TravelJohn Disposable Urinal Bags – Road Trip Essentials for Men, Women & Kids – Odorless Leakproof Portable Urine Bags – Ideal for Camping, Emergencies & Long Car Rides (TJ1A-C)

I was introduced to these when I started my mobile dog grooming business. At first I resisted using them, but once I was desperate and tried one. I was hooked. I am a woman. They are so easy to use. And the absorbent material in the bag works fantastically. No sloshing at all. I have found them to be very useful away from mobile grooming. I keep them in our car glove compartment for me and my husband. They came in handy, like one time when I was stuck on the freeway in traffic that wasn't moving at all. You just never know when you are going to need one. I gave one to a friend at a ladies birthday party. It was a joke gift, but not really. Everyone got a good laugh, and it's been talked about frequently since them. I told everyone how useful they are. They all had their own stories of needing something like this, so for Christmas, everyone got a bag! Big Hit!! and kind of hilarious.

TL;DR - awesome product for bathroom emergencies on the road, at a concert venue, any place you'd need an emergency loo. Simply throw the bag away when you're done with it. Don't worry about overflowing. It will absorb several normal sized bladder volumes. Also, no odor. The main mechanism of this product is Sodium Polyacrylate (AKA "waterlock") in a polypropylene "spun" pouch, which is then inside a plastic bag. Sodium Polyacrylate absorbs somewhere between 300 - 800 times its weight in liquid, depending on the sodium content of the liquid. When you pee into the container, the urine is absorbed and "locked" inside the sodium polyacrylate as a gel. Amazingly, there is no odor, and as long as you leave pouch inside the plastic bag, there is no mess or liquid leaking. The absorption occurs within about 15 seconds, and once it does, the urine is locked in that gel as a solid mass. Be aware that because you have body heat, the gel will be warm for a while after use. That might be a gross out for some people, but hey, bodily fluids. I measured it, and there's 19 grams of SPA in the pouch, and while the manufacturer says the maximum absorption volume is 800 ml (28 ounces), I did an experiment and put the SPA in a ball jar and it was able to absorb a whopping 2000 ml (approx 64 ounces). I'm certain it would absorb more if I had a larger jar. SPA is non toxic (it's a common additive in foods and cosmetics as a thickener.) Cool stuff!

After reading a lot of reviews, I was kind of amazed how many women said they use them in the car. Let me say that if you've got some, ah, junk in the trunk (and I don't mean the car's trunk), you probably would not want to attempt to use this while sitting in the car, unless you're pulled over and can get your hips well off the seat. Some women have mentioned maneuvering (ie kneeling on the seat), and if that's possible, ok, try it. (I personally wouldn't; would just get out of the car so the bag will hang properly to do your thing.) That being said: once you figure out how to use it (practice in the shower. Can't suggest that enough!), it's a handy thing to keep in your bag or car for emergencies. It's also useful if you're like me and find airplane bathrooms too teeny to much move around in, and you worry you might pee on your pants while attempting to use the toilet. (Airlines really need to make bathrooms more humane, like they used to, but in the meantime, the Travel John helps, especially if you don't want to wear an adult diaper!) Most importantly, the bag really soaks up and holds on to fluid. I drive Uber and bought some modern barf bags, but those bags had nothing to prevent backsplash. Having the liner which turns into gel means that these bags can double in an emergency as barf bags, with minimal chance of backsplash.

Just got mine yesterday and tried out today at home. It works! Maybe gross...but I tried to test if it’s multi-use as I trek in mountains a lot and sleep in tents. First time, it turned into gel quickly. Second time, I had to wait for a while (seemed forever) before it solidified (not even that solid). Just don’t go beyond max amount which is marked on the bag. You can’t seal the bag which I don’t like. If I have to use this after this trial, l’ll have to bring another plastic bag to put the used one there, especially if there’s no trash can that’s readily available. That’s more hassle. It’s also expensive; however, I haven’t tried another brand. I don’t mind paying for quality.

