Any campers? Need advice for a (um,) tent-potty.

[Mmathis]

OK, I need some help from all you tent campers, especially from and for the ladies!

WARNING: Contents of post might be TMI ( )

I need advice for an in-tent potty for those late-night urges, so I don't have to make 3+ hikes to the latrine every night (those of you older GPF members will know what I mean, male and female alike.....). Really is a sleep deterrent!

@tbendl yes, I can hear you laughing! And @HARO I can almost read your mind....!

Based on your experience, is there something that's discreet, and can be easily and discreetly emptied (for #1, only) every morning? Naturally, I don't want the world to know...... And "going in the bushes" is NOT an option!

Will be attending a week-long, out-of-state Boy Scout camp in about 3 weeks. We've been there before and I know that the latrines are spread out -- so depending on which campsite we're assigned, we could be close to a latrine, or not....... I know I'll have to "go" several times every night (and meds won't help with this particular issue.....), but I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, don't want to leave the tent and hike there, especially if it's raining [and this place gets horrible night time storms].

These are some ideas I Googled, but, uh, how discreet are they......? And how discreetly can they be emptied.....?

 

[bettasngoldfish]

Well I am not a camper, actually more of an air conditioned, nice big bed and bathroom with hot and cold running water type of gal but I did a search and found some interesting choices of portable toilets here: http://www.campingworld.com/category/portable-toilets/419

 

[HARO]

So you can almost read my mind, eh? Actually, I can sympathize with you, as I had the same problem for a while. Then a diabetes advisor asked why I was taking a certain pill (diuretic?) at bedtime. She told me to take it in the morning instead. PROBLEM SOLVED! But I doubt that is your problem. Seriously, though, I got a good laugh out of your pictures. If you want 'discrete', forget about the blue pail!! I'd go with the orange one. Orange has always been my favourite colour.
John

 

[tbendl]

While I'm totally giggling, I'd go with the portable guy, it looks like it fold up easy. Don't they make bedpans anymore?? Lol

 

[HARO]

While I'm totally giggling, I'd go with the portable guy, it looks like it fold up easy. Don't they make bedpans anymore?? Lol

SERIOUSLY?? How discrete would it be carrying THAT to the latrine in the morning? With the orange pail, you would look like you had been shopping at Home Depot!
John

 

[JBtheExplorer]

And "going in the bushes" is NOT an option!

Well, there goes my answer!

 

[tbendl]

What was I thinking.... I mean carrying around a huge pee can painted bright orange screams "I know we're in the woods but I had to make a quick trip to Home Depot" LOL
She could just water the plants near the tent with it in the morning. Hahaha, oh gosh TM must be tickled she tagged us in this.

 

[pecan]

I camp a lot where there is no bathroom and prefer just going in the bushes over anything artificial. LOL I just think it is cleaner than a potty set up that's re-usable.

 

[Mmathis]

LOVE the responses!

Well I am not a camper, actually more of an air conditioned, nice big bed and bathroom with hot and cold running water type of gal but I did a search and found some interesting choices of portable toilets here: http://www.campingworld.com/category/portable-toilets/419

Boy Scout camp keeps you pretty busy during the day, especially if you're teacing or helping teach a merit badge class. And by the time you do get any "down time," it's time for shower & bed -- a little fan is usually all I ever need at night. But I'm right there with you! BSA camping is the only kind I do, otherwise I'd be in a hotel at Disney World (but don't tell anyone.....).

So you can almost read my mind, eh? Actually, I can sympathize with you, as I had the same problem for a while. Then a diabetes advisor asked why I was taking a certain pill (diuretic?) at bedtime. She told me to take it in the morning instead. PROBLEM SOLVED! But I doubt that is your problem. Seriously, though, I got a good laugh out of your pictures. If you want 'discrete', forget about the blue pail!! I'd go with the orange one. Orange has always been my favourite colour.
John

I take my diuretic in the morning, as well. But you have to HYDRATE so much at these camps -- that "water" likes to go somewhere during the day, then hits the old kidneys at bedtime.

SERIOUSLY?? How discrete would it be carrying THAT to the latrine in the morning? With the orange pail, you would look like you had been shopping at Home Depot!
John

Actually, I thought about a smaller version. I could have 2, see. I use one as my official shower caddy. Then everyone sees me coming and going with it. They get used to seeing it, they never know that the AM version is, well.....
___________________
And @JBtheExplorer and @pecan -- this particular camping trip (as are most of them) is on a "Scout Ranch." Since latrines are provided, it's strongly discouraged for a return to nature approach. But we do teach the boys how to "use" the outdoors in a respectful, safe, and sanitary (?) way when they are wilderness camping. I LOVE the outdoors, but I also love my flush toilets and running water, LOL.

 

[Mmathis]

Hey, now here's a thought! This is a "kiddy" travel potty. Says it uses super absorbent padding inside the bag-liner [think "diaper material"]. Problem is, it's weight limit is 50 lbs and I'm sure the seat & hole are sized for little kid booties!

Thanks, @bettasngoldfish! I found this on the camping site you posted.

 

[HARO]

LOVE that last idea, TM! Just be sure you don't get confused between the two!
John

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I LOVE the outdoors, but I also love my flush toilets and running water, LOL.

I agree. The state parks I camp at all have flush toilets these days and I'm thankful for it. Unless I'm stuck an hour or two out on a trail, then I'm out of luck!

 

[max384]

I'm an avid outdoorsman and camper. As a guy, I just piss on a tree in the middle of the night... But that's probably not what you had in mind.

When I was in Afghanistan and Iraq, we drank a LOT of water to keep hydrated, but this meant we were up pissing in the middle of the night, often a few times, even being young, healthy guys. Our tents were about a quarter mile from the latrines, so we'd all just piss in empty water bottles and toss them out the next morning. For a guy, this is an easy solution, and disposal the next day is very discreet. For a woman, I'd imagine a water bottle would still work, with the addition of a funnel.

 

[tbendl]

Hey here you go... The shewee so you can pee outside like a guy.

 

[HARO]

Which reminds me.... somewhere I have a book entitled "How to Shit in the Woods". No kidding! It covers all basic bodily functions for both sexes. If you're interested.....
John