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If you’re planning a thru-hike and researching gear, you’ve probably heard someone mention a Kula Cloth. This guide will explain exactly what it is, how it works for long-distance hiking, and why so many thru-hikers swear by it.
A Kula Cloth is a reusable, antimicrobial pee cloth designed specifically for people who squat to pee outdoors. It provides a hygienic way to stay clean on trail while eliminating the need to carry, use, and pack out toilet paper for urination.
Why Thru-Hikers Need a Pee Rag
When you’re hiking 15 to 25 miles per day for months, you’ll be peeing outside multiple times daily. Traditional toilet paper creates several problems for long-distance hikers.
First, toilet paper adds weight and bulk to your pack. You need to carry enough for weeks between resupply stops, and when it gets wet, it becomes useless. Second, you must pack out all used toilet paper, which means carrying a separate dirty bag. Third, rationing a few squares per bathroom break never gets you fully clean, which can lead to hygiene issues during extended trips.
A pee rag solves these problems. It’s easily accessible on the outside of your pack, works even when wet, and can be used hundreds of times. For thru-hikers counting every ounce, a Kula Cloth weighs just 0.5 ounces (14 grams) and replaces rolls of toilet paper.
Important note: Pee rags are only for urine. You’ll still need biodegradable toilet paper or a bidet for bowel movements. Keep your pee rag distinctly separate from other items in your pack.
What Makes the Kula Cloth Different
The Kula Cloth was created by Anastasia Allison, an outdoor enthusiast who spent three years testing fabrics and designs specifically for backcountry use. Unlike a basic bandana or microfiber cloth, the Kula Cloth has purpose-built features for thru-hiking.
The cloth has two distinct sides. The dimpled black side is made from antimicrobial, silver-infused fabric designed for direct contact with your body. This Silvadur™ treatment prevents bacterial and fungal growth, which is critical when you can’t wash your gear daily. The fabric absorbs up to 10 times its weight in water, so it works effectively with just one pat.
The opposite side features waterproof, printed fabric. This keeps your hands completely dry during use and protects your pack when the cloth is attached. Each design supports artists, small businesses, or conservation organizations, so you’re contributing to the outdoor community with your purchase.
The double-snap closure system is brilliant for trail life. After use, you fold the cloth in half so only the clean outer surfaces touch your pack. The snaps attach securely to backpack loops or webbing, and the cloth dries quickly while you hike thanks to airflow and UV exposure. There’s even reflective stitching sewn into one corner, making it easy to locate with your headlamp during midnight bathroom breaks.
How to Use Your Kula Cloth on Trail
Using the Kula Cloth becomes second nature within the first few days of your hike. When you need to pee, unsnap the cloth from your pack. Find your spot, squat, and after you finish, use the dimpled black side to pat dry. The waterproof side keeps your fingers clean and dry throughout the process.
After use, snap the cloth back onto your pack using the double-snap feature to keep it folded. As you continue hiking, the sun’s UV rays help sterilize the cloth while it dries. This natural sanitation process is why many thru-hikers go days or even weeks between washes.
For day hikes and overnight trips, you don’t need to wash your Kula Cloth between uses. The antimicrobial properties and UV exposure keep it fresh. Simply toss it in the washing machine when you get home.
For thru-hikes and extended trips, you’ll want to wash your cloth every 3 to 5 days depending on conditions. Rinse it with water and a small amount of camp soap like Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash, then hang it to dry. Some thru-hikers wash theirs during town stops, while others do quick rinses at water sources along the trail.
Caring for Your Kula Cloth Long-Term
Kula Cloths are designed to last for years of hard use. The company doesn’t specify an exact lifespan because it varies based on care and frequency of use, but hikers report using the same cloth for multiple thru-hikes.
At home, wash your Kula Cloth in the washing machine with regular detergent. Hang it to dry or use low heat in the dryer. The antimicrobial properties are permanent and won’t wash out over time.
During your hike, store the cloth on the outside of your pack where it can benefit from airflow and sun exposure. If you’re concerned about privacy, the folded snap design keeps the used side hidden from view.
The materials are made from bamboo viscose, cotton, and polyester, chosen for safety and eco-friendliness. The silver ion treatment is environmentally safe and won’t release particles into the environment. Each cloth is handmade in the USA.
Is a Kula Cloth Worth It for Thru-Hiking?
For the price of around $20, a Kula Cloth eliminates the need to carry toilet paper for urination throughout your entire thru-hike. That’s months of bathroom breaks covered by one small piece of gear.
The weight savings alone makes it worthwhile. At 0.5 ounces, it’s lighter than carrying multiple rolls of toilet paper over a long-distance hike. The convenience factor is even better because the cloth is always accessible on your pack, works in any weather, and requires no special disposal.
Many thru-hikers say they won’t hike without their Kula Cloth anymore. The combination of cleanliness, convenience, and environmental benefits makes it an essential piece of gear rather than a luxury item.
The cloth also supports Leave No Trace principles by reducing the toilet paper blooms that plague popular trails. Every thru-hiker using a pee rag means less waste left in the backcountry.
Final Considerations for Thru-Hikers
A Kula Cloth might seem like an unusual piece of gear if you’ve never used a pee rag before, but it quickly becomes one of your most appreciated items on trail. It’s lightweight, durable, quick-drying, and maintains hygiene standards even during extended wilderness trips.
For anyone planning a thru-hike, this is gear worth trying. The antimicrobial properties mean you can use it for days between washes, the snap system makes it secure and private on your pack, and the durability means it will last your entire hike and beyond.
Kula Cloth supports outdoor communities through artist collaborations and partnerships with conservation organizations. The company actively promotes Leave No Trace education and uses its platform to protect the wild spaces we all love to explore.
If you squat to pee and you’re heading out for a long-distance hike, a Kula Cloth eliminates the hassle of managing toilet paper while keeping you clean and comfortable for thousands of miles on trail.