Why use a pee funnel outdoors at all
Squatting on a slope with a pack on, in the wind, with nettles, ticks or a drop behind you, is nobody's favourite part of a hike. A funnel lets you stand, stay dressed, face away from the trail and be done in seconds — which also matters at night, in the cold, and in a tent vestibule in the rain.
Disposable or reusable on the trail?
Car camping with a tap nearby: a reusable silicone or plastic funnel is fine and cheaper over time. Backpacking, day hikes, festivals: a disposable funnel is usually the better choice, because rinsing a reusable one costs drinking water, and packing it away unwashed means a used device in your pack for the rest of the day.
The Pee Pocket is single-use, plant-based and biodegradable, and weighs almost nothing. Each one is individually wrapped with a wipe and a sealable disposal bag, so the used funnel is contained until you reach a bin. For the full trade-off, read disposable vs reusable pee funnels.
Leave No Trace: how to pee outdoors properly
- Go at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) from water, trails and campsites.
- Choose rock, gravel or bare soil over vegetation where you can — animals can dig up plants for the salt.
- Pack out everything you bring, including the used funnel and the wipe. Biodegradable does not mean leave it behind.
- Follow local rules in sensitive areas such as river corridors and alpine zones, which can be stricter.
How many to bring
Tips from the trail
- Keep one in a hip-belt pocket so you are not unpacking to reach it.
- Practise at home first — the how-to guide takes two minutes to read.
- At night, a funnel means you can go just outside the tent without fully getting dressed.
- In waterproof trousers, open the fly fully so nothing catches the spout.
Comparing brands? See the best female urination devices.
Questions
What is the best pee funnel for hiking?
For day hikes and backpacking, a light disposable funnel is usually best because it needs no water to clean. The Pee Pocket is single-use and comes with a wipe and a sealable disposal bag, so you can pack it out cleanly.
Can I leave a biodegradable pee funnel outdoors?
No. Leave No Trace principles say to pack out everything you bring in, including biodegradable items. Seal it in its disposal bag and bin it when you can.
How far from water should I pee when camping?
The standard Leave No Trace guidance is at least 200 feet, about 70 adult steps, from lakes, streams, trails and campsites.
Can I use a pee funnel in a tent?
A funnel is designed to be used standing or crouching, so it is easiest just outside the tent or in a vestibule. It saves you getting fully dressed at night.