MaidinBham
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances SJPP to Muxia, April (2014)
Camino Portuguese Lisbon>Santiago, April/May (2016)
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No, not grouchy, just practicalI don't know.
I can't see the difference in those $18 cloths and an old bandana I wash out each night, but to each her own. I think I'm feeling grouchy today.
Agreed. A quarter of a bandana works as well.I don't know.
I can't see the difference in those $18 cloths and an old bandana I wash out each night, but to each her own. I think I'm feeling grouchy today.
This brings up a question for this newbie: How often is this necessary? Are there no facilities along the way at all? Or is this related to emergency use only?Hi to all. Perhaps some of you gals are familiar with "pee clothes" But for those who aren't familiar with them, they are a anti-microbial cloth used for wiping after you pee. Much better than a hanky, and weighs less than having to carry TP (and having to pack it out) or panty liners. Here is link to the product I use https://animosa.co/p-off-cloths There are other brands such as Kula cloth, to find on internet just search for "pee clothes".
Please leave no trace on the beautiful Camino.
I simply wash my cloth out each night with soap and water. Have used the same one for years. It doesn't smell.I agree the price is kind of high, but it is a high tech fabric impregnated with silver or something to keep odor and bacteria at bay. And it does seem to work better than the hanky I have used as it is not really absorbent and does retain odor unless you rinse it out after every use and hang on backpack to dry. I have also used panty liners but that is added weight in your pack versus the weight of one cloth.
Janice
The only "facilities" I saw on Camino Francis going over the top in the Pyrenees were the hunter's blinds. We are trekking through rural areas, drinking lots of water to stay hydrated, so yes there will be times where you have no choice.This brings up a question for this newbie: How often is this necessary? Are there no facilities along the way at all? Or is this related to emergency use only?
Maybe it's an age thing but if I drink coffee in the morning, I'm going to have to pee 1/2 hour later on the trail. On some stages, there are plenty of bars along the way. On others, you'll be using the bush. I've walked nearly every year since 2006 and have never once had to poop on the trail. I get that done in the albergue before leaving. (pardon my language but it is what it is).This brings up a question for this newbie: How often is this necessary? Are there no facilities along the way at all? Or is this related to emergency use only?
Facilities along the way will be cafes/bars where you should buy something to use. Usually every few kms. Depends on your own bladder, how much you are drinking (don't get dehydrated by restricting liquids), and so on. Sometimes they are just not located where needed. Trees are generally available for hiding behind except in meseta area. Best to be prepared but don't sweat over it.This brings up a question for this newbie: How often is this necessary? Are there no facilities along the way at all? Or is this related to emergency use only?
Thank you! My Camino is three months out but I’m already adjusting to ‘needing’ less coffee in the morning. Water however is not being restricted. I’m adjusting to increased amounts of that. Thank you.Facilities along the way will be cafes/bars where you should buy something to use. Usually every few kms. Depends on your own bladder, how much you are drinking (don't get dehydrated by restricting liquids), and so on. Sometimes they are just not located where needed. Trees are generally available for hiding behind except in meseta area. Best to be prepared but don't sweat over it.
I have also read on other backpacking blogs that if sunny, and your bandana is tied to the outside of your pack and dries out, that any odor or bacteria during the day is no problem. I assume a true statement but I'm not sure.I simply wash my cloth out each night with soap and water. Have used the same one for years. It doesn't smell.
Yes, I can see where it might be useful where you have no place to wash out a clothI can see why the fancier anti microbial pee cloth would be great on a hiking and wild camping trip were access to facilities is minimal. But I think I will be sticking to my cheap pee rag from an old bandana for the camino, it's easy to wash out each day and hanging it/keeping it in outside mesh pocket on rucksack. On Frances and Portuguese caminos I only used it a handful of times as mostly there were enough bars etc normally to meet toilet needs. On other routes with more limited facilities a pee rag was a really useful addition to kit.
I would take the whole sock; you have a pretty good idea.How about a bit of cloth from an old, worn-out merino wool sock? Merino doesn't stink either.
I was thinking of cutting down the sock vertically from cuff to toe and opening it up to produce a flat piece of cloth, probably squaring it off a bit.I would take the whole sock; you have a pretty good idea.
