Prepared to Go: Your Everyday Carry for Public Restroom Survival

I can still remember the last time I attended an outdoor festival. Nature called—and there they were: a long row of Port-A-Potties. Can you say disgusting?

It was hot, humid (thank you, Florida), and I waltzed into a filthy plastic box to do my business. Honestly, if modesty hadn’t held me back, going behind a tree might’ve been the cleaner option.

That was the day I promised myself: never again without a sanitation kit.

You never know when you’ll run into a restroom that’s out of toilet paper, has no soap, or looks like it hasn’t been cleaned since 2019. Whether it’s a gas station, rest area, or festival port-a-potty, having a few basic supplies on hand can make all the difference.

The Realities of Public Restrooms

Whether you’re at a festival, rest stop, or grocery store, public restrooms are hit or miss—and usually more miss than anything else.

Some are clean and stocked, but many are out of soap, low on toilet paper, or downright nasty. And when it’s hot and humid, like it often is here in Florida, a dirty bathroom feels ten times worse.

That’s why it makes sense to be ready. You don’t need to carry a whole cleaning kit—just a few lightweight items that make public restroom stops feel less stressful and a lot more sanitary.

Pre-Made Kits Exist for a Reason

You can buy a ready-made public restroom kit online, and some of them are pretty good.  They're compact, convenient, and often cheaper than if you bought every item yourself in small quantities. 

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The Potty Pack Portable Travel Bathroom Pack is perfect for throwing in your purse, backpack, or glove box. It includes everything you need for a single bathroom emergency:  4 feet of 2-ply toilet paper, a disposable toilet seat cover, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.  

The Restroom Kit (12-Pack) is a great choice for a multi-pack you can stash in different places (your car, luggage, emergency bag), Each kit includes:  a  patented oversized toilet seat cover, 3-ply toilet paper, a personal body wipe and a hand wipe.  

Want to Build Your Own Sanitation Kit? Here's How.

Personally, I prefer to make my own kits. I like knowing exactly what's in them, and I can easily restock what I need without buying a whole new set.

With the exception of toilet seat covers, all the items listed below can usually be found at Dollar Tree for $1.25 each. These types of supplies also go on sale regularly at your local pharmacy or big box store—just keep an eye out and stock up when prices are low.

You can pack your kit in a small waterproof pouch, a cosmetic bag, or—my go-to—a simple zip-top baggies. They're cheap, compact, and easy to toss in your purse, backpack, or car.

DIY Sanitation Kit Essentials

Here’s what I recommend including in each kit:

• Hand Sanitizer – A small bottle with at least 60% alcohol. For when there’s no soap around.

• Disinfectant Wipes – Individually wrapped wipes or a small pack. Use to clean surfaces like toilet seats, handles, and sinks.

• Flushable Wipes – Great for feeling clean and fresh. Look for unscented and septic-safe versions.

• Toilet Paper or Tissues – A few folded squares of toilet paper in a zip bag or a small travel tissue pack. The pre-packaged kits usually include 3 to 4 feet of toilet paper—but honestly, folded TP doesn’t take up much space at all. Put in as much as you think you’ll need. You’ll be glad it’s there when the stall is empty (or when that single-ply stuff just isn’t cutting it).

• Toilet Seat Covers – Harder to find in stores, but you can buy a bulk pack online and add one to each kit.  This kit has 30 individually wrapped liners for a great price!  Optional but nice to have.

• Soap Sheets or Travel Bar Soap – These dissolve in water and let you wash your hands properly when there's no soap in the restroom.

• Small Trash Bag or Dog Waste Bag – For used wipes, tissues, or other small messes when the trash can is full—or nonexistent.

Final Thoughts: Be Ready When Nature Calls

Let’s be honest—public restrooms aren’t going to get any cleaner. But with a little preparation, you don’t have to dread using them. Whether you choose a pre-made hygiene kit or put together your own with a few affordable supplies, having a sanitation kit on hand makes a world of difference.

It's one of those small habits that pays off big—keeping you clean, comfortable, and in control no matter where you are. So tuck a kit in your bag, car, or travel pouch today. Future you will be so grateful the next time you’re staring down a grimy stall with no soap in sight.

Stay safe. Stay prepared. And don’t let a bad bathroom catch you off guard again.

Bonus Content

Each post, I’ll include links to other articles I’ve written that relate to this topic (if available), so you can explore more helpful tips and ideas. You’ll also find affiliate links for Amazon supplies as well as supplies we sell in our Sunshine Preppers store.  

Sunshine Preppers participates in several affiliate marketing programs. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the maintenance of the blog and allow us to continue creating content for our readers.

To make your prepping journey even more rewarding, I’ll share a freebie each post, whether it’s a printable guide, checklist, or another resource to keep you inspired.

Finally, I’ll list the resources I used to create this blog for those who want to dig deeper.

Other Articles I've Written

• Stealth Prepping:  The Art of Being a Gray Woman
• Your Essential Guide to EDC for Women:  Getting Started

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