Peeing outdoors is a messy, occasional occurrence for most people. You know — when you’re hiking or camping and nature calls at 3 a.m., or you’re at the lake with your friends, or maybe you just had an epic night out dancing. Whatever the situation, it’s not always convenient to stop what you’re doing to urinate. But that doesn’t mean you should let the myth of peeing in the woods stop you from leaving home without a restroom break handy. If you’re planning on peeing outdoors as often as possible, this article isn’t for you. However, if you are looking to limit how much time your outdoor activities take up and don’t want to be limited by having to make frequent trips inside, read on! This guide will help you make sense of peeing in the great outdoors: why it can be harmful and how to do so safely and comfortably.
Can Pee Freeze?
Yes, pee can freeze. When it does, the ice crystals that form can cause damage to the cells in your urinary tract and lead to infection. To avoid this, always make sure you warm up your cold hands before you go to the bathroom in the winter!
Why Is It Harmful To Pee In The Woods?
1. Peeing in the woods can lead to infections.
When you pee in the woods, you’re putting yourself at risk for getting an infection. This is because when you urinate outside, the bacteria from your urine mixes with the bacteria that’s everywhere else in the environment. This can lead to an infection of your urinary tract, which can be really painful and difficult to treat.
2. Peeing in the woods can damage your cells.
When you pee in the woods, you’re also putting yourself at risk for damaging your cells. This is because when you urinate outside, the ice crystals that form can damage your urinary tract cells. This can lead to problems like UTIs (urinary tract infections) or even more serious conditions like kidney stones or bladder cancer.
3. Peeing in the woods can be really messy.
When you pee in the woods, it’s not always easy to clean up all of the messes that you make. This is because when you urinate outside, the urine lands on all of the soil and other debris that’s around. This can lead to a lot of dirt and dried urine coming into contact with your skin, which can be really uncomfortable and smelly.
4. Peeing in the woods can be really time-consuming.
When you pee in the woods, it can take a lot of time to go to the bathroom. This is because when you urinate outside, you have to walk a long way to find a place where you can relieve yourself. This can be really frustrating if you’re trying to spend your time outdoors in other ways.
5. Peeing in the woods can be really cold.
When you pee in the woods, it can be really cold. This is because when you urinate outside, your urine doesn’t have the protection of the warm environment inside your body. This can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort when you go to the bathroom.
6. Peeing in the woods can be really boring.
When you pee in the woods, it can be really boring. This is because there’s nothing to look at other than the trees and the ground. This can make it hard to focus on what you’re doing, which can lead to problems like accidents.
How To Stay Safe While Peeing Outside
Stay close to your campsite
Most outdoor activities happen in open areas. When you’re peeing outside, keeping yourself close to your campsite can keep you safe from predators and unwanted attention. It also keeps you close to your food, water, and firewood. Just be sure that nearby trees and other natural features provide some privacy as well. If you have a RV or tent set up close to your vehicle, that’s even better. Predators tend to be wary of humans when they’re sleeping or eating. It’s much harder for them to sneak up on a campsite from the outside. On the other hand, if you find yourself peeing in an open field, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for nearby trees that can provide some privacy.
Travel in well-lit areas
The best way to keep yourself safe while peeing outdoors is to make sure you’re traveling in well-lit areas. When peeing in the woods, you want to make sure you’re in an area that has enough light to see you. Otherwise, you may get trapped in the dark and attacked. Consider traveling on well-traveled trails or roads if possible. If you must travel off the trail, try to do so in areas that are well-lit. If you’re traveling in the middle of the night, try to move during times when there is more light outside. Some campsites have electricity or even have a portable lantern you can bring along with you to light your way. If that’s the case, make sure it has fresh batteries. Fireflies or other insects can cast a lot of light, so you don’t want to get caught outside in the dark.
