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Whereas some people can survive the dirt and the sweats for the few days outdoors, not all people can. If you are one of those who can't (we're together in that), you will agree with me that an outdoor camping shower is indispensable. Here's a list of the best portable showers you can tag along your camping trips to make them more memorable.
Let's dive into the details of each of these portable showers to find out why they are the ultimate choice for camping and outdoor activities:
Kicking it up a notch, the Hike Crew propane water heater and shower unit is the perfect appliance for when you need your water heated. Whether it’s for that end-of-day relaxing shower or just hot water for your campsite chores, the Hike Crew unit is up to the challenge.
Aside from the pump and heater integrations, it also has a couple of other features that deservedly earned it its place in our list.
All bundled up in an easy-to-carry bag, this boxy portable shower has a 12V pump and propane water heating set.
The pump can be powered using your car battery or off of a battery pack and thanks to the included AC/DC and 12V adapters, connections couldn’t be easier. The heating unit is housed inside the rugged encasing but the gas regulator and connection are situated outside for quick operations.
The unit can heat water up to temperatures of about 125°F (52°C), after which the water heater automatically shuts off. Getting things done is as simple as pressing a button; everything is suitably plugged in including the propane tank, water inlet pipe, and shower hose/head.
This shower set weighs about 13.2 pounds and measures roughly 9.65 inches long and 12.2 inches wide. While the whole unit does stand about 11.8 inches high, the given-up storage space and bulkiness is recouped by the product’s heating efficiency and ease of use.
A small propane tank, a compatible power source and a container with water are all you need to get started with this portable heater and shower. The power source could be an RV outlet, a generator, a car lighter, or a power pack.
Aside from the automatic shut-off system, the Hike Crew unit is also equipped with a couple more subtle but effective safety features.
The stylish LCD helps you to precisely monitor water temperature changes, ignition status, and safety cutouts. To further regulate the temperature, there are included low/high heat and faucet flow knobs.
Plus, the gas regulator links together the propane tank with the gas inlet for safe and quick usage. If the water flow is cut off or compromised in whatever way, it has a built-in water flow sensor that extinguishes the burner.
Whether you need hot water for dishes or other chores around the campsite or you need to take a hot shower, the Hike Crew should be your go-to buddy. The showerhead attachment attaches to the faucet outlet for variations between a handheld showerhead and a spigot.
Not to forget, the unit has 3 unique spray patterns for you to choose from.
Additionally, the Hike Crew has a water flow rate of about 2.2 liters per minute and power consumption of about 7.7kWh per hour. These numbers are not only promising on paper but are bound to accomplish that home-in-the-wild camping experience.
This shower is definitely not for backpackers or other ultralight campers. However, if you love camping in campgrounds without many amenities or hot showers, this unit is worthy of your consideration. The Hike Crew portable shower and water heater is meant for small families or parties of less than 5.
When it comes to instant hot showers, the Hike Crew delivers – you might even find yourself turning down the heat constantly.
The Nemo Helio Pressure Shower System features 11-liter water tank, a flexible hose, a spray head and other salient features that make your bathing more comfortable and safe. Without having to struggle, these features make the system the ultimate solution to your outdoor bathing need. It is simple but features a sleek and presentable design that you will feel happy to own.
This is a hassle-free portable camping shower. While most camping showers will require you to keep holding the shower head or spray over your head as you take your bath, the Helio has a hanging mechanism hence leaves both your hands free to do the rubbing, scrubbing and rinsing for a super clean bath. It is therefore an ideal shower system for people who would feel too tired to multitask but still need a clean bath or those people who are obsessed about cleanliness.
Some of its key features include:
Most people do not feel so confident with electronics. In fact, some people feel scared even with the most basic electrical arrangements like rechargeable batteries, a standard cigarette light charger or basic fuels. This system saves you the fear but still performs incredibly!
Apart from the fact that this gear has no complicated machinery or electronic mechanism, the Helio system also has a safety strap just over the fill opening. This ensures that there is no chance that your tank will accidentally open during operation.
