One look at this title, and you know it’s true: men like to pee outside. It doesn’t matter if they’re two feet away from a toilet — if they can, they prefer to find a tree (or shrub, or bush, or twig) to do their business.
This article explores this unspoken truth, including whether it’s even legal, why men prefer the great outdoors, and tips for relieving yourself outside. Let’s get started!
Do Men Really Prefer Doing Their Business in the Great Outdoors?
Are you a man? Do you like to pee outside? Chances are, your answer is yes — and you’re not alone. One Google search will tell you that a lot of men enjoy urinating in the great outdoors.
Don’t believe me? Simply ask 10 men whether they prefer a toilet or a tree.
Is It Legal to Use the Bathroom Outdoors?
As you might have guessed, peeing in public is illegal in every state. And depending on the city or state you’re in, the penalty could be a charge of either disorderly conduct, indecent exposure, or public lewdness.
Now, before you break out in a sweat remembering how many times you’ve dropped your drawers behind a bush, remember, the devil is in the details.
Most ordinances prohibiting public urination are worded something like this: “[public urination is prohibited] on any street, sidewalk, alley, plaza, park, beach public building, or public facility, or any place open to the public or exposed to public view.” In other words, they want to spare the public from getting a show every time someone has to go.
But what about peeing in the woods? Well, according to the wording above, it’s not illegal if no one sees you. And if we’re being honest, everyone does it.
Peeing in the woods when you’re camping or hiking is pretty standard. Just make sure you’re well-hidden from any passersby.
Hot Tip: Ladies, you don’t have to be left out of this conversation. With these devices that let woman pee standing up, squatting is out and standing is in.
Top 3 Reasons Men Prefer the Great Outdoors
Why exactly do men prefer to do their business outside? Let’s take a look at the top three reasons why it’s so prevalent.
Convenient
Hands down, the number one reason is convenience. After all, there’s only one toilet in your RV (or maybe two). This means that whatever you’re doing when you feel nature call, the outdoors is probably closer than the nearest toilet.
Not only that, but unlike your bathroom, your nearest tree is almost never occupied. Nature is always open and available, and there are endless places to choose from.
Doesn’t Waste Water
If you’re boondocking, you know that every drop of water is precious. You trickle-wash your dishes, you take five-minute showers, and you flush as seldom as possible. Conserving your water usage is also better for the environment in general.
Because They Can
This is an important factor influencing why and how men do their business. They can do it, so they want to do it. Sometimes it’s just as simple as that.
Tips for Using the Bathroom Outdoors Instead of in an RV
There are many times when using your RV bathroom is simply not possible. You might be on a hike or just exploring the nature around your campsite.
If the urge happens when you’re away from your home on wheels, here are some tips for doing your business safely and discreetly.
Choose Your Spot Carefully
Leave no trace advocates suggest finding a spot approximately 200 feet away from campsites, bodies of water, and trails. This distance equals about 70 big steps. This keeps water from being polluted, campsites from getting smelly, and fellow hikers from stumbling across your outdoor bathroom.
Pee on Soft Surfaces to Avoid Splatter
Have you ever peed on rocks or pavement? If so, you’ve probably noticed the splatter. When liquid hits a solid surface, it goes everywhere.
To avoid getting it on your shoes, pants, and everywhere else, pick a location with a soft surface. Soil, sand, or even moss is ideal.
Dig a Hole and Bury Solid Waste
What if you have to go “number two” and there’s no toilet in sight? Don’t worry; it’s happened to the best of us. This is where digging a “cathole” can be a very useful skill.
Simply find a stick and start digging until you reach a depth of six to eight inches. Then, once you’re done, bury the waste so no one can see or smell it.
Don’t Leave Toilet Paper Behind
If you were lucky enough to have toilet paper with you when nature called, please don’t leave it behind for animals to dig up later. Leaving toilet paper is not only gross, but it attracts wildlife and leaves a major eyesore.
Therefore, if you pack toilet paper, remember to pack a Fear of Packing Out (FOPO) bag as well. You can make one of these with a ziplock bag and duct tape. Covering the ziplock bag with duct tape will provide you with a discreet place to put any unmentionables, and it will make the bag more durable as well.
Wash Your Hands or Use Hand Sanitizer
While you’re at it, pack some hand sanitizer, too. This way, you’ll be fresh and clean and ready to start adventuring through the woods once again.
If you’re on a camping trip, bring some biodegradable soap with you and wash your hands when you have an appropriate location to do so. Just because we love immersing ourselves in nature doesn’t mean we need to be unsanitary!
Doing Your Business in Nature
Men love peeing outside. Just ask your husband, brother, dad, uncle, or male friend. Whether it’s because of the convenience, water conservation, freedom, or just because they can, it seems to be as natural as the urge to cook over a campfire.
While common and generally harmless, it’s important to “go” discreetly and away from human activity or water. That way, no people or animals will be harmed from your desire to do your business in nature.
Are you a man, and do you like peeing outside? Let us know in the comments below!
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