If you often go on multi-day hikes without access to a shower block. Or simply want a guaranteed way to rinse off all the grime and dirt after a long day of hiking. An outdoor camping shower is a great investment! Granted, not all campers will need one, but we’re confident many of you will love the benefits a high-quality camp shower offers. Plus, thanks to innovations and production techniques, outdoor camping shower are more lightweight, affordable, portable shower, and compact than ever…

To help you navigate your way towards the best portable camping showers on the market, we’ve created this handy overview. In it, we’ll list our favorite 3 products that tick all the boxes. Value-for-money, easy-to-use, and great water flow. These portable outdoor showers can make a big difference to your camping comfort. And are, therefore, a worthwhile investment to your camping gear.

In a hurry? Here’s the test winner after 10 hours of research:

[amazon box=”B000J2Q0T4″]

Discover our ‘Best Camping Showers’ overview below. And get inspired to upgrade your camping comfort with these handy outdoor essentials, ready to order via Amazon.

[amazon table=”14475″]

 

Best Camping Shower – Portable Shower Overview

 

---

 

Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower / Portable Solar Shower 

[amazon box=”B000J2Q0T4″] The Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower is completely powered by solar technology and features an efficient 4-ply construction that consists of a reflector panel, an insulator panel, a solar panel, and a water reservoir. Not only is this shower lightweight and easy-to-use, but it also comes at budget-friendly pricing that makes it quite a steal. Its 5-gallon reservoir tank means it has more than sufficient capacity to let you enjoy a long soapy rinse.

Even though the Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower is very budget-friendly, it still comes with various enticing perks. For example, a side pocket to hold soap or shampoo, velcro-straps that can hold your wash-cloth or sponges, and even a reflective mirror – ideal for a quick shave. The lightweight system comes with an easy-to-use on/off shower head. The shower system is also very simple to fill, thanks to the extra-large filling valve and twist-off cap. Simply remove the cap and place the valve under a water source, then let the solar power work its magic to heat your water to a comfortable temperature. You can measure the system’s progress via a water temperature gauge that’s already mounted to the side of the bag. Ideal to check whether your shower is ready, or if you should wait a bit longer before stripping off.

An ultralight favorite

When empty, the Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower weighs a mere 1.25 pounds, making it one of the most lightweight systems on Amazon. Unfortunately, packing dimensions are not listed, but its manufacturer states you can simply roll up the shower and store it in a pack. A carry sack is also not included.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, solar-powered system that is super easy in the set-up: it doesn’t get much better than the Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower. One thing you should keep in mind though is that any solar-powered system can take quite long to heat water. And, if conditions are cloudy or semi-dark, it can take even longer. Making it slightly unreliable for those that camp in climates with lots of changes in weather conditions. That said, we do love the solar-powered appeal of this nifty camping gadget. And its hundreds of 5-star Amazon reviews serve as a testimony that though it’s cheap, it’s also most definitely cheerful!

 

---

Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Shower with Foot Pump 

[amazon box=”B075Y2XCRN”]The Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Shower is one of the best foot-pump powered showers available. This cold water shower system is ideal for beach camping, or summertime adventures out in nature, allowing for a quick rinse in seconds. Though classified as a cold water shower system, the Nemo Helio can warm water if you place it in direct sunlight. The tank is insulated to help warm and retain heat, though be warned: this by no means guarantees access to hot water. So, if you want a hot shower, invest in a dedicated warm water system instead!

That said if you want basic functionality, and no-hassle operation: the Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Shower with Foot Pump could be an ideal match. The design features a 2.9 gallon (11 liters) water reservoir, a flexible hose, and a basic shower head. A perk is that the Nemo Helio can easily be mounted via a hanging mechanism, that allows you to shower hands-free. No need to hold to the showerhead.

Easy to operate

The Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Shower is easy to operate by the attached foot pump. By pumping, you’re able to pressurize the shower and generate a steady flow of water. When fully pressurized, this outdoor camping shower can provide a steady flow for 5-7 minutes, which should be more than sufficient for washing off that camping grime. As this water pump requires manual pumping, you don’t need any access to a power source to operate or recharge the system.

Another perk is that the Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Shower is a very lightweight system. The complete setup, including the 2.9-gallon tank, 7-foot hose with a spray nozzle, foot pump, and carrying case (included) only weighs a mere 1.38 pounds. This ultralight style is therefore ideal for backpacking trips because it won’t weigh down your pack. Plus, the inclusion of the carrying case allows you to pack it down to a mere 8.5 x 5.5-inch bundle. Small enough to comfortably slot into a hiking backpack or gear pocket. And with no electrical parts, delicate solar panels or battery-powered functions, it’s less prone to breaking or damaging, adding to its durability.