Since the system does not have complicated electrical mechanism, it is easy to operate. You have the privilege of controlling the pressure using the foot pump as both hands are left free to give you a well-deserved bath after a long day adventure. The long hose also flexes easily and will neither wear out nor kink easily even after long-term use.
Do you need a camping shower that will leave your hands absolutely free to do the scrubbing and washing just like you do at home? The Nemo Helio Portable Shower is your ideal choice because that is what it provides. Moreover, with just a little muscle and time, use the foot pump to deliver consistent pressure as you enjoy your bath. In many ways, the Nemo Helio Pressure System is certainly the best gear for men and women who love to backpack.
Right off the bat, you will notice that this is a hand-pump-powered portable sprayer suitable for roadside washdowns and quick rinses. However, we wanted to stretch it to the limits to find out how well it could live up to its label as a camping shower.
With a diameter of 9.1 inches and a height of 17.2 inches, the Flow Pro Shower from Reliance Outdoors is a wieldy piece of an outdoor accessory. It weighs about 3.8 pounds and could easily grant you a 5-minute shower with the showerhead running continuously. But, given its simple design, you will quickly notice that its pressure holding capacity might not guarantee a continuous flow for the entire five minutes.
Consisting of a two-gallon container and a six-foot hose with an attached trigger-action showerhead, the Flow Pro shower is as simple as a pressure shower can get. It’s only made sophisticated by the encasing neoprene sleeve which sports a side mesh pouch and an integrated shoulder strap.
Removable and washable, the neoprene sleeve will boldly stand against the harshness of the rugged outdoors while the mesh storage pouch will come in handy for holding the showerhead and toiletries.
Perhaps its most noticeable saving grace, hauling this unit is child’s play thanks to its compact size and the included shoulder strap.
And when it comes to usability, it couldn’t get easier:
Fill the vessel with water, use the hand pump to build pressure inside the container, and then use the trigger-style sprayer to enjoy the shower. The manufacturer recommends 20 pumps for a continuous flow of water at a decent pressure, a claim which we couldn’t entirely verify.
To prevent accidental sprays, be sure to release the pressure when the shower is not in use. You will appreciate the pressure release valve for this purpose.
While we all welcome the simple design, it comes with several downsides to contend with. A lack of heating, a manual pumping system, and poor water pressure are some of the disadvantages you will have to tolerate.
Still, the unit might be too manual for some people’s liking and you might have to keep repumping it after a few sprays.
Moreover, the Flow Pro does not heat water sufficiently when left out in the sun. If you really need to take a warm shower without considering other shower options on our list, then adding warm water to the container is your only option.
Further, the plastic bits and caps on the unit do not seem to hold up well in the ruggedness of the harsh outdoors. Over extended use of the Flow Pro, you might notice some cracking or scuffing here and there.
The Reliance Products Flow Pro Portable Shower is an inexpensive option for when you really need to take a shower while camping in the backcountry. It might not come with all the bells and whistles in more premium shower models, but it does the job.
And while it’s easy to use and moderately dependable, its durability and convenience take a hit because of its rather too simplistic design.
Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is a lightweight, gravity-fed shower unit meant for all types of camping. It beats using biodegradable wet wipes hands down and will be a sure hit amongst backpackers, bushwalkers, and ultralight campers.
The design of this Pocket Shower leaves out any pumping or heating systems in favor of a backcountry-friendly, zero-assembly shower unit.
With a capacity of about 10 liters (2.6 gallons), this unit holds water enough for a 7-minute shower. You can probably squeeze out two quick showers out of it if you don’t turn on the showerhead fully. Keep in mind that the shower is gravity-fed and thus must be hung for it to work.
Sure, the included 20-feet cord is a welcome feature but hoisting the water-filled shower sac can take a toll on some people. When filled with water, this unit weighs a whopping 22 pounds and the thin cord doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.
