Do you love camping but wish there were an easy way to stay clean? Being able to shower while you camp is not just a luxurious amenity; taking care of your personal hygiene on the trails is actually really important to ensure you have a safe and healthy camping adventure. A portable camping shower will solve all your personal hygiene needs so you can enjoy nature worry-free.
We did our research and created a list of the 10 best portable camping showers. The Advanced Elements Summer Shower was our favorite, because of its solar technology, decent capacity, compact storage, and extra features such as a temperature gauge and storage packet. Keep reading for a buying guide that will help you find a shower that fits your camping needs.
Quick List - Top Portable Camping Showers
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To pick a suitable portable camping shower, you'll need to consider logistics, such as water source, power source, shower time, weight, and compactness. Here's some information to help you find a shower that fits your preferences and camping conditions.
Some showers have a pump that is placed directly into a water source. These are a good option if you have easy access to a body of fresh water, although keep in mind privacy could be an issue and you should not use any soap in a natural body of water. You may prefer to place the pump in a bucket of water.
If you're not sure about the water access you'll have, think about how long you'll be camping. If there will be extended periods of time without opportunities to replenish with fresh water, go for a shower with a tank that has a larger capacity, such as four or five gallons.
Depending on their capacity, other camping showers will require more refilling than others if you want a full-length shower. This might mean the shower is more compact or more lightweight, but the tradeoff is having to refill a bucket or the shower bag multiple times while you shower, which might be more especially inconvenient if you are camping a decent distance away from a water source.
Check product listings to see if there's any mention of the average length of a shower per a certain number of gallons or liters of water. For example, a camping shower might have the power to provide you a 10 minute shower using 2.5 gallons of water. This will help you figure out how much mileage you can get out of a shower given your water supply.
Camping showers can be categorized by the source of water pressure. Check the product listing to see if water flow is listed. Often measured in gallons per minute, this specification will give you a sense of how powerful the shower is. Depending on who or what will be washed with the portable shower, you might want a gentle stream of water or a more high-pressure shower.
Camping shower bags are usually hung from a tree or another high spot. You fill the bag up and then the water falls naturally, thanks to gravity. The higher the bag is, the more pressure you get. This is a useful shower type if you're camping in a wooded area with lots of branches. There are several options on the market that are lightweight and store compactly.
With manual pump showers, you have to pump by hand or foot to build up pressure from a container of water. There is no hanging required, but this type of shower will likely take up more space and the shower process will be more physically involved since you'll need to use some elbow grease before you can hit the showers!
Automatic pumps are normally powered by rechargeable batteries. Pick this kind of shower only if you'll have access to electricity or if one charge will take care of your shower needs for the duration of your camping trip.
Some camping showers run on batteries that require a charge. If your shower is powered by a rechargeable battery, you'll want to know how many minutes of use you'll get out of a single charge, especially if you won't have any access to electricity during a long camping trip. To conserve both charge and water, consider turning off the shower while you're soaping up.
If you won't have electricity access or just don't want to contend with batteries, there are plenty of options that don't need power to operate and work instead via gravity, solar heating, or hand pumping.
You'll want to consider your personal preferences for your camping shower experience as well as your electricity access, the length of your camping trip, and your camping setup to decide which type is best for you. Battery-operated showers and non-electric showers will take up different amounts of space and require varying levels of involvement and preparation.
Having an estimate of shower time is helpful for the sake of efficiency, water conservation, and other logistics. The showering minutes you get from a full container of water depend on the amount of water pressure, the size of the hose, and the size of the shower head.
If you have a pump-operated shower, you'll want to figure out how much water you'll need for a full-length shower for you and perhaps for fellow campers if you're sharing. If you have a bag shower, you'll want to know how many showering minutes you'll get from full capacity.
There might be a tradeoff between shower capacity and durability as well as between water pressure and portability. For example, bigger showers tend to be made of sturdier materials, but if portability is more of a priority for you, you might want to go with a smaller shower, which might have a gentler flow of water.
When you're camping, space is a hot commodity. You might not have the room, or the desire, to lug a big shower, so be sure to see how heavy it is and decide if it's worth the weight or will add too much bulk to your gear. For example, a shower with a larger capacity might make showering more convenient, but it will take up more space and might weigh more.
Also think about how easy it will be to store and transport the shower. Is it an awkward shape that won't fit easily in a backpack? Can it be stored compactly? Are there a lot of pieces to keep track of? Is there a convenient way to carry it, like a handle or strap? Another consideration is whether you'll need additional gear for your shower setup, like a bucket.
