Have you ever wondered how other hikers clean their gears and take a shower in the middle of the woods? We’ve all asked ourselves this question when we’re starting to plan our first long trips. Nowadays, campers don’t need to find a lake and dip into the cold water to clean themselves.
Thankfully, with the advancement of technology, we’re seeing a wide range of camping showers. To write this article, we’ve tested 38 products that are mostly regarded as the best in online shops, and saw for ourselves which are the best ones.
We’ve evaluated outdoor camping showers based on their portability, functionality, ease to set up, durability, and value for money. By doing a series of tests, both indoors and outdoors, we were able to narrow down the choices for you.
Best overall camping shower
1. Zodi Outback Gear Extreme SC Hot Water
Click to view on amazon.com.
Power Source: Manual Hand PumpWeight: 11.8lbs
Heat Source: Propane Stove
Capacity: 3 gallons
Built to last, the Zodi Outback Gear Extreme SC is considered the best camping shower on the market today. It’s easy to use, requires almost no setup, has a handy temperature gauge, the pressure can easily be adjusted, and it includes a stove when purchased, which is why most family campers prefer this shower.
What we like about the Zodi Extreme is that it’s versatile and easy to use. Most of our campers chose this camping shower out of all the products they have tested because of its simple yet useful features.
Unlike most camping showers where you can’t control the water pressure, the arm-powered pressurizing vertical pump can easily be adjusted, and the on/off lever can also be partially switched. This feature is extremely helpful since you can use this on multiple occasions, like washing your hands and dishes, cleaning your gear, and taking a shower.
Heating is not a problem with this camping shower either since it’s made with stainless steel. All you have to do is put it on top of the included propane stove, and in just 20 minutes or less, you’ll have hot water for your shower. Perhaps what we like the most about the Extreme is that it has a temperature indicator that lets you know if you reached the water temperature that you want.
To add to its functionality and versatility, it has a 5-foot-10.5-inch hose and a 1-inch wide showerhead. Although we would prefer a rather bigger showerhead, the hose and pressure control are the features that gave this product the edge it needs.
Setup and packability are no issues at all with the Zodi Extreme because it’s always set up. All you have to do is collect the water that you need, put the product on top of the stand, and heat up the stove. It’s that easy! When you’re all done, there’s a large duffle bag where you can put the entire camp shower and put it behind your trunk.
Durability-wise, the Extreme may be the sturdiest camp shower in this review. Because of the stainless steel container, industrial-grade brass valves, and heavy-duty hose, this product will surely last for years. The only component on this product that is made from plastic is the showerhead, but during our meticulous testing process, we didn’t encounter any issue nor found any damage on this.
The only thing that we didn’t like about the Zodi Outback Gear Extreme SC is that it’s heavy and not portable at all. Indeed, you can’t fold it like other camping showers and there’s no way to carry it around unless you have a car.
Read our in-depth review of this product.
Camping showers are a wonderful invention that allows us to freshen up even when we’re in the middle of the woods. There are different kinds of camping shower that you can purchase and they all work in different ways. Read our article to learn more about how camping showers work.
Best portable camping showers
2. Nemo Helio Pressure Shower
Click to view on amazon.com.
Power Source: Foot PumpWeight: 1lb 5oz
Heat Source: Manual or Solar
Capacity: 2.9 gallons
The Nemo Helio Pressure Shower is not only portable, but it’s also one of the most effective camp showers on the market with its adjustable pressure, packability, and capacity. Setting it up and using it is no problem at all. The 7-foot sprayer hose allows you to wash almost everything that you need to clean without constantly moving it around.
What we like about the Helio Pressure Shower is that you can control the pressure of the water by the force you put on the foot pump. Although this requires some practice, we can definitely say that it’s worth every effort once you’ve mastered it.
The 7-foot long sprayer hose is a big help to the versatility of this camping shower. It works like a regular kitchen sprayer where all you have to do is press and release. However, the downside to this is that you have to hold it every time you want to use it. Although, if you want a hands-free experience, the XL version comes with a rubber piece on the handle that can hold the shower while you wash.
