When nature calls in the middle of the night, especially during those colder months or in locations that are less hospitable, having a urine bottle on hand can make a world of difference. This unsung hero of camping gear can save you from a chilly midnight stumble or ensure you maintain your privacy even when camping with a crowd.
There's a variety of urinal bottles available to cater for every camper's needs, with a range of sizes, materials, and designs. But how do you find the right one? That's where we come in. We've taken the liberty of trawling through countless options to bring you a comprehensive guide to selecting the best urine bottles for camping.
From portable and compact designs for those of you who like to travel light, to larger, more robust solutions for long-haul trips, I've covered it all. If you're a sustainability-conscious camper, there are even urinal options made from eco-friendly materials too.
Unisex Portable Leakproof Urinal Bottle
The Medipaq Leakproof Portable Urinal Toilet is an absolute game-changer for those of us who love exploring the great outdoors. From my own experience, I can confidently say this product is not only reliable but also immensely practical.
The standout feature has to be the NO LEAKAGE promise. Thanks to its robust screw cap, there is absolutely no chance of any untoward spillage post-use. I can personally vouch for this – even when I accidentally knocked it over inside my tent, there was not a single leak, a massive relief!
Pros
Leakproof Design: Urinal Toilet boasts a leakproof design that prevents unwanted spills, ensuring both convenience and cleanliness.
Portable and Lightweight: Its lightweight design and portability make it a great tool for those with mobility issues, and it's perfect for outdoor activities or travel.
Easy to Clean: Most people found the urinal bottle easy to clean, making it hygienic and hassle-free.
Unisex: This urinal bottle has been used successfully by both men and women, during travels and even at home for emergencies.
Cons
Limited Capacity: Some users noted that the urinal bottle's capacity might be smaller than other options on the market, meaning it may need to be emptied more frequently.
Screw Thread Issues: Some users found the screw threads of the bottle to be a bit tricky, making it easy to cross-thread the cap.
Why take a urine bottle camping?
A urine bottle, often overlooked, can be a camper's best friend. Its convenience is unmatched when nature calls in the dead of night, or during inclement weather, saving you a trip outside the comfort of your tent.
More than just convenience, portable urinal bottles play a vital role in promoting hygiene. Using a urine bottle helps preserve the cleanliness of our precious outdoors, respecting the 'leave no trace' ethic.
Additionally, in areas with potential wildlife hazards, it contributes to safety, reducing the need for risky nocturnal excursions. Compact, lightweight, and easy to use, a urine bottle is a camping essential worth having.
Going camping? Take a look at my related articles for portable camping toilets and camping and caravan bins.
How to use a urinal bottle for men and women
The process for using a urine bottle while camping is quite straightforward but does vary a bit for men and women due to obvious differences. Here's how it generally works:
For Men:
- Prepare the Bottle: Before you need to use it, make sure the bottle is ready. The lid should be off or at least loosened so it's easy to open.
- Positioning: Position the opening of the bottle securely against your body to create a seal. This will help to prevent any spills.
- Use the Bottle: Urinate into the bottle. Ensure to do this slowly initially to avoid any splashing or overflow.
- Close the Lid: After use, close the lid tightly to prevent any spills or odour leakage.
For Women:
- Prepare the Bottle: Similarly, ensure the bottle is ready to use with the lid loosened or off.
- Use a Female Adapter: Many urinal bottles come with female adapters. This is essentially a funnel that fits onto the bottle, providing a larger surface area for women to use. Attach this before use.
- Positioning: Squat or stand, depending on your comfort and the design of the adapter, and position it to ensure a tight seal against your body.
- Use the Bottle: Begin to urinate slowly to avoid splashes or overflow.
- Close the Lid: After you're finished, carefully remove the adapter if necessary, and securely close the lid on the bottle.
For both men and women, it's important to remember to empty the bottle in an appropriate place, preferably a designated toilet or waste disposal facility, as soon as possible after use. Regular cleaning is also crucial for maintaining hygiene.