For me that's a lot of jiggling while my undies are down. Are you male or female?I’m just wondering why one needs a “pee cloth” at all? I just jiggle around a bit and the job is done…..not sure what all the fuss is about?? Please enlighten me!!
Yep - I’m female…..never even occurred to me to do anything other than have a good shake!!!For me that's a lot of jiggling while my undies are down. Are you male or female?
Unfortunately with the current exchange rate plus postage to Australia makes them far too expensive. I use a cheap microfiber cloth.Hi to all. Perhaps some of you gals are familiar with "pee clothes" But for those who aren't familiar with them, they are a anti-microbial cloth used for wiping after you pee. Much better than a hanky, and weighs less than having to carry TP (and having to pack it out) or panty liners. Here is link to the product I use https://animosa.co/p-off-cloths There are other brands such as Kula cloth, to find on internet just search for "pee clothes".
Please leave no trace on the beautiful Camino.
That's a very expensive item at $37+ for just one. You gave me an idea to improvise with a kitchen hot pad.For my fellow Australian's, I just found this at our local Paddy Pallin. I'm mostly happy to shake but my 9 year old daughter isn't
Yes, it is very pricey for just oneAt least I could save on postage buying from Paddy Palin, but still a bit pricey at $37.
I was thinking something similar, surely it would be quite easy to make something like this, at a fraction of the price, I live in rural Victoria so adding postage on top for 2 makes for an expensive addition to our packs.That's a very expensive item at $37+ for just one. You gave me an idea to improvise with a kitchen hot pad.(Just saying tongue in cheek, please take no offense.)
Is that US $18?Yes, it is very pricey for just oneof them. The OP posted a link for a similar product; 3 for $18. That's now sounding like a pretty good deal after all for those who may be interested.
Well I see it has a dollar $ sign in front of it, so I assume so. In post #1, the link is posted in blue text if you care to go back and take a look.Is that US $18?
Works out to about A$25 plus postage which I couldn't find to Australia. Be good if PP could sell those ones. They look a better size as well.Well I see it has a dollar $ sign in front of it, so I assume so. In post #1, the link is posted in blue text if you care to go back and take a look.
It's a discussion female hikers have had for years about peeing outdoors. On the camino it's very possible to use tissue and a ziplock bag to throw it away on reaching a bin. But in other hiking circumstances other options such as dripdry/jiggle or a pee cloth make more sense (eg multi day hike in wilderness area with no facilities). And as my pee rag is recycled from on old damaged bandana it's a simple way to reduce, reuse, recycle tooDo I miss something? I always have paper handkerchiefs ( packet of ten ) close by. After use into a ziplockbag or designated pocket of trouser. When reaching village or town and garbagebin available I throw it away.
Same. I always take tissues and a roll of doggie bags on Camino to dispose of waste / rubbish of any kind at next bin along the way. Leaving no trace. Easy.Do I miss something? I always have paper handkerchiefs ( packet of ten ) close by. After use into a ziplockbag or designated pocket of trouser. When reaching village or town and garbagebin available I throw it away.
Cloth is more environmentally friendly than single use tissues, and less likely to be intentionally or unintentionally left behind a bush for someone else to find. But I fail to see the need for an expensive high-tech version - it seems really silly when a small lightweight cotton hankie or bandana will do just fine.Do I miss something? I always have paper handkerchiefs ( packet of ten ) close by. After use into a ziplockbag or designated pocket of trouser. When reaching village or town and garbagebin available I throw it away.
That’s true. Tissues may not be the ideal. But I feel ok about using a few tissues each day. At home I’d be using loo paper. And I’m vigilant about not leaving rubbish anywhere anytime. As many others are I’m sure - but not all. When we walk in our local national park we always take a rubbish bag with us and pick up as much as we can of other peoples discarded rubbish. It’s sad to see how uncaring people can be when it comes to leaving their rubbish behind.Cloth is more environmentally friendly than single use tissues, and less likely to be intentionally or unintentionally left behind a bush for someone else to find
I thought I hit the jackpot when I learned how to squat and pee without taking off my backpack - now I have to jiggle too?!I’m just wondering why one needs a “pee cloth” at all? I just jiggle around a bit and the job is done…..not sure what all the fuss is about?? Please enlighten me!!
