Best Portable Showers For Your Next Camping Trip!
Having your own portable shower is the best way to reduce your reliance on public amenities when camping. With more off grid capability you will find yourself in more remote places seeing sites you typically would stay. In this guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the best portable showers on the market, to help you find the best portable shower for your next trip.
We’ll explore compact and budget-friendly options as well as powerful and feature-packed models. So read on to find out more about the best portable showers for you and your next camping adventure.
Portable Showers Options For Camping (Reviewed & Ranked)
1. KIPIDA Solar Shower Bag
Brand: KIPIDA
Solar Shower Bag (5 gallons/20L) Solar Heating Camping Shower Bag with Removable Hose
The KIPIDA Solar Shower bag is our choice for a low budget portable shower solution. With it’s great value price and relatively sturdy build quality this shower bag is great for anyone looking for a simple solution to their camping shower needs.
With it’s water capacity on the smaller side this is great for bare basics set ups making use of military ‘field shower’ techniques by turning the water on and off as you lather soap.
We’ve found in overcast weather the bag takes extremely long to heat up very little in temperature, if you are looking for a quick shower we’ve found boiling a small amount of water and pouring it into the bag filled with room temperature water is the quickest way for a warm shower.
Benefits
- Small & Compact: With its small portable size, this shower is great for those car camping or hiking as it is easy to put away and carry.
- Cheap: Although being one of the simplest portable showers, this solar shower bag offers great value for money for those looking for a cheap solution.
- Inbuilt Temperature Indicator: With a temperature indicator fitted directly to the bag, telling how warm your shower is going to be is easy, which helps avoid cold or scolding hot showers.
Disadvantages
- Takes a long time to heat up water in sunlight: For a typical shower (113°F/ 45°C) it takes 3 hours to heat up with direct sunlight, which can be an inconvenience for those in a rush or if you forget to hang it up beforehand.
- Reasonably small water capacity: With only 5 Gallons (20L) of water at your disposal it can run out quick, especially if you value your hot water shower time.
- Have to Rely on Sunny Days: Unless you are a fan of cold showers, unfortunately being a solar heated water option, if it is overcast you are doomed to have a cold shower.
Price
At the time of reviewing the KIPIDA Solar Shower Bag the unit was available on Amazon at a list price of $21.99 USD, making it a relatively cheap option in this list. For up to date pricing make sure to see the KIPIDA Solar Shower Bag listing.
Note: For those looking for a little more privacy, using this solar shower in conjunction with a camping shower tent is ideal.
2. KEDSUM Portable Camping Shower
Brand: KEDSUM
Portable Camping Shower, Rechargeable Portable Shower, (+sprayer & collapsible bucket)
The KEDSUM Portable Camping Shower is a fantastic choice for those looking for a battery powered portable shower. It is Super portable and lightweight, making it easy to bring along on camping trips or hikes without too much weight or space taken up.
One of the best things about this shower is it’s simplicity. To use, submerse the pump in the bucket provided, fill with water and turn the motor on for a gentle, steady shower stream. The collapsible bucket and suction cup support are also handy features.
This is the second version by KEDSUM and they have listened to the original customer reviews by upgrading the battery to include a LED light to show the remaining battery power which is has been super useful.
Benefits
- Versatile: With the shower pump and nozzle being battery operated and separate from the include collapsible bucket you are not limited to a specific bucket or water source size.
- Rechargeable: This device is rechargeable by a variety of sources including 12-volt adapters or power banks making it great for those longer trips.
- Hands free ability: This portable shower kit comes with a suction cup hook to hold the nozzle on vertical objects such as a car or van window. This is a lifesaver to avoid a work out.
- Multi-Purpose: With an additional hand held sprayer, this shower can be quickly repurposed. With the spray nozzle it is great for washing bikes or as an addition to a camping kitchen for washing dishes.
Disadvantages
- No inbuilt heating method: Unlike solar or propane heated portable showers, unfortunately this kit doesn’t come with an inbuilt heat source. It is not a necessity, however it is a slight inconvenience to have to heat water and guess ratios for that perfect shower temperature.
- Relatively short battery life: With an advertised operating time of up to 60 min per charge (with 2-5hr charge time depending on source) it can feel like you are always having to recharge this shower, particularly if you are looking to make the most of it’s multipurpose ability.
Price
At the time of writing the KEDSUM Portable Camping Shower was available for $46.99 USD inclusive of a 8% discount from its regular list price of of $50.99 USD. For up to date pricing visit the KEDSUM Portable Camping Shower Listing on Amazon.
3. Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower
Brand: Hike Crew
Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump Compact Outdoor cleaning & showering system w/LCD & Auto Safety Shutoff for Instant Hot Water.
The Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower is our choice for those who are looking for a portable shower for long road trips or extended camping trips. With its larger size it is ideal for car camping or ‘Van-Life’ setups where you won’t have to maneuver it around as much.
With almost instant hot water and a plethora of features this portable propane water heater is not only a great camping showering solution but complete water source for your next trip. Not only does it have a shower head attachment with excellent, heated waterflow it has an inbuilt swinging faucet for washing hands and dishes.
It comes with everything you need to make your camping showering experience a great one, without having to rely on public amenities. We’ve found these to be sometimes difficult to come across for purchase with them sporadically out of stock due to demand, but is worth the investment if you can find one.
Benefits
- Instant hot Water: Unlike a lot of other portable showers, this has inbuilt heating making it easy to setup and use without having to rely on heating your own water prior to use or the weather for solar showers.
