Best Camping Shower Reviewed
It used to be that when you were out in the great outdoors having yourself a camping adventure you either had to stay in a campground where there were showers or put up with cold water to clean yourself up. Having hot water available to you at any time is something that could make a difference to almost anybody.
That is why the invention of a portable camping shower is such a great thing! Adding one to your camping gear can change your comfort level when roughing it. There are a lot of great options out there, and we have crafted this buyer's guide to help you not only know what to look for but also to give you some ideas of some of the best camping showers on the market today.
Comparison Chart
Camping Shower Reviews
1. KIPIDA Solar Shower Bag
The first camping shower we will be looking at is a shower option that is powered via solar. This large capacity shower bag comes with many accessories to make the use of it as simple as possible, allowing you to enjoy your time in the wilderness.
Product Highlights
- Max water heat: 113° Fahrenheit
- 5-gallon water capacity
- Accessories included: hose, showerhead, & water tap
- Built-in temperature indicator
- Leak-proof design
- High-quality PVC
- Dimensions: 18.5” X 19.7”
- Weight: 0.97 pounds
- Available in multiple colors
The Good
There's nothing quite like having access to hot water when you have spent the day hiking and have sweated hard. That is why this solar shower is such a great addition to your camping kit. Not only is this bag crafted with eco-friendly material, but the material itself is also durable, which means it can stand up to the rigors of camping.
This material that is used is also lightweight, and the bag itself is cracked with multiple layers so that there is less chance of leaking. On top of this, the design includes an on-off switch that allows you to conserve water as needed.
Overall, the design of this camping shower is relatively easy to use, which makes it a great option for those that are new to camping or using a piece of equipment such as this. The high capacity of 5 gallons of water that it can hold is also great for those camping in small to medium groups.
The Bad
Even though we really enjoy the fact that this model uses solar power to heat it, which makes it even more eco-conscious than just the use of eco-friendly materials, there is still one issue. Using solar energy to heat the water means that it will take longer than other models to get your water up to temp.
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2. Advanced Elements Summer Shower
If you're looking for an easy-to-use camping shower, then the Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer shower is a good option. It is crafted with high-quality, durable materials.
Product Highlights
- Solar-powered
- 5-gallon capacity
- 4-ply construction
- Reflector & insulator panel
- Extra-large filling valve
- On/off shower head
- Side pocket
- Water temperature gauge
- Velcro straps
- Dimensions: 20" X 6"
- Weight: 1.32 pounds
The Good
This bag is crafted to be ultra-efficient when it comes to water conservation. It is designed to be powered by solar power, which also makes it even more eco-conscious. The bag's design starts with a multiple-layer PVC material sewn together for a reduced chance of leaks.
When it comes to the design though, the handle construction is the feature that stands out above other models. When you set up the shower, you will hang it up, and with the weight of the water, you want something that can stand up to that.
Along with this, the bag is built with a wider valve for an easier fill-up. All of these features are combined together to give you a premium-grade camping shower that is built to last.
The Bad
Of the things that may cause some to reconsider choosing this option, there is one thing above all that we think could have been done better. The use of the sun to heat the water means that the heating process will take more time.
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3. VIGLT Portable Shower Bag
No matter what you need water for when you are out and enjoying the beautiful world, this shower bag will come in handy. The VIGLT Portable Shower Bag is designed with durable materials and an easy-to-use system.
Product Highlights
- PVC material
- Max water temp: 113˚F
- 3 hr. heating time
- Wear-resistant
- 5-gallon capacity
- Temperature gauge
- On/off shower head
- Solar-powered
- Dimensions:18.5” x 19.7”
- Weight: 0.96 pounds
- Accessories included: hanging strap, hard tube, tap head, flexible hose, & showerhead
The Good
When you're out in the great outdoors, one of the biggest things you have to worry about is making sure you have the right amount of power for whatever electrical or mechanical equipment you have in your kit. With this shower bag, you don't need an additional power source because it uses the sun to heat itself.