We fell in love with its easy-to-use twist showerhead that allows for an adjustable flow of water. Slightly contoured and with graduated apertures, the showerhead proffers equal spray dispersion. However, we noticed that it doesn’t provide a lot of pressure even when the switch is in a free-flowing configuration.
Sea to Summit managed to keep the Pocket Shower’s weight at just under five ounces, which might explain its crude yet surprisingly effective design. The shower kit packs down into a small, neat pouch measuring 3 inches wide and 6 inches long.
Longevity doesn’t seem to take a hit either, especially if we are to go by the shower’s durable components and well-executed build.
Its tank, made of 70-denier polyurethane-coated nylon fabric, boasts a hydrostatic rating of up to 10,000 millimeters. And it has fully taped seams.
Additionally, the roll-top closure system features a waterproof Hypalon strap with two bartack-reinforced Delrin D-rings and a buckle. The roll-top closure is made of universal components that can be easily replaced with aftermarket options if need be.
Using this Pocket Shower is easy. Fill up the bag, roll the top thrice and secure it with the buckle. Then, hang on a branch or any other elevated point using the included cord that is supposed to go through the D-rings.
We loved that the interior is white, making for better interior visibility and some okay levels of heat retention.
Speaking of which, the black fabric on the Pocket Shower makes it a passable option to use as a solar shower. However, its cylindrical shape is the biggest rate-limiting factor when it comes to heating up the water. We hope future models of the shower will feature a flatter shape to make it a proper solar shower.
If warming the water takes too long, then pouring in some warm water (not exceeding 140 degrees Fahrenheits) should help expedite the process.
Speaking of versatility, The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower may double up as a dry sack to haul your sleeping bag, clothes, or other items. However, make sure to use it inside a backpack to help prevent damaging the showerhead. Other uses for the unit include using it as a handwashing station or a washbag.
The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is a solid option to consider for cold and warm showers outdoors. The camping shower is sturdy, high-capacity, and versatile without any sacrifices to weight and portability. It is the ideal choice for ultralight camping, travel, and emergencies.
However, the Pocket Shower is steeply priced for a gravity-fed unit.
The Kedsum portable outdoor shower is a simple, easy to use and an attractive outdoor device for campers, hikers and backpackers. It is lightweight, stylish and designed to give you enjoyable showers after a long day of outdoor activities. It proffers a gentle and consistent stream that is neither too low nor too high in pressure hence a preference for many shoppers.
Since this system does not come with a container or reservoir, it is ideal for clients who do not have a lot of storage space in their backpacks or bags. Moreover, this stylish portable outdoor shower is very light hence easy to carry around.
It has these notable features:
Most people are usually skeptical about buying battery powered outdoor showers due to their charging mechanisms and the convenience of that when away from home. This should not be a problem here as the portable charger is so easy to charge and will run for well over 45 minutes with a single charge. Moreover, you can charge it using a USB cable in your car, laptop or power bank.
Basically, this system is a simple head pump and hose device. It can therefore be used by simply immersing the water pump in a bucket, river or lake and hanging or holding the shower head above your head to enjoy the steady stream. The system also comes with additional accessories to make your experience home-like. For example, it incorporates a built-in filtration system that ensures you have clean water from whatever source.
You can never go wrong with the Kedsum portable outdoor shower. The portable handheld shower is easy to use and convenient for quick fix cool showers especially in hot environments. This versatile system can also be used to wash pets hence a favorite for pet owners and camping enthusiasts alike. It scores highly on a number of key considerations hence the Editor’s best pick in this list of best portable camping showers review.
Equipped with a built-in 4800 mAh rechargeable battery, the Iron Hammer is a perfect handheld shower for those who like an enhanced car camping experience. It proffers the most desirable washing pressure due to its selection intelligence which allows you to select between its two water pressure options. The lower pressure is perfect for showering and the higher one best for washing your pet or even your car. If anything, Iron hammer is one of the most versatile camping showers.
