Why I Always Pack a Kula Cloth: Gear with a Big Leave No Trace Impact
The Kula Cloth is a reusable antimicrobial pee cloth that helps hikers reduce toilet paper waste and follow Leave No Trace. Learn why this small piece of gear belongs in every backpacker’s kit—and how it helps protect the wild places we love.
If you’ve spent time hiking, backpacking, or adventuring outdoors, you’ve probably found yourself peeing in the woods more times than you can count. And if you’re someone who squats to pee, you know the real dilemma: what do you do afterward? Enter the Kula Cloth—a tiny piece of gear that completely changed my outdoor hygiene game, and one I now consider an essential part of my kit!
What Is a Kula Cloth?
The Kula Cloth is an antimicrobial pee cloth designed for anyone who squats to pee in the outdoors. It’s reusable, easy to clean, and super discreet. One side is waterproof to keep your hands dry, and the other is a soft, antimicrobial fabric meant for dabbing after you go. You snap it shut when you’re done, clip it to your pack, and you’re on your way. No more packing extra TP. No more leaving behind micro-trash. Just clean, sustainable, and simple.
Why It Belongs in Every Backpack
I’ll be real with you: I was skeptical at first. But after one trip, I was converted. Here’s why I think everyone should give the Kula a try:
- It dramatically cuts down on waste. No more “natural” TP, buried or worse—left behind. The Kula is a true Leave No Trace MVP.
- It’s ultra-packable. Weighs practically nothing and clips to the outside of your pack, so it’s always accessible.
- It actually works. It's not just a gimmick. It's thoughtfully designed and performs way better than a bandana or scraps of TP.
- It’s made by a small, woman-owned business. That alone would get my support—but it helps that the product rocks, too.
How It Promotes Leave No Trace
One of the biggest impacts we hikers have—especially in fragile alpine and desert ecosystems—is human waste and toilet paper. Even when people try to bury it, animals dig it up. TP doesn’t break down quickly, especially in dry or cold conditions. The Kula Cloth eliminates the need for toilet paper when peeing, keeping the landscape free of litter and minimizing our footprint.
Plus, it starts conversations. I’ve had so many trail chats sparked by someone asking, “What’s that cloth on your pack?” which leads straight into a Leave No Trace moment. It's a little square with big advocacy power.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Here's a quick look at what I love about the Kula Cloth—and a couple things to keep in mind:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super lightweight and easy to use | Requires regular washing (but it’s easy!) |
| Dries quickly and doesn’t smell | You might feel shy about it at first |
| Seriously reduces toilet paper use | Not ideal for solid waste (obviously) |
| Promotes Leave No Trace | May freeze in very cold weather (keep it in a pocket!) |
Final Thoughts
If you care about Leave No Trace—and I know you do—the Kula Cloth is one of the simplest, most impactful pieces of gear you can carry. It’s a tiny investment that pays off in cleaner trails, lighter packs, and better hygiene on the go. I don’t head out without it.
Whether you're thru-hiking, on a weekend backpacking trip, or just out for a few hours, the Kula Cloth makes a difference. Plus, they come in fun colors and designs, so you can find one that matches your vibe.
Seriously, grab one. It's a game changer!
Check out the Kula Cloth here and do your part to keep wild places wild.
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