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What are the Best Camping Showers to Help You Stay Clean on Your Next Trip?
Whether you’re backpacking through the woods or tailgating at your favorite football game, your time in the great outdoors should be fun and relaxing. However, one problem that can quickly spoil an enjoyable camping trip is being forced to go without a shower, which can leave you feeling dirty and uncomfortable.
To help you stay clean while you’re away from home, we’ve assembled this guide on the best camping showers to help you feel fresh and clean during your next adventure into the great outdoors.
What Are Some Good Types of Camping Showers?
One of my favorite things about camping is that it lets you get back to basics. The opportunity to explore nature and experience a new place at its most unspoiled is a significant part of why people go camping. But, there are some things about modern life that you can’t give up—and one of those things is showers.
Campers have many great options for showering off when roughing it in the great outdoors. Some best camping showers include solar-powered models, manual showers, and gravity-fed units.
As always, check your local regulations before installing any outdoor shower system. While these units work well independently or with other water sources like lakes or rivers, they may not meet particular state or municipal requirements.
Types of Camping Showers to Embrace While Camping
1. Solar Powered Camping Showers
Solar showers are an excellent alternative for those who don’t want to purchase something and deal with the complications of setting it up. Please fill up your solar shower bag, let it sit in direct sunlight (for about 8 hours), and have hot water.
Even though they take a while to heat up, these are convenient if you’re looking for an easy way to stay clean on your next camping trip.
2. Manual Camping Showers
Traveling by car indeed makes it easier to take a shower, but what if you’re doing so in a beautiful outdoor setting? What are your options? Here are two manual ways of getting clean. The first is simply pouring water over yourself with a jug or other container.
However, if you have limited or no water source, an alternative is available: You can create your body wash. Pour some soap into a small container and fill it with water for lathering up!
3. Gravity-Fed Camping Shower Systems
Gravity-fed shower systems are versatile, self-contained, and lightweight. They typically attach directly to your water storage containers and pump out hot water with just a flick of a switch. This can be important when temperatures start dropping in early fall and even more so if you happen to be using it at night.
4. Propane Showers
If you’re looking for an easy and efficient way to get hot water while camping, propane showers are definitely worth considering. With a small tank of propane attached to the showerhead, these showers heat up water quickly – no waiting around for the sun or manual pumping required!
One great thing about propane showers is how easy they are to use. Simply turn on the valve and voila! Hot water is ready to go, making them perfect for anyone who needs to clean up quickly. They’re especially handy for hikers and hunters.
But convenience isn’t the only benefit. Propane showers also provide consistent water temperature and pressure. And with their high flow rate, you can wash off quickly and efficiently. Plus, there’s a range of models available, so you can find one that fits your specific needs – whether you’re camping solo or with a group.
However, safety precautions should be taken, including securely attaching the tank to the showerhead, keeping the shower away from heat or open flames, and ensuring proper ventilation.
Features of a Good Camping Shower
1. Ease of Setup and Use
A good camping shower shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes to set up. This will mean you spend less time getting ready in the morning and more time doing what you came out there for in the first place.
If it takes any longer than that, look for a different shower. Simple is best when choosing camp showers. Make sure they come with all their pieces or parts and can be assembled easily before buying them. The last thing you wish for is complications when you’re tired from a long day of hiking or climbing mountains.
The first thing you’ll want to consider when looking for a camping shower is how easy it is to use. Whether it has wheels or not, you should be able to set up your shower quickly and start using it immediately.
This could mean that two people are needed, but all you need is a partner who can hold up part of it as you secure each piece into place.
It’s also helpful if your shower comes with its storage bag, making it easier to pack up after use.
2. Portability and Durability
The critical aspect to consider when looking for a camping shower is how portable it is. Unless you’re planning to stay in one place for a long time or camping exclusively at car campgrounds, portability will be an essential factor in your buying decision.
For example, a portable backpacking shower might be ideal if you want to backpack while camping and hiking with all your supplies (including water).
Frequently Asked Questions
Gravity-Fed vs. Pump Showers: Which Is Right for Your Camping Needs?
When it comes to choosing between a gravity-fed shower or a pump shower for your camping needs, there are plenty of factors to take into consideration.
Let’s start with gravity-fed showers. These showers are great because they’re simple and affordable (without breaking the bank). You won’t need electricity or batteries to operate them, so they’re easy to set up and use. They work by relying on gravity to create water pressure and flow from a bag or tank placed above the showerhead. Keep in mind that while they may have limited water pressure, they’re still a great option if you want to keep things basic.
On the other hand, pump showers are another excellent choice (let me tell you why). They use a battery-powered pump to create water pressure, providing a powerful and consistent flow of water. Plus, you can heat water on demand using propane or electricity! While they might be more expensive and require additional equipment (like a water tank), they’re the perfect way to bring a touch of luxury to your camping experience.
Now, finding the right shower will depend on your specific needs. If you’re looking for an affordable option and don’t mind waiting for the water to heat up, a gravity-fed shower could work well for you. However, if you want a more powerful and convenient shower experience, a pump shower may be the better choice. Ultimately, it’s all about what works best for you and your camping style.
What can you do when there’s no water?
Most people take water for granted, but if you’re camping and staying in dry areas, there’s a good chance you won’t have access to water. In such scenarios, ensure you carry your own water to the camping site.
How do you pack your camping shower kit?
It’s a given that campers will get dirty—that is, after all, part of camping. But that doesn’t signify that you have to be gross. Some planning can assist you in staying clean while roughing it. Planning will help you keep your shower kit light and compact. Here are some suggestions for what to pack in your kit:
- A small towel (for drying off)
- A washcloth (for washing up)
- Soap or body wash (or both) in travel-size containers
- Shampoo and conditioner if you need them; otherwise, bar soap will do just fine.
If you use liquid soap or shampoo, make sure it comes in a travel-size container. The last thing you want is something leaky to ruin everything else in your bag.
The Bottom Line
The best camping showers for you will be determined by several factors, including how much space you have, how many people need access, what your water supply is like, and whether or not your camp shower needs to be portable.
If you’re looking for something simple to use, check out the Coleman 5-Gallon Fold N’ Go Instant Camp Shower. It holds a maximum of five gallons of water at once, so it’s great if you want a long shower or if multiple people in your group need to get clean. It also comes with an adjustable sprayer that makes it easy to clean quickly without wasting water.