Although generally built as a portable handheld shower, the subtle design of Iron Hammer is a unique one. Its materials have been carefully selected in a way that allows it to be lightweight but compact at the same time. Its many internal layers are craftily laid out in a scientific way to enable its in-built water filter to function in the most effective way. Quite frankly, the Iron Hammer has a design that is easily indisputable, hence its higher ratings than most other comparable portable showers.
The long hose incorporated into the Iron Hammer shower enables it to be extended for a reasonable distance. With 180cm long hose, it is one of those showers you can comfortably hold above your head without feeling like you are lifting the pump out of your water bucket.
One thing worth noting about the Iron Hammer is that it can be used with water of different temperatures, whether cold or warm. This makes it a perfect choice for either winter or summer camping. Perfect temperature ratings for it are between 5 and 50 Degrees Celsius.
The 4800 mAh battery is a stable one and will see you have your desirable length of shower.
The only likely situation is that you will run out of water before running out of charge if you use about 7 gallons of water to shower. With a pumping rate of about one gallon of water per minute, the submergible pump will give you about 7 minutes of shower without depleting the battery’s charge.
With the low-pressure selection, the pump takes about 2 hours for the charge to be depleted. The higher pressure selection takes about half this duration before depleting the charge.
We didn’t like the fact that the cover for the electrical recharge port looked a bit flimsy and likely to let in some droplets of water. You could blame my paranoia but every time I use it, I have to reinforce it with a tape to make sure that it is completely water-tight. We do hope that Iron Hammer will consider replacing the cover with a better one in their future designs.
Another feature that wasn’t quite impressive is the location of the on-off switch for the pump. Situated right on top of the submergible pump, the switch isn’t one of the easiest to reach out for when showering. Thus, instead of trying to turn the pump off while soaping up or scrubbing, our team found it wise to just let the handheld shower head drain back into the bucket. We hope to see a modification that allows the switch to be somewhere closer to the handle of the shower head in future designs.
If you are looking for a sturdy, versatile camping shower that can be used to wash both you and your pet, the Iron Hammer is the perfect choice for you. Its performance is way above that of many other portable showers in the market today.
The Ivation portable outdoor shower is a simple, easy-to-use and attractive outdoor shower for campers, hikers and backpackers. It is lightweight, stylish and designed to give you enjoyable showers after a long day in the wilderness. It proffers a gentle and consistent stream that is neither too low nor too high in pressure hence a preference for many shoppers.
Since this system does not come with a container or reservoir, it is ideal for clients who do not have a lot of storage space in their backpacks or bags. Moreover, this stylish portable outdoor shower is very light hence easy to carry around.
It has these notable features;
The Ivation portable outdoor shower works on a 2200 mAh rechargeable battery. The battery powers a basic water pump to provide a consistent shower stream for your bathing needs.
Most people are usually skeptical about buying battery-powered outdoor showers due to their charging mechanisms and the convenience of that when away from home. This should not be a problem here as the portable charger is so easy to charge and will run for well over 45 minutes with a single charge. Moreover, you can charge it using a USB cable in your car, laptop or power bank.
Basically, this system is a simple head, pump and hose combo. It can therefore be used by simply immersing the water pump in a bucket, river or lake and hanging/holding the shower head above your head to enjoy the steady stream. The system also comes with additional accessories to make your experience home-like. For example, it incorporates a built-in filtration system that ensures you have clean water from whatever source.
You cannot go wrong with the Ivation portable outdoor shower. This portable handheld shower is easy to use and convenient for quick fix cool showers especially in hot environments. This versatile system can also be used to wash pets hence a favorite for pet owners and camping enthusiasts alike. It scores highly in a number of key considerations hence one of the top picks in this list of the best portable camping showers review.
Experience unmatchable outdoor showers with the classic Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Solar Shower. It is easy to use, compact and durable. Advanced Elements team has set the bar much higher with this particular camping solar shower as they employ a heating technology that is certainly beyond reproach.
