subject: the 'pocket toilet' goes on sale for festivals and family holidays [print this page] The idea of being caught short is mortifying to most people.
The lay-bys of Britain are littered with children weeing behind a bush, while many festivals are reduced to smelly bogs by desperate people who cannot find a Portaloo.
However, a pocket toilet claims to offer a solution without any embarrassment.
Car accessories and leisure retailer Halfords has seen a massive boost in demand for this latest convenience product - even as a Christmas present.
The 3.99 accessory from Ardern Healthcare has become a must-have for festival goers and those going away at holiday time who risk logjam traffic conditions.
The trend came to light when Halfords analysed trading data and noticed large peaks with sales increasing by more than 50 per cent during the summer months, with particular spikes during the music festivals weekends such as Glastonbury, The Big Chill and T in the Park.
The product also looks set to be one of the more unusual Christmas presents with last December sales increasing by more than 250 per cent.
The pocket toilet is said to be very discreet and easily fits into a glove compartment.
It consists of a pad which is in a small plastic bag. The user wees into the bag where the pad captures the liquid and turns it into a gel in a matter of seconds.
Relief: Festivalgoers could be saved from disgusting toilets and mammoth queues
The makers boast that it ensures no leaks, smells, or mess, is super absorbent and ideal for all males aged 3 - 103. However, it might also be useful to women.
A Halfords spokesman said: 'We want to help our customers stay on the move and enjoy their journeys.
This very effective product is great for staycationing and festival-going which involves some longer journeys with no guarantee where the next place to stop will be.
'We believe Christmas demand is due to people stocking up for round trips across the country to see relatives and loved ones - we dont believe they are being bought as presents.
