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Nothing really beats a waterfall for a bracing clean. When you are wild camping, a river or waterfall can be a godsend. They aren't around every corner though are they? Which means you skip showering, to the detriment of your fellow campers!
This is why a camping shower will save the day. No more makeshift arrangements or wet wipes in the backpack. Now you can shower wherever you travel. Just set up that portable shower and get those soap suds going.
How We Uncover The Best For You
When we prepare these articles we read loads of reviews to find the best products for you. We do this extensive research, so you don't have to. It was great fun this time. So many stories about camping in the wilderness and showering under the stars at the end of a long day hiking. And some brilliant portable shower options too. Keep reading for a fresh start to your camping adventure.
Best Camping Shower Overall
We Chose This Because
- User Friendly
- Lightweight and Portable
- Solar Powered
Things We Love
If you love wild camping, you know that one of the hardest things about it is keeping yourself clean. There is not always running water or showers in the great outdoors! That's where the Nemo Helio Pressure Shower comes in. This portable shower doesn't need to be hung overhead - just set it on the ground and step on the pedal to start the water flowing.
The fitted nozzle holder is easy to use and the clever foot pump means its powered by your foot. All you need to do is press the foot pump to get the water moving. Its innovative design means this shower will provide a constant pressured water supply. With 2.9 gallons enjoy 5-7 minutes of a water-pressure shower. You can also get a 5.8 gallon version for even longer showers. Stay clean on your next camping trip with a Nemo Pressure Shower!
Things To Know
The Nemo Helio Pressure Shower is a great camping shower. It's easy to pack with a compact carry case, and it's lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you on your camping trip. The heat of the sun is harnessed through Nemo's black carcass, so you can enjoy a solar-heated shower. The solid well-built quality design makes this shower durable, so you can enjoy many camping trips with your Nemo Pressure Shower.
Best Gravity Led Camping Shower
Advanced Elements Summer Shower
A Cracking Choice For A Portable Shower That Uses Gravity
We Chose This Because
- Innovative Design
- User Friendly
- Rolls Up for Storage
Things We Love
The Advanced Elements Summer Shower is a great option for camping trips. This camp shower is designed to heat quickly in the sun, so you can enjoy a warm shower even on cold days. It also has a water temperature gauge to tell you when the water is ready. The well-constructed 4 layered design helps optimize heat retention and your enjoyment. The camp shower sports an easy to use nozzle and holds 5 gallons (you can also purchase 2.5, 3 and 10 gallon options).
The portable shower uses the force of gravity to achieve a great, consistent water pressure flow. Just hang it above you off a tree or pole and you're well on your way to being squeaky clean.
Things To Know
The Advanced Elements Summer Shower is a great camp shower. It has various useful storage options to store shampoo, soap, mirrors, face cloth etc. whilst in use. It is also easy to use, with a great sturdy handle for portability and hanging set-up. Plus, it rolls up compact when not in use, making it great for space.
So don't go on your next camping trip without the Advanced Elements Summer Camp Shower. You'll be glad you have it!
Best Compact Handheld Camping Shower
We Chose This Because
- Pump Function
- Portable
- Simple Design
Things We Love
The Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower is a great camping companion. It's easy to use - you simply drop the pump into water (from a bucket or other source) and switch it on for an instant shower. The built in pump provides a consistent flow of water from the shower head, and the rechargeable 2200mAh lithium battery provides up to 1hr of usage or a good few showers before requiring recharge. So whether you're camping in the woods or just enjoying a day at the beach, the Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower is the perfect way to keep clean.
Things To Know
The Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower is a great camping accessory. It's well-built and compact, making it easy to take with you on your camping trips. It's also lightweight, so you won't have to worry about it taking up too much space in your camping equipment.
The best part about the Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower is its convenience. You can use it anywhere, making it ideal for camping trips where you might not have access to a shower. Simply set it up on your campsite and enjoy a refreshing shower. When you're done, simply pack it up and move on to your next adventure. Thanks to its portability, the Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower is a must-have camping accessory for any camper who values convenience.
Best For Backpacking
We Chose This Because
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Solar Heating
Things We Love
For backpacking enthusiasts, the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is a must-have piece of gear. This compact and lightweight shower rolls up very small when not in use and easily fits into a backpack. This camping shower is lightweight (just 4.3 ounces) and is the perfect solution for camping trips where you will be carrying a pack and don't want to lug a heavy camping shower around.