I had the same experience in September 2018. It was very hot most days, and I was drinking a lot of water but only had to seek a bush to hide behind once or twice.I was worried about this whilst preparing for my first Camino (July 2018). I think the amount you need to pee also depends on the time of year and how much you are perspiring! In the month I was walking I rarely got caught short. I only drink decaf which also helps, I did not deprive myself of fluids and refilled my water several times a day so was drinking plenty, and probably perspiring out the majority of it as I certainly did not pee as much as I was drinking! I wouldn’t worry about it. However, a pee cloth sounds like a good idea as there’s nothing worse than being confronted by the sight of loads of toilet paper and paper hankies
Ewwwww..... LOL!I’m just wondering why one needs a “pee cloth” at all? I just jiggle around a bit and the job is done…..not sure what all the fuss is about?? Please enlighten me!!
Me, too!Ewwwww..... LOL!
Well this thread is giving me a good laugh... which I needed!
Thanks, Ladies!
You just listed all the reasons why for me they are useless on the Camino. I'm always in a huge hurry to finish before possibly being seen. Too much of a hassle for me, but some gals love them.Since we’re talking about pee, I’m waffling on whether or not to bring an FUD. I have one and I’ve practiced with it at home, but I wonder sometimes if it’s going to be more bother than it’s worth, getting it out, making sure its aimed properly while also trying to not accidentally hit clothing, etc.
This is one of those things where the other plumbing definitely has its advantages.
In my nine years of walking the Camino Frances, I only had to use a bush one time...plenty of opportunities to visit a bar.This brings up a question for this newbie: How often is this necessary? Are there no facilities along the way at all? Or is this related to emergency use only?
Mileage on the bladder may vary.In my nine years of walking the Camino Frances, I only had to use a bush one time...plenty of opportunities to visit a bar.
Maybe it's an age thing but if I drink coffee in the morning, I'm going to have to pee 1/2 hour later on the trail. On some stages, there are plenty of bars along the way. On others, you'll be using the bush. I've walked nearly every year since 2006 and have never once had to poop on the trail. I get that done in the albergue before leaving. (pardon my language but it is what it is).
Love this!Mileage on the bladder may vary.
It depends on your bladder capacity!This brings up a question for this newbie: How often is this necessary? Are there no facilities along the way at all? Or is this related to emergency use only?
Fortunately, you can get a healthy dose of caffeine in a concentrated drink called a "cortado": one shot of espresso, one shot of milk. Does the trick and it's lovely but won't overload a bladder. That leaves you room for other things to hydrate with and keep your electrolytes balanced. Don't forget that you may need to pay more attention to sugars and salts to keep going day after day. Many walkers have found out that they need more than water.Thank you! My Camino is three months out but I’m already adjusting to ‘needing’ less coffee in the morning. Water however is not being restricted. I’m adjusting to increased amounts of that. Thank you.
Yes i do the same but a close friend who is a conservationist taught me to use a stone! Yes they work. Just look for a smooth decent size stone, wipe gently and throw to one side when finished. Obviously only when peeing!Do I miss something? I always have paper handkerchiefs ( packet of ten ) close by. After use into a ziplockbag or designated pocket of trouser. When reaching village or town and garbagebin available I throw it away.
I don't know.
I can't see the difference in those $18 cloths and an old bandana I wash out each night, but to each her own. I think I'm feeling grouchy today.
Although there are many ways to manage that task during our Camino days, I have used them on a few caminos and they are a great idea. They are hygienic( silver ions in cloth), convenient and less expensive to buy on Amazon than the brand names.Hi to all. Perhaps some of you gals are familiar with "pee clothes" But for those who aren't familiar with them, they are a anti-microbial cloth used for wiping after you pee. Much better than a hanky, and weighs less than having to carry TP (and having to pack it out) or panty liners. Here is link to the product I use https://animosa.co/p-off-cloths There are other brands such as Kula cloth, to find on internet just search for "pee clothes".
Please leave no trace on the beautiful Camino.