Remember, practice makes perfect. The process can feel a bit awkward at first, especially for women, but with time, you'll get the hang of it.
How to clean your urine bottle
After a camping trip, it's important to thoroughly clean your urine bottle to ensure it's ready for your next adventure. Here's a simple method you can follow:
- Empty the Bottle: Ensure all liquid is emptied from the bottle. You should ideally do this in a designated waste disposal area.
- Rinse with Warm Water: Fill the bottle with warm water and give it a good shake. This will help dislodge any residual content. Empty the bottle and repeat this process a couple of times.
- Use a Disinfectant or Detergent: To thoroughly clean the bottle, fill it about halfway with warm water and add a few drops of a mild detergent or disinfectant. If using a disinfectant, ensure it's safe to use with plastics.
- Scrub the Bottle: If possible, use a bottle brush to scrub the inside of the bottle. This will help remove any residues that might be sticking to the walls of the bottle. Be sure to clean the cap as well.
- Rinse Again: Rinse the bottle thoroughly with warm water to ensure all soap or disinfectant is removed. You might need to do this several times to make sure it's completely clean.
- Dry Completely: Allow the bottle to air dry completely before storing it away. This will prevent the growth of bacteria or mould.
Remember, hygiene is key when using a urine bottle, and regular cleaning will keep it in good condition for your next camping adventure.
Emergency Shrinkable Urinal
Experience the ultimate convenience with the Shave Well Portable Mirror, a versatile and durable tool designed specifically for the outdoor adventurer. This handheld mirror combines practicality and durability in a compact design, ensuring your personal grooming needs are met wherever you are.
Whether you're an avid camper or frequently on long road trips, the Emergency Shrinkable Urinal proves itself to be an absolute lifesaver. This ingeniously designed urinal boasts a range of features that guarantee comfort, hygiene, and convenience.
Pros
It's practical: Many users attest to its utility in emergencies, especially during road trips, camping, or unexpected breakdowns. It fulfils its promise of convenience and portability.
Leakproof: Most users found that the product doesn't leak when in use, an essential feature in maintaining hygiene and avoiding any unpleasant accidents.
Easy to use: With its accordion-style design, users found it straightforward to extend and collapse.
Space-saving: Reviewers appreciated its compactness when folded, making it an easy addition to any travel bag.
Cons
Noise when extending or collapsing: Some users reported that the process of extending or collapsing the urinal is quite noisy, which might be inconvenient in quiet environments or shared spaces at night.
Difficulty drying: The intricate zigzag design that allows for collapsibility also makes it challenging to dry the urinal completely after washing. This could potentially lead to hygiene issues if not managed correctly.
Crafted from durable PP material, this urinal bottle stands up to repeated use. Even better, it cleans up easily, so it’s ready to go for your next outdoor adventure. The durability coupled with the ease of maintenance speaks volumes about the product's excellent quality.
For those worried about spills, fear not! This urinal has an excellent seal that guarantees no leaks, even when put down. This feature ensures that it provides the hygiene and cleanliness we all desire, especially when we're on the go.
The bottom line? The Emergency Shrinkable Urinal is more than just an outdoor essential. It's a versatile, portable, and well-designed urinal that brings peace of mind, even in the most remote of locations. It's truly an item that warrants a spot in your camping or travel gear.
Wrapping it up
In conclusion, investing in a good urine bottle, such as the Emergency Shrinkable Urinal, can significantly enhance your camping experience. It brings with it an element of convenience, portability, and, most importantly, practicality when you find yourself in remote areas or emergency situations
It's clear that having a reliable urine bottle on hand can make all the difference during your outdoor adventures. As with any camping equipment, it's about choosing the best gear that suits your needs and preferences. So, don't let nature's call ruin your time in nature, consider adding a urine bottle to your camping essentials.
Abby Humphreys
Editor & owner @ www.smallcampsites.co.uk
Abby loves to travel and hike in nature. She promotes wellness, and shares her adventures on her blog. Abby is an open water swimmer, snowboarder, kayaker, hiker, and a meditator who loves the outdoors.