This shower is built for ease of use out on the trail. It is compact and collapsable and shaped for easy filling - it's possible to scoop up water from a river or lake and then roll the top over to secure it for your shower. With its excellent build and ease of use, it is a quality portable shower you can rely on.
Things To Know
The compact solar bag is easy to carry and set up, and it really does the job when it comes to getting yourself clean.
The shower is made with 100% nylon, and it features a leakproof water bag that can be easily warmed by the sun. The solar-heated water is plenty hot enough for a decent shower, and the pressure is surprisingly good. The build quality is excellent, and it's really easy to use.
With a capacity of 2.6 gallons, the Sea to Summit pocket shower provides enough water for a seven-minute shower. The gravity-fed shower head is easy to turn on and off, and it can be adjusted to regulate the flow of water as required. When you're finished showering, simply fold up the pocket shower and stow it away until your next adventure.
Best Camping Shower For You?
There are a lot of different options out there, from solar-powered showers to portable shower bags, so it can be tough to know which one is right for you. But don't worry, with this Buyers Guide, we've got you covered.
When it comes to camping showers, there are a few things to consider before making your purchase.
Functionality
Consider how often you'll be using it, how many people will be using it, and what kind of environment you'll be using it in.
One of the most important factors is water capacity. If you plan on using your shower for more than just washing your hands, then you'll want to make sure it is large enough.
Another thing to keep in mind is how much pressure the shower produces. A weaker shower will take longer to rinse off, while a powerful shower can use up all your water very quickly.
Portability is also an important consideration, as you'll want to be able to pack your shower easily into your car.
Design
Solar-Powered Camping Showers: If you're looking for a eco-friendly option, then a solar-powered camping shower is a great choice. These showers use the sun's energy to heat up the water, so you don't have to worry about using any fossil fuels.
Plus, they're usually very lightweight and easy to set up, making them perfect for backpacking trips.
Portable Shower Bags: If you're looking for something that's a bit more compact and easy to carry, then a portable shower bag might be a good option for you. These bags are usually made of waterproof material and can hold up to 2 or 3 gallons of water.
They also come with a hose and shower head, so you can easily set them up and start showering.
Handheld Shower Heads: Another option for those who are looking for a compact and easy-to-use shower is a handheld shower head. These shower heads are attached to a hose, so you can easily carry them around with you.
Plus, they're usually very lightweight and come with different settings, so you can find one that's perfect for your needs.
The Best Camping Showers- Your Questions Answered
We like to include some extra information to help you make your choice. I am sure you have questions on portable showers and so I've answered some of the frequently asked questions posed by camping adventurers like you.
Your Answers Are Just A Short Distance Away, Keep Reading!
Is A Camping Shower Worth It?
Let's face it: there's nothing quite like a warm shower after a long day of backpacking. Not only does it help you to feel clean and refreshed, but a shower can also wash off any pollen or sea salt that you may have picked up during your adventures. And if you're planning on snuggling up in your sleeping bag at the end of the day, it's definitely worth it to be clean! But how do you go about taking a shower when you're camping? One option is to invest in a portable shower. These showers are usually solar-powered or battery-operated, and they can be extremely efficient, helping you to save water while still getting a good wash. Plus, they're often compact and easy to carry, making them perfect for backpacking trips. So if you're wondering whether a camping shower is worth it, the answer is definitely yes!
How Do You Take A Hot Shower When Camping?
When you are camping and you don't have access to hot running water, consider a camp shower.
There are a few ways to heat up water for a warm shower. One way is to use solar power with a solar shower, but that only works well if it's sunny outside and you have a way to reflect the sun's rays onto the shower bag or container.
Another option is to use a gas-powered heater, which is a fast way to heat up water but uses more fuel.
Another option is to use electricity with something like an element to heat the water.
And then some water heating methods require a battery and possibly solar panels to keep the battery charged.
The last option is to build a fire or use your camping cooker and heat the water for a nice hot shower that way, but that takes more time and effort. Whichever method you choose, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions about the temperature restrictions and be careful not to burn yourself with the hot water.
How Long Does A Solar Shower Take To Heat Up?
In order to understand how long it takes for a solar shower to heat up, you first need to understand how solar showers work. Solar showers work by using the sun's natural energy to heat up water that is stored in a shower bag or bladder. This heated water is then released through a shower head, providing a hot shower experience.
So, the answer to this question really depends on two factors: 1) how sunny it is outside and 2) how big the solar shower's storage bag or bladder is. On average, it will take around 2-4 hours of direct sunlight for a solar shower to heat up completely.
If it's not very sunny outside, then it might take longer for the shower bag to heat up.
