How to Pee without Getting Undressed
How does one prepare to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Diligently.
Specifically, how do women prepare for an 8-day trek up a mountain without bathrooms?
When a member of my triathlon group first proposed the idea of tackling Mount Kilimanjaro, I was excited! I jumped on the opportunity to check that accomplishment off my bucket list. Mind you, I did not even know it was on my list, but it sounded bucket-list-worthy to me.
“Yes!” I responded. “I’m in!”
And with that, a five-month shopping, researching, and hoarding spree commenced. This picture represents five months of shopping. The sleeping bag is the most important purchase since I will be sleeping in a tent. This sleeping bag in no way compares to the one I used when I camped as a young teenager. The second most important purchases were the items to wear on summit night (gloves, thermal gear, hiking boots, base layers, etc.).
If you’re reading this as part of your research, keep searching. Each YouTube video you watch will give you more information. Every blog you read will answer yet another question you may have. Your packing list will grow more refined.
Through months of research, I have piece-milled a wealth of knowledge that will (hopefully) guide me 19,341 feet to one of the world’s seven summits.
But where do we pee?
As days, weeks, and months elapsed, that question continued to haunt me. All the research will tell you, however, that there are no bathrooms. You pee (and go number two) on the mountain behind a rock. I found numerous Reddit threads where people expressed frustration about the excessive amount of toilet paper left by climbers. C’mon people.
MESSAGE: After you do the do, place your toilet paper in a ziplock baggie. Bring it with you to camp and dispose of it there.
But I digress.
Females wanting to tackle this challenge have a host of other things to consider. Unlike men, who can simply ‘whip that thing out’ to relieve themselves, women have to get undressed. Add a woman’s menstrual cycle to that inconvenience, and it’s almost enough to make some women change their minds.
Lest you forget, ‘you can find it on Amazon’.
Initially, I came across what can be called a female urinary device (FUD). I purchased the Sunany version, but there are several versions. Once it arrived, I practiced in the shower, became comfortable with it, and was glad to have found a solution. It was more flexible than I desired, which I thought might cause spillage, but it was still better than removing my clothes.
But alas, there is power in a group. Specifically, a group of women facing the thought of peeing on the side of a mountain in less-than-ideal conditions and frigid temperatures. During our initial planning stages, we created a Facebook group to share ideas and insights from our research.
I introduce to you the P Style. This FUD also referred to as a pee funnel, was an improvement upon the first device I found. It addressed the issue I was having with the previous FUD being too flexible. The P Style is rigid, slim, and discreet, and comes with a carrying case that can be clipped to a backpack. Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Problem solved (well, #1 anyway).
Once it arrived, I used it all day. Every time I had to pee, I sought out my P Style, slid it through the hole in my boxer shorts, and peed standing up. What an amazing feeling to not have to undress to use the bathroom! I was cheated. To complement the P Style, you can use a reusable, antimicrobial pee cloth to wipe. Again, you can find anything you might need on Amazon.
The pee cloth helped me with another question I had about what to use for wiping after using the P Style. This cloth is a great alternative to toilet paper; it is the size of a pot holder that snaps closed and can travel. It is discreet, easy to carry, and can even be clipped to a backpack. Additionally, it eliminates the risk of getting a urinary tract infection. With this, I feel ready for anything!
With that issue addressed, I’m hoping to focus on the more strenuous aspects of the trip. Fortunately for me, I no longer have a menstrual cycle. But if I did, I would resort to my DivaCup (or any menstrual cup). The DivaCup is a reusable menstrual cup that can provide 12 hours of comfort and reliable protection for medium to heavy flow. If you’ve never thought of using a menstrual cup, it’s a great option, but there is a learning curve.
I first thought of using a menstrual cup as I was preparing for an Ironman triathlon that I knew would coincide with my menstrual cycle. If you’re not familiar with Ironman, it’s an all-day event. I didn’t want to be concerned with trying to find a porta-potty every so many hours to change a tampon. Let’s not even talk about the swim portion. Nevertheless, it was an easy decision, but it took plenty of tries to get it right. It works. If your trek coincides with your cycle, I highly recommend a menstrual cup to eliminate that worry.
Being a woman ain’t easy. Being a woman climbing a mountain with no bathrooms is an inconvenience. However, it becomes more convenient with assistance from FUDs and a menstrual cup. Have a great climb!
2 Responses
Great, practical advice here, Driq!
Call me weird, but I am one of those people who maintain a “bug out bag” — a backpack I keep stocked with essentials that I would need if @#^t were to ever hit the proverbial fan. So, I like to call myself PREPARED 😉 I keep this bug out bag in my truck at all times (easy enough to grab and go to another vehicle if need be). I have a SheWee as part of the gear but HATE IT. I’m going to order the PStyle and test it out and see if I like it any better so I’m grateful for your “review”. I also agree on the diva cup — I had switched to a cup the last 2 years that I was still in need — and it really affords a lot of freedom and convenice for hiking, swimming, camping, etc. — that learning curve is REAL though!!
Yes Val, that PStyle made the hike so much easier with that one less thing to worry about! The other was too soft/flexible and I was worried I’d be walking around with pee stains on my pants. Lol! It’s probably a good idea to have a ‘bug out bag’! I have a few items (water/snack/blanket/fire starter), but should probably add more. Thanks for your comment.