There are so many books and lists and sites out there that are great references for travellers. It seems that everybody stays informed on life with google and wikipedia under their belts, so I can only add a couple of points or products that I’ve discovered along the way. They’ve helped me in travels, or simply made me laugh! As I work in a travellers store, I feel pretty in touch with all the gadgetry that’s out there. I’ll do my best to add something new monthly.
AUGUST PRODUCT: P-Mate

When this item first came in the store, I had to laugh. There are various different brands on the market, but the point is-it’s a female willy. P-mates give women the freedom to discreetly pee standing up. And why would you want to do this you ask? As per their web site: Have you ever found yourself in a dirty, unhygienic port-a-potty? Have you ever had a full bladder with no bathroom in sight? Have you ever been afraid to pull down your pants to squat and pee and risk being seen or peeing on your shoes?

• The P-Mate is a revolutionary way for women to pee discreetly without having to pull down their pants and squat.
• The P-Mate allows women to pee standing up.
• The P-Mate is the most amazing female urinary device.
• The P-Mate gives women the freedom to pee like men.
• The P-Mate is clean and hygienic.
• The P-Mate is covered with a 4-leaf clover design as it is good luck to have one with you when you are in need.
• The P-Mate does NOT get all wet and soggy after use. You can easily slip it back into a pocket or bag for later disposal if you are outdoors where there is no garbage can.

The P-Mate is basically like a cardboard shoe with the toe cut off. You place the entrance of the ‘shoe’ directly under your urethra, between your legs, pee into the shoe and then make sure that the hole at the toe end is funnelling the urine out somewhere other than on your feet.

Now, here’s the deal-I’ve actually used it! I first bought a package as a joke, but then found them handy in the trails snowshoeing not wanting to wave my ass in the air. And then on my last trip to China, I figured getting too close to the smelly squat toilet was a bit gross, so I pulled out a p-mate. And here’s the funny part….I actually filmed it. Be prepared to laugh….I sure was!
VIDEO

The other non disposable brands you might want to look into are SheWee (molded plastic funnel)