As an ardent lover of the great outdoors, I have come to appreciate the importance of treading lightly upon the earth. My Kula Cloth has become one of my most cherished pieces of gear, enabling me to embark on a journey where both my mind and the environment find peace together.
For those who don’t know what a Kula Cloth is, let me explain: It is a reusable and antimicrobial wiping cloth for those who squat when they pee. It promotes hygiene, cleanliness and ecological responsibility.
There’s a black, absorbent, antimicrobial wiping side, and a waterproof side that features art, cute patterns, or even funny reminders like 'don’t eat the yellow snow.'
A Kula Cloth is easily folded up so the wiping side is hidden. It also clips to my pack, allowing easy access whenever I need it. There’s also reflective thread on it, so that if nature calls at night, I can easily find my Kula with my headlamp.
As for where it can be used? It comes in handy anywhere.
In addition to backpacking and day hiking, I’ve used my Kula Cloth on the side of the highway, trying to hide my bare backside from oncoming traffic. I’ve used it near a paved trail, as I was taking part in a search for a missing person. And remember when the whole country ran out of toilet paper? It came in pretty handy then, too.
The Kula Cloth not only serves as a practical tool but also acts as a symbol that unites like-minded individuals. There is the briefest moment when two Kula Cloth carriers recognize each other on trail — sometimes it's a simple nod or first-bump, sometimes there's a giggle and a high five.
The word Kula is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘Community’. It denotes a sense of inclusion and belonging. It is through our shared appreciation for sustainable practices and a love for the outdoors that our vibrant community emerges. The Kula Cloth community fosters a sense of connection that transcends physical boundaries.
With each adventure, my Kula Cloth has become a steadfast reminder of the delicate dance between nature and humanity, and the vibrant community that arises when we collectively strive to Leave No Trace (LNT).
Kula Cloth gracefully intertwines the beauty of sustainability into my wilderness excursions. I am no longer forced to rely on disposable products that contribute to the mounting waste, destined to be buried in landfills or — worse, when LNT isn’t respected and practiced — scattered across our natural landscapes.
The magnitude of waste that plagues our planet is staggering, with landfills growing larger each day. It is a sobering realization that the convenience we once sought in single-use products has come at the cost of our environment's health.
By embracing alternatives like the Kula Cloth, which is reusable and thoughtfully designed for minimal environmental impact, I actively participate in reducing the waste that burdens our planet. With each use, I strive to break the cycle of disposability and urge my peers to honor our planet’s delicate balance.
Beyond their sustainable nature, Kula Cloths support real-life artists, like Zoë Rayor, the creator behind Cool Cool Nice Nice, an outdoor art company, and Holly Murray, an artist from West Texas whose work is often inspired by nature. The GGG exclusive Kula pictured below was designed by Alina 'Abstract' Drufovka.
My personal pee-cloths showcase the types of adventures I dream of, featuring gorgeous mountain sunsets and colorful representations of the star-strewn cosmos.
Kula Cloth and the people who use them possess a unique strength, embodying the resilience and tenacity reminiscent of nature itself. With this small, stylish piece of fabric in hand, we forge a deep connection with the wilderness, and each other.
Ace Curtis is a plus-sized outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys hiking in Northern California and taking photos of many tree-covered hillsides. She was born and raised in Mt Shasta, CA at the base of a 14,163’ mountain. She is currently working with her husband on creating an off-grid lifestyle on 2.5 acres just a few miles from where she started life, 36 years ago.
