The Magical Pee Bandana

August 16, 2014

In general, most backpackers I know do not carry TP with them unless they plan to carry their used TP out. This can get pretty gross (especially after several days), so most people try to find natural stand ins for TP like leaves, sticks or rocks (yes, rocks).

But while these natural stand ins work pretty well for most #2 business, they are much less desirable or sanitary for the female #1. While our guys can just shake and zip, women often struggle keeping themselves dry after going #1. Leaves usually aren’t absorbent enough to keep us clean- not to mention that wet or dirty underwear can also lead to an increased risk of UTI’s, yeast infections, and other irritation.

My solution = The Magical Pee Bandana!!! (aka pee rag)

Designate a bandana from among your collection and use it as a drip catcher, wipe, blot cloth, whatever, after going #1. Sounds kinda crazy at first, but the key to this method is to remember that urine is completely sterile so handling your pee bandana isn’t really the worst thing in the world. Plus, we’re only talking about a few drops.

After each use, tie the bandana to the back of your pack and let it dry in the sun. It also has almost no smell, so no one will know but you. When you get to a stream, give it a quick rinse and you’re as good as new!

Some words of wisdom about the Pee Bandana:
-Try to rinse your used bandana at least once a day
-Use the same bandana each trip to avoid getting confused and grossing yourself out
-Consider telling your hiking partner about your pee bandana so they don’t try to use it 😦
-Try to be discreet while hiking with people you don’t know well, because, let’s face it, the idea of a bandana full of someone else’s dried pee dangling in front of your face WILL gross you out!
-Share this tip with other ladies in the backcountry!

Hope this helps!
Happy Trails!

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