Nature calls for us all at some point on a trail ride. We’ve all been there, reins in one hand while you squat behind a sagebrush. And then what? Personally, I will die on the hill that drip drying is for heathens. It’s unsanitary and I don’t want to get back in the saddle feeling damp. For a long time I carried a little ziplock bag with some toilet paper in my saddle bag, but the whole “pack it out” thing makes that kind of gross and it seems wasteful too. Then I tried using a bandana as a pee rag and tying it to my saddle. That worked, but I knew there had to be a better way! Fortunately, I found out hikers had figured out a better system several years ago. It’s time trail riders got on board.
Meet the Kula Cloth
Kula is a reusable pee cloth for anybody who squats when they pee. Instead of (or in addition to) carrying toilet paper, this reusable option clips right on your gear. The company started in 2017 and since then has become wildly popular with hikers who proudly hang them from their backpacks. Hikers are always at the forefront of gear that is lightweight, Leave No Trace friendly, and has cool designs. So why aren’t more horseback riders carrying these??
A Kula Cloth can clip onto your saddle, cantle bag, or pommel bag so it’s just there when you need it. Use it to pat dry and then hang it back up. Kula Cloths are designed to fold closed so the side that touches your body isn’t exposed while it’s hanging from your gear. They’re washable, reusable, and meant specifically for backcountry use. If you ever see me riding, you will always see one hanging from my saddle. (To be clear: Kulas are pee cloths. How to poop on the trail is the subject for another article.)
Need More Convincing?
You might be skeptical, but Kula Cloths are truly made for people who spend time on the trail. The absorbent side is soft and quick-drying, and its antimicrobial finish inhibits odor-causing bacteria on the fabric. It is super lightweight and an extremely Leave No Trace friendly way to pee on the trail. Maybe you’ve seen the news articles about how some trails are infested with toilet paper? Kula was literally designed by a former park ranger who got sick of that.
1. Pee like you normally would.
2. Pat dry with the absorbent side. (The other side is waterproof!)
3. Snap it onto your saddle to air dry.
4. Keep riding.
Kulas are super easy to clean. You can literally rinse it off on the trail with a little water or throw it in the washer when you get home. Trail riders should steal more gear ideas from hikers!
Get One!
Because I love mine so much, I became an official Kula Cloth ambassador this summer. It is my goal to see Kulas hanging off of saddles from everyone riding on the trail! Keep an eye on our social media for Kula giveaways on the trail. In the meantime, Kula has also given us a discount code to share with our riding community for 15% off your order. Use code: NEVADADISCOVERYRIDE at checkout.
Welcome to the Kula cult, horse people! Happy peeing 🙂
