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If you long for a hot shower on camping trips, you'll love this portable shower.
Unplugging from the world is great. It truly feels good to get in touch with nature--no phones, no work emails, just you and the backcountry. Campers and hikers have an impressive skill set when it comes to outdoor camping. There's one thing I haven't seen many outdoorsmen solve, though. When they aren't camping at parks with camp showers, where do they clean up?
I can survive without a WiFi password and phone for a weekend, but I can't go without a shower. Luckily, glamping is a thing in this day and age. Dreams really do come true.
Amazon has portable outdoor shower kits, and they're affordable, so maybe it's time to add one to your camping gear list.
Which Kind of Portable Shower Should Suits You
If you have an RV, you can lean towards something more pricey like Hike Crew's showering system since you'll need an outlet or 12V cigarette lighter to operate it.
If you're tent camping, you need to consider something more budget-friendly, like a solar heating shower bag. You'll fill the bag up and let the sun warm up the water.
For something that's niftier but still on the affordable end, you can look into a product like the Simple Shower. Yes, just attach it to an empty plastic bottle to have a shower on the go.
You can also find various outdoor shower heads that are compatible with sinks or bucket water for a convenient outdoor shower.
Best Portable Camping Showers
1. Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump
Don't let the shape fool you. It weighs about 13 pounds. Hike Crew's high-quality portable shower runs on propane to heat water for showers. Just like your shower at home, you get to control the water temperature. It can reach up to 125 degrees!
You can also use a generator, RV outlet, or 12V DC power adapter to heat the water. That means the car cigarette lighter will do the trick.
This is a great way to keep clean on backpacking, hunting, camping, and fishing trips. Make sure to have a bucket of water and propane tank ready, and you're good to good. There are also three spray patterns, so you can control the water flow and temperature.
What's included?
- AC/DC and 12V adapters
- Showerhead attachment
- Pump hose with power adapter
- Built-in swinging faucet
Anything beats a cold shower. Whether you prefer warm water or hot water, this portable shower gives you a chance to enjoy a shower on a camping trip. There's a variety of power sources you can use to heat your water pump. It is a bit pricey, but it's a top choice for portable outdoor showers.
2. Yakima RoadShower
Yakima's shower is a bit pricey, but this little gadget is perfect for RVers. The $300 shower fits Yakima crossbars and most roof racks. Attach the RoadShower to your vehicles, trailers, and more. Since the sun heats up the water tank, you can enjoy a hot shower at the end of each day.
Pressurize the tank through the Schrader air valve or a garden hose. And yes, there is a 55-inch hose and garden hose adapter included!
3. NEMO Helio Pressure Shower
NEMO's portable shower comes with a 2.9-gallon tank! It does sit on the ground, so you don't have to worry about hanging it. Use the foot pump to create the water pressure you need. It has a 7-foot sprayer and can be refilled anywhere. No hose is required! (I love it.)
You'll have enough water for a 5-7 minute shower.
Budget-Friendly Options
To keep showering under $50, you should go with a solar shower system. For a solar-powered system with a 5-gallon water bag, $34.99 isn't bad at all. It's a great pick if you're camping during the summer.
As for portability, a bag full of 5-gallons of water is going to be pretty heavy. Make sure you have some help carrying this to your campsite. Besides the weather, I don't see why this one wouldn't get the job done. There's an easy on/off switch on the showerhead and an extra-large filling valve for water.
- Weighs 1 pound, 4 ounces
- Velcro straps for shower items
- No propane needed
Also, consider the Rinse Kit portable shower. The Rinse Kit 2-gallon water tank isn't solar-powered, so if you're okay with cold water, maybe it's worth it.
5. Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower, Battery Powered
Ivation's outdoor shower is under $40 and has over 5,000 positive ratings. The showerhead sticks to any flat surface with the provided suction cup. There's also a hook included to help you hang it overhead. It is a battery-powered gadget. The rechargeable battery is compatible with most USBs.
The handheld gadget draws water from a bucket, sink, or similar receptacle. To use the instant shower, just use the on/off switch. Enjoy a 7-minute shower!
A customer gave it five stars and wrote, "Has multiple uses, off grid I have pumps that move my water around. One went out, I had this from when pipes had previously burst in winter. It moved 250 gallons with 2 recharges in less than a day. We use it now in the shower due to frozen pipes again. I bought a backup one about 2 weeks ago."
6. Coleman 5-Gallon Solar Shower
?Coleman's 5-gallon solar bag holds enough water for multiple showers. A customer gave it five stars and wrote, "The shower is great for filling it up and leaving it in one place, but driving around with a 5 gallon bag of water was probably not my smartest move."
I recommend using this one for the backyard (as a backup home shower) or leaving it at the campsite.
7. RISEPRO 10 gallons/40L Solar Shower Bag
For under $20, you can get this option from RISEPRO. The PVC material bag also uses solar energy to heat up the bag. It can heat water to 113 degrees Fahrenheit within three hours. The durability of this bag is fantastic! It holds 10 gallons of water, and there are over 1,000 positive ratings.
A customer gave it five stars and wrote, "You should drain it and refill it about every three months. And NOW you are prepared in case of an emergency. In both of my residences, my homes are susceptible to dangerous weather that can affect water quality or supply. Even flooding which doesn't destroy homes can bring contamination to your city's water table."
8. Dr. Prepare Camping Shower, Portable Camp Shower
This travel-friendly shower is perfect for a quick rinse. Feel free to also use it to wash dishes next time you go camping. The four-gallon camp shower uses a hands-free spray nozzle and foot pump to get you clean.
Benjamin gave it five stars and wrote, "This makes for a wonderful camping shower. It can be suspended from a tree or shower popup and has a foot pump to provide water pressure. It holds 4 gallons of water, which is plenty to get a nice relaxing shower done before getting on with my day."
GigaTent Pop Up Pod Changing Room Privacy Tent
Don't forget about privacy. A shower tent or privacy shelter is needed if you're going to be showering at campsites. This one makes life easy for less than $25, as it pops up and folds down in seconds. Not only is it lightweight, but it also comes with a carrying bag, making it perfect for hiking trips.
Never miss a shower again. A portable shower system should be at the top of your camping list. If you feel nice and clean on a trip, chances are you're going to feel better throughout your weekend.
Plus, you'll probably be able to sleep better in your tent or sleeping bag knowing you took a shower. Also, don't forget about your portable toilet!
This post was originally published on October 9, 2019.
NEXT: THE 6 BEST PORTABLE BATHTUBS OF 2021 FOR CAMPING, HOME, AND MORE
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