During my initial recovery, I suffered nocturia as well. Now I average 2 a night. As for the local long trips, I try not to drink coffee or caffeine and also limit my liquid intake prior to the trip. Limiting evening liquid intake also help with the nocturia. Otherwise, I suffer holding it in and I'm forced to find a Home Depot, etc. I've driven on 6 hour trips and I make planned stops at least every 1-1/2 hours to empty my bladder. As far as pads or depends, you have to base it on the level of your UI. I stayed on depends until I had a level of control and small volume, so when I accidentally pee'd it would not get the underwear wet. For light trickles or drops then I moved to pads. You can also experiment at home to see if a pad is sufficient to hold your volume and you can also gain confidence in using pads. Good thing with pads is they our way easier to change than the depends. Good luck and I hope I was able to answer your questions.

Sorry, I sent a reply earlier. It does not appear that you received it. The use of depends pull ups, pads or shield will be base on your level of UI. It varies for everyone. Initially control is a problem and when you go it is a lot, so depends pull ups is more suitable. As your control improves and the amount of leakage is less then the pads are more optimal as they are easier to change. I based my move to pads on whether the pad will absorb leakage and not have you walking with wet underwear especially if you are away from your house. You will have to experiment with a pad at home and see if it will work. If it does, then carry extra pads when you go out. I'm down to a pad a day and still go at night about 2-3 times. Cutting down on caffeine and liquids before long drives helps as well as mapping out rest areas, etc for long trips. Cutting down on liquids at night also helps decrease the number of times you have to go. Good luck and I'm understanding that this process can't be rushed. Kegels continue to help too.