We discovered the Travel John's a few years ago and now we don't ever travel without them! We typically purchase 2 packs of 20, which will get 2 adults and 3 kids from the Midwest to the coast and back. We also make sure to keep at least 3 in both cars for every day use in case of emergencies while doing errands or commutes. It is truly amazing how many opportunities will present themselves when you know you have them in the glove compartment. When driving, bathroom runs are SO MUCH faster when the kiddos don't have to exit the car at the gas station (and walk through all the chip and candy aisles). Just remember to keep some Wet Ones and a roll of tp close by so everything can go in the trash with the Travel John while the gas tank is filling up. The basic mechanics break down to a funnel with a baggie attachment. The funnel fits over the frontal nether region (works for both boys and girls from child to adult). The baggie is filled with that powdery stuff they use in diapers. When you deposit fluids, the powder expands, turning to gel in about half a minute. The baggies can be used 2 or 3 times before it reaches capacity. They are perfect for day trips to the zoo, beach, botanic garden, playground, amusement park, museum--basically anywhere you have to run halfway around the world and back to get to a bathroom just to wait in a painfully long line of ppl who, like your kid, are on the verge of breaching their respective reserves. And if you are as blessed as we are with an especially sensitive kiddo who absolutely hates the surprisingly sonorous whoosh of automatic flushing toilets, then you will appreciate the relief it brings your child to know that thoughts of being spontaneously flushed down the toilet are finally and forever dispelled. I do not exaggerate when I say you need these in your life--it will make trips with the family--dare I say--enjoyable;-P

Holy smokes, there are not enough good things to say about these fantastic contraptions. For the first time in my life I peed standing up. I was in heaven. I am back home from a trip where I used these for the first time and couldn't wait to write my review. There I was out on a hike in a national park. I had to go. Time to find a private space in the woods. Found a secluded tree, got this baby out, pressed it up against me and did my business. WOW!!! No spillage, no problems, no nothing but pee in a bag. Gelled instantly. I was initially worried that the cup was too narrow and wouldn't fully cover, but it was perfectly sized. I got two uses out of one bag. Maybe it could have held more but I only had to go twice so I didn't check to see how full it was. Although, I probably would have used a fresh one if I had to go a third time so as to not worry about any possible overflow. I brought a ziploc bag to put this in after use as well as for my used toilet paper and wipes. Kept everything clean and tidy in my backpack. No urine smell at all. Once I was back to civilization, I simply tossed the ziploc into the trash. Done. I will never be without one of these in my purse EVER again. I would rather use a TravelJohn than squatting over some foul toilet in a public restroom. I am hooked on these and will be buying more so I can always have plenty on hand for whenever, wherever.

Ok mechanically, this thing is brilliant. It absolutely absorbs the liquid and it does not spill out once it's in. The "opening," is shaped with the ladies in mind. Perhaps in the mind of a guy, but still. I mean it's not just a circular opening, but more of a contoured oval shape. My wife had a hard time picturing how to use it, and she forgot to practice in the shower before the trip. Once we were on the trip, she was afraid to try it out and have it not work, or not capture everything, or whatever. I was nervous myself the first time, because even though it has a 28 ounce capacity, more than a human bladder could likely hold, I was worried that I would overflow it and spill all over, but it never happened. The first night, I got out of the sleeping bag, stood up in the tent, put everything in position and let fly. By the end of the trip, I was barely kneeling in the sleeping bag to use it. It worked great every time, no spills and I never had to go out in the cold in the middle of the night. For convenience: I took these out of the box at home. Then I took each one and put it into a Ziploc bag. While camping, every time I used one, once I was done, I would seal it back in the Ziploc bag. No fuss, no muss, no unfortunate aromas. I really like these, and I have a feeling that the worse the weather is, the more I would like them. It's a luxury item for sure, but some luxuries are worth it. Ladies, give this a try, and make sure you practice at home first. I'd feel bad for you to have to walk off by yourself behind some rock in the middle of the night just cause you couldn't figure this out while I sleep nice and comfy in my sleeping bag. I would sleep like a baby, but I would feel bad the next morning when you told me about it. Well, I'd at least pretend to feel bad, while quite possibly smirking on the inside.