 

---

 

Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater Shower

[amazon box=”B001J4AU2E”]If you want maximum convenience and guaranteed hot water access – and don’t mind spending a bit more to get it – the Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater could be your match. Granted, it does cost a bit more, but for its comfort and quality, it’s worth the investment. Do note that this is a large and quite hefty shower (15 pounds). We would, therefore, not recommend for hikers or backpackers. However, for car campers, or those with a fixed campsite, this offers one of the most luxurious outdoor shower experiences.

The portable shower by Camp Chef may look complicated to set up, but getting it up and running is surprisingly easy. The water heater can either be used on its free-standing base or can be hung against a flat surface using the included brackets. The option to use it freestanding is a big attraction. Because this means you don’t have to get crafty if you don’t want to. When unboxed, simply attach it to a standard garden hose using the brass hose connector, and voila, you’re ready to turn it on. A word of warning: the device does require a minimum of 25 PSI water pressure from the input hose for proper flow.

When properly set up and connected to a suitable input hose, the Triton Hot Water Heater by Camp Chef produces 1.5 gallons of hot water per minute. The water flow is easily adjustable via the showerhead, where you can switch between the 4 different settings: off, mist, shower, and jet. The design also included a 72-inch shower hose, which is long enough for great maneuverability when showering.

Propane tank and D-batteries required

To operate, the Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater uses a 135000 BTU per gas side burner, which requires a propane tank. This set does contain a regulator for a 20-pound propane tank, but the tank itself is not included. So, be aware that you will be required to buy this separately. Packing a spare tank shouldn’t be a requirement unless you’re planning a month-long camping trip. Because, according to the manufacturer, one standard LP tank is good for approx. 11 hours of continuous use, depending on the set temperature. Another important requirement is that the water heater also uses 2 D-batteries for ignition, which are also not included. So, be sure to pack these!

With hundreds of 5-star ratings, the Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater is one of the most popular outdoor showers on the market. Other campers rate it highly for its ability to heat water quickly, and its large capacity. Ease-of-use is also a term used by many Amazon reviewers, whilst others praise the durability of the design. There are of course some cons. Firstly, its large dimensions (23 x 13.4 x 8 inches) and weight (15 pounds) make it unsuitable to carry in a backpack, eliminating it as an option for backpackers. Secondly, it’s quite a bit more expensive than manually operated, or solar-powered showers. And thirdly, you will be required to connect it to a suitable water hose to get it working, which can be a challenge when out in the middle of nature. That said, for campers with a fixed campsite, cabin, RV, or direct access to a water supply, this is a very attractive option. If you want the same comfort, water temperature, and water flow as you have in your bathroom, this high-quality water heater/outdoor camping shower comes pretty darn close!

 

---

 

 

---

 

Verdict

Each of the 3 options on our Best Camping Shower overview is a highly-rated favorite amongst camping enthusiasts. Which one is ‘the best’ fully depends on where and when you plan to use the shower. For those that only camp in warm conditions, and don’t require a hot water system, a simple yet functional shower such as the lightweight Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Shower with Foot Pump may already be sufficient. For those that want the lightweight appeal of the Nemo Helio, but prefer their water heated, a solar-powered option such as the Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower is ideal. Not only is this gem ultralight, but its also very affordable – making it quite the steal for backpackers and hikers. If you’re a car camper and weight is not an issue, an option such as the Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater can turn your outdoor showers into a much more comfortable experience. This propane-fueled water heater may be quite pricey and heavy, but it does heat water super quickly and produces a powerful water flow, not unlike you would find in your own bathroom. The downside is that it’s not very portable and quite bulky, making it unsuitable to carry in a backpack. 

Rest assured, all 3 options on our list score highly on the most important factors: ease-of-use, value, and quality. So, you can’t make a bad choice! 

Winner

[amazon table=”14476″]

Picking a winner is difficult because the ‘best’ option really is a personal preference. We’d invest our money in the Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower. This is because when we go camping, we are in the middle of the backcountry without access to a water hose or power source, which eliminates the Camp Chef HWD5 Triton Water Heater.

If we then had to decide between the Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Shower cold water system, or the Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower that does come with solar-powered heating, we’d go for the heated option. Even though we’re mostly summertime campers, some days can still be chillier than expected. And we think that having access to warm water, even if we have to settle for lukewarm, is better than soaking your muscles under a cold stream. Of course, on cloudy days, the solar panel doesn’t quite work its magic. But for the price listed, we think that’s a fair compromise.

Plus, the Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower is super light and can be folded/compressed to a small bundle – meaning it won’t weigh down our packs and can comfortably slot in a gear pocket. Affordable, functional, and ultralight: we reckon the Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower is simply an excellent addition to your camping gear. 