When it comes to the design of the bag, it is crafted with a spray nozzle that is not only easy to use but offers good pressure, and the bag comes with several accessories to help make the setup easier.
Though this is a camping shower, it can also be used in many other ways, so even when you are not out experiencing the beauty of nature, you may find a use for it at home. If you choose not to use it at home, the good news is that the camping shower folds down very easily into a small frame so that it is easy to store.
The Bad
Though this camping shower sounds like it is practically perfect, there is one major issue that should be addressed before you make your final decision. It comes with a lot of great accessories so that the use is easy; however, the hose that comes with it is a little stiff, and you may find it difficult to move around with ease.
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4. KEDSUM Portable Camp Shower
If you camp in a place that doesn't have a lot of sun, then choosing a solar-powered camping shower might be a mistake. For those in this situation, the next portable camp shower we're looking at uses a USB rechargeable battery, so you won't have to worry about that.
Product Highlights
- Comes in multiple variations
- 40 to 60-minute continuous use
- Collapsible 4-gallon bucket
- Rechargeable batteries
- LED lights on the line
- Max temperature: 125° Fahrenheit
- Accessories included: suction cup, S-style hook, USB charging cable, nozzle, shower head, & carrying case
The Good
Sometimes you just want to get out of town no matter the season. That may mean that you need to invest in a camp shower that is not so dependent on the rays of the sun. This camp shower is crafted with a powerful pump and is run by rechargeable batteries. Even though it is run on rechargeable batteries, the unit still offers a good deal of water pressure, perfect for washing up the dirt from the day's adventures.
The batteries can be recharged via USB, and this means that as long as you have a USB charger at hand, you will be able to utilize the shower for a long time. In addition, as the unit uses one battery, when you buy the 2-battery model, you can charge the one when using the other. This results in you having more shower time and you do not overuse either battery, giving it a long life.
On top of that, the unit comes with a collapsible bucket which is not only easy to use but, when done, folds down so that it is easy to store. These features together make for an excellent option and give this camping shower a lot of value.
The Bad
When it comes to drawbacks, this unit really only has one of any note. The controls to shut the flow of the water off are actually attached to the pump, which is submerged under the water. This may make it difficult to control when in mid-shower
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5. DOTSOG Outdoor Solar Shower
The last portable outdoor shower that we will be looking at is another solar-powered option that comes with a lot of great features. The features included in this design make it simple to use and durable.
Product Highlights
- 5-gallon capacity
- Strong strap style handle
- Eco-friendly PVC material
- 3 hour heating time
- Max temp: 113° Fahrenheit
- Removable hosts
- Dimensions: 23.62” X 15.75”
- Weight: 11.68 oz.
- Accessories included: hanging strap with hook, hard two, tap head, flexible hose, & showerhead
The Good
To make this camping shower even more efficient when it comes to power, the PVC material that is used in the construction of it is treated so that it is heat absorbent. This makes the shower not only durable but, as we said, more efficient. But this is not the only feature that helps this camp shower in the efficiency realm.
In fact, the overall system is crafted with a gravity-draining-based super-efficient water system. This system allows for better use of water and also creates a pretty nice flow. The unit setup is also very easy. The large handle that is used in the construction placement of this camping shower is also super simple.
For those that are worried about space when it comes to storage, this unit, when not filled, folds down very small. Moreover, when folded down, the compact nature makes it easy to store, giving it a better efficiency in this aspect as well when it comes to space.
The Bad
Unfortunately, though the unit is very durable and constructed quite well, there are still some things that might be an issue. The biggest of these is that many have had problems with leaks around the hose base. This would mean that the water may not last as long and would be wasted.
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BUYER'S GUIDE
After looking at the camping showers above, you may be wondering how they were chosen. To find the best camping showers on the market, we looked at several different features, and we thought that you might want to have a look at them as well. Understanding what features make up a good camping shower will help you choose the right fit for you and your camping needs.