This really is an outstanding product and easy to rate at 5 stars. Use this device as a portable urinal for potty breaks when a toilet is not available, sitting or standing, for men, women, or children. Sanitary, leakproof, and completely disposable. Use for disaster preparedness at home, car trips, camping, backpacking, sporting events, on the boat, days at the beach... anywhere. Though purposely meant for urine, this also makes for a perfect airsick/seasick/carsick bag. Small, light, packabe, relatively inexpensive, and discreet, these are super handy to have in your glovebox, camp kit, or otherwise nearby. Here are the main points of my review based on my family's use: * Convenient - Ever been on a road trip miles from nowhere when the tiny, urgent voice in the back seat says "Daddy, I have to go pee pee?" Funnily, my daughter only mentions this when she's got about 30 seconds of restraint left. Well, this product is a lifesaver for that particular situation. If ever you or a loved one has had to go - RIGHT NOW - this is the product you want in your glovebox, kit, or purse. What it is: Basically a sturdy, slender leakproof plastic bag containing a super-absorbent gel that instantly soaks up, retains, and neutralizes liquid. It holds a respectable 28 ounces, which ought to be enough to give most anyone relief. * Unisex - An excellent and smart feature is an anatomically-shaped piece at the top of the bag that allows ladies and girls to use this while standing. My wife has attested that this feature is huge in the convenience department, and my daughter mostly just got a kick out of the novelty of it. As both have reported, the device works well and keeps the liquid from going where it is not wanted. For men and boys, it's used the usual way: while standing. * Versatile - So long as you have the barest modicum of privacy (in the shade of an open car door, tree, bush, etc.) you can use this anywhere. Is the nearest bathroom 40 miles away? No problem. Are you in an area that doesn't permit cat holes? (eg: ecologically sensitive areas in the backcountry) No problem. Is the only toilet accessible to you such a nightmare that you don't even want to go near the thing? No problem. This device is a sure kidney-saver when you really have to go, but just can't wait to get to the nearest (acceptable) toilet. As mentioned, this also works as an excellent motion sickness bag. * Sanitary and responsible - I regret to admit there have been times in my life that I've gone places I shouldn't have, because I didn't have an option. This device gives you the option so you can be responsible about taking the call of nature. It allows you not to create a mess, as the bag holds everything you pour into it. (up to 28 ounces) It allows you to not leave your puddle where it oughtn't be; this is especially important in the back country as so many streams are fouled by increasing numbers of hikers and backpackers relieving themselves near or (God forbid) in the water. When you are done using this device, just take it with you until the nearest trash can and toss it in. That's it! * Disaster preparedness - I live in earthquake country and it is a very real concern and possibility that we'll lose water (and therefore the toilet) in the event of a major earthquake. These disposable urinals are part of my emergency kit so we can keep things sanitary for days or weeks if need be. After all, sanitation would go downhill fast if we had to make do for a week without proper facilities. (I prefer Wag Bags for non-liquid sanitary events) * Value - How much is convenience worth when you really, truly have to go... Right Now? I think that for just under two bucks each, these represent fair value. Naturally, I'd love it if they were cheaper... but I've got significant peace of mind knowing that former road trip/camping call of nature emergencies are easily handled with these, and that I can take care of them in a sanitary, responsible way. For those who also want to prepare for the less common but just as critical non-liquid call of nature emergencies, I recommend Wag Bags, which I find excellent. For the liquid variety, these TravelJohn disposable urinals are outstanding. They work well and they are sanitary and responsible. They are super for women and girls, as they provide a dignified, standing option. Highly recommended for anyone who camps, backpacks in sensitive areas, goes on long road trips, has a boat, or may ever find themselves a little too far away from a useable toilet. Great product!