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Pee funnels...

Original Post
KathyS · · Poughkeepsie, NY · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 125

I've never used one, but it's on the recommended equipment list for a mountaineering trip this summer.  Do some models work better than others?  Storage after use?  Discuss.

Allen Sanderson · · On the road to perdition · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 1,100

As someone of the fairer sex I have not needed one but my Aunt when traveling years ago took one - I never asked about how well it worked.

However, something to consider when mountaineering is being tent bound, in a sleeping bag, on ones knees, and using a pee bottle. As such, my suggestion is to take that into consideration.

https://www.backpacker.com/gear/the-complete-guide-to-female-urination-devices

Cat Cahoon · · Seattle, WA · Joined May 2009 · Points: 1,052

I have the GoGirl which is made of silicone. The silicone is comfy to use and squishes into its little storage tube. (Actually, I found that the tube it came with was a bit of work to get it back into so I sized up to an empty sesame seed container.) Silicone also means it is easy to clean. In the field I just shake it out, and when I get home I wash it with soap. The other popular one that has been around forever is the Freshette.

I find that the "she-nis" or "lady jane" is best for peeing in a bottle in the tent. Maybe I just haven't figured it out yet, but I haven't gotten comfortable using it while dressed/harnessed. I'm pretty versed in peeing with my harness on and - even tho it's a bitch to get redressed under your harness when you're wearing two or three layers - I am used to peeing like a woman in the mountains. As Katie mentioned, women's baselayers aren't compatible. The reality is that the tube part is pretty short and I always feel like I'm going to pee on my bulky bunched up pants. Also - beware of peeing out the back of the funnel. It happens. Make super sure you have a good seal before you start to pee. I feel like I have to lean forward to make sure it runs out the funnel. AND, it is totally possible that you can pee faster than the little tube can handle and the funnel will spill. I have had one funnel mishap in the tent (I think it was frozen somehow) which is not the best start to the day. Practicing at home is strongly encouraged.

(ps. while writing this I discovered GoGirl offers an extension tube so maybe that will solve the peeing on your pants feeling)

eli poss · · Durango, CO · Joined May 2014 · Points: 525

I've heard from a female wilderness instructor at my college's program that the she-wee and the gogirl are good but the freshette sucks to use and makes you pee all over yourself.

LindsayH · · Kingston, NY · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 55

I have the GoGirl. Never used any others so I can't compare. Definitely practice in the shower first to get used to it. I find that I have to kind of slow my flow in order to not feel like it's going to overflow. Although, I've never actually had it overflow before. Except once, but that was because a little piece of toilet paper somehow got in the tube and clogged it up. In the middle of the night, in my van, trying to pee into a bottle while half asleep, with my dog a foot away staring at me like I was an idiot for not being house-trained. That was a fun experience.

When I first got it I made the mistake of storing it in a plastic bag. Bad idea. It wouldn't dry out completely and started to smell pretty funky. The sock storage is a good idea, something breathable. 

Ken Noyce · · Layton, UT · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 2,658

All the women I know prefer the shenis.  They say that it is easier to aim than any of the other funnels that are available.

Shea B. · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2015 · Points: 0

I love my P-Style (I call it my Port-a-Penis)!  It is sturdy, which makes it easy to maneuver with your climbing harness. I have used it with both fly and no fly (yoga) pants.  A big plus for me is that it eliminates the need for TP because you use the device to wipe.  The downside is that it is kind of big and cumbersome, but I have enough room in my pack that it has never been an issue.

Another one that has been brought to my attention is called The Tinkle Belle.  It looks similar to the P-Style, but part of the funnel is soft, and can fold in to make it more compact and portable. I want to buy one and try it out, but unfortunately it looks like they are on back order..

Sarah Welch · · Boston, MA · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 0

I have had a Freshette for about 10 years and have successfully used it in all kinds of situations. I like the Freshette specifically because it is rigid, but I have heard others cite its rigidity as a downside.  When I have on underpants, base-layer, shell, and harness, I unzip the fly of my shells and push down my underwear and baselayer waistbands.  I feed the funnel in from below my harness.  The waist-bands will want to push the funnel up, pinching it into the top of my fly, but because the Freshette is rigid, I can hold it firmly and use the bottom of it to hold my waistband down.  I hope that makes sense.  It sounds like the p-style works well for some people, but from the way I use the Freshette, I can't even see how the p-style works.  I definitely want my pee completely enclosed for its journey to the outside of my clothing.

The tube slides in and out, so you have to set it firmly before using it.  I find the main body is long enough that the base of it remains outside of my pants.  The tube is flexible and you can kind of aim it.  It is long enough that your pee can land reasonably far in front of you.  I haven't had any problems with the modular design, and it does make it more compact for storage.  That said, I guess you have to touch it, and if you pee and then push the tube back inside there is probably some residual urine on the outside of the tube when you pull it out next time.  You can also easily slide the tube into a narrow-mouthed bottle for tent-bound peeing.

I keep it in a zip-lock and then stuff-sac and usually just wash it at the end of a trip.  I like the sock idea! On multi-day trips I try to be better about rinsing it in the evenings.

The major issue I have with a funnel is that my body is not good at relaxing my "pee muscles" when I am standing up.  To trick my body, I bend forward at the waist, so I am crunched in the middle as I would be when squatting.  I'm sure this is a very personal thing, but for me it has never been easy to start the stream when I am standing, even in private situations.

Jess Presso · · Golden, CO · Joined Jul 2016 · Points: 0

Not worth it. Have one. Never use it. ESPECIALLY not when mountaineering. It just doesn't work well with a harness and pants. Less time, effort, mess and money to just drop those pants. 

Monica Whittaker · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2018 · Points: 0

I've used the gogirl and the freshette and in my opinion the freshette wins hands down. The squishy gogirl collapses when you are trying to use it and you get wet all over. The rigidity of the freshette makes it very convenient to use and its so discreet you can turn your back and use it anywhere. True, the tube needs to be set well and its always a good idea to practice using it with anything you plan on wearing before heading out into the field. Some pants have long zippers and others don't. It's good to know which pants are more convenient. While belaying during ice climbing, I was able to use the four foot hose that can be ordered with it and use it all day, and go as needed when needed. Never had to open my fly or bare my bottom. Like anything though, practice with it often until you are confident with your tool before heading out on your epic adventure. Good luck and choose wisely. :)

melissa j · · Seattle, WA · Joined Nov 2016 · Points: 0

I love the P-style! I like it way more than the freshette. 

ChapelPond Girl · · Keene, NY · Joined Oct 2016 · Points: 230

I have a She Wee that I literally just found on the trail one day.  (don't worry, sterilized it before trying it!).  Works great  No leaks. Pee like a dude.  It's pretty crazy.

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