Showering every day is not usual or even achievable when camping, but doing so on occasion makes your camping experience more enjoyable, which is where portable hot water showers come in handy.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the best hot water showers you may bring with you on your trip, for that occasional wash.
1) Advanced Elements Summer Shower
This is a portable shower designed to maximize the temperature of the hot water, with the capability to heat water to a temperature of 110 degrees Celsius under direct sunlight. The shower has a 5-gallon capacity which is enough water for ample cleaning and a thorough rinse.
The construction is rugged to withstand, rugged use and prolonged exposure to the elements. Moreover, it features a 4-ply construction with a reflector panel and insulator panel for optimized heat retention and to make sure that one can shower long time later after the sun has set.
Its innovative design includes a wide fill opening for easy refilling, a built-in temperature gauge to monitor water heat, a wide handle grip for convenient transport, and a shower head that saves water while maintaining decent flow. The shower hose is also easily stowed with a convenient Velcro strap.
Features
- Durable 2-layer construction.
- can heat up to 110 degrees in under 3 hours in direct sunlight
- Integrated toiletry pouch and Velcro straps for washcloth
- 5-gallon capacity
Pros
- Easy to fill with water
- Has a convenient temperature gauge
- Decent 5-gallon capacity
- Durable 4-ply construction
- Convenient pocket for soap and shampoo.
Cons
- 5-gallon capacity can be bulky when filled
2) Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater
The Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater is an excellent alternative for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a durable and effective solution to enjoy hot water in a remote setting. It’s also a popular choice among campers who prefer to shower with steaming hot water, something solar-powered portable heaters cannot provide.
A propane tank instantly warms the water as you use it while an AC/DC power source is used to pump the water to the shower outlet.
The unit includes a user-friendly control panel that allows for precise temperature adjustments, ensuring a comfortable and customizable shower experience. The water can be drawn from any source whether a water body or a bucket storage.
The tank is safe to use with features like tilt protection, and automatic shutoff which stops heating water once it passes a certain temperature (125 degrees Fahrenheit).
Features
- 3 qt/minute (2.2L/ minute) on average flow rate
- An integrated digital control panel makes the pump easier to control
- Runs on an AC/DC power source
- 3 Adjustable Spray Patterns
- Weighs 13.2lbs without the propane attached
- 5 ft long shower hose
Pros
- Heats the water to a high temperature
- Easy to control via a digital display
- Includes a ton of safety features
- Uses a variety of water sources
- Easy to set up and use with a proper user manual.
Cons
- Close to 15 lbs. may be bulky for certain campers.
3) WaterPORT 4.0 Gallon Self-Pressurized Shower
Waterport has many kinds of hot water showers to use while camping, and this is just one of several options that stand out for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons is because it’s easy to use and has fewer moving components, making it incredibly reliable.
The shower is mostly used for Overlanding because it will easily attach to the top of the car rack, or just any other location such as the tow hitch, or bumper.
The shower is ideal for anyone who needs a shower with very high pressure for several activities, like showering, or cleaning. Pressure is courtesy of a hand pump that replaces the cap, or one can easily attach an air pump to a valve on one of the edges.
The container is solid enough to withstand the rigors of the outdoors and has a large cap opening which allows you to easily fill it up with water for a hot or cold shower.
Features
- 8-foot hose and a high-pressure multi-pattern spray nozzle
- Pump Cap to add pressure
- Weighs 17lbs when empty
- Mount your Day Tank to any standard 2″ receiver hitch
Pros
- Generous pressure from the shower
- Durable container
- Water heats naturally if the container is left under direct sunlight
- Easily mounts on various locations
- A built-in handle makes it easy to carry
- Simple and easy to use
Cons
- Might be heavy for some (47 lbs.) when filled with water
- High pressure runs through water quickly.
4) NEMO Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower
The NEMO Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower is a standout option that comes in two versions an 11-liter and a 22-liter version, both solar heated and able to give a refreshing shower when out camping.
What makes this portable shower unique is that one doesn’t need to hang it but it’s placed on the ground and operated via a foot pump. One can also use a pump to occasionally keep it pressurized for a strong and continuous spray.
The Helio is made from high-quality, puncture-resistant materials that withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The design includes a wide, easy-to-fill opening, and filling can be done easily without the use of a hose.
The also shower comes with a 7-foot-long hose which allows the user to conveniently hold it overhead for a for a deep cleaning.
Overall, the NEMO Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower is an excellent choice for those who prioritize consistent water pressure and durability
Features
- 11-liter or 22-liter capacities
- 7-foot neoprene sprayer hose with spray nozzle
- sits securely on the ground and is pressurized by a foot pump.
- 5–7 minutes of continuous, steady water pressure.
