Men have had the “point and shoot” advantage for years. For women, camping or backpacking usually involves the dreaded squat – a process that is cold, awkward, and leaves you exposed.
If you’ve ever had to urinate in a crowded hiking area or a disgusting festival porta-potty, you know the struggle. The conclusion is obvious: for women, it’s not as easy. But it can be!
The Shewee Extreme is a female urination device (FUD) designed to level the playing field. It allows you to urinate standing up without removing your clothing or finding a hidden spot to drop your pants.
And today’s review tells you everything you must know about this extremely useful device (Note: This review was written by our expert hiker Jessica Bryce who has moved on, in the mean time, from writing for MYL).
Note: We get commissions for purchases made through links in this article
Product Specifications
- Design: A portable, handheld funnel that allows women to stand to urinate.
- Weight: Lightweight at just 100g.
- Material: Made from Polypropylene (recyclable and liquid-repellent plastic).
- Shewee Extreme Kit: Includes the original unit, an extension tube, and a hard storage case.
- Approvals: NATO approved and used by military women globally.
- Dimensions: Small enough to fit in a side pocket or glove box.
The Shewee Extreme was designed for women and allows them the opportunity to urinate without having to remove their clothing or squat. So, whether you’re backpacking, traveling, at a festival or camping, you’ll be able to whip the Shewee Extreme out and relieve yourself.
Why do men only get to have the easy way out? The Shewee is reusable, lightweight and comes in a clean and sleek storage case. When you’re on the road, the Shewee will become your best friend.
You don’t have to worry about someone seeing you with your pants down or squatting behind bushes. With the Shewee, you don’t have to hide.
Review
You shouldn’t wait until you are deep in the woods to try this for the first time. The Shewee works, but it requires technique.
The most important rule is to practice in the shower first. Because you have likely never urinated standing up, your brain needs to get used to the sensation, and your hands need to learn the placement.
Flow Control
One mistake many first-time users make is “letting it rip” with a full bladder. The exit tube of the Shewee is narrower than the human flow rate.
If you pee with maximum pressure, the funnel will overflow. You must learn to control your speed and maintain a steady, moderate flow to keep the liquid moving through the tube.
Clothing and Gear
While the marketing says you don’t have to remove clothing, there is a trick to it. You need to unzip your pants, push your underwear to the side, and fit the Shewee securely against your body.
This is simple in summer shorts but harder in high-waisted leggings or a climbing harness. Before you head out, test the device with the layers you plan to wear.
Design and Durability
The design of the Shewee is simple and functional. It acts as a funnel that you position over your urethra. It directs the urine down the tube in a streamline, preventing misdirection or spritzing on your shoes.
A major advantage of the Shewee is that it is made of Polypropylene. While some competitors use soft, foldable silicone, the Shewee is rigid.
This is a benefit because you can press it firmly against your skin to create a seal without worrying about the device collapsing. If a device collapses while you are using it, you will end up with a mess on your clothes.
Because of this hard plastic, the durability is excellent. You don’t have to worry about the material breaking or deteriorating over time. This device is built to stay in your kit for years. If you ever decide you no longer need it, the material is recyclable.
The Shewee Extreme Female Urinal device includes an extension tube, which I recommend over the basic model. The extra length ensures the urine clears your body and your boots, especially if you are wearing bulky winter gear or a heavy backpack with a waist belt that changes how your pants sit.
Hygiene and Real-World Maintenance
Hygiene is a top concern when carrying a device like this. The Polypropylene material is naturally liquid-repellent, so most of the urine slides right off. After you finish, you can give it a quick shake to remove excess drops.
The “Squeegee” Technique
To stay as dry as possible without needing a roll of toilet paper, use the back edge of the Shewee funnel. As you pull the device away, use that firm edge to “squeegee” any remaining drops from your body. It is a pro-tip that makes a huge difference in how fresh you feel on a long hike.
Cleaning on the Go
You can clean the Shewee with warm water and soap at the end of the day. If you are in a situation where you can’t wash it immediately, just put it back in its carrying case. The case is also made of Polypropylene and is easy to wash later. It keeps the rest of your gear safe from any accidental drips.
The Period Question
Many women wonder if they can use a Shewee while on their period. You can, but it requires more frequent rinsing.
If you are using a menstrual cup or tampon, the Shewee won’t interfere with your flow. Just be mindful that you may want to carry a small spray bottle of water to rinse the funnel after use to keep things clean.