With the 2.9 gallons capacity and a ⅝-inch showerhead, the Helio gave us the longest shower time out of all the products we’ve tested — 6 minutes to be exact. This is both an advantage and disadvantage in some cases. For instance, if you’re thinking about taking a long, hot bath, this could be the best option for you. But if you’re constantly on the move and want a fast and quick solution to the dirt around you, this could be a little irritating. Nonetheless, we are happy with the showerhead because we were able to use it in different scenarios.
If you want a hot shower, you’ll be happy to know that this camping shower has the ability to heat water through solar or using a stove. Additionally, setting it up is a breeze! All the pieces are attached, so all you have to do is collect water, and you can use it instantly if you’re not planning to heat it up.
Portability-wise, with 1lb. 5oz and 5.5 inches when packed, you can easily carry it around anywhere you go. Still, with the addition of 2.9 gallons of water, you’ll end up carrying 24 lbs. and around 17 inches. Not bad at all! In terms of durability, it’s constructed with polyurethane-coated plastic and neoprene tubes, which are sturdy.
What we don’t like about the Nemo Helio Pressure Shower is that the opening where you can collect the water is so narrow that we thought it was only made to collect water from a faucet. We tried different techniques, and we suggest that you collect water using a reserved pack and transferring it afterward. In some instances, the foot pump also failed to inflate, and our foot slipped at times.
Read our in-depth review of this product.
3. Ivation Portable Camping Shower
Click to view on amazon.com.
Power Source: Rechargeable Lithium Battery (included)Weight: 20 ounces
Heat Source: N/A
Capacity: N/A
If you’re looking for a portable camping shower that just needs to be attached to a bucket or water source, the Ivation Outdoor Shower could be the best one for you. The showerhead provides consistent pressure in its entire battery life, and it can easily be hung up on a tree, or you can use the included suction for a hands-free experience.
What we like about the Ivation camp shower is that it has a wide showerhead and consistent water pressure. Although it’s non-adjustable, we felt very comfortable using this shower because the water doesn’t feel like forced needles when it comes in contact with the skin.
There are only three components on this shower — the showerhead, hose, and battery pump. You’ll need a bathwater bucket or any other material that can collect water. To use this, all you have to do is put the battery pump into the bucket, turn it on (found also on the battery pump), and you’re good to go!
The package includes a rechargeable lithium battery that can be easily charged through its USB port. Mind you though, it doesn’t include any adapter nor bucket, so you’ll have to bring these yourselves. Although, we don’t mind this much because almost everyone has an adapter and any campsite have buckets.
It has a 5′ 9.5” hose with a 2.1” wide spray. While we were testing the shower, we noticed that it doesn’t work well for taller people. Imagine being 5′ 10” tall and having a 5′ 9.5” hose with the battery pump inside a bucket (that’s constantly draining water and moving downward). Thus, campers taller than 5′ 5” would need to stoop down to avoid lifting the pump.
The Ivation camp shower doesn’t have the ability to heat water. Thus, you can either heat a few kettles of water first and add them to the cool bucket of water to get lukewarm water to shower, or you can use water at its original temperature.
Ivation’s directions say that it takes 2-5 hours to charge it. So, we tried to charge the battery pump first at home and it only took us 3 hours to fully charge it. Although, it may take more time to charge it using your car battery due to the lower voltage. Finally, we liked how the red light turns blue once the shower is fully charged.
The only thing that we didn’t like about the Ivation Outdoor Shower is the durability. Almost everything is made of plastic and sometimes, the hose kinks. We also found some online complaints in which users said that the attachment of the showerhead broke. Some also complained that the battery pump instantly stopped.
4. Simple Shower Portable Camping Shower
Click to view on amazon.com.
Power Source: N/AWeight: Less than an ounce
Heat Source: Manual or Solar
Capacity: 1 or 2-liters
When it comes to lightness and portability, the Simple Shower is simply the best. With just a showerhead and two straws to choose from, you can easily store it inside a mesh pocket. This product is an attachment to a 1- or 2-liter bottle, so all you have to do is connect the pieces together with your bottle and you’re all set.
What we like about the Simple is that it has large holes to give you great cleaning coverage. Plus, the water flow is fast, consistent, and comfortable. You won’t feel like if any needles were pricking your skin when you use this as a camping shower.
The downside to this though is that since it only has a 2-liter capacity, you’ll run out of water in just 30 seconds. While we were testing the product, we found it extremely helpful to clean our dishes and dirty gears, but this just isn’t enough to clean ourselves or our dogs, and more so, to rinse shampoo.