Here are the features that make up a great camping shower:
Capacity
When you're looking to buy a camping shower, you have to consider how much water it can actually hold. To choose the right one for your needs, you also have to consider who will be going with you and how much water you will need to get the job done in the end.
You also want to consider how far you will be trekking into your site. If you choose a camping shower that is a higher capacity, it will, of course, be heavier, and that may be a determining factor for you.
Material
Camping is a rugged activity and you will be surrounded by objects that are going to bump and scratch and poke. That means when you're looking at what camping shower you're going to choose, you will want to look for one that is crafted with durable material.
Many camping showers are crafted with high-quality PVC. It is then just a matter of looking at how that material is used in the construction. Ideally, you would want a camping shower that has a bag that is crafted with multiple layers of this PVC.
Easy To Use
When you're getting your camp all set up, absolutely no one wants to sit there for hours to set up a shower. This means that you will want to check out not only the ease of setup but how easy it is to use. Showers that are gravity-powered solar are often easier to transport as well as set up and use.
But camping showers that are powered by the sun also take quite a bit of time to heat a pan. If that is not something you're willing to let happen, then you may want to go with something that is either battery-powered or propane-powered.
Heating Method
Of course, if you're taking a camping shower, you're going to want hot water. So understanding which heating mechanism is the right option for you is important. There are many different types of camping showers; some will use electricity while others are powered through solar power.
If you're going somewhere where there's no access to electrical sockets, then you don't want to go with an electrical option. On the other hand, if you intend to go camping somewhere where there is not a lot of sunlight, choosing a solar power option will be useless.
Price
Lastly, you should really take a good look at what you get for the price tag that's attached to it. Camping showers can cost you very little or be extremely expensive, depending on the features that are included in the design.
When looking at this, you want to know how much you're willing to spend and how often you will use this piece of equipment.
It will make no sense to invest hundreds of dollars if you're only going to use it every now and then. But if you use it quite frequently, then you may want to invest a higher amount of money in this piece of camping gear.
F.A.Q.
Even with all that knowledge we just looked at, there are bound to be some questions you still have floating around in your head. So to help you further, we gathered up some of the most commonly asked questions and have answered them below.
How to choose a camping shower?
The very first thing you should decide is what exactly your needs are when you are camping. For example, are you looking for this to be solely for taking showers, or are you looking for it for shower plus cleaning and other tasks during your stay in the great outdoors? Once you have determined your needs, you can take a look at the features that we mentioned above in the buyer's guide to weigh them against those needs.
How does a camping shower work?
First and foremost, how your camping shower works depends on the model that you choose to go with. Each model will have its own definitive power source, whether that be solar or electrical, and then the system itself can be designed in multiple different ways. For instance, in most electrical-style camp showers, the water is typically pushed through by the use of a foot on a pump, and then the motor and fan take over, creating air pressure.
How to hang a camp shower
The method to hang your camping shower will, of course, depend on the style that you are utilizing. For those that are using gravity-fed showers, you will want to hang the bag off of a tree branch that sits above your head. On the other hand, if you are using an electric-powered or battery-powered one, you may want to leave the main body on the ground and just hold the nozzle in your hand.
If you need a more extensive explanation of the process, make sure to check out this video.
What is a camping shower?
This is a small system that runs on its own without any type of plumbing attachment and is set up at your campsite so that you can remain clean during your time outdoors. Typically these systems are lightweight and easy to use, which is why they are a great addition to any camping kit.
How to clean a camp shower bag?
One of the most important things to know how to do is to keep your camp shower bag clean. When you are done with it, you should place it with a little bit of bleach and some hot water in a bucket and let it sit for up to two hours. Then once it is set, you will want to rinse it thoroughly with cold water to ensure you remove every bit of bleach from the bag. After that is done, you'll want to let it air dry and then roll it up to store it.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It is a nice luxury to have the ability to make sure you can keep yourself clean and not have to wait until you get home to take a shower. Finding a good-quality camping shower might be well worth your time. We hope this buyer's guide and a look at some of the best camping showers on the market day have helped you with this task.