Most portable camping showers do not include a water heater. However, you can enjoy a warm shower if you have a way to heat up water, such as fire, propane, or solar energy. Make sure to read the instructions to see if it's safe to add hot water to your portable shower. Some companies specify the temperature tolerance.
Many bag showers feature solar absorption technology, which warms up water that is left in the sun. This is an easy and eco-friendly way to get hot water, but isn't reliable if the weather is not sunny or you're showering at night. Propane camping showers are another convenient option, but since they're not very portable, they aren't included in this article.
Be sure to test the temperature of the water before showering in case the water has gotten too hot. Some solar showers are equipped with a temperature gauge. You could add some cold water if the water temperature is too high.
If you're looking for a shower that will provide as much comfort and convenience as possible, search for extra features. Some portable showers have interchangeable shower heads, pouches for toiletries, temperature gauges, or longer shower hoses!
Keep in mind that these extras might add extra weight to your gear, so you'll have to weigh the benefits of the features with the costs of heavier gear. How long you plan to be camping might affect whether you want to invest in added features.
Another feature to look for is water filtration, which might be important to you if you're planning on using water directly from a natural water source rather than adding water you've boiled or filtered yourself first. Filters help remove pathogens, such as bacteria, from your water, so a camping shower with water filtration could help reduce risk of getting sick.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Advanced Elements Summer Shower | ![]() | A Solar Shower That Rolls Up to Fit in Your Pack | |
2 | Ivation Portable Battery-Powered Outdoor Shower | ![]() | Enjoy a Hands-Free Gentle Shower | |
3 | Iron Hammer Portable Camp Shower | ![]() | Built-In Filtration and Battery for Clean Convenience | |
4 | Kedsum Portable Shower | ![]() | Endless Showering Thanks to Two Batteries | |
5 | Sea to Summit Lightweight Pocket Shower | ![]() | Minimalist Portable Shower With Adjustable Water Flow | |
6 | Reliance Products Flow Pro Pressurized Portable Shower | ![]() | No Charge Needed for This Pump-Up Shower | |
7 | Rainburst Simple Shower | ![]() | Keep It Simple With a Lightweight Option | |
8 | WEIYII Outdoor Camping Solar Shower Bag | ![]() | Solar Shower With a Strong Handle for Hanging | |
9 | NEMO Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower | ![]() | Use Your Foot to Pump Up This Shower | |
10 | Coghlan's Solar-Heated Camp Shower | ![]() | Highly Portable Shower With a Large Capacity |
This solar shower bag features four layers, including reflector, insulator, and solar panels. All you need to do to enjoy a hot shower is fill the 2.5-gallon reservoir with water using the large fill valve with a twist-off cap and leave the bag in the sun, clear side up. Using the convenient wide handle, carry the bag to your shower spot, unhook the handle, and hang it up!
To conserve water, pull on the nozzle to turn the shower on and push it in to turn it off. Additional helpful features include a water temperature gauge with readings in Celsius and Fahrenheit, a Velcro pouch for storing shower items, and Velcro straps that hold the hose. Even better, the shower rolls up for compact storage.
Some buyers reported that their shower leaked, and a few users found it difficult to open and close the shower nozzle with soapy hands. Reviewers reported that the water got to a nice and hot temperature within one to a few hours, depending on the climate. Other happy reviewers said the bag was easy to fill and liked the compact size and amount of water pressure.
This handheld shower has built-in water filtration, so you can safely shower using water you find near your campsite. You'll get a stream of water at 0.66 gallons per minute, which is gentle enough for babies, elderly people, and pets, too. For added convenience, the design includes a hanging hook and a suction cup holder for hands-free operation.
The pump is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery. Note that you will receive either a USB cord or a wall plug for charging; the company warns not to use an adapter greater than 5V. A single charge, which takes two to five hours, will provide up to an hour of continuous use. With 2.5 gallons of water, you can shower for seven to eight minutes.
Dissatisfied users reported that their shower stopped working or charging and the power switch broke after a handful of times or even after one use. Some found it inconvenient to reach down into their bucket to turn the pump on and off while showering. Happy buyers were pleased with the water pressure and appreciated the easy setup and charging.