If you’re looking to have hot water to wash you off, you can set the bottle directly in the sun and heat it up on its own. We especially loved using this when we wanted to quickly wash our hands and feet before entering our tents because it’s so easy to use.
What we didn’t like about the Simple, on the other hand, is that it doesn’t have a way to close the showerhead. Sometimes, we accidentally bumped it and all the water came streaming down, leaving our belongings soaked.
Additionally, since Simple urges its users not to constantly put on and remove the straw from the showerhead, we are concerned about the durability of this product. We suggest that once you choose the size of bottle that you’re going to use, you stick to it and avoid breaking on the straws and showerhead.
Overall, the Simple is still a solid contender for the best portable camping showers on the market today. It’s perfect for people who want to do a quick day hike and need a product that can easily rinse off any material.
5. Sea to Summit Pocket Shower
Click to view on amazon.com.
Power Source: GravityWeight: 4.3oz
Heat Source: Manual or Solar
Capacity: 2.6 gallons
Sea to Summit has provided you with everything you need from a portable camping shower. The Pocket Shower is easy to pack and use, lightweight, comes with all the materials that you need, and heats up easily. With its affordable price and impressive performance, you’ll definitely bring this shower on all your adventures.
What we like about the Pocket Shower is that it’s straightforward to use. You collect water, hang it up on a tree, and you’re all set! It has a 2.6-gallon capacity and a standard size showerhead that enables you to clean yourself thoroughly in a matter of minutes.
The nozzle of this camping shower can be twisted on or off between rinses or lathers so that you can save the water inside. Additionally, you’ll find a diagram on the side of the nozzle, so forgetting how to turn it on is almost impossible. There are also directions inside the water bag on how to collect water, close the top lid, and even how to dry up the bag.
Everybody loves a warm shower. Thankfully, the Pocket Shower allows you to take a hot shower in two different ways. First, is by leaving the bag full of water in the sun. Second, by heating up a couple of liters of water on your stove, and mixing it with the water inside the bag. And you’re all set to go!
Since this works as a gravity shower, some people might find it difficult to hang it on a tree and put the showerhead right on your preferred shower area. You also need to practice tying your knots because you’ll be needing to do this a lot.
When it comes to portability and durability, you can trust the Pocket Shower. Weighing just 4.7 ounces, you can easily carry it around anywhere you go. It’s also smaller when packed tightly compared to a regular water bottle. Since we’ve started bringing this around on almost every trip, we haven’t encountered any issues with its sturdiness.
What we didn’t like about the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is that when the water is about to run out, the pressure slows down and the remaining water just trickles down. Also, you would need to practice hanging it on a tree with the full 2.6 gallons capacity because it can be really difficult.
6. Reliance Outdoors Flow Pro Portable Shower
Click to view on amazon.com.
Power Source: ManualWeight: 3.8lbs
Heat Source: Manual
Capacity: 2 gallons
If you’re looking for a trustworthy, affordable, and portable camping shower, then you should check out the Reliance Outdoors Flow Pro. It comes with a 6-foot kink-resistant hose, a pressure release valve, and a trigger-action water head that can handle almost all your camping cleaning sessions.
What we like about the Flow Pro is that it only weighs 3.8 pounds and can hold 2 gallons of water. We were surprised by how effective the nuzzle and showerhead of this camping shower are because, even though it’s manually operated, it rinses soaps and sticky mud easily.
The water inside cannot be heated from the sun, but if you’re a hot shower junkie like us, this can still be a great choice for you. Indeed, we boiled water before we left for our trip, and the Flow Pro was able to keep the heat down. We then mixed it with the cold water from the stream and showered. Before opening the water source, make sure to depressurize it by turning the pressure release valve to avoid spraying the pressure right onto your face.
The 6-foot hose is what separates this product from its competitors. It’s kink resistant so you don’t have to worry about the water stopping because of its bending or twisting. Additionally, it’s flexible enough for you to leave the Flow Pro on the ground and still wash your hair.
The only thing that we didn’t like about the Reliance Outdoors Flow Pro is that you need to constantly pump it to release water. We had to pump it to wash our hands, then pump it again before showering, then to remove the soap, and before each use.