Who is this solar shower designed for? While the Advanced Elements Summer Solar Showers come in sizes of 2.5 gallons, 3 gallons and 5 gallons, the 5 gallon solar shower is its ultimate pick for a stress-free camping experience, while the others are ideal for use as a survival kit or bug out bag.
The advanced technology and workmanship of this portable shower ensures consistent water flow and long service. It involves a 4 ply construction that has the ability to withstand the harsh outdoor environments. More interestingly, this low-tech gear is all intact and has very minimal moving parts. The 4 layer bag does not produce any frills or bells. These features guarantee you a durable camping solar shower.
The world today is all about technology and the Advanced Elements Summer Solar Shower has impressively maximized the use of technology to ensure that the system is efficient and reliable.
Firstly, the travel solar shower has a reflector panel that hastens the generation of warm water. You do not have to wait for hours to enjoy a clean bath. Secondly, there is a second insulator panel that ensures that your water does not lose the heat so fast! Finally, the system has a temperature gauge which reliably indicates when your water is ready depending on your preferred choice.
You can never go wrong with the 2.5 Gallon Advanced Elements Summer Solar Shower. This easy-to-use camping shower is a sure, reliable and efficient way of enjoying warm showers when you are out camping, fishing or hunting. This is a product you will find absolutely useful.
Imagine recharging up your shower pump via a mobile charger, a laptop USB port, or a car’s USB output. Well, the RisePro camping shower allows that and so much more. It’s by far one of the most lightweight and compact camping shower units in the market today.
You can use it for your cold or hot showers without any hassles as long as the water temperatures are within the range of 50°F and 122°F (10°C to 50°C).
Powered by a rechargeable 2200mAH lithium battery, the RisePro portable shower has a water flow of about 2.5 liters per minute. A 10-liters bucket full of water will be equivalent to a 5-7 minutes shower time.
Furthermore, if the military showers are not your thing, the unit works for about sixty minutes when fully charged. It may take 2-5 hours to get the shower pump fully charged, depending on the charger. The shower hose is long – a whopping 71 inches long, enough to hang over you for a hands-free experience.
At less than two pounds, the RisePro portable shower unit offers a quick and easy way to get a quick shower in the midst of your day hikes and adventuring. It also comes with multiple accessories and features for maximum value.
Speaking of which, out of the box you get the pump, showerhead, a USB charging cable, a holder, a suction cup, and a long hose. The holder, suction cup and hook come in handy when hanging the unit somewhere or when attaching it to your car window or similar surfaces.
The whole bundle is compact, lightweight, and portable ensuring that you can take it anywhere with you. Backpackers may even consider trying it out especially with a collapsible water container.
A good concept, well-executed but with compromises on durability. So, don’t expect much from the RisePro portable shower as it is meant to be basic but functional. It will do for a quick shower, pet cleaning, and light car washing.
That said, it remains one of the most lightweight, compact yet functional portable camping showers to date.
The Coleman 5 Gallon PVC Solar Heated Water Camp Shower makes it to the top of our list of best portable solar camping shower kits. It is a simple system that costs a small fraction of what all the kits discussed here cost while still offers amazing comfort and convenience. As a matter of fact, this could be the most affordable camping shower kit out there.
It is easy to use and a good starting point for people who are pessimistic about buying a portable shower for outdoor use. With a favorable price, this is also an ideal camping gear for those working on very mean budgets.
Just like most solar heating camping showers are gaining popularity day by day, the Coleman 5 Gallon PVC Solar Heated Water Camp Shower has consistently gained popularity among camping enthusiasts here in the United States and in other parts of the world as well. This is mainly because while they are less costly and less demanding, they provide you with warm water just like you would have it in the confines of your home.
The system comes with a water reservoir that holds up to 5 gallons of water when full. You will agree with me that this is a great capacity that will accommodate at least a couple of refreshing clean baths. The container also has a strong handle which comes in handy when you need to hang or carry the bag. Finally, the kit gets more convenient with the on and off valve just next to the shower head.
