Solar Camping Showers: How They Work and Benefits

If you love camping, hiking, or any other outdoor activity, you know how refreshing and relaxing a warm shower can be after a long day. But what if you don’t have access to running water or electricity? How can you enjoy a hot shower in the wilderness?

The answer is simple: solar camping showers.

Solar camping showers are portable devices that use solar energy to heat water for outdoor showering. They are ideal for campers who want to stay clean and comfortable without relying on external sources of power or water.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about solar camping showers, how they work, their benefits, and how to choose the best one for your next outdoor adventure.

How Solar Camping Showers Work

A solar camping shower is a simple and inexpensive option for camping. It is a black bag filled with water that is left in the sun to heat up. The water is then gravity-fed through a hose and shower head¹.

The basic components of a solar camping shower are:

• A water reservoir: This is usually a black or dark-colored bag made of durable plastic or PVC material. It can hold anywhere from 2 to 10 gallons of water, depending on the size and capacity of the shower. The bag has a handle or strap for hanging it from a tree branch or a pole.
• A solar heater: This is the part that absorbs the sun’s rays and transfers the heat to the water inside the bag. Some solar showers have reflective panels or insulation layers to enhance the heating efficiency and retain the warmth longer.
• A temperature gauge: This is a small strip or sticker that changes color according to the temperature of the water in the bag. It helps you avoid scalding yourself or wasting cold water.
• A hose and shower head: This is the part that delivers the water from the bag to your body. The hose is usually flexible and detachable for easy storage and transport. The shower head has an on/off valve or switch that allows you to control the water flow and pressure.

To use a solar camping shower, you need to follow these simple steps:

1. Fill the bag with water from a faucet, a stream, a lake, or any other source of clean water. Make sure the bag is not too heavy or bulky for you to carry or hang.
2. Seal the bag with the cap or plug and lay it flat on the ground or hang it from a sunny spot. Expose as much surface area of the bag as possible to the sun.
3. Wait for the water to heat up. This can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the weather conditions, the amount of water, and the quality of the solar heater. Check the temperature gauge regularly to monitor the progress.
4. When the water is hot enough for your liking, hang the bag from a sturdy support at least 3 feet above your head. Attach the hose and shower head if they are not already connected.
5. Turn on the valve or switch and enjoy your warm shower. Be careful not to waste too much water or let it run continuously, as this will reduce the pressure and temperature of the remaining water.

Benefits of Solar Camping Showers

Solar camping showers offer many advantages over other types of outdoor showers, such as:

• Easy to use: Solar camping showers are very simple and straightforward to operate. You don’t need any batteries, electricity, gas, or pumps to make them work. All you need is some water and some sun.
• Eco-friendly: Solar camping showers are environmentally friendly because they use renewable energy from the sun and do not produce any emissions or waste. They also help you conserve water by limiting your shower time and flow rate.
• Cost-effective: Solar camping showers are very affordable compared to other options. You can buy one for as low as $10² or make one yourself with some basic materials³. You also save money on fuel or electricity costs that you would otherwise spend on heating water.
• Versatile: Solar camping showers are not only good for showering but also for other purposes, such as washing dishes, clothes, pets, equipment, or plants. You can also use them in different settings, such as camping sites, beaches, backyards, or festivals.

How to Choose the Best Solar Camping Shower

Solar camping showers come in different types, sizes, capacities, and features. To choose the best one for your needs, you need to consider the following factors:

• Type: There are two main types of solar camping showers: bag showers and pressure showers. Bag showers are the most common and basic ones, as described above. Pressure showers are more advanced and convenient ones, as they have a built-in foot pump or a hand pump that adds pressure to the water, so you don’t need to hang them to use them⁴. They also have a larger water tank and a longer hose and shower head. However, they are also more expensive, heavier, and bulkier than bag showers.

• Size and capacity: The size and capacity of the solar camping shower determine how much water it can hold and how long it can last. The larger the bag or tank, the more water it can store and the longer it can heat up. However, it also means more weight and space to carry and store. You need to balance your needs and preferences with the practicality and convenience of the shower. A good rule of thumb is to choose a shower that can hold at least 2 gallons of water per person per day⁵.

• Features: The features of the solar camping shower affect its performance, functionality, and comfort. Some of the features to look for are:

  • A durable and leak-proof material that can withstand wear and tear and resist punctures and tears.
  • A strong and comfortable handle or strap that can support the weight of the water and allow you to hang or carry the shower easily.
  • A secure and tight cap or plug that can prevent water from spilling or evaporating.
  • A high-quality and efficient solar heater that can heat up the water quickly and evenly and keep it warm for a long time.
  • A clear and accurate temperature gauge that can show you the exact temperature of the water in the bag or tank.
  • A flexible and detachable hose that can reach different parts of your body and fit in your backpack or bag.
  • A functional and adjustable shower head that can provide a steady and strong water flow and pressure and let you switch between different spray modes.

Conclusion

Solar camping showers are a great way to enjoy a warm shower in the outdoors without relying on external sources of power or water. They are easy to use, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and versatile. They come in different types, sizes, capacities, and features. To choose the best one for your needs, you need to consider your needs, preferences, budget, and camping location.

We hope this article has helped you learn more about solar camping showers, how they work, their benefits, and how to choose the best one for your next outdoor adventure. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Happy camping!