Showering while camping is a bit tricky, mostly because you won’t have an unlimited supply of water. Because of that, you will need to change your bathing habits and learn to conserve water. The amount of water that you need for your shower depends on how long you bathe. How much water do you need for your camping shower? Read our article to learn more.
Best Solar Camping Showers
7. Advanced Elements 5-Gallon Solar Powered Camping Shower
Click to view on amazon.com.
Power Source: GravityWeight: 13oz
Heat Source: Manual or Solar
Capacity: 5 gallons
You’ll seldom find a solar camping shower that has wide water coverage, is lightweight, durable, gravity-powered, and well-equipped. We consider the Advanced Elements Solar Powered shower as one of the best on the market today because it’s extremely efficient and reliable.
What we like about the Advanced Elements Solar camping shower is that it provides a long period of continuous water flow. With its 5-gallon capacity, we were able to take a full bath in 6 minutes without stopping the flow.
Even if it has a small showerhead, the outward design of the nozzle enables it to cover a wide surface. Although, it’s worth noting that its pressure is low, so you might end up taking a couple of minutes to rinse off small specks of dirt. We timed the flow of the water, and it showed an average of 2.3L per minute, which is better than its competitors.
Showering with hot water is not a problem with this shower because all you have to do is let it lay down in the sun. After a couple of hours, you’ll reach the desired temperature for your water. If you want a faster process, you can also add a liter or two of boiled water to an almost full bag of cold water and you’ll be all set! Also, the temperature gauge is extremely helpful to know if you’ve reached the temperature you want.
Other features you’ll see on the Advanced Elements solar camp shower are the mesh pocket to store your soap and small washing items, a small mirror to make sure that you’re all cleaned up, and two Velcro loops where you can hang your washcloths.
What surprised us the most about this camping shower is that it’s extremely durable. We tested the 4-layer construction material and let it fall from a 7-foot tree with full water capacity and were happy to see that it didn’t break. Additionally, it’s so easy to pack up and so small that you can put it on the side mesh pocket of your backpack.
We honestly couldn’t find anything wrong with the Advanced Elements 5-Gallon Solar Camping Shower. The only thing that we think can be improved is the low water pressure that results from the 1-inch nozzle.
Read our in-depth review of this product.
8. KIPIDA Solar Camping Shower Bag
Click to view on amazon.com.
Power Source: GravityWeight: 15.5oz
Heat Source: Solar
Capacity: 5 gallons
One of the most underrated solar showers is the KIPIDA Shower Bag. Boasting a capacity of 5 gallons, a fast time to heat water in just three hours, a non-slip handle, no leak valve, and mesh pockets, you’ll be surprised by how well this product performs.
What we like about the KIPIDA camp shower is that you can bring it anywhere. During our tests, we noticed how fast the water heats up inside the bag. Under direct sunlight, it easily reached 45°C in under three hours. Imagine how many times you and your fellow campers can shower with 5 gallons of hot water.
Also, if like some of us you are picky when it comes to hot showers, the temperature gauge tells you if you’ve already reached the desired temperature. We also love how the hose is kink-resistant and long enough to allow us to direct it toward the things we would like to clean.
What makes this camping shower stand out from the others is that the showerhead has an on/off switch to stop the water flow, and a high/low switch to control the water current. If, once you’re done using it, there is still some water left, you can just switch the button to save the extra water.
Besides, it features a non-slip handle that enables you to carry it around your site and hang your shower on a tree. You’ll also find a mesh pocket at the front where you can put your bar soap and other small cleaning essentials.
What we didn’t like about the KIPIDA Solar Camping Shower Bag is that it has a fairly small twist-o cap valve because of which we had difficulty filling the bag up with water in lakes or streams. Also, various users complained online that it started to leak after just a couple of trips.
9. Intex Portable Solar Camping Shower
Click to view on amazon.com.
Power Source: GravityWeight: 8oz
Heat Source: Solar
Capacity: 5 gallons
Most gravity camp showers have durability issues. Most of the time, you’ll see users complain about broken handles, leaking valves, and even leakage on the water bag itself. Contrary to those, the Intex Portable Solar Camp Shower is considered one of the sturdiest gravity showers, and is not only effective but also affordable.
What we like about the Intex Camping Shower is that it’s a no-brainer to use. It’s perfect for newbie hikers, ultra-lightweight backpackers, and people who constantly move around but still want to feel fresh and clean.