- Solar heated
Pros
- Able to give consistent pressure
- Easy to refill without using a water hose
- Durable construction
- Doesn’t need to be hung overhead
Cons
- One can only use one hand to shower and the other to hold the overhead hose
5) Spopal Portable Shower for Camping
This is a battery-powered portable shower that doesn’t come with water storage but is placed in a hot water-filled container like a bucket. The battery power makes it reliable because you can shower instantly without having to find somewhere to hang it first.
This shower has a straightforward operation and can be able to pump and heat water for 120 to 150 minutes continuously. The included motor also operates quietly and the flow rate can easily be adjusted, to accommodate one’s specific requirement.
Other outstanding characteristics of the Spopal portable shower include a Polypropylene (PP) filter element that helps remove contaminants from the water, a 6.5ft long hose, and a type C interface that allows mobile phone devices to be charged using the battery when not in use.
Features
- 6000mAh battery capacity
- 4 practical water dispensing settings
- LED display of power status and water temperature.
- Includes a 5V 0.5-2A type C charging port
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Polypropylene (PP) filter removes impurities
- Decent runtime
- Uses a reliable battery power
- You can charge your mobile phone
Cons
- Some reports of inaccurate temperature readings on the display
6) DR. PREPARE Portable Camping Shower
The Dr. Prepare camping shower Is a portable hot water shower that has a 5-gallon capacity reservoir that provides ample water for a satisfying shower. The attached hose with a spray nozzle delivers a steady flow, ensuring a comfortable rinse.
The heating is done by solar where the black waterproof PVC container is placed outside for an extended period, and the it will retain the heat.
When in use, this shower is conveniently placed on the ground, and a 5.65-foot-long hose runs from it, which the user holds overhead to shower. Water is pumped using either a foot pump or a small battery-powered rechargeable pump both included in the package.
The fill-up is easily done via a wide opening on the top and once you are done using the shower it can be easily folded to be carried along together with your other gear.
Features
- 4 gallons of water capacity
- Constant spray mode & manual mode spray nozzle
- 56 feet water hose
- The water is solar heated
Pros
- Easy to use foot pump
- Decent 4-gallon capacity
- Doesn’t need hanging when in use
- Easily foldable to a compact size
- Includes an air pump
Cons
- Doesn’t have a strong pressure
7) Sea to Summit Pocket Shower
The Sea to Summit 10-liter portable shower gives you a convenient way to stay clean with its, easy-to-use mechanism. Built into the base is a knob that is twisted to turn the water on and off and when fully open one gets a nice flow of water.
The hot shower is possible because the 70D Nylon fabric used on this shower soaks up the sun during the day, which heats the water. The nylon bag is lightweight and portable to carry around and it can also be used as a regular dry sack to haul gear around when not filled with water.
Overall, this is an excellent choice for a budget-conscious shopper, but as with all portable showers, nothing is perfect especially the less expensive choices. This pocket shower may feel flimsy to some, and it is only effective during hot weather.
Features
- Lightweight 70D nylon with fully taped seams
- 8 mins shower
- Includes 20 ft / 6.1m cord
Pros
- Simple and easy-to-use twist mechanism
- Super compact and light
- Doubles as a regular dry sack when not in use
- Heats in the sun
- Great for a budget shopper
Cons
- Relatively low pressure
What to consider when buying a portable hot water shower for camping
Before we get into the alternatives, it’s helpful to understand some of the factors to consider while looking for a camping shower. This knowledge will assist you in selecting the best alternative to meet your demands while also providing you with the best experience possible based on the uniqueness of your campsite. These include;
Power source
How is the hot water shower being powered, and how convenient it is for you? is the question that you should be asking when shopping for one. We have portable showers powered using a battery, others using propane while some of the most popular use solar. The solar-powered one is sometimes preferred for its durability over the whole camping session because solar is renewable.
Water Pressure
A sufficient flow rate enhances the showering experience, so it’s always a good idea to check whether you are comfortable with your water pressure. Some models allow you to adjust the water pressure, which can help conserve water while still providing a satisfying shower
Portability
How comfortable are you hauling around the portable hot water shower? The model should be lightweight for your convenience and portable enough to fit together with the other accessories.
Water Efficiency
If you have a limited water supply, like most people in camping, choose a model that conserves water without sacrificing pressure. This will allow you to get more showers out of your available water. Efficient showers are also a great deal for environmentally conscious campers.
Price and warranty
Be sure to have a proper budget to get the best value shower. This is because these showers’ build quality and features tend to increase with price.
Conclusion
The portable hot water showers for camping we’ve listed in this post provide the most value for their price. Different showers have diverse applications because some are not particularly portable and cannot be used for activities such as backpacking, but then again we have reviewed those that can. Consider the type of camping you are into and choose appropriately.
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