Do Solar Shower Bags Work In Winter?
Solar shower bags can work in winter. However, the key is to place the shower bag in an area that will receive full sun exposure for most of the day. If you live in a colder climates, remember that the ambient temperature will possible cool the water down even after it has been heated by the sun, so be sure to take that into account.
How Do You Dry Out A Camp Shower?
Camp showers are a great way to enjoy a hot shower even when you're far from home. However, if you don't take care of your camp shower, it can quickly become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. To dry out camp showers after each use, simply empty them by turning on the taps and draining the water. Then, hang the camp shower up high so that gravity can drain any remaining water. If you are able to access the inside of the shower, wipe it down with a clean towel. Finally, leave the shower in the sun to help speed up the drying process. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your camp showers clean and dry all season long.
Can You Put Warm Water In A Solar Shower?
Solar showers work by using the sun's heat to warm up the water that's stored in the bag. So as long as it's a sunny day and the water is exposed to the sun, it will heat up. The hotter the day, the warmer the water will get.
Preheating the water will help speed up the heating process and make your solar shower more comfortable overall.
It's also worth remembering though that the shower bags were designed for slowly heating water to a certain temperature capped by the heat of the sun. If you pour in very hot water it may damage the camp showers. If you really want to use warm water, lukewarm is probably best. You certainly don't want to add water that is too hot to your camp showers. This is not great for your showering comfort anyway.
Can You Take A Shower With 5 Gallons Of Water?
You can take a shower with 5 gallons of water, but you might want to turn the water off while you soap up. Unless, of course, you're into that low-flow showering lifestyle. In which case, good on you! Saving water is important.
But seriously, 5 gallons is not a lot of water. And it really does depend on the product itself. For instance, our best camping shower affords you a 5-7 min shower if you purchase the 2.9 gallon size. So just under half a gallon per minute. So even with that top-quality camping shower, you can see how quickly 5 gallons would disappear, especially if you have a family needing to use the shower.
Also worth considering is whether your family is into cold showers. Once the bag is emptied it will be some time before it can be reheated.
One camper suggested purchasing more than one shower, making sure each family member gets their own allocated amount of showering time if there were multiple portable showers. I thought that was a brilliant idea.
What Is A Shower Bucket?
A shower bucket is a type of container that is typically used to hold water for a makeshift shower outdoors or in homes where there is no running water or where there is limited access to running water.
Many people choose to use a shower bucket while camping because it's more eco-friendly since you can just fill the bucket up with water from the river or lake nearby.
Bucket showers involve adding a shower head or other plumbing fixtures to a 5-gallon bucket. The bucket is placed up high, and gravity lets the water flow down onto you underneath.
If you're not keen on a cold shower and are using hot water in your camp shower, be careful to not scald yourself. Test the temperature of the water before getting in, and adjust as necessary.
How Do You Not Smell When Camping?
The thing about having an active vacation in the great outdoors is that during the day you will work up a sweat, particularly in the summer months. Having facilities to wash up are not always available. These are some tricks we have picked up from our wild camping trips:
The first thing to consider is your choice of clothing. If you wear gear that is designed to wick water away from your skin the sweat does not build up on your skin causing odor. I was amazed when I wore merino wool shirts and inners how effective the fabric was at keeping body odor at bay.
I am a fan of bicarbonate of soda and find that works really well to reduce odors on clothing and on your body too if you're up for making some diy deodorant.
Use what Nature offers you. Wash your feet and your clothing when you are near a river and consider even taking a dip if the weather is appropriate.
Wash with a small amount of water in a container. It's more of a wipe-down than a wash. Baby wipes also work well if you are in need of a clean but it's too cold for an outdoor shower.
Then, of course, you can always set up your camping shower and wash away until you are fresh as a daisy.
Are you picturing it yet? Campfire crackling, sun setting, you clean and cozy after a lovely shower? We uncovered some cracking outdoor shower options for you, so I am really excited for you and glad I got to share with you the best camping showers we could find.
Our Choice For Best Camping Shower Overall
Our Choice For A Gravity Shower
Advanced Elements Summer Shower
Our Choice For A Handheld Camping Shower
Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower
Our Choice For Backpackers
If you want to climb into that sleeping bag, feeling fresh as a daisy, don't feel like finding a waterfall is your only chance of a shower. Now you can grab one of these camping showers and head off with confidence, knowing there will be a wash in your future. I hope that by us making your choices clearer, you now have more time for good clean fun!
Keep Asking Questions And We Will Keep Finding Answers For You.