The Coleman 5 Gallon PVC Solar Heated Water Camp Shower is a great choice for people who would want to try their hands on a good camping shower. It is affordable but is a lot more durable, convenient and easier to maintain than most other more expensive options. Make your outdoor expeditions more refreshing and fulfilling by investing in this little camping shower.
Unlike your bathroom back home, a camping shower is a small, compact unit that functions without the need for typical plumbing systems. It comes in handy when out in the boonies as you can easily hang and use it to clean yourself without any hassles.
Ideally, camping shower units are super lightweight and space-efficient.
Though heavily dependent on which type you go for, the workings of a normal camping shower system are very simplistic. The system features a showerhead, a water reservoir, a mechanism to flow out the water, and some way to heat the water.
The camping showers may use a foot pump, gravity, or electricity to push out the water through the showerhead and hose. Additionally, some of the common ways used to heat the water include leaving the water reservoir in the sun or by heating it with electricity, batteries, or preheating the water over gas stoves.
For multi-day hikes and campouts, a portable camping shower is an invaluable asset. It helps you wash off layers of dust and sweat after a long day’s hike. Generally, these units use less water, and some have solar-powered functionality making them more efficient and eco-friendlier than home showers.
In addition, camping showers can be used to wash dishes, hose down camping gear, or wash down your dog and other furry friends. They may even be used to rinse off hiking boots to prevent tracking mud inside your car or outdoor shelter.
As a result, your camping tent and the sleeping bag stay cleaner and serve you for longer. Plus, cleaning up your camping gear at home will be far much easier and less time-consuming.
Besides camping, you can find many uses for most types of camping shower systems at home. For instance, it may be suitable as part of a temporary washing station near the swimming pool area or in the backyard.
Like most products, always consult with the manufacturer’s care instructions to better understand how to use and maintain your portable camping shower.
Other than that, you want to always rinse and drain out any water from the unit after each use. Moreover, clean water is preferred for your portable shower unit as it reduces the risk of mold growth inside the hose and water reservoir.
Always ensure it air dries completely before storing it for the next camping season.
Lastly, be sure to inspect your system regularly for cracks or loose bits to prevent having to perform expensive repairs or replace it prematurely.
Grabbing a quick shower in between hikes can be a daunting task, let alone figuring out which portable shower is the most suitable for you. With the below information, we hope you will see through the flashy marketing and understand what really matters when it comes to picking the ideal camping shower unit.
As earlier mentioned, water is delivered through the showerhead with the help of three major ways including pump, gravity, or electricity. Electricity provides the closest experience to your home shower unit while the other methods are far more suitable for the outdoor lifestyle.
When it comes to camping showers, you mainly have two flow methods namely gravity-fed and pressurized units. Gravity-fed and manually pumped shower units tend to be more budget-friendly than electricity-powered options.
The flow method greatly influences how much water pressure to expect. However, other factors such as the hose length and design of the showerhead might help control the water pressure. Some camping showers might even include pressure gauges to help you easily alter the water output.
Camping showers with gravity-fed flow methods are well-liked for their ease of use, feathery weights, affordability, and portability. They work by simply hanging the water tank from a tree or high structure then leaving it all to gravity.
The water flows out with decent pressure at first when the tank is full. The water flow then transitions slowly into a trickle as the reservoir empties.
For manually pumped showers, water is forced out with the help of a hand or foot pump that’s connected to the water supply. These options offer slightly better pressure control than your typical gravity camping shower.
Manually pumped shower systems have a pressure chamber that can be activated using a hand pump beforehand or a foot pedal while taking a shower. That said, operating these types of camping showers can easily get monotonous and tiring.
Electric or battery-powered camping showers push the limits farther by providing more water pressure and cleaning ability. While some are limited to campgrounds with electrical outlets or EHUs, others can be operated off rechargeable batteries.
