Whiz Easy Urinating Aid

Tester Biography

Name: Theresa Lawrence
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Height: 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight: 130 lbs (59 kg)
Email: theresa_newell AT yahoo DOT com
Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada
Date: February 13, 2012

I have more than 15 years of backpacking experience. Day hikes and 2-3 day
backpacking trips take place on most weekends throughout the year while longer
trips are only occasional. I backpack predominantly in mountain terrain (Coast
Range, Cascades and Canadian Rockies) with the goal of summiting peaks.
Activities I use my gear include mountaineering, ski touring, rock climbing,
kayaking, biking, trail running, Search and Rescue and overseas travel. I like
my gear to be reasonably light, convenient and simple to use though I would not
claim to be a lightweight hiker.

Product Information

Manufacturer: Whiz Easy Ltd.
Manufacturer's URL: www.whizeasy.com
Year of Manufacture: 2011
Model: Whiz Easy
MSRP: CAD $19.95
Listed weight: 14 g (0.5 oz)
Length: 15.5 cm (6 in)
Color: lilac

Product Description

Whiz Easy is a device enabling women to urinate in a standing position without
having to undress. Whiz Easy is made out of a latex-free flexible medical grade
plastic. Features include an antibacterial/ antifungal coating to ensure safe
and hygienic use and its shape and design promises that it won't spill, drip or
splash. It also has hydrophobic properties meaning it is water repellent and
dries with a quick flick making it self-cleaning. Rinsing is not even needed;
though it should be rinsed with water once at home and it can be thrown in the
washing machine without damage up to temperatures of 40 C (104 F). This product
is meant to be re-useable for multiple uses without washing and with no
degradation to its hygienic properties.

Field Condition

I finally broke down and bought Whiz Easy this winter in hopes that it would
make ski-touring trips more convenient and enjoyable. I have now used it on 4
ski-touring day trips in the South Canadian Rockies. Weather conditions varied
from mild to high winds and snow with temperatures down to -20 C (-4 F). I have
also used it on a Search and Rescue practice during a nighttime drill using a
headlamp and on an Avalanche Training Course. The device was tested while on
skis or wearing hiking boots and wearing multiple base layers and ski pants.

Review

Well I am impressed to say the least. Whiz Easy is exactly that - EASY! For
years I have had to fight with locating discreet places, squatting in deep snow,
freezing my behind or using nasty outhouses if available, with my husband saying
`what's the big deal?' Finally I too can play in the backcountry and not wonder
where on route is the next best place for a bit of privacy.

However to begin with, my first thought as I took it out of its packaging was
`ICK, am I really going to carry this pee smelling thing around with me in my
pack?' Then I read the instructions and the idea of it seemed not so bad:
antibacterial, hydrophobic, etc. and I thought `OK, this might work when I'm
desperate'. The instructions were detailed, easy to read and straight forward
with visual aids so that I couldn't possibly get this wrong. I was advised to
practice first, like in the shower so that I don't have an oops! I did just
that and was promptly cleared for an actual field test.

I packed my Whiz Easy inside a plastic Ziploc bag and stuffed it in the side
compartment of my backpack where it tucked nicely out of the way. It proved to
be very flexible, I could roll it and squish it into my hand so no one could see
what I was holding and then it would pop back into its original shape.

My first trip was a ski-tour and I decided not to hold back on the pot of coffee
before heading out, I thought I may as well give it a good test run. I arrived
at the trailhead and already I had the urge to go, but instead of groaning and
dreading the endeavor, I whipped out my Whiz Easy and was very excited for my
first real test. The result was amazing, a little scary at first as I didn't
want to ruin a whole ski day with pee in my pants, but my first test proved
successful. It was simple to use, just unzip, pull my base layers out of the way
(a bit awkward, but easily doable), hold it in position and voila! A couple
flicks and washed with a bit of snow it was back in the Ziploc bag ready for the
next use. I used it several times that day while keeping my skis on and I felt
very confident in very little time. With the conditions being windy I made the
useful observation ahead of time not to face into the wind. I believe this was
the correct decision. With the conditions being cold I noted I was not able to
effectively manage the device with gloves or mitts on. This was not bothersome
as I was able to keep all my layers on and I didn't have to adjust my position
from that of skiing. After reusing it several times over the course of the day,
it stayed dry and odor free and didn't have the ICK factor I had associated with
it the first time I saw it.

Whiz Easy came in really handy on an Avalanche Course, when the rest of the
group was digging avalanche pits and there was no real sheltered area away from
them, I just walked away from the group to some trees, faced away and no
problem. This would have been a huge stressor of where to squat, but not with my
Whiz Easy. I've also used it during a Search and Rescue practice at night using
a headlamp. This was also very successful and saved me from accidentally
squatting over something sharp or prickly that I didn't see in the dark. With
the use of my headlamp, my hands were free and I was able to use it as if it
were daylight. I haven't consciously tried to aim Whiz Easy, when in position
gravity did all the work and it just seemed to land exactly where I was safe.

I have thrown Whiz Easy in the washing machine with the rest of my hiking
clothes on a warm/cold setting; the results seemed fresh and clean and saved me
from hand washing it wondering if I'm being thorough enough after a big trip. A
word of advice, don't leave it around the house – it makes men feel really
uncomfortable.

Summary

I have only raving reviews for this product, which has changed my level of
enjoyment in the backcountry to an all time high. I have no complaints as yet
and don't anticipate any. I am looking forward to testing it for other
activities like kayaking and rock climbing (I wouldn't need to take off my
harness), as well as festivals with portable toilets and travelling abroad with
pit-toilets, airplane, train and bus toilets.

Likes

Hygienic, self-cleaning
Discreet and portable
Easy to use
Easy to wash

Dislikes

Nothing