The ability to comfortably and efficiently urinate while standing is a practical skill for anyone spending extended time in the wilderness. For hikers, this technique offers a significant advantage in terms of speed, maintaining warmth, and preserving privacy compared to the usual squatting position. Mastering this physical maneuver requires specific preparation and engagement of internal muscle groups.
Essential Gear Adjustments and Positioning
Before attempting to urinate, managing clothing and selecting the appropriate location is paramount to success and hygiene. Hiking pants should be unzipped and pulled aside just enough to allow access without dropping them completely, which avoids having fabric drag on the ground. When wearing multiple layers, like thermal leggings or rain gear, it may be necessary to pull the inner layer slightly to the side to create an unobstructed pathway.
The immediate surroundings must be assessed to ensure both privacy and environmental responsibility. Position yourself in a location that is slightly lower than your intended stream path, or on level ground, to help gravity direct the flow away from your feet and clothing. Be mindful of the wind direction, as a sudden gust can easily redirect the stream back toward you.
To minimize environmental impact, aim for a durable surface like rock, gravel, or thick, absorbent soil rather than delicate vegetation. This ensures the stream is directed cleanly onto the ground while protecting your gear from accidental spray.
The Physical Technique for Standing Urination
The physical technique centers on creating a stable base and controlling the pelvic anatomy to direct the urine stream. Start by adopting a wide, stable stance, positioning the feet approximately two feet apart, which helps maintain balance and creates a clear area between the legs. The knees should be slightly bent, similar to a partial squat, ensuring the pelvis is not tilted too far backward.
The critical element involves manual adjustment of the external anatomy and engagement of core muscles. With clean hands, use one or two fingers to gently pull the labia minora—the inner folds—outward and slightly forward, forming a temporary spout. This mechanical repositioning guides the flow of urine away from the body and prevents it from running down the inner thigh.
Initiating the stream requires relaxing the urethral sphincter while simultaneously engaging the lower abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles, which act as a sling supporting the bladder, are the same muscles used to stop the flow of urine midstream, often referred to as Kegel muscles. A slight forward tilt of the hips, combined with a gentle contraction of the lower core, helps create the necessary trajectory for the stream to project forward.
Maintaining the stream’s direction relies on consistent, controlled engagement of these internal muscles throughout the process. When the flow is almost complete, a final, deliberate contraction of the pelvic floor and lower abdomen serves to expel any residual droplets, effectively preventing post-void dribbling.
Hygiene and Environmental Responsibility
Immediate hygiene and adherence to Leave No Trace (LNT) principles are necessary. For cleanup, a simple shake or pat-dry motion is often sufficient to remove the majority of residual moisture. If using toilet paper or a dedicated hygiene wipe, it is mandatory to “pack it out” in a sealed bag, as paper products decompose slowly and attract wildlife.
The location chosen for urination must meet specific environmental standards to protect water sources and wildlife. Always urinate at least 200 feet (approximately 70 adult paces) away from trails, campsites, and any bodies of water, including streams and lakes. This distance minimizes the risk of contamination and prevents the buildup of human waste odors in high-use areas.
Urine contains salts that can attract wildlife, such as mountain goats, which may subsequently damage vegetation by digging up the soil to access the salts. Urinating directly onto rocks, gravel, or non-vegetated patches of soil helps disperse the urine and minimizes localized impact. If possible, scattering the urine widely across a larger area helps dilute the concentration and reduces the chance of attracting animals.