During and after any emergency there might be a distinct shortage of indoor plumbing and porcelain. You can't hold it forever. Males have a distinct anatomical advantage in that we can pretty much unzip and let fly.

The ladies don't have it so easy. For them urination can be time consuming, unwieldy, possibly messy, and involves exposing tender areas to cold, wind, and such environment threats as thorns and poison ivy. This tends to make the females a little less enthusiastic about spending time in the woods and, possibly, a lot less happy while out there.

As Papa said: If momma ain't happy nobody's happy.

To help the ladies stay happy there are a couple of devices everyone should know about: The Freshette and The Lady-J.

http://www.freshette.com/

http://www.biorelief.com/store/Lady-J-Female-Adapter.html

Think of these as adapters. They allow a female to pee into a bottle, or over the side of a cliff or boat. She can even write her name in the snow. Doing it all without having to bare her behind and expose herself to frosty winds, prying eyes, or needle sharp thorns.

Talking to ladies that use one of these they love them. Laying in equipment for a group a few of these will endear you to the women folk. They make great, if a bit personal, gifts for the the women in your life.

That's all good advice. And a snap-on toilet seat and a 5-gallon bucket are also very nice to have, esp if you have children.

Sue

Let me tell you about the "success" of the Lady J on my trip back from Alaska. I was PSCing (moving in military lingo)and it was about -30F on the Alaska Highway. The vehicle (1986 Ford Aerostar) contained all the necessary things to survive, including the abovementioned for my wife and nearly four-year old daughter. Short story...I spent over 20 minutes wandering around in the wind and cold while my wife tried to convince our DW to "just relax"; didn't happen. The poor thing darn near exploded!! This happened numerous times over the next four days. So, I (we) had a 50% success rate with product. It is still worth the money.

I have known female hikers / mountain/rock climbers who use the Freshette and they swear by how easy it is pee with the device.

and this, same concept
http://www.shewee.com/

Train your kids the noble art of polar peeing (and the other business) before you need it. Nothing particular mysterious about it, just go hiking and camping and the training presents itself. But invest 2 minutes with your spouse discussing the proper technique for "draining" the kid before the need actually is there. My wife's first attempt at our boy was hilarious to watch. (Ladies- the thing goes out the front. Although anatomically possible the other way around is rather awkward).

I have the deepest respect for my wife and lady friends, who resolve these issues the old fashion way. I've done "big business" in a friggin' blizzard at Spitsbergen and it was not something for the faint at heart. In more moderate conditions I just enjoy the scenery.

I've seen these gadgets before, and people seem quite happy about them. I am sure these little gadgets can provide huge leaps in comfort for our lady friends, particular in a semi-populated setting where modesty and non-existent restrooms are not the best combination.

Boy learn early, don't pee into the wind unless you want a shower, something to keep in mind with these contraptions

I will be the naysayer on this one - having grown up with 3 sisters all active hikers, they would laugh at the concept that they need a device to pee or crap in the outdoors.

- I.P. Freeley

I guess I always theorized that "exposing tender areas" was the reason woman started wearing dresses. Kind of a roaming shelter, if you will.

No offense intended, but I always figured that.

Women have taken care of business for many thousands of years without their assistance so it can be safely assumed they aren't strictly essential. They make the process much easier, safer, more private, and potentially less messy.

I know ladies who avoid any situation or event where toilets are not available. I have traveled with some who severely limit water intake to limit their need to urinate and juggle routes and schedules to accommodate their need to urinate. This is not just a major PITA for them it is potentially dangerous.

These simple devices are not, cannot be, a complete answer but if they allow the ladies to travel more comfortably and maintain proper hydration without excessive bother or worry they are worth their price and deserve consideration.

I have been around some amazing ladies. One used to pee standing up off the back of a shrimp boat while under way, and not get a drop on the boat. That's talent. Most men can't manage that. One can assume that a lady-J wouldn't interest her because she gets along without one.

It can be pointed out that a Freshette, particularly one with a longer hose, can be handy for men. Peeing into the shallow funnel as easier while sitting than using a bottle. A longer hose allows you to keep jug on the floor. A hole in the floorboard is a good alternative to a storage container. I have located a funnel and hose on many vehicles for just that sort of situation. If I have a funnel there is no reason to not make it a unisex design.