Looking for a pump shower but don't want to bend down while showering to control the water flow? This shower head comes with a valve so you can easily switch the shower on and off and choose between a water flow of 0.79 or 1.1 gallons per minute. Even better, the 2.55-by-4.25 inch pump comes with a built-in filtration system, and you can remove the filter for cleaning.
You can place the pump in a bucket of water that is as hot as 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The battery is built into the pump unit, so when the LED low-power indicator comes on, plug the unit into a 5V USB charger. On a single three-hour charge, you'll get 140 minutes of showering time using low water flow and 80 minutes using high water flow.
Several reviewers were frustrated because their shower stopped working after only a few uses or couple of months. On the other hand, many buyers were happy with their shower, whether they were using it for their dog, a person with disabilities, or camping. The water shut-off valve was a hit for a handful of reviewers, and some buyers were impressed how long the battery held charge.
This upgraded "second generation" version of this portable shower features two upgraded batteries that are detachable and separate from the pump so you don't have to submerge the battery in the bucket of water or reach into the bucket with soapy hands to turn off the shower. This also extends the life of the batteries.
The batteries, which now feature an LED power indicator light and a more sensitive switch, are charged by an included USB cable. One can run between 45 and 60 minutes on one charge of two to five hours, and the other can run up to two hours on a single charge! There's also a handheld pressurized sprayer you can attach as well as a hands-free hook and suction cup.
Some reviewers had issues with batteries that were defective upon arrival or stopped holding their charge. Happy buyers said the unit was easy to set up and liked the portability. They were also a fan of the trigger-action sprayer attachment because of the ability to easily conserve water. The extra battery was another popular feature, and a few reviewers were impressed by the battery life.
If you don't want to contend with a bulky portable shower and keep track of all the different parts, consider this shower that weighs less than a quarter of a pound, has no hose or other equipment, and stores in a zippered pouch. What's more, when you're not showering, you can use the shower as a dry bag to store other items! The only other piece is an included 20-foot cord for hanging.
Because of the black nylon material with a waterproof polyurethane coating, you can enjoy a warm shower that's seven minutes long. Just twist the shower head to turn on the shower. You can even adjust the amount of water flow from a trickle to a full spray by twisting the shower head more. The shower head is contoured so you get an even distribution of spray.
Some reviewers reported leaking seams and a trickle coming out of the shower head even when they'd turned it closed. Satisfied campers loved that this shower was so lightweight and portable. They also said it was easy to add water; one buyer really appreciated the wide bag opening for easy filling.
If you have extra room for a more spacious camping shower, consider this portable pump option with a two-gallon container. To build up pressure for two minutes of spray, you'll need to pump about 20 times. Another unique feature is the trigger-action shower head: you simply have to hold down on the trigger for water flow, making it easy to conserve water while you soap up or shave.
The kink-resistant hose is six feet long. There's also a padded carrying strap as well as a pressure release valve, so it's easy to empty the container of any leftover water. And you can wash the neoprene sleeve, which also contains a mesh pouch for holding shower items or the shower head when not in use.
Some users found the water pressure to be too weak, and others reported that the shower stopped building up pressure due to issues with the seal. Happy buyers liked that this shower required no batteries and was easy to use and carry. While there is no solar technology, a few reviewers said the sun and the black cover help heat up water or keep added hot water warm.
This shower made of recycled materials is as simple as it gets: Take a one- or two-liter bottle, attach the shower head and corresponding-sized straw, turn the bottle upside down, and voilà! If you want warm water, leave a full bottle in the sun to heat up. This is a great lightweight shower option if you want to keep gear at a minimum, especially since a bottle is multipurpose.
Frustrated reviewers complained that that the bottle emptied too quickly, so you'll need to refill the bottle several times for a full shower. A few reviewers wished that there was a way to use any sized bottle and control water flow. A couple others wished there was a way to secure the bottle for transportation; you'll need to use the bottle's original cap to avoid spillage.
Happy users appreciated the simple design that allowed them to turn a regular water bottle into a shower. They really liked that this shower option was lightweight and compact. A few reviewers reported that the shower produced a steady stream of water. Some people said this was also convenient for quick washes on road trips or beach outings.
Looking for a hot shower? Left in direct sunlight for three hours, this five-gallon solar shower bag can heat water up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit! Luckily, there's a gauge to ensure the water is a safe and comfortable temperature. The heat-absorbing bag is made of PVC material that is non-toxic and eco-friendly, according to the company.
