig a cathole and leave the waste and pack out the paper (regulations permitting) than to haul around some elaborate bag, or container of human waste until i am off the trail. If you are driving somewhere, most likely regulations permit burying human waste. Give it time, and i am sure she will make the small sacrifice of bathroom breaks for the reward of being out in the wilderness.

If you prefer to set up a base camp privy i would recommend the PETT as well and a trasharoo to keep the generated waste outside of the vehicle.

Just my $.02

[AxeAngel]

I have a brand new folding toilet - never used but does have some scuffs and marks from banging about in the back of the rig. Whoever wants it - $25. Decided what I like my ladies to have proper hygiene when out swashbuckling on the trails. As such I go camping when i don't invite them, when i do invite them I let them stay in pompous hotels.

-Sam

[DiploStrat]

Beloved Spouse started overlanding over thirty years ago in Africa. She would suggest that your spouse relax and find a tree. (Granted, this is a challenge in the Sahara!) As the attached image shows, speed can be an advantage.

To be more serious, how do you define "expedition?" If you mean hiking, then, I fear, relax and get over it is the only answer. This book may help: http://www.amazon.com/How-****-Woods-Second-Environmentally/dp/0898156270 (There are chapters especially for ladies.)

If you mean motor camping, then there are all manner of indoor plumbing available. We have always gone with a shovel and a roll, but are looking forward to a Provan Tiger with indoor plumbing. (To be fair, we are over 60!)

[jim65wagon]

does she know you posted that picture of her online? and what is the big cat thinking about all this?

[DiploStrat]

does she know you posted that picture of her online? and what is the big cat thinking about all this?

;) The picture is a Photoshop special that has been going around for years. The cat, like all cats, is thinking of dinner.

Photo of Beloved Spouse back in the day, looking for a tree!
82406

[bucketosudz]

We got the Shewee for all the females in our household, they use them and are greatful they have them. http://www.shewee.com/products/Shewee-Extreme.html

[Bolson]

IMHO the best "portable" toilet for outdoor use is the folding US army entrenching tool ( little black shovel where the blade folds 90 deg. to the handle

prop it under one cheek ( folded 90 of course )

grab your favorite magazine

do your thing

bury the evidence

used that thing on many a 4x4 trip and no problems ever ( Wife approved )

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSpMn4bhHfL1KBs_kNm0udnanT6qndmF 3Wwl7gDwbED8CCIoTMx

[Bdiddy11]

My wife isn't afraid to squat when needed. The only downside is the splashback... hence the need for a funnel type device like posted on page 1. Without making it a huge ordeal every time a lady needs to pee, that's your best bet. Or carry some kinda mini porta-potty.

http://www.rei.com/product/407267/sani-fem-freshette-feminine-urinary-director

This is pretty much the same thing as posted on page one. It's going to be the smallest, most space consuming item for ladies on the trail.

[BIGdaddy]

Luggable Loo from REI.

We've used ours for years. I camp with 4 girls (wife and 3 daughters). They love it, use it, and approve it.

Completely changed their outdoors experience, and made it much more relaxing for them knowing they had a place to "go".

Plus, I believe in packing out EVERYTHING that we pack in, other than firewood ashes, and in many state parks, it's a requirement.

Cheers.

[TACODOC]

Restop 1 and Restop 2 are great products and based in SoCal ;)

Here's our TOILET SYSTEM (tacodoc.com/?page_id=60)

[seanz0rz]

Ended up buying a case of these: http://www.amazon.com/Travel-John-Portable-Bathroom-pack/dp/B000QCN298

wife loves them and it made our vacation great! now she isnt afraid to venture away from a toilet for the day! these combined with a bucket, bucket toilet seat, and double doodie bags, we had a great trip away from bathrooms!

[kramme]

I use the items below - depending on the situation:
the Travel John (as recommended by seanz0rz)
Go -Girl (recommended by 98roamer)
and have a Pett for in camp with a enclosure for campgrounds that do not have bathrooms (recommend by others).

There were some other great products recommended by others (I like Tacodocs) it may be a experment for her to see what she likes.

Melanie

[Borrego60]

Cop a squat and be done with it.

[Mark Harley]

http://www.bumperdumper.com/

[ETAV8R]

I use the items below - depending on the situation:
the Travel John (as recommended by seanz0rz)
Go -Girl (recommended by 98roamer)
and have a Pett for in camp with a enclosure for campgrounds that do not have bathrooms (recommend by others).


Exactly our set up. Between all three my lady is set. We also have an E-Tool (military shovel) and they work wonders if you know how to use them. Thank you USMC for the outdoor crapper training. When I showed my GF how to use the E-Tool she was so happy and amazed. Need privacy take it off the trail and out of sight. Carry on.

[kevint]

I posted a similar question on Big Bend Chat several months ago. Responses were very similar with what you have here: http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/general-questions-and-answers/restroom-facilities/

My ladies did not go for the Go Girl. Too weird for them. Now it has become a big joke--"You go girl!" Our first trip we carried the porta pottie in the truck. In practice that was too much effort for them and just called even more attention to the event.

I think that a trip with other ladies will take some of the weird away if you can make that happen. Otherwise, just be sensitive, don't push and after a stop or two, things will probably come out fine. :sombrero: Above all, try to keep a sense of humor.

[Mrknowitall]

Since most people seem to need to use the restroom from time to time, it is NEVER a big deal out on the trail. In mean, what, some is going to say, "Egads dear lady, I can't believe you tinkled way out here in the middle of nowhere hours from the nearest proper toilet!"

I think the whole rigamarole of setting up a pottie shelter is way less discrete than dropping out of site for a moment or two. When I lead groups, I establish a port and starboard rule. One side of the line up for men, and the opposite side for the ladies. I have taken literally hundreds of people out into remote areas ( a dozen or so at a time), and have NEVER had an issue or compliant with this policy. It's really not a big deal with the type of people you find willing to go outdoors, pun intended. Nothing could be more natural, and isn't that the point of being out there, experiencing Nature?

And anything else is just foolish. No-one complains along the river, either: skits up, pants down. You're overthinking the whole thing. For #2, I like the bumper dumper.

[LaOutbackTrail]

I now have three girls to deal with...

My wife, as has been repeated many times above, prefers the privacy of the outhouse at camp coupled with a folding toilet. On the trail she'll find a hidden area and bring the folding toilet, always at the back of the vehicle and ready to be deployed at a moments notice.

My oldest daughter (now 6) has been pottying on the trail side for 4 years now... start em early.

My newest daughter (will be 2 months next week) will obviously be in diapers for a while... but we bring a waterproof pad and set her up in a soft spot and change the diaper (did this with oldest too).

Me--- I can't stand any form of public bathroom... I'd rather go in the woods... and I hate squatting when the need arises, so I enjoy the use of the folding toilet also

We use the bags and pack all the solid waste out.

[haven]

Here's an item that may help with clean-up after the "event:" a portable bidet nozzle that fits on a typical disposable water or soda bottle. It would also make a decent quick shower for a sponge bath, which we all could use.

http://hygienna.myshopify.com/

[LaOutbackTrail]

I can see it now...


"No honey!!! Don't drink from that bottle....."