When nature calls and it's cold out!!

[Xtrm tj]

Ok so I admit I am fairly new to the hammock camping scene.

I was out on a hang with a local outfitter and found something odd about this group....at least I thought it was odd.

In the morning found out the the group of experienced hangers take a bottle with them when they turn in for the night. And then in the middle of the night "When Nature Calls" they some how stay in there hammock and pee in the bottle and the set it on the outside of the hammock. I didn't want to ask to much, didn't know them real well.

I felt like this forum was ok to discuss...seems like wired topics are on here frequently. Interested if there are other hangers that can do this? I am a big guy (6'1" 270 lbs) and don't see it really happening for me....although it would be nice, to not leave the warm comforts of the hammock.

So please post your stories, tactics and thoughts...(NO pictures of live action please)....lol

[nickgann]

I've known this to happen with bottom entry hammocks.

I however am not willing to risk a miss so I just get up and take a leak away from camp.

[mountainhanger]

i do this when i hang in the backyard, neighbors already think im weird as it is ...lol use a regular urnial bottle from the hospital..not that hard and is kinda handy just have to make sure you pay attention..out in the field, no dont need to and quite frankly it is one of the enjoyments of being out there

[Tinmar]

Nalgene Wide mouth works. Just be careful not to drop it.

[XTrekker]

gatorade bottles worked for me in the past but i have only used this tactic in car camping. on backpackinging trips i generally don't have spare bottles.

[fishbait]

A couple of Leave No Traces classes that I have taken, suggested doing just that while hiking and camping. The instructors explained that animals will lick the tree bark off a tree there by damaging. It's a bit extreme for me. I don't care how cold it is, when nature calls I climb out of the hammock, put the boots a poncho if needed and find a place far enough away from the hammock to empty the bladder.

[SkidvonArk]

I'm with the "leave the hammock to pee" crowd. Besides, crawling back into a nice warm hammock while feeling lighter and relieved after braving the cold is one of the little things I look forward to on my trips (there's a lot of those little things...)

[DivaB]

There are actually several threads on here in regards to how some pee while in the hammock. Some roll over to the side of the hammock and some use a bottle and others don't

In the winter, many warm up water, put in a bottle (a good, sturdy bottle, that won't melt) and then in a sock, kept next to you, it is used to help with warmth while in your hammock.

As for needing to pee and in cold weather. You do not want to try to hold it. Get out and go. Your body has to keep your bladder contents at a certain temperature and thus robs you from your body heat, making you feel even colder.

[oldbiker]

I use a regular urinal bottle that came from Gander Mountain. After having bladder cancer I have to go frequently. It has a large opening and a good rubber seal. Works great. They're under $10 and very light weight. I just make sure to seal it good and keep it in the hammock until I get up in the morning.

[Gustavus]

Makes me wonder, "Should I Buy a Used Hammock".