This upgraded version features an on and off switch that allows you to choose between low and high water flow. Other conveniences include a non-slip handle reinforced to support five gallons of water, a storage pocket, and a filling valve with a twist-off cap. A space-saving bonus: the deconstructed shower fits compactly in the included mesh bag.
A couple reviewers pointed out that the bag was really heavy when filled to capacity, and another said the handle broke after two weeks. A few people mentioned wished for a longer hose, and another couple said the hose arrived kinked from shipping. Reviewers loved that the shower folded up easily and appreciated the included storage bag as well as the temperature gauge.
To build up water pressure for this shower, you use a foot pump! The new 2020 design features a 2.9-gallon tank that's horizontal for added stability and an updated foot pump. For five to seven minutes of pressurized spray, all you'll need to do is hold the trigger-action shower nozzle and occasionally pump with your foot.
The black tank, made of coated polyester, has feet and can be placed in the sun to heat up water for a warm shower, or you can add hot water yourself! Even better, the end cap is transparent so you can see how much water is left. Another distinct feature is the seven-foot long hose. You'll also receive a ventilated storage bag that houses the folded tank, hose, nozzle, and foot pump.
Some reviewers complained that the tank was hard to fill up and had issues putting the plug in once they'd finished filling the tank. Another problem was the difficulty of drying out the tank once done showering. A couple of reviewers said the water doesn't get that warm. On the other hand, users were grateful to have this shower when they went camping, and two happy users were pleased with the water pressure.
This solar-heated shower is a great choice if you're sharing your camping shower because it holds enough water to provide three or four showers once filled with five gallons. For convenient hanging, a cord is included. Even better, this shower is easy to stick in your backpack thanks to the lightweight PVC material, which the company claims is non-toxic, if you're concerned about potential toxins.
Some reviewers said that when they pinched the clamp on the hose closed to stop water flow, the shower still dripped water and the hose was left crimped. Others experienced kinks in the hose and annoying leaks. A few people said the handle and the included cord were not strong enough to support the bag; they recommend filling the bag with less water to reduce strain.
Happy reviewers were pleased the hot water warmed up quickly. They also appreciated that the shower bag was easy to fill up. A few buyers said the bag was easy to pack up. Others were impressed that the water pressure was better than they expected from a camp shower, especially if the shower was hung at a high height.
If you're pondering a camping adventure but not sure about the lack of showering options, a portable shower is a great solution. But a camping shower is a good idea whether you're a newbie or a seasoned camper. Maintaining good hygiene habits is important for your health, especially when you're in nature.
Keeping your body, face, and feet clean will help you avoid a number of irritants, like blisters and chafing, as well as infections and other hygiene-related diseases. If you neglect hygiene while camping, you're more susceptible to issues such as athlete's foot, lice, and chronic diarrhea. Showering will help you wash off grime, keeping you fresh and helping you avoid getting sick.
You could also use a camping shower to wash your gear or dishes. But these portable showers aren't just for camping. They would be great to take along on surfing or fishing trips, too! You could also water flowers, wash a pet or your car, bathe a baby, help an elderly or injured person shower, or have a makeshift shower if you unexpectedly lose access to water.
When you're showering in nature, it's important to use eco-friendly products and pick a showering spot that won't harm wildlife or otherwise disrupt the ecosystem. Check the policies of your particular campsite, but here is some basic information about "Leave No Trace" showering habits.
If you're washing without soap, it is okay to do so in a stream, lake, or river. But if you're using soap, you don't want to pollute the water or contaminate drinking water, so you should shower at least 200 feet away from any water source, which is a distance of about 70 steps. You could use a regular or collapsible bucket, pot, or collapsible sink to carry water to a safe showering spot.
If you do wash with soap, use minimal amounts of an unscented biodegradable soap. Scented soap could attract bugs or other animals, and harsh chemicals will negatively affect the natural environment.
Now that you've got a way to shower while you're camping, what about other personal hygiene matters? This video from Dave Collins of CleverHiker.com provides a lot of tips that will help you keep clean and respect wildlife and fellow campers at the same time.
Now that you've got camping hygiene covered, what about sleeping and cooking? We've got buying guides with products that will help you whip up tasty meals and get a good night's sleep in the wilderness.
No. 1: Advanced Elements|Summer Shower
No. 2: Ivation|Portable Battery-Powered Outdoor Shower
No. 3: Iron Hammer|Portable Camp Shower
No. 4: Kedsum|Portable Shower
No. 5: Sea to Summit|Lightweight Pocket Shower
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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