The simple design allows you to identify each component quickly. We didn’t find any issue with the opening valve since it can easily collect water from lakes and streams. Once we collected enough water, we let the bag heat up under the sun for us to take a hot shower. After a couple of hours, we were cleaning ourselves and our gears.
We noticed that the hose doesn’t kink, which is great considering its size. Besides, you’ll find an on/off valve that enables you to control the water flow. Additionally, it’s a great shower to use for all kinds of tasks, like washing the dishes, cleaning your hands and gears, or even taking a bath.
Since it can hold up to 5 gallons and has a narrow hose, we felt limited on the low pressure of water flow. It took us nearly 9 minutes of continuous flow to finish up the bag, which is the best performance you’ll find in the review. Durability-wise, this has the sturdiest handles you’ll find in the gravity shower category.
What we didn’t like about the Intex Portable Solar Camp Shower is that it doesn’t have any kind of insulation system, which is why your hot water can quickly become cold. Additionally, as we mentioned above, it has low water pressure, which can test your patience at times.
Best heated camping shower
10. Coleman H2Oasis Portable Shower
Click to view on amazon.com.
Power Source: Battery-PoweredWeight: 12.12 pounds
Heat Source: Internal Electric
Capacity: 5 gallons
If you’re looking for a quick solution to take a hot shower outdoors, there’s nothing better than the Coleman H2Oasis Portable Shower. Compared to its direct competitors, it’s lightweight, easy to use, comes with everything that you need, and is so durable that it can assist you for years to come.
What we like about the H2Oasis is that it has Instastart ignition. This allows you to instantly start the heating process of the water without having to light a match. We found this very helpful, especially when we had to clean ourselves at dawn or in the evening. In just a couple of seconds, we already had reached our desired temperature.
Besides, because of its PerfectFlow technology, the water flow is consistent, even when we were running out of water. The shower hose is 6 feet long and non-kink, so you don’t have to worry about tangling yourself or about water stopping in the middle of your shower.
During our tests, we were happy to see that there’s a multi-purpose shower head holder on the side of the machine. It has a multi-axis rotation and height adjustment, allowing users to use it on different occasions. We were able to use it to wash our dishes, clean our dogs, and do all the other stuff we do while camping out.
In addition, it’s fairly lightweight and comes with a mesh storage bag. To set it up, all you have to do is attach the hose, connect the pump to the water carrier, dial the temperature that you want, and you’re all set! Once you’re done, just disconnect everything and you can easily put it in the bag.
What we didn’t like about the Coleman H2Oasis Portable Shower is that you can’t turn off the water when you’re done using it. Thus, we suggest you put the showerhead into the carrier so that you can keep spreading soap. We also recommend you recharge the pump after every 10-minute shower to make sure that it won’t stop when you need it.
Read our in-depth review of this product.
11. Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater
Click to view on amazon.com.
Power Source: Battery-PoweredWeight: 14.6 pounds
Heat Source: Internal Electric
Capacity: N/A
Having a luxury shower is not impossible in the great outdoors. With the Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater, you’ll easily get a shower with hot water in just a couple of seconds. All you need to do is look for a water source, battery, and pump.
What we like about the Triton Portable Water Heater is that it comes with multiple features to ensure you the perfect shower. First, it has a multi-setting showerhead that can be adjusted to shower, mist, jet, and off. This came in very handy when we used it on our week-long trip to wash the dishes, rinse the dog’s shampoo, and take a shower.
Plus, it has a 72-inch shower hose and adjustable heat and water flow. It can produce .5 gallons per minute for the minimum flow, and a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute. We were also impressed by how consistent the water flow is despite having an outdoor water source.
If like some of our campers you have specific preferences regarding the temperature of your shower, this is the camping shower of your dreams. The water temperature can be adjusted from 80° F to 150°F in seconds.
Other features you’ll find on this water heater include the carry handle which folds down for easy storage, brackets that you can use to hang this product, and a bulk propane tank.
What we didn’t like about the Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater is that it has its limitations. For one thing, the manufacturer discourages anyone to use this indoors because of the emitted exhaust. Also, it would have been great if all the materials required for this water heater to function were included in the purchase. Finally, you need at least a 25-30 PSI water pump to produce a proper water flow and a 2D battery for the ignition.