 

---

 

Best Camping Shower – Buying Guide

 

Weight & Portability

One of the most important buying factors when shopping for an outdoor camping shower is its weight and portability. Though car campers won’t notice the difference between a 2lbs or 10lbs shower, every gram count for hikers and backpackers. If you plan on carrying the shower with you in a backpack, or have to lug it for miles to a campsite, the lighter the better. Outdoor camping showers are available in all weight classes, from ultralight designs that will hardly weigh down your pack, to heavier options that only can be brought by car. The same goes for portability. Some showers come in handy carry bags or stuff sacks and fold down to super-compact dimensions. Whilst others require an additional propane tank and could have bulkier dimensions.

Determine how much weight is the maximum you want to add to a pack if you’re a hiker and/or backpacker, and simply eliminate heavier options off the list. Also, check the packing dimensions to ensure a camping shower will fit comfortably in your pack, to avoid having to carry it separately from the rest of your camping gear.

Hot Water or Cold Water

Generally, portable showers can be divided into two main categories: hot water systems and cold water systems. As their name suggests, one allows you to enjoy a lovely warm shower, whilst the other only caters to cold showers. Do note that hot water systems will require some type of heating element or possibly propane-fuel to heat the water. This makes them more expensive, and less compact. That said, for 3-season camping or bad weather conditions, a hot water system is simply a must. Nobody wants to strip off and step underneath a stream of cool water on dreary cold camping trips. However, if you only camp in warm climates or during summertime, a cold water system may already offer enough functionality.

It’s tempting to instantly opt for a warm water system, but ask yourself whether you need it. If unheated water is more than sufficient, save yourself the extra money and space in your pack, and settle for a basic and more compact cold water system instead. But if you want to warm up your muscles after a dreary autumn day: there’s nothing better than a hot shower.

Power (battery, solar, propane, or pump)

Shower systems can be powered by various techniques, but most common are battery-powered showers, solar-powered showers, and pump-powered showers (hand-held pump/foot-pump, etc.). Each type has its pros and cons. Battery-powered showers, including rechargeable battery models, will work in any scenario, but will quickly require either replacement batteries or recharge of the battery pack. Solar-powered showers are cheaper to use (you don’t need batteries) and are an environmentally-friendly choice. However, on cloudy days, or at night, these showers can experience issues producing enough power. And even though pump-operated showers, for example, foot-pump shower, can be used anywhere, anytime, and don’t need batteries. They will demand some patience and muscle-power whilst showering, which can be annoying when your legs already feel sore from a long day on the trails…

Another alternative is propane-powered showers; the most luxurious option. Propane-powered systems can heat multiple gallons of water in mere minutes. Ensuring you quickly get to enjoy a hot shower, with limited wait time. We’d recommend a propane-powered shower with a high BTU rating, which refers to how rapidly the water heats up. The higher the rating, the quicker you’ll have access to warm water from your propane camp shower. A downside is that propane-powered camping showers tend to be more expensive on the initial purchase. They also tend to weigh more than battery-operated or pump-operated showers. And yes, you’d be smart to carry or pack an additional propane tank in case it runs out in the middle of your trip. Making this option more suited to car campers or those with a fixed campsite, instead of hikers or on intense backpacking trips.

Reservoir or Submergible

Outdoor camping showers either come with a water reservoir: a container that stores the water needed to power the shower. Or a submergible pump that needs to be inserted into a water source or stream of water, for example, a bucket or even a lake, to power the flow. Again, there isn’t a style that reigns supreme. However, as submergible showers don’t require you to carry along a reservoir, these tend to be more compact and lightweight. Making them more suited for hikers and backpacking adventures.
If you do choose a portable shower that uses a reservoir, another thing to consider is the reservoir’s capacity. Or, to put it simply: how many gallons of water can the reservoir hold? If you’re a solo camper, a small reservoir with limited capacity should already provide enough water. But for family camping trips or adventures with friends, upgrading to a high-capacity water tank could be a smart idea. Yes, you could refill a small reservoir after each usage, but upgrading to a larger tank can be more convenient for larger groups.

Brand

Many different brands produce camping showers. From established, expert outdoor names such as Coleman, to lesser-known brands that pop-up from China. We don’t have a single preferred brand for outdoor gear, but we always advise readers to buy from an expert name in camping gear. By buying from a reliable brand, you know you’re getting a product that’s been manufactured to adhere to a high-quality standard. Lesser-known brands may be cheaper, but you’re taking a risk on a brand that has yet to build a reputation. Plus, most established outdoor brands offer some time of product warranty or money-back guarantee if you have any issues with your shower. Which is often not the case for second-rate brands. It may be a bit more pricey on initial purchase, but putting your trust in an expert manufacturer mostly always pays off in the long-term, thanks to the durability of the products.

Are there any brands we’d recommend? Certainly! Any outdoor camping showers by the following brands should be a solid, well-informed choice: Sea to Summit, Nemo Equipment, ZODI, Coleman, Camp Chef, Advanced Elements, RinseKit, Iron Hammer, and Ivation.