Camping is a great way to enjoy nature, relax, and have fun with your friends and family. But after a long day of hiking, biking, or fishing, you might want to take a refreshing shower to wash off the dirt and sweat. However, not all campsites have access to clean and hot water, and some don’t even have showers at all. That’s why you need a camping shower.
A camping shower is a portable device that allows you to take a shower anywhere, anytime. It usually consists of a water container, a hose, a showerhead, and a heating mechanism. Depending on the type and model, it can provide you with hot or cold water, high or low pressure, and long or short duration.
But how do you choose the best camping shower for your needs? There are many factors to consider, such as the size, weight, capacity, heating method, durability, ease of use, and price. To help you make an informed decision, we have reviewed some of the best camping showers available on the market in 2023. We have also included some tips on how to use and maintain your camping shower.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | There are four main types of camping showers: solar, propane, battery-powered, and manual. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. |
| Capacity | The capacity of a camping shower refers to how much water it can hold and how long it can last. The larger the capacity, the longer the shower time, but also the heavier the weight. |
| Heating | The heating method of a camping shower determines how fast and how hot it can heat up the water. Solar showers rely on sunlight, propane showers use gas burners, battery-powered showers use electric heaters, and manual showers use external sources. |
| Pressure | The pressure of a camping shower refers to how strong the water flow is. High pressure provides a more satisfying shower experience, but also consumes more water. Low pressure saves water, but may not be enough to rinse off soap and shampoo. |
| Durability | The durability of a camping shower depends on the quality of the materials and the design. You want a camping shower that can withstand outdoor conditions, such as heat, cold, rain, wind, and dust. |
| Ease of use | The ease of use of a camping shower refers to how simple and convenient it is to set up, operate, and pack up. You want a camping shower that is easy to fill, hang, adjust, drain, and store. |
The Best Camping Showers of 2023
Here are our top picks for the best camping showers of 2023 based on customer reviews, expert opinions, and our own experience.
Best Overall: NEMO Helio LX Pressure Shower
The NEMO Helio LX Pressure Shower is our favorite camping shower because it combines high performance with portability and versatility. It has a large 22-liter (5.8-gallon) capacity that can provide up to 10 minutes of continuous spray. It also has a foot pump that allows you to adjust the pressure according to your preference.
The NEMO Helio LX Pressure Shower uses a solar heating system that can warm up the water in 2-3 hours under direct sunlight. It also has an insulated fabric that helps retain the heat for longer periods. The water temperature can reach up to 40°C (104°F), which is comfortable enough for most people.
The NEMO Helio LX Pressure Shower is made of durable polyester with welded seams and reinforced stress points. It has a sturdy handle that makes it easy to carry and hang from trees or poles. It also has a 7-foot neoprene hose with a spray nozzle that can be locked for hands-free use.
The NEMO Helio LX Pressure Shower is easy to use and maintain. It has a transparent window that lets you see the water level and color. It also has a twist cap that makes it easy to fill and empty. It comes with a zippered storage case that protects it from dirt and damage.
The NEMO Helio LX Pressure Shower costs $129.95¹, which is reasonable for its quality and features. It also comes with a lifetime warranty from NEMO², which shows their confidence in their product.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Adjustable pressure
- Solar heating
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Heavy when full
- Slow to heat
- Requires pumping
Best Budget: Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower
The Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower is our best budget option because it offers decent performance at a low price. It is a battery-powered shower that can be used with any water source, such as a bucket, a lake, or a stream. It has a small 2.5-liter (0.66-gallon) per minute flow rate that can last up to an hour on a full charge.
The Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower does not have a heating system, so you have to use warm water or rely on the ambient temperature. However, it has a built-in water filtration system that can remove dirt and impurities from the water, making it safer and cleaner to use.
The Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower is made of lightweight and waterproof plastic that can withstand outdoor use. It has a suction cup and a hook that allow you to attach it to any smooth surface or hang it from a branch or a pole. It also has a 6-foot flexible hose with a showerhead that has an on/off switch.
The Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower is easy to use and charge. It has a USB cable that can be plugged into any power source, such as a car charger, a laptop, or a power bank. It also has an LED indicator that shows the battery status and the water flow.
The Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower costs $34.99³, which is very affordable for its functionality and convenience. It also comes with a one-year warranty from Ivation⁴, which covers any defects or malfunctions.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Battery-powered
- Water filtration
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- No heating
- Low pressure
- Short hose
Best for Car Camping: Yakima RoadShower
The Yakima RoadShower is our best choice for car camping because it is designed to be mounted on your roof rack and provide you with pressurized water on the go. It has a large 38-liter (10-gallon) capacity that can provide up to 15 minutes of continuous spray. It also has an air valve that allows you to pump up the pressure with a bike pump or an air compressor.
The Yakima RoadShower uses a solar heating system that can heat up the water in 2-4 hours under direct sunlight. It also has an aluminum body that absorbs and retains the heat efficiently. The water temperature can reach up to 60°C (140°F), which is very hot and may require mixing with cold water.
The Yakima RoadShower is made of durable and rust-proof aluminum that can withstand harsh weather and road conditions. It has a universal mounting system that fits most roof racks and crossbars. It also has two outlets with hose attachments that let you use the shower simultaneously or separately.
The Yakima RoadShower is easy to fill and drain. It has a large cap that makes it easy to pour water into the tank. It also has a drain plug that makes it easy to empty the tank when not in use. It comes with a hose, a nozzle, and a mounting hardware kit.
The Yakima RoadShower costs $439.99⁵, which is quite expensive for a camping shower. However, it is worth it if you are looking for a high-quality and reliable shower that can be used anywhere with your car. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Yakima⁶, which covers any manufacturing defects.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Pressurized water
- Solar heating
- Durable
- Easy to fill and drain
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Requires roof rack
How to Use and Maintain Your Camping Shower
To get the most out of your camping shower, you need to know how to use and maintain it properly. Here are some tips to help you do that:
Before using your camping shower, make sure it is clean and free of leaks or damages. Check the hose, the nozzle, the cap, the valve, and the tank for any cracks or holes.
Fill your camping shower with clean water from a reliable source, such as a faucet, a spring, or a filter. Avoid using saltwater, dirty water, or chemical water, as they may damage your camping shower or harm your skin.
If your camping shower has a heating system, place it in direct sunlight for several hours until the water reaches your desired temperature. If not, you can heat up some water separately and mix it with cold water in your camping shower.
Hang your camping shower from a sturdy support, such as a tree branch, a pole, or your car roof rack. Make sure it is stable and secure, and not too high or too low for your comfort.
Adjust the pressure and the spray mode of your camping shower according to your preference. You can use more pressure for rinsing off soap and shampoo, and less pressure for saving water.
Enjoy your shower, but be mindful of your water consumption and the environment. Try to limit your shower time to 5 minutes or less, and turn off the shower when you are not using it. Also, make sure to dispose of your wastewater properly, away from any water sources or plants.
After using your camping shower, drain it completely and rinse it with clean water. Dry it thoroughly before storing it in a cool and dry place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as they may damage your camping shower or affect its performance.
Periodically check your camping shower for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, leaks, rust, mold, or dirt. If you find any, repair them as soon as possible or replace your camping shower if necessary. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for cleaning and maintenance.
Conclusion
A camping shower is a useful and convenient device that can enhance your camping experience. It can provide you with a refreshing and relaxing shower anywhere, anytime. However, not all camping showers are created equal. You need to consider various factors, such as the type, capacity, heating, pressure, durability, ease of use, and price of the camping shower before buying one.
We hope this article has helped you learn more about the best camping showers of 2023 and how to use and maintain them. We have reviewed some of the top-rated and most popular camping showers on the market, based on their features, performance, quality, and customer feedback. We have also given you some tips on how to choose the best camping shower for your needs and preferences.
Remember that the best camping shower for you depends on your personal situation and requirements. You may have different preferences and expectations than other campers. Therefore, you should do your own research and compare different options before making a final decision.
We hope you enjoy your next camping trip with your new camping shower. Happy camping!
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