12. Mr. Heater Boss-XB13 Camping Shower
Click to view on amazon.com.
Power Source: Battery-PoweredWeight: 22 pounds
Heat Source: Internal Electric
Capacity: N/A
Mr. Heater is a well-known brand that produces top-notch propane heaters. They are also known for the safety features of their products, which ensure that you and your family are safe during your trips. In that, the Boss-XB13 is no exception.
What we like about the Boss-XB13 is that it’s lightweight, portable, and easy to use. We tested this during our week-long car-camping trip. With just 5 gallons of water, four campers were able to take a hot shower, which was made possible because of this product’s amazing features.
First, it needs a small propane tank and six D-Cell batteries to operate, but once fully charged, it can continuously run for about 40 minutes, thus providing you with a constant water flow of 1.18 gallons per minute. The water pump is also included in the package so you don’t need to worry about looking for a suitable pump.
Besides, the matchless pulse ignition switch can provide you with hot steaming water in minutes with a simple switch. Even if we were camping in 30s°F temperatures, we were able to enjoy a hot shower in under 5 minutes, which is impeccable for this kind of heated camping shower.
Additional features include an on/off switch on the showerhead, which temporarily shuts off the water flow but doesn’t turn off the machine. Plus, the unit has an available faucet on the side that also dispenses hot water if ever you need to quickly wash your hands or the dishes.
What we didn’t like about the Mr. Heater Boss-XB13 heated camping shower is that the hose is made of silicone, which tends to kink and block water flow. Also, you need to constantly fully charge the batteries because if you don’t, they run out pretty quickly. You also need to purchase a propane cylinder, six D-Cell batteries, and to find a water source for this to operate.
13. Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump
Click to view on amazon.com.
Power Source: AC/DC or 12V Power AdapterWeight: 13.2 pounds
Heat Source: Propane Gas
Capacity: N/A
The Hike Crew Portable Heated Camping Shower is considered one of the most portable propane water heaters on the market today. With its amazing features and hands-free design, you surely won’t regret bringing this with you on all your outdoor travels.
What we like about the Hike Crew is that it’s an all-in-one camping shower. Once you connect this machine to a propane tank, power adapter, and water bucket, you can have hot water for your shower within minutes.
Plus, it has all the controls you need to get the temperature and water flow that you want. First, you’ll find the display panel control where you’ll see the ignition indicator, safety cutout indicator, water temperature, power on/off button, and the pump control. Second, there is a heat control knob on which you can adjust the temperature of the water. Next, you will find a spray pattern control with three options for you to select the water flow that you prefer. Lastly, there is a faucet flow control for the small faucet you’ll find at the back of the machine to easily wash your hands or the dishes.
We also love that Hike Crew has included some outstanding safety measures. For example, you’ll find a high-temperature sensor that automatically lights the burner once the temperature falls below 113°F and that automatically disables it once it reaches 125°F. The water flow sensor also functions the same way by monitoring whether there’s enough water on your water source.
What we didn’t like about the Hike Crew Portable Heated Camping Shower is that it’s larger than its competitors, which can be a hassle for families who have small cars. Plus, we find the faucet inlet and outlet a bit short.
Taking a shower is still the best way to clean yourself and freshen up. When you’re camping, you don’t have the luxury of unlimited water supply. Still, this does not mean that you can’t have a proper shower. Read our article to learn how to shower while camping.
Best Camping Showers Comparison Table
| Foto | Caming Shower | Power Source | Heat Source | Capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Zodi Outback Gear Extreme SC Hot Water  | Manual Hand Pump | Propane Stove | 3 gallons | 11.8lbs |
| 2. Nemo Helio Pressure Shower | Foot Pump | Manual or Solar | 2.9 gallons | 1lb 5oz |
| 3. Ivation Portable Camping Shower | Rechargeable Lithium Battery (included) | N/A | N/A | 20 ounces |
| 4. Simple Shower Portable Camping Shower | N/A | Manual or Solar | 1 or 2-liters | Less than an ounce |
| 5. Sea to Summit Pocket Shower | Gravity | Manual or Solar | 2.6 gallons | 4.3oz |
| 6. Reliance Outdoors Flow Pro Portable Shower | Manual | Manual | 2 gallons | 3.8lbs |
| 7. Advanced Elements 5-Gallon Solar Powered Camping Shower | Gravity | Manual or Solar | 5 gallons | 13oz |
| 8. KIPIDA Solar Camping Shower Bag | Gravity | Solar | 5 gallons | 15.5oz |
| 9. Intex Portable Solar Camping Shower | Gravity | Solar | 5 gallons | 8oz |
| 10. Coleman H2Oasis Portable Shower | Battery-Powered | Internal Electric | 5 gallons | 12.12 pounds |
| 11. Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater | Battery-Powered | Internal Electric | N/A | 14.6 pounds |
| 12. Mr. Heater Boss-XB13 Camping Shower | Battery-Powered | Internal Electric | N/A | 22 pounds |
| 13. Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump | AC/DC or 12V Power Adapter | Propane Gas | N/A | 13.2 pounds |
How to shower while camping?