Agree! I have a Kula cloth and I’m amazed at the absorbency and lack of odor. I snap it on my pack and can use it over and over. For me it’s been worth the cost.I agree the price is kind of high, but it is a high tech fabric impregnated with silver or something to keep odor and bacteria at bay. And it does seem to work better than the hanky I have used as it is not really absorbent and does retain odor unless you rinse it out after every use and hang on backpack to dry. I have also used panty liners but that is added weight in your pack versus the weight of one cloth.
Janice
Are you on the younger side? Wait until you are post menopausal and things start to sag and urine is difficult to shake off all those nooks and crannies.Yep - I’m female…..never even occurred to me to do anything other than have a good shake!!!
Because it feels gross, and the dried urine smells worse, not to mention it stains my underwear.Such a curious and interesting conversation. Men don't have this concern, so why do women worry about it? Do we really NEED to wipe after we pee? I know we were taught to wipe, but why? If the jiggle is good enough for the boys, why isn't it good enough for the girls? When I have to pee on the trail, drip dry is good enough for me. LOL!
I love that you are all challenging yourselves to be better pilgrims. You all have some great ideas to try out. Don't let anyone discourage you from giving your idea a go. We all have different bodily needs. For example I will be using a stand up and pee this trip. I am now 60 and taking the pack off after hours of walking and bending at the knees I expect to be challenging this time around. I also will be trying out some of your suggestions as well. The period panties I want to comment on, as a take into account info, the elastic around the legs can cut with so much walking. I tried this and it would have been a good idea if the leg cut had been higher. Now I know! DebI was thinking of buying period underwear and using them for this purpose. My daughter has used them for years for their intended purpose (along with a diva cup) and loves them.
Totally agree on all countsMaybe it's an age thing but if I drink coffee in the morning, I'm going to have to pee 1/2 hour later on the trail. On some stages, there are plenty of bars along the way. On others, you'll be using the bush. I've walked nearly every year since 2006 and have never once had to poop on the trail. I get that done in the albergue before leaving. (pardon my language but it is what it is).
Thank you for the info! I'm hiking my first Camino starting April 18th this year. I like the idea of an anti-microbial cloth. As a nurse I would be concerned about getting urinary tract infections if not cleaning yourself correctly or wearing panty liners that could cause chafing or sweating. I read in some replies that a old wool sock was used. Wool? sounds rather scratchy for a sensitive area!Hi to all. Perhaps some of you gals are familiar with "pee clothes" But for those who aren't familiar with them, they are a anti-microbial cloth used for wiping after you pee. Much better than a hanky, and weighs less than having to carry TP (and having to pack it out) or panty liners. Here is link to the product I use https://animosa.co/p-off-cloths There are other brands such as Kula cloth, to find on internet just search for "pee clothes".
Please leave no trace on the beautiful Camino.
One challenge with the stand up and pee FUDs is that trousers / pants are not really designed for ladies anatomy (hence we end up dropping everything and squatting). There are various brands of pants out there (I'm thinking ziphers shorts/leggings/pants) that change that and have a front to back zip / similar which means that we don't suffer from over exposure when going for that 'wild wee'. Has any one use them?
There is absolutely no chafing or sweating by wearing an ultra thin panti-liner.I would be concerned about getting urinary tract infections if not cleaning yourself correctly or wearing panty liners that could cause chafing or sweating
AnatomySuch a curious and interesting conversation. Men don't have this concern, so why do women worry about it? Do we really NEED to wipe after we pee? I know we were taught to wipe, but why? If the jiggle is good enough for the boys, why isn't it good enough for the girls? When I have to pee on the trail, drip dry is good enough for me. LOL!
Anatomy. Indeed. And uric acid. And laundry… and panty liners were not designed to draw uric acid away from very delicate tissues.Anatomy
I bring a couple of dog poo bags to put my kleenex in. At ends day, empty bag appropriately and reuse! works for me!Hi to all. Perhaps some of you gals are familiar with "pee clothes" But for those who aren't familiar with them, they are a anti-microbial cloth used for wiping after you pee. Much better than a hanky, and weighs less than having to carry TP (and having to pack it out) or panty liners. Here is link to the product I use https://animosa.co/p-off-cloths There are other brands such as Kula cloth, to find on internet just search for "pee clothes".