- Dual Heating Source: Being able to run on electric or propane makes this a great off grid solution for those visiting non powered sites. If you are not a fan of using propane this works well with a portable power station.
- Multipurpose: This hot water source is a great full campsite solution for those looking to get away without missing out on the comforts of running hot water.
- Safety Features: Hike Crews Portable water heater is packed full of safety features to give you peace of mind. From automatic extinguishers when it sensors a cut off of water flow.
Disadvantages
- Larger Size: Compared to bag style portable showers this unit is relatively large, but it is still small and light enough to be easily transported and stored.
- Upfront & Operational Costs: Although this is more expensive than other options on our list, it definitely offers a lot more value.
- Requires a source of power: Unfortunately to operate this water heater it does require some source of power either propane or electric, which does require some planning ahead to ensure you are able to use it everywhere you plan to camp.
Price
At the time of review the Hike Crew Portable Propane water heater was available on Amazon for $279.99 USD. For up to date pricing checkout the listing for Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump on Amazon.
What to look for when buying a portable shower?
When looking to buy a portable shower for camping in your car, there are a few key factors you need to consider. These include but are not limited to the following:
Water Capacity
It’s important to consider the showers water capacity to make sure it can provide enough water for your specific needs. If you’ll be using the shower for extended periods of time or with multiple people, you’ll want a shower with a large enough capacity.
Heating source & Method
Unless you are crazy enough to have a cold shower, you’ll need to consider how the shower water is heated. Some portable showers have built-in heaters, while others can require a separate heating source such as boiling water on a camp stove.
Water Pressure
Good water pressure is essential for a comfortable shower experience. Look for a shower with a high-pressure pump or a pressurized water tank to ensure a strong flow of water, alternatively there are gravity fed options.
Durability
As you are likely to rely on a camping shower for years to come, make sure to choose a shower that is made of sturdy materials and is built to last. Consider factors such as the quality of the construction, the materials used, and the manufacturer’s reputation & reviews.
Ease of Use
A portable shower should be easy to set up and use, with clear instructions and simple controls. Look for a shower that is straightforward and user-friendly.
Weight & Size
If you’ll be carrying the shower with you on a camping trip, consider its weight and size to ensure it’s portable and easy to transport. If your vehicle or camping setup is smaller in size lookout for a shower that is lightweight and compact.
Price
Determine your budget and look for a shower that offers good value for money. Consider the features and performance of the shower, as well as its price, to find the best value. Make sure to think about how often you will use the shower as this should be factored into your budget.
How to use Portable Showers for Camping
Using a portable shower when camping is a relatively easy, with most easy and quick to setup and use straight out of the box. Here are some the typical steps you’ll need to follow for most of the shower options in our list:
- Begin by setting up the shower according to the manufacturer’s instructions, most boxes will have a quick setup guide with images. This may involve inflating a water tank or connecting hoses and pumps. Pay attention to any warnings or precautions provided, particularly if there are electrical or gas heating elements involved.
- If the shower does not have a built-in heater, you will need to heat the water using a separate heating source such as a camp stove. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for heating the water or to your desired temperature.
- Once the shower is set up and the water is heated (if necessary), fill the water tank or attach a water source to the shower hose/ nozzle.
- Adjust the water pressure and temperature to your liking using the controls on the shower (if available).
- Step into the shower and enjoy a refreshing rinse.
- When you are finished, turn off the water and drain the water tank or hose, this helps reduce the risk of algae developing in the shower bag.
- Disassemble the shower and store it in a dry, protected place until it is needed again.
Benefits of Portable Showers for Camping
There are many benefits for having your own portable shower for camping. From the ability to camp or travel to more remote areas off the beaten track to better privacy. Below is a breakdown of some benefits from owning a portable shower.
Convenience
The convenience of having your own shower wherever you are is a must have, so you don’t have to worry about relying on finding shower facility’s while camping. This can be especially useful if you’re camping in a remote location or if you’re on a long road trip, it also opens up opportunities to camp in more remote areas you may not of considered.
Comfort
A hot shower can provide a comfortable and relaxing experience after a long day of outdoor activities. It can also help you feel more refreshed and rejuvenated, whilst providing a bit of a home feeling when travelling.
Hygiene
Staying clean while camping is important for maintaining good health and preventing illness. A portable shower can help you stay clean and hygienic even when you’re in the wilderness.
Versatility
Portable showers are designed to be used in a variety of settings, so you can use them at the campsite, at the beach, or even in your backyard. Making them a versatile and convenient option for showering when you’re on the go.
Compact and lightweight
Portable showers are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to pack and transport. This makes them an ideal choice for camping or other outdoor activities where space is limited.
Affordability
With a wide range of portable showers available at different price points, there is an option to meet most peoples budget. This makes them an accessible and cost-effective option for showering while camping or living on the road.
Conclusion
Choosing the best portable shower for you and your next camping trip requires careful consideration of a few key factors. Capacity, heating source, water pressure, durability, ease of use, weight and size, and price being important considerations.
By considering these factors and evaluating your personal needs and preferences, you can choose a portable shower that will provide a convenient, comfortable, and hygienic showering experience while camping. So whether you’re planning a short camping trip or an extended outdoor road trip adventure, a portable shower is an essential piece of equipment for staying clean and refreshed on the go.
If you are looking for more informative articles on hygiene for camping in your car make sure to read our guide to showering in your car and toilet options for car camping.
