I'm drawn to the SheWee & GoGirl based on their compact size, but the Freshette sounds the most fool proof in terms of use. How do you store this? Can it be carried discretely on a coed hiking trip? I'm drawn to the SheWee & GoGirl based on their compact size, but the Freshette sounds the most fool proof in terms of use. How do you store this? Can it be carried discretely on a coed... » Read More I'm drawn to the SheWee & GoGirl based on their compact size, but the Freshette sounds the most fool proof in terms of use. How do you store this? Can it be carried discretely on a coed hiking trip? « Show Less
754777
I take mine with me everywhere. I keep it in the opaque bag it came in and I just slip it out of my pack and head for a tree. I don't worry if anyone sees it because we all pee and I think it's a great invention. If I meet a woman that asks, I'm happy to share how it works. A guy would probably just think it is holding paper. I tuck some paper in the bottom to catch any moisture and at the top of the bag there is room for clean paper storage. I tuck any used paper in the bottom of the bag. I just wash it when I get home.
754778
Forget the other ones.... this one is flexible and the hose after rinsing out (with bottled water) just slips back up into the unit and it goes back into a compact plastic bag it comes in. It is the best! This is the brand that the "ladies in the service" use!
754779
Mine is in my motorcycle saddlebags so for me carrying is not a problem. If your hiking gear includes a backpack you'll be fine. Being discrete will all depend on what you have to carry it in.
754780
It comes in a plastic "baggie" that reseals. I carry it on coed hiking trips all of the time. I just put it in the small outside pocket of my pack. It's easy to get in and out.
754781
It fits easy into the cargo pocket of my hiking pants (another topic is finding women's cargo/hiking pants that are both functional and fit or appear attractive) and the pocket on my life jacket when I am working out of the boats on the river. I keep mine in a ziplok baggie with my Toilet paper when hiking so it's no big deal to grab my "toiletries" and find a private spot. I also keep a "pack it out" baggie in there to make sure I Leave No Trace and bring my soiled paper back with me. I think the Freshette helps with the LNT principles of hiking and backpacking.
1619920
I keep my unit stored in the box it was shipped in. When I do a long distance bike tour, I have it open and exposed and strapped on the top of my trailer. I haven't had the chance to go hiking with it but it seems sturdy enough to be stored in a backpack.
544534
Hi, Rebecca. This case is awesome in many ways. Is it water resistant? I would say no. As an avid hiker and back country camper, I've had the opportunity to test (and need) a lot of of water resistant gear. Water has an incredible capacity to soak through materials that seem, at first glance, to appear water resistant. I feel this is the case with this product. My case is sturdy, and lives in my day pack, but if it's raining, it's going inside a water proof pouch. The shell is made of molded EVA-plastic, but water can easily seep into the seams at the corners and the zippers. Hope this helped. Hi, Rebecca. This case is awesome in many ways. Is it water resistant? I would say no. As an avid hiker and back country camper, I've had the opportunity to test (and need) a lot of of water resistant gear. Water has an incredible capacity to soak through materials that seem, at first glance, to appear water resistant. I feel this is the case with this product. My case is sturdy, and lives in my day pack, but if it's raining, it's going inside a water proof pouch. The shell is made of molded EVA-plastic, but water can easily seep into the seams at the corners and the zippers. Hope this helped.