In general, you can expect these pressurized alternatives to be bulkier and heavier to haul than your basic gravity-fed portable shower.
Dermatologists recommend an optimal temperature of about 112 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for your hot showers. The warmer water is more effective at washing away dirt and providing a more rejuvenating bathing experience.
That is not to say that cold showers don’t have their place. After all, they can be quite cool and refreshing for warmer and sunnier camping seasons.
With that in mind, there are about three main methods you can use to heat water outdoors including solar, gas, and electricity. A slight variation to these heating methods includes car-fitted hot shower systems, which can be very helpful for overlanders and casual car campers.
Car-fitted shower systems are often heated using solar-powered rigging installed on the roof or a heat exchanger attached under the hood of the vehicle.
For electric and gas-powered camping showers, some nice to have features include temperature indicators and auto shut-off functions. Arguably, these features will help save power and help improve safety.
This is easily the most environmentally friendly option for heating your bath. It works simply by leaving the water tank in the sun to absorb heat. Most systems will have a detachable pumping mechanism and hose for a less cumbersome heating process.
Additionally, it is very common for solar camping showers to have gravity-fed flow methods. Further, the water reservoirs for these shower systems are built to absorb heat and withstand prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays.
The main downside of this form of heating is that it takes longer and requires a sunny, warm day to function. You also want to ensure the bag is placed in an area with maximum sun exposure. If you have a larger capacity water tank, then you can expect it to take longer to get heated.
In some cases, preheating the water over a camping stove then pouring it into the water tank can do the trick when the sun isn’t cooperating with you.
Electricity is perhaps the most effective option when you need a quick hot shower. Just plug your shower into an EHU, a car, or a generator outlet and you will be scrubbing away the day’s fatigue in no time.
The water will heat in minutes, and you are guaranteed consistent water pressure all through.
Electricity-heated camping showers are not the most convenient or portable options since you must have access to an electrical outlet. Plus, you will need to find out first if the available electric hook-up outlets are compatible with your shower unit in terms of voltage.
On the other hand, battery-powered camping showers are more portable than plug-in options. But they will still need recharging at an outlet or replacing batteries after a few uses.
Though bulkier and heavier than other options, propane-powered camping showers are by far the most practical way to have hot showers. They are the best option for winter camping and boondocking as they come in a self-contained unit, save for the gas canisters.
Propane-heated shower systems are similarly suitable when electricity hook-ups are not expected or present at your destination campgrounds.
You can get them in a simplistic system comprising a hand pump, a metallic water tank, a burner stove, and a hose/showerhead. Still, you can get a full-blown multifunction unit containing not only the gas-heated shower system but also a heater, grill, cooking stove, and other convenient features.
This form of heating is often quick and effective but will require that you have fuel at hand, which means even more bulk and weight to bear. Furthermore, the unit is often more expensive and rarer to find as compared to the other choices.
You will need water irrespective of which type of camping shower you buy. Here, you must ask yourself if you prefer the camping shower to have a water tank or not. For the former, you similarly want to know what tank capacity suits your needs.
Some camping showers don’t come with a water tank. Instead, they typically feature a portable showerhead that’s attached to a submersible water pump. They work by simply locating a water reservoir and submerging the pump in it to pressurize the water.
Tankless camping showers are super versatile as you can dip the pump in any type of reservoir including a bucket, a jug, a multi-purpose tank, or even a small river. Evidently, these tankless shower systems are only functional if the water supply is available.
Put simply, tankless portable shower systems hold as much water as is readily available to you.
Otherwise, you want to get a camping shower that comes with a water reservoir. The included water tank could feature anything from soft, collapsible materials to a hard-sided build that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. If you go this route, then the tank capacity will be your next consideration.
How much water you will need for your shower will chiefly depend on how long you take your shower and how many people will use the shower unit. Ideally, you want to keep your showers no longer than five to ten minutes especially when dealing with low to medium capacity water tanks.