Versatility
This is where the SheWee device shines – it is designed so you can use it anywhere. It fits easily into a purse or backpack side pocket. While we talk a lot about camping and backpacking, its use extends far beyond the trail. If you are at a festival, cycling, or out for a long walk, the Shewee is at your disposal.
What makes it versatile is that you don’t need to squat or find a thicket of bushes to hide in. Because you use the extension tube mentioned earlier, you can stand comfortably and direct the urine away from you.
This is also a life-saver in public restrooms or porta-potties where the hygiene levels are questionable. Many users take their Shewee to gas stations and restaurants so they never have to touch a dirty toilet seat.
Comfort and the “Psychological Hurdle”
Is it comfortable? This is a common question. Like anything new, it feels foreign at first. You have spent your entire life sitting or squatting, so peeing while standing up presents a mental block. You might feel like you are about to make a mess even when the device is positioned perfectly.
Nothing is inserted into the body. The top of the funnel is shaped to fit the female anatomy securely and smoothly. If you experience discomfort, you likely have the placement wrong. As mentioned in the “Learning Curve” section, practice is what makes this comfortable. Once you get over the initial odd sensation, using it becomes second nature.
Value for Money
The Shewee is a solid investment. For a relatively low price, you gain the ability to urinate without removing your gear or exposing yourself to the elements. Because it is made of durable Polypropylene, it won’t wear out. You don’t have to keep buying disposable versions, which saves money and reduces waste.
Shewee puts the control back into the hands of women. You aren’t paying for a “gimmick”; you are paying for a tool that lasts for years.
Final Verdict
The Shewee is a great addition to your toiletry bag. It simplifies the process of going to the washroom so you can focus on your hike or the festival. Here is the final breakdown:
PROS
- Urinate while standing without removing layers.
- The rigid plastic won’t collapse during use.
- Includes an extension tube and a discreet, easy-to-clean case.
- Inexpensive and built to last for years.
- NATO approved for military use.
CONS
- The learning curve might require practice in the shower.
- You must manage your flow to prevent the funnel from overflowing.
- Rigid plastic takes up more “static” space than foldable silicone models.
If you are tired of the struggle of squatting in the woods or hovering over dirty toilets, the Shewee is the answer. It takes a few tries to get the hang of it, but once you do, you’ll never want to go back to the old way.
SheWee Alternatives: Other FUD you can try
If you want alternatives, there are a few great ones – it’s always good to have them. Also, I don’t want to give you a one-sided review. It is important to compare the Shewee to other options on the market so you can decide which design fits your body best. Here they are:
Shewee vs. pStyle
The pStyle is the Shewee’s biggest competitor. Instead of a funnel and tube, it uses an open “trough” design. Many women find the pStyle easier to use because it is harder to overflow.
However, the Shewee is more discreet and the extension tube makes it better for use with heavy winter clothing or specialized gear.
Shewee vs. The Tinkle Belle
The Tinkle Belle is a hybrid that uses a hard shell with a foldable silicone lip. It is easier to store in a small bag because it folds, but it is more expensive. If you want the reliability of a rigid device that won’t collapse under pressure, the Shewee remains the superior choice.
Freshette Complete FUD
The Freshette complete FUD is very similar to the Shewee. It is a feminine urinary director that you can use for camping, traveling and medical needs. Like the Shewee, you’ll be able to urinate in a standing position. It’s anatomically designed to contour the female body, making sure it fits snuggly to the vagina.
It’s compact in size, making it lightweight and easy to transport. What’s great about the Freshette is that it comes with a convenient travel pouch that you can easily fit into your backpack or even your pocket.
The Shewee has two components of the device whereas the Freshette only has one which makes it easier to transport. So, if you’re looking for something even smaller than the Shewee, then you should try Freshette.
Note on cheap Knockoffs
You will see many cheap, soft silicone urination devices online. I recommend avoiding these for serious backpacking. Soft silicone can collapse if you grip it too hard, leading to the exact mess you were trying to avoid. The rigid plastic of the Shewee (or the alternatives above) is a much safer bet for a clean experience.
Now that you’ve completed your research, why not read some other articles from our website: Urine Filter for Survival situations or the best water purification tablets.
Daniel is a gear freak when it comes to hiking, climbing and camping. He went to REI Outdoor School to meet new people and learn best practices. Don’t even try to argue with him about the latest backpack or ice axe, he tried most of them. Daniel’s dream is to climb Mount Everest.