Picture this in your mind. You’re on the trail, the sun is amazing and a happy bird is singing a delightful tune. Then, the urge to pee hits you. After moving away from teh group and finding the perfect tree to squat behind, you let it flow.
Nevertheless, you’re now faced with a different issue: How do you wipe? If you’re prepared, you may have a grimy bandana or piece of toilet paper tucked away in your backpack for this very reason. If not, you have very few.
Kuka Cloth is part of this story and has had a direct impact on feminine hygiene. Thanks to its reusable scarf, sustainability now goes hand in hand with an outdoor adventure.
An unfortunated situation for women
It’s an not an afortunated situation that women in the backcountry have faced for years. That’s the main reason of the Kula Cloth, a first-of-its-kind antimicrobial pee cloth thught for anyone who squats at the time they pee, has turned into an essential item in my year-round gear quiver.
The Kula Cloth is an ultra-absorbent, antimicrobial and surprisingly stylish pee cloth that makes going to the bathroom outdoors easy, clean and void of wasteful paper products. Starting at just $20, it deserves to hang on the backpack of anyone and everyone who squats when they pee.
The best alternative for paper
Anastasia Allison founded Kula Cloth in 2018 after discovering a huge pile of used toilet paper at the same time she was backpacking. She started researching Leave No Trace toilet paper alternatives and eventually created a pee cloth that’s more absorbent, useful and more aesthetic pleasing than whatever leftover scrap or bandana you’d typically use.
After trying the Kula Cloth four years ago, it quickly earned a spot on my packing list no matter the adventure. I take it backcountry skiing, trail running, backpacking and mountain biking. I’ve even swapped a few Kulas into my family’s travel trailer in place of RV toilet paper so we don’t have to think about clogged tanks. It is truly effective!
Antimicrobial construction for less ick
I’ll admit that I initially balked when I first considered using a Kula Cloth. Wouldn’t it be gross or smelly? Thankfully not. The black side is boult with antimicrobial, silver-infused fabric that prevents microorganisms from growing. In short, this makes sure your pee cloth won’t get dank or putrid if you use it for a few days at a time. I’ve used mine for five-day backpacking trips and the dark fabric keeps everything subtle and off the radar.
In addition, each cloth is designed with a handy loop on one corner that snaps closed. It feels like a small feature, but it wields a lot of power.
By the time you’re done using the 6-inch-by-6-inch cloth, fold it in half with the black side facing inward and snap it shut. Then, you can hang it on the outside of your backpack while hiking, showcasing its special design.
If it’s feeling a little grungy, do the opposite and hang it with the black side facing outward. This will permit the sun’s UV rays to help sterilize it until you can get to soap and water at home.
Versatility: one of its strong features
I refuse to believe I’m the only Kula Cloth owner who has done this, but I’ve used the square of fabric for a variety of things outside of peeing. It works as a well backcountry pot holder in a pinch, or as a makeshift koozie for a cold beverage at camp. I sweat like a wildebeest, so I’ve also used my Kula Cloth as a sweat rag, mopping perspiration from my forehead with the absorbent side.
Of course, it’s perfect if the Kula Cloth is with no dirt in any of these situations, but I’m not here to judge.
Unique art collaborations: desings on its backsides
It’s a pee cloth used to wipe our nether regions, so it could be assumed that the Kula Cloth wouldn’t have much in terms of creativity and style. Instead of sticking to dark and drab, Kula Cloth boasts several colorful and unique art designs on the backside, making these pee cloths anything but boring.
Over the years, Kula has made pee rags with hundreds of various designs ranging from colorful rainbows to icy-blue wildlife and all in between. Some are limited runs that are gone forever at the time they sell out. Nevertheless, most of the prints fall within three categories of designs: Artist Series, Kulas for a Cause or Stock Prints.
While Stock Prints are the more classic pee cloth designs that usually get restocked, the Artist Series boasts patterns created by up-and-coming artists who collaborate with Kula. It’s not the traditional platform for artists to gain exposure for their work, but it’s a fun partnership.
What we didn’t like about it
Honestly, it’s all rave reviews from me, but price may be a factor for some people, in specific for those used to buying a bandana for this purpose.
Starting at $20, a Kula Cloth is significantly more expensive than a bandana or a random scrap of fabric. However, thanks to its superior absorbency, versatility and antimicrobial prowess, I think the investment is more than worth it.
Carol McDaniel is a dedicated and results-driven professional with 5 years of experience and US News. Known for her strong problem-solving skills and collaborative mindset, Carol has built a reputation for delivering high-impact results across diverse teams and projects.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated expertise in 2 core skills or areas, e.g., client relations and project coordination, and is passionate about continuous learning and meaningful contribution. Carol thrives in dynamic environments and consistently brings professionalism, adaptability, and a focus on growth to every role she takes on.