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GOGIRL
FEMALE URINARY DEVICE
Tester
Information:
Name: Pam Wyant
Age: 52
Gender: Female
Height: 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
Weight: 170 lb (77 kg)
E-mail
address: pamwyant(at)yahoo(dot)com
Location: Western West Virginia, U.S.A.
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Backpacking Background:
I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including backpacking,
day-hiking, car camping, and canoeing. Most of my excursions
are confined to weekends, although I try to fit in at least one
longer backpacking trip each year, and have started section
hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT), accruing a little over 300 mi
(483 km) so far. My style varies with the activity, but since
becoming a lightweight backpacker, I've noticed I tend to pack
somewhat minimally even on trips where I have more space.
Still, I don't like to sacrifice warmth, comfort, or safety.
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Initial Report - October 14, 2009
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Product Information:
Manufacturer: GoGirl
Year of manufacture: 2009
Advertised
Weight: n/a
Measured Weight: 44 g (1.55 oz) as packaged
30 g (1.06 oz) device only
12 g (0.42 oz) packing tube
2 g (.07) plastic storage bag
2 g (.07) provided toilet tissue
Approx. length: 6.5" (16.5 cm)
Approx. width: 2.25" (6 cm)
Approx. depth: 5" (12.5 cm)
MSRP: $6.99 US
Website: www.go-girl.com
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Product
Description:
 The
GoGirl is a female urinary device designed to make it easy for
women to urinate while standing up. It is funnel-like in
appearance, with a curved shape at the top to fit snugly against
the body in the appropriate area, and a small rectangular opening in
the narrow end to direct the urine away from the body. It is made
from medical-grade silicone, which is very pliable and soft when
pressed, yet holds its shape well. GoGirl calls the color
'lavender', but it is more of a rose color to me. The device has
raised words printed on it that include the GoGirl name on one side,
"Do Not Flush" on the other side. It also has the word 'up'
printed on both sides on the shorter curved edge, which is a good
reminder on which way to position the device when using it.
The device fits into a small plastic tube with a slide-in end cap,
which was sealed when it arrived. The GoGirl was wrapped in a
small piece of toilet tissue and had a plastic storage bag wrapped
around it and held in place with a sticker seal. An instructional
pamphlet and a letter with additional tips on using the GoGirl were
shipped with the GoGirl. Information on the benefits of the
GoGirl and how to use it is also available on the manufacturer
website. The GoGirl is very much as I expected it would be after
pre-viewing the website before the item shipped.
Preliminary
Impressions:
When I
opened the shipping envelope containing the GoGirl, I was pretty
surprised by how small the carry tube was. Once I broke the seal
and removed the cap I noted how neatly (and tightly) it was
packaged. The thought went through my mind "if I take this out of
the tube, I bet I never get it back in". I decided to remove it
very carefully so I could see how it was folded up to get it in the
small tube. It was easy to pull the GoGirl out, as the plastic
baggie was folded and neatly wrapped around it with a sticker seal
holding it closed. So far, so good. Once I removed the
seal, the GoGirl sprang to life, so to speak, and very quickly popped
out into shape. There was no way I could observe how it was
packed, so I was a little concerned about getting it re-folded and in
the tube again.
After inspecting it and reading the directions, I naturally had to give
it a try. It was nice and dark out, and I live out in the country
with no close neighbors, so I decided I would try it outside. I
debated on whether to remove my pants entirely before trying it, but
decided I would give it a 'go' by just dropping them a bit. The
directions show very well how to position the device, and while
initially a little awkward, the fit is pretty intuitive if it is held
properly. I was a little nervous, but I really had to 'go', so I
just relaxed and let nature take over. Apparently I was holding
the device just a little too loosely, as I lost a few drops of urine
out of the top part of the funnel, but when I pressed it a little more
firmly in place, there was no more leaking. It was a really weird
feeling not to be squatting, but the GoGirl worked very well to direct
everything away from my clothing, body, and most importantly, my shoes.
After rinsing it well, I let it dry overnight, and was happy to find I
could easily roll it, wrap the plastic bag around it, and re-insert it
in the tube the next morning. I like how small the package is -
it easily fit into a small cosmetic case of odds and ends that I carry
in my purse, so I will be able to discreetly take it with me anywhere I
carry a purse, fanny pack, or backpack.
After the first trial, I next tried the GoGirl indoors. Happily,
I was able to seal it properly to start with, and had great results
aiming in the right spot. I didn't even dribble at the beginning
or end. Which makes me wonder, why can't guys do the same?
One of life's great mysteries I guess.
I again rinsed the GoGirl, and was able to wipe most of the few
remaining drops of water out with a single facial tissue. Only a
few small drops remained in the narrow end. Although GoGirl
recommends cleaning the device with soap and water (or washing it in
the dishwasher!), that isn't very practical on the trail and would be a
little weird in a public restroom. I think wiping it out
when I am public places or on the trail, and washing it with soap and
water in camp or at home will be the most practical way to keep it
clean.
As I anticipate testing this device over the next couple of months, one
thought that comes to mind is when using it in a public restroom, I
will be facing the 'wrong' direction in ladies rooms. I wonder if
this will create a reaction from other ladies that might be in adjacent
stalls. I guess time (and use) will tell.
Summary:
The GoGirl is a neat and discreet product that I hope will allow me a
little more privacy when I find myself needing a potty break on the
trail, and will definitely be a little more sanitary when using a
public restroom. I am impressed with how light it is, how small
it packs, and how well it works.
Things I
like:
Very light
Packs small
Easy to use
Hopefully will solve the problem of how to pee discretely along the
side of the trail.
Things of concern:
Making sure I position it properly and keep it sealed against me when
in use!
(Although this does seem to be going well so far)
More to come:
This concludes my Initial Report. Please check back in mid
December for field testing results.
Thanks to GoGirl and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity
to
test the GoGirl female urinary device.
Read more reviews of FemMed Inc. gear
Read more gear reviews by Pamela Wyant
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