Let’s all be honest, not everyone who goes camping takes a shower every day. Just thinking about the cold breeze, cold water, and even colder temperatures at night can discourage someone covered with blankets and comforters from leaving their tent and touch the water.
If like us, you’re a self-cleaning junkie, you’ll find ways to shower while you’re out camping. Depending on the environment in which you are, the season, and your personal ways of staying hygienic, there are several ways to clean yourself.
Sponge bath
One of the easiest ways to self-clean is with a sponge bath. All you need is a bucket of water, biodegradable soap, a sponge, or a towel, and you’re all set. For a better experience, we suggest that you first heat the water that you’re going to use.
Once you have your ideal water temperature, you can use the towel and soap to lather up. Depending on your preferences, you can take a full-body towel bath or just focus on the important parts, like the groin area, armpits, face, arms, and knees.
It’s important to remember to be mindful of the water that you use when taking a sponge bath since you wouldn’t want to run out of water in the middle of your cleaning session.
River bath
Just like our ancestors used to do, taking a bath in the river is a proven and tested method to clean ourselves. Whether you want to strip down, take your undies with you, or just dive into the water, you’ll quickly feel refreshed and revived by the temperature of the water, no matter how cold or hot it is.
It’s worth noting though that it’s not advisable to use soap when you’re taking a river bath as the water ends up in the waterway, which can be harmful in the long run. Nevertheless, it’s always fun and refreshing to clean yourself up in the river.
Backpacking shower
There are hundreds, if not thousands of camping showers on the market today. You can choose between a pump-powered shower, gravity-powered, or battery-operated. Some camp showers have the ability to heat up the water by using propane gas, sunlight, or by manually heating the water using a stove.
Before choosing a camping shower, it’s important to consider what type of camper you are, how many days you are going to be out, and how you prefer to clean yourself. This can help you determine the amount of water that you need to shower, the temperature that you prefer, and how it’s going to be powered.
Some products have their own water bag, which you can fill from any water source. The downside to this is that you’ll have a limit to which water that you can use or you’ll need to refill it again once the bag is empty. Some other products do not have the capacity to carry water, which means you’ll need to be close to your water source or have a separate bucket.
How long does a 5-gallon shower last?
This will depend on the machine or product that you’re using to take a shower. But, the typical run time of a 5-gallon shower is about two minutes if the water runs continuously and if you have a wide showerhead.
Considering the camping showers we’ve reviewed above, 5 gallons of water can make a big difference depending on what power source you use.
- Gravity – Most gravity-powered camp showers can give you at least seven minutes of shower time with 5 gallons of water.
- Pump – This type of camping shower comes with either hand or foot pumps. It would take at least nine minutes for you to finish all 5 gallons of water if you’re using this kind of power source.
- Battery – As we mentioned earlier, it can take you at least two minutes to empty a 5-gallon bucket of water if you choose to use a battery-operated shower.
Of course, that’s not the only factor that you need to consider. You also have to look at the water pressure, and the size of the hose and showerhead. By combining all of these factors, you can get an idea of the product that should buy depending on what you prefer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to up your game in the field of camping, it’s important that you consider how you and your family can take refreshing showers, even when you’re out in the woods. Being out in the wilderness does not necessarily mean that you need to act wild as well.
There are tons of camping showers available in the market today that can suit the needs of a wide variety of campers. With this best camping shower guide, we hope that you find the camp shower that’s right for your camping style and bathing preferences.