Stay on established trails
If you absolutely must travel off the trail, at least do so in established areas. Trails are often well-worn paths that have been used by many people before you. That makes them much safer than traveling off the side of the road or into an area with no trail at all. There are two main trail types to consider. The first is a linear trail. Linear trails can be either one-way or two-way. When hiking or backpacking, you want to always go with the flow. In other words, follow the direction that other people are walking. That will protect you from being trapped in an area with no trail at all or being attacked by a bear or other dangerous animal. A two-way trail is where you will see hikers or backpackers walking in both directions. This is the safest trail type because it means there are already people in the area and you have a chance of being seen.
Watch your step
When you’re on the trail, keep an eye on your step. That means stepping carefully so you don’t damage the trail or damage the plants and trees below you. This is especially important in areas where the trail has fallen apart or has been washed away completely, like after a heavy rain. If you find yourself in an area where the trail has been washed away, try to stay on the edges of the water. Avoid walking through the area because it could be contaminated. If you absolutely have to go through the washed-away area, wear boots or other appropriate footwear so you don’t damage the ground.
Take a potty break
When you’re outdoors in nature, it’s easy to get distracted and forget about things like your water bottle. If you don’t drink enough water, you may not realize it until you’ve already become dehydrated. Also, don’t feel that you have to pee every time you go outside. You can always go when you feel the urge to go and not necessarily every five minutes. When you do have to go, take a break. That way you won’t be trying to go in the middle of a hike or camping trip. Instead, find a safe area to sit down and pee while you wait for the urge to pass.
Know the dangers around you
When you’re outside, keep an eye out for any signs of danger. That includes looking out for any broken branches, large rocks, or other signs of an animal digging or a wild creature having been in the area. That way you can avoid walking right through their den or food source. Always keep an eye out for electricity lines or other utility poles as well. You don’t want to wander too close to them or other obstacles in your path. Avoid hiking or camping in high-risk areas as well. A high-risk area is one where there have been multiple instances of people being attacked by predators. That includes areas with lots of wildlife, like national parks, and areas where there has been heavy deforestation, like along rivers.
Don’t wear sandals or flip flops
When you’re outside, it’s important to be careful about what you wear. The ground will tear at your feet if you’re wearing flip flops or sandals. That will leave open wounds that can get infected quickly and be very painful. If you have to wear either of those types of shoes, be extra careful. When you’re hiking, make sure you wear shoes or boots that have good traction. That way you won’t slip off the trail and fall down a hill or into a creek. You also want to make sure you wear socks that protect your feet from being injured.
Protect yourself from the sun
When you’re outdoors in nature, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. That includes wearing sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a sunscreen-coated shirt. Also, try to stay in the shade as much as possible. That will help keep you cool and help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. If you absolutely have to go out while it’s sunny, try to go when it’s late in the day or when it’s cloudy. That will help protect your skin from burning. Also, try to stay in the shade as much as possible while you’re out in the sun.
Tips For Safe Outdoor Urination
- Choose a spot that is out of sight from passersby. Find a private area where you won’t be disturbed and are less likely to be seen. This can help prevent any potential embarrassment or judgment from other people.
- Make sure the ground is stable, dry, and clean. If you’re in an area with tall grass or foliage, make sure the grass isn’t too tall and that it’s not a muddy area. Avoid standing on anything uneven or slippery.
- Take extra care to avoid disturbing wildlife. If you’re in an area with animals like deer or rabbits, don’t urinate close to them as this can frighten them away.
- Bring your own supplies to clean up afterwards. Pack a few napkins, baby wipes, or even a bottle of water and a small towel to do the job after you’re done. Wipe down any urine you may have splattered around so as not to leave an unpleasant smell in the area.
Conclusion
Peeing in the woods can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s important to know the risks involved. To prevent UTIs and other health problems, it’s best to stay hydrated while you’re outdoors and make sure that you’re wearing protective sunscreens. To stay as safe as possible when peeing in the woods, make sure to invest in a water filter, wear protective sunscreen, drink lots of water, and wear sturdy, waterproof clothing.