2259667
I'm 5'6" and bought this bag last fall for the same reason. The one time I used it and it got down to 30 degrees, I was cold. From what I understand, these cold weather bags keep you warm by trapping your body heat in the bag, but with a bag that big my body just couldn't keep the air inside the bag warm enough. I found your question because I am currently shopping for another bag before my next camping trip. I'd recommend something smaller. I'm sure none of these rectangular bags work as well as a mummy bag, but there are smaller options available rectangular bags that should still allow for a reasonable amount of movement. I'm 5'6" and bought this bag last fall for the same reason. The one time I used it and it got down to 30 degrees, I was cold. From what I understand, these cold weather bags keep you warm by trapping your body heat in the bag, but with a bag that big my body just couldn't keep the air inside the bag warm enough. I found your question because I am currently shopping for another bag before my next camping trip. I'd recommend something smaller. I'm sure none of these rectangular bags work as well as a mummy bag, but there are smaller options available rectangular bags that should still... » Read More I'm 5'6" and bought this bag last fall for the same reason. The one time I used it and it got down to 30 degrees, I was cold. From what I understand, these cold weather bags keep you warm by trapping your body heat in the bag, but with a bag that big my body just couldn't keep the air inside the bag warm enough. I found your question because I am currently shopping for another bag before my next camping trip. I'd recommend something smaller. I'm sure none of these rectangular bags work as well as a mummy bag, but there are smaller options available rectangular bags that should still allow for a reasonable amount of movement. « Show Less
2181738
That really wouldn't be very comfortable. It is squishable, but that's not really how it's meant to be used. If you were to do this you would most likely need to cut a hole in your panties for the funnel part to stick out. I guess you could leave it in if you really were genuinely uncomfortable carrying it elsewhere and just getting it out when needed, but I can't say that would be the easiest or most comfortable way to do it. It really is small enough to fit in the pocket of regular jeans and you shouldn't need to come all the way out of your pants to use it, so you can still use it discreetly. That really wouldn't be very comfortable. It is squishable, but that's not really how it's meant to be used. If you were to do this you would most likely need to cut a hole in your panties for the funnel part to stick out. I guess you could leave it in if you really were genuinely uncomfortable carrying it elsewhere and just getting it out when needed, but I can't say that would be the easiest or most comfortable way to do it. It really is small enough to fit in the pocket of regular jeans and you shouldn't need to come all the way out of your pants to use it, so you can still use it... » Read More That really wouldn't be very comfortable. It is squishable, but that's not really how it's meant to be used. If you were to do this you would most likely need to cut a hole in your panties for the funnel part to stick out. I guess you could leave it in if you really were genuinely uncomfortable carrying it elsewhere and just getting it out when needed, but I can't say that would be the easiest or most comfortable way to do it. It really is small enough to fit in the pocket of regular jeans and you shouldn't need to come all the way out of your pants to use it, so you can still use it discreetly. « Show Less
510919
No, it is not waterproof. Yes it is durable enough to bring on a long trip. However, you're likely better served by bringing a decent rechargeable battery. I own the Nomad 7 and Guide 10 combo. Bringing a USB rechargeable battery or two is cheaper, lighter, and takes up less bag space. Anker products offer amazing options (as a single example for half the cost of this unit you can get 20,000 mAh which is enough to charge an iPhone 6 seven times). If you are concerned with size and/or weight, and have USB chargeable items just get a battery. I can get away with 5,000 mAh for a three day trip using USB powered speakers, goal zero flashlight, and keeping my phone variable for pictures, video and music. No, it is not waterproof. Yes it is durable enough to bring on a long trip. However, you're likely better served by bringing a decent rechargeable battery. I own the Nomad 7 and Guide 10 combo. Bringing a USB rechargeable battery or two is cheaper, lighter, and takes up less bag space. Anker products offer amazing options (as a single example for half the cost of this unit you can get 20,000 mAh which is enough to charge an iPhone 6 seven times). If you are concerned with size and/or weight, and have USB chargeable items just get a battery. I can get away with 5,000 mAh for a three day trip... » Read More No, it is not waterproof. Yes it is durable enough to bring on a long trip. However, you're likely better served by bringing a decent rechargeable battery. I own the Nomad 7 and Guide 10 combo. Bringing a USB rechargeable battery or two is cheaper, lighter, and takes up less bag space. Anker products offer amazing options (as a single example for half the cost of this unit you can get 20,000 mAh which is enough to charge an iPhone 6 seven times). If you are concerned with size and/or weight, and have USB chargeable items just get a battery. I can get away with 5,000 mAh for a three day trip using USB powered speakers, goal zero flashlight, and keeping my phone variable for pictures, video and music. « Show Less