Most portable camping showers can only hold about one to five gallons of water. Ideally, you want to go for a shower system with a capacity of between three to five gallons for weight savings and adequate shower time.
A five-gallon water tank should allow for a seven-minute hot shower.
If you’re entertaining a larger party, then tankless camping showers or higher capacity shower units might be the way to go. Keep in mind that a higher-capacity water tank means less frequent refills but a long time to heat the water and more weight to haul.
In addition, these heftier and bulkier tanks might be harder to hang if relying on a gravity-fed flow method.
A good way to minimize water usage is to lather up then rinse off instead of leaving the water running throughout the whole showering process.
Durability is always a key factor when buying camping gear. The last thing you want is your camping shower unit falling apart during your multi-day hiking trip. Unfortunately, most camping showers are made of plastic or fabric components which can easily get ripped or punctured.
With that in mind, if you have the storage space and don’t mind the weight then consider getting hard-sided aluminum shower systems. They are resilient to the harsh outdoors, mostly high capacity, and resistant to corrosion.
For lightweight and portable options, consider units made of high-denier, rip-proof fabrics with fully taped seams and waterproofing.
As we earlier mentioned, the materials, flow method, and heating system all affect the overall weight and portability of a camping shower unit.
Larger capacity water tanks with propane or electric heating will mean more bulkiness and heft. Conversely, camping showers with foldable water reservoirs and gravity-fed flow methods are perhaps the most lightweight and portable options yet.
Moreover, you want to look for other features that might help in storing and transporting the shower unit more easily and conveniently. For instance, shower systems with included storage bags and integrated carrying straps are well worth the shot.
Your dream camping shower should be usable right out of the bag or at least be very easy to set up. Refiling and maintaining the camping shower should be equally quick and easy to do.
Aside from the intricacies of the various components, the method used to heat the water influences how quick and easy it is to set up the shower unit. Solar-heated camping showers take the longest to set up as you must wait just under an hour for the water to get warm.
Moreover, the hose and design of the integrated showerhead can similarly improve the overall usability of the unit.
The hose needs to be long enough to reach your whole body and allow for optimal flexibility. Else, a shorter hose might require you to squat or bend awkwardly when cleaning yourself. If considering roof-mounted or gravity hang shower systems, ensure the included hoses are longer for easier usage.
The extra length will make it so much easier to use the shower system for other purposes such as rinsing off boots and washing dishes. That said, consider getting a shower system with a hose that is at least 7 feet.
Luxurious showerheads with multiple nozzles and massage settings are pretty much unheard of when it comes to portable camping showers.
Primarily, you want the integrated showerhead to be easy to control and at least offer varying spray patterns to help you enjoy the experience. With a quick motion on the showerhead, you should easily be able to adjust the flow rate of the water.
For a more enjoyable and comfortable time outdoors, consider getting the following for your camping shower system: a portable shower tent, a waterproof mat, biodegradable soap, quick-drying microfiber towels, and shower shoes.
Shower tents offer the perfect temporary ablution facility during camping. They offer better privacy when showering or changing and can double as enclosed spaces for your portable toilet. You can hang your gravity shower bag easily overhead and stash your toiletries in the side pockets of these tents.
Some hooks, magnets, and detachable nettings should also suffice for organizing your bathroom accessories. In addition, a waterproof mat and shower shoes go a long way in protecting your feet.
Lastly, you want to bring along biodegradable soap to stay compliant with the LNT principles and reduce impacting water bodies.
There’s no need of tolerating the funky smells and BO that come about after a few days of camping and hiking in the great outdoors. Portable camping showers are lightweight, affordable, and practical solutions to grabbing a quick shower while enjoying nature’s flora and fauna.
We hope we’ve narrowed down your options with the above information and highly rated recommendations. However, if setting up your new camping shower is still a hassle, be sure to pack a flannel or towel and biodegradable wet wipes to help you freshen up on the go.
Charlie Leone
Website Owner/Editor
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