Please leave no trace on the beautiful Camino.
What about 'Chux'? A friend also used Chux as a towelThat's a very expensive item at $37+ for just one. You gave me an idea to improvise with a kitchen hot pad.(Just saying tongue in cheek, please take no offense.)
That is a really good point. Thank you.One challenge with the stand up and pee FUDs is that trousers / pants are not really designed for ladies anatomy (hence we end up dropping everything and squatting). There are various brands of pants out there (I'm thinking ziphers shorts/leggings/pants) that change that and have a front to back zip / similar which means that we don't suffer from over exposure when going for that 'wild wee'. Has any one use them?
My concern about the period panties (which I love) is that they tend to take ages to dry - but that might be just my cold bathroom! Ideally to the camino you'd want them to dry overnight and mine definitely take several days.
(I'm generally a jiggler and just wash the panties each evening)
Thank you I am very interested in how they work. Please let us know. Some may think this a topic of little concern, but hygiene is my first priority, not only personal but environmentally.I've ordered a pair of ZipHers. I'll let you know what I think when they get here.
If you're wearing a skirt and don't have chub rub, something like petals panties might work for modest peeing without an FUD.
I suggest you practice in a safe place such as your own shower. I bought a SheWee and was very keen. Easy enough to use while naked but I never managed to keep my clothes dryAfter 4 Caminos and now aged 75 I still haven´t found a solution. My first Camino I could walk most of the day without needing to pee, that is no longer the case. I always carry TP anyway as you often come across toilets without any, and a re-usable ziplock bag to put it in. A cloth sounds like a good idea. I would love to try an FUD, it sounds like a good solution, especially when your knees don´t bend so well anymore. Unfortunately they are unavailable where I live. I made myself one out of a small pop bottle but am not sure it works all that well!
I have been trying out most types of fuds on and off the camino. Sheewee was unreliable because it can bend creating backflow. Pibella was successful sometimes - eek! But I have found my solution - the pstyle does not bend and so helps puah clothing out of the way and so far I have been unable to get it wrong. Well worth a try - I am 64 by the way…After 4 Caminos and now aged 75 I still haven´t found a solution. My first Camino I could walk most of the day without needing to pee, that is no longer the case. I always carry TP anyway as you often come across toilets without any, and a re-usable ziplock bag to put it in. A cloth sounds like a good idea. I would love to try an FUD, it sounds like a good solution, especially when your knees don´t bend so well anymore. Unfortunately they are unavailable where I live. I made myself one out of a small pop bottle but am not sure it works all that well!
Me too! I mean - I do prefer to wipe - but I would rather drip dry a little and pull up my panties. I shower and wash my panties as soon as I arrive at an albergue anyway! Can't stand the thought of putting a "pee rag" on or in my pack haha. And heck - one less thing to pack! (I say that - but I do carry a little emergency toilet paper just in case I can't make it somewhere to take care of my other business - rarely happens - but when it does.... and yes, pack it out even though that is gross too). On a day hike I have also just used pads - but I don't want to have to carry pads for my Camino. I had a Uterine Ablation - so don't have to worry about pads/tampons/diva cups/period panties anymore otherwise. I am sure to buy panties that dry very fast and don't hold odors too. Also - most of the time I manage to make it to actual toilets anyway.I’m just wondering why one needs a “pee cloth” at all? I just jiggle around a bit and the job is done…..not sure what all the fuss is about?? Please enlighten me!!
I don't know.
I can't see the difference in those $18 cloths and an old bandana I wash out each night, but to each her own. I think I'm feeling grouchy today.
I'm laughing because I pee down my leg every time I try using one of those devices.Try a P-style, easier to use.
You can get cheep microfibres cloth at supermarket - that’s what I usedWhat about 'Chux'? A friend also used Chux as a towel
Good for you - it is a real sense of freedom when it works!!I just got my pstyle a few days ago... practicing at home, success! No pee on underwear or jeans. It is hard to get it into position when wearing jeans, because of the zipper being higher up than in men's jeans (I think). Practice makes perfect, though. I'm looking forward to trying it outdoors.
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