1954872
I tried to stuff it into this one (small), and it was way too roomy for it. It really does fold down pretty tight.Snugpak Compression Stuff Sacks, Olive, SmallUPDATE: I've had some better luck with this thing:Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack,X-SmallStill a tad bigger than it has to be, but it cinches down tight and nice, you just have those straps dangling. The tricky part is folding and rolling the bivy such that it fits. The best way I have found is to make two lengthwise folds spaced evenly at 1/3 of the bivy's width (i.e. you fold it along the long edge from one side, then fold the other side on top of that), and then rolling that up. This gives you a roll just thin enough to fit in that sack. I tried to stuff it into this one (small), and it was way too roomy for it. It really does fold down pretty tight.Snugpak Compression Stuff Sacks, Olive, SmallUPDATE: I've had some better luck with this thing:Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack,X-SmallStill a tad bigger than it has to be, but it cinches down tight and nice, you just have those straps dangling. The tricky part is folding and rolling the bivy such that it... » Read More I tried to stuff it into this one (small), and it was way too roomy for it. It really does fold down pretty tight.Snugpak Compression Stuff Sacks, Olive, SmallUPDATE: I've had some better luck with this thing:Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack,X-SmallStill a tad bigger than it has to be, but it cinches down tight and nice, you just have those straps dangling. The tricky part is folding and rolling the bivy such that it fits. The best way I have found is to make two lengthwise folds spaced evenly at 1/3 of the bivy's width (i.e. you fold it along the long edge from one side, then fold the other side on top of that), and then rolling that up. This gives you a roll just thin enough to fit in that sack. « Show Less
75018
Thanks! Trying to consolidate what I carry. That would be no good if I lost it altogether so a pouch would be best. Thanks for your answer!
1714809
I own the bag. I took it with me while hiking in Yosemite. It performed well, both as a back pack and as a sling. The important thing to remember in using the bag as a sling is the way you pack it. If heavy things are at the bottom side of the bag, away from you, it should carry fine. I found that I used the top compartment for sack lunch and water bottle, with cameras, lenses on the bottom.
2172474
I used the camelback bladder for a backpacking trip into the Grand Canyon. It held up very well inside the internal pocket in the pack. I did not notice any moisture inside. The humidity in the Canyon was near zero. condensation could occur if the liquid was cold and the enviroment humid. Th Camelback Bladder after all is just a medium thickness plastic bag that would be vunerable to puncture. I wouldn't trust it with my unprotected electronics.
2152837
I wouldn't say foolish but you'd get some looks depending on how and where you carried it. I would say you'd prob look like one of the guys off of Sons of Anarchy. I too was worried about it being too big but mine isn't for everyday carry. In my opinion if everyday carry is what you are after ( depending on your level of digression that is) I would look into the smaller version.
1394822
When unpacking the Gura Gear, I usually place the back side (the side next to my back) on the ground. If I need something at the top of the big zippered pouch, I just place it on the small bottom side. I suppose this all depends on if you're on wet or sloping ground. If so, you may have to have another person hold the pack while you do the digging. I hope this was helpful!
678294
The zipper is made to be waterproof, so it's tight. You can't just take it out on the go. I have been able to sit down in the taxi or subway, and unzip the case on my lap.It is even a challenge to take out my ipad mini from the bag as it takes 3-15 seconds to open the zipper and find the correct pocket space. This tradeoff is worth it for me because of the waterproof
174913
I just went to a trekking store and bought a back pack shell for $10. It folds up to a baseball size and works great. You can use it on other packs as well. Te Lowepro will work OK in showers, but I didn't want to take the risk. Good luck.
1971291
The pack is NOT theft proof...a quick push of a button releases the locking brace. BUT...it is designed for just that ease of release, because it has a handle and shoulder strap option so that instead of taking your stuff out of the pack to go into 'work,' etc., you just easily/conveniently carry the pack in with you.
240576
Your welcome. I will advise you to cut a large piece of cardboard big enough to fit into the top pocket and place it in the top pocket. This will give your items a stable surface to sit on and will prevent the side to side bouncing or drag that could occur. Also be gentle with the zippers. I was a little rough and broke one of the zippers off accidently. The waterproof feature is great and stands up well as a hydrophophobic pannier.
544106
I have the same question without getting any answer. My smart (made-up) answer is: If you keep it in the pack and don't open it, its guaranteed for life!!!