Outdoor Blog

How to Make a DIY Camping Shower

Published

4 years ago

April 1, 2020

Our daily shower can wake us upright, make us energized, or relax us after a long day. In fact, a study made by the hotel chain Hilton showed that 3 out of 5 of their guests sing in the shower.

With showers being so enjoyable that many of us sing in them, why then do so many people sacrifice them when they go on a camping trip? Unless you’re going primitive camping or visiting a campsite with very few amenities, most campsites usually have a shower. But often they’re shared between a lot of people, can become dirty, or maybe have a long queue to use them. So if you quiver at the sight of a shared bathroom, or your camping adventures tend to be a bit more off-piste, a DIY camping shower might just be the right solution for you.

There are many options for camping showers on the market. For our top recommendations for the best camping showers on the market, check out our buying guide. Portable camping showers can revolutionize your camping experience. Instead of having to plan and book in advance, ensuring your campsites have the appropriate showering amenities, carrying a portable shower can elevate you to a totally spontaneous camper. With the shower in the boot of your car, you can set off without a care in the world, and set up camp wherever you like. Not to mention that showering alfresco can be a liberating and rejuvenating experience! It’s one of our favorite ways to connect with nature. Once you’ve showered outside, looking at the sky while you clean, we think you’ll find it quite hard to go back to the campground showers.

If you would rather make your own camping shower, than buying an alternative online or in a camping store, there are a couple of different ways to build one. We will walk you through our step by step guides for making 3 types of camping shower.

Camping showers can be natural or man-made.

Garden hose camping shower

What’s great about this camping shower, and sets it out from many pre-made options online, is that it’s pressurized. This means that you don’t have to hang your gravity feed bag or container from a tree, or another high place, to let gravity do the work of creating the pressure. You just turn on the shower for instant pressure from the water pump. This makes this a great portable shower solution, both for getting you clean, and for washing off your kit after a long day hiking, or cleaning your board or beach necessities from the sand.

To make this camping shower, you’ll need a few parts, all of which can easily be purchased at most local hardware stores. Here’s what you will need:

Garden hose barbed adaptor

Garden hose nozzle (here’s where you can be a bit more selective with what you buy. Consider buying a nozzle with a large head, to have more water coverage while you clean. Don’t scrimp and save with this part, it’s what could make the difference between a refreshing, pressurized shower, and a disappointing drizzle)

Garden sprayer or deck sprayer (this must be new or unused, so that it hasn’t been used to spray chemicals, for your safety).

Small hose clamp

Once you’ve purchased these parts or reclaimed them from your garden shed, here is how you assemble your DIY camping shower:

From the garden sprayer, remove the spraying wand or nozzle. You can always store this somewhere in your house, just in case you want to convert it back to be used as a garden sprayer

Screw on the barbed garden hose adaptor onto the garden hose nozzle

Put the hose clamp on the hose

Into the hose, fit the barbed end of the garden hose adaptor

Tighten the hose clamp as securely as possible, to avoid any leaking or weakening in the attachment

Now you’ve assembled all the parts of your basic DIY shower, you’re ready to go! All you need to do is pump up the garden sprayer, which pressures the system and shower away. As we’ve mentioned, this is a great option for an easy, portable DIY shower, as the pressured system means you can pump up and shower anywhere, with no need to use gravity to create the pressure. However, one drawback of this solution is that the water is cold. This could work perfectly, for example, if you’re going on a camping trip to the beach in the summer. It will refresh you daily and is also an easy way to clean off all your beach gear efficiently. However, we definitely wouldn’t recommend this for mountain or winter camping. Having a cold shower outside when it’s nippy could potentially be bad for your health, and definitely won’t be a pleasant experience.

A study made by the hotel chain Hilton showed that 3 out of 5 of their guests sing in the shower.

Propane-powered camping showers

So, if our first solution is a little too rough and ready for you, let’s take a look at how you can make your own shower. And the secret missing ingredient for a DIY portable hot camping shower is: propane. Propane-powered camping showers have been on the market for some time, and are a simple, cheap alternative to a camping shower. They are also very light and portable. Portable water heaters are designed to run off a standard 1lb. propane canister.

Portable water heaters are a great option for serious camping enthusiasts to add to their camping gear. Seeing as they can be a bit bulky, you wouldn’t want to take them hiking, but they make an excellent luxury addition to your RV, camper van or car camping experience. One of the benefits of buying a water heater and setting it up as a shower, rather than just purchasing a ready-made portable camp shower, is that with a portable water heater you get a reliable source of hot water throughout your trip, not just for showering needs. You could also connect it to your sink, or use it to wash dirty dishes and kit, in a sanitary way.

Portable water heaters are fully mobile and powered off a standard 1lb propane canister. You plug in the canister yourself to power the water heater, so if you’re going off the grid for a long camping trip, you could take extra propane canisters, or use a larger one. One of the benefits of a portable camping heater is that it comes with its own pump, so you never need to worry about the pressure not being enough in your shower stream. Before we go more into how to set up your DIY camping shower with a portable water heater, here are some things you need to know about portable water heaters, and some of our recommendations for finding the right one for you:

Because water heaters are using propane to power themselves, they need fresh oxygen to function properly and safely. Make sure the water heater has the proper ventilation around it, and never use a propane water heater unless you’re outside.

When your water heater is idle, it shouldn’t be exposed to the elements. Make sure to leave it in the boot of your car, or stored somewhere in your RV, to keep it safe.

Don’t use soap near a freshwater source! Soap can really damage water ecosystems, so make sure that if you lather up, you shower in a wood or forest, where it can be filtered through the soil. After all, you never want to harm the environment while you are immersing yourself in it.

Water heaters are not designed to use stream or lake water – they need a clean water source. This is mainly because the pumps in water heaters only have a basic filter, so they’re not ready for the debris or particles found in freshwater sources. They also don’t heat the water enough to kill harmful bacteria you might find in freshwater from lakes or rivers. So to keep your water heater, and yourself, safe and clean, make sure you only use clean water. Keep backup supplies in the trunk of your car or your RV.

Make sure the water heater you choose has a high flow rate, measured in GMP (Gallons Per Minute). If your water heater has a high flow rate then you’ll have a nicely pressured shower, rather than standing under a luke-warm drizzle. We’d recommend getting a pump with an adjustable flow rate. This is because if you use a lower flow rate, the water is hotter, and vice versa. So if you have an adjustable flow rate, you can decide based on the weather if you’d rather have a weaker, hotter shower, or a strong, cooler one.

Choose a water heater with a high BTU (British Thermal Unit). This is a measure of how much heat is released over a certain period of time. Buying a water heater with a high BTU ensures you’ll have hot showers all through your trip.

Think about where your power source will be coming from. If you’re car camping, you can plug some water heaters into the cigarette plug for a direct 12V source. Some other water heaters have an internal rechargeable battery, which might be the best option for the more eco-conscious among you. You can also get water heaters that are powered by D-Cell batteries: if you’re going for this option, make sure you have a couple of spares in your trunk. You should also consider the run time of the water heater you’re investing in. Go for a water heater with a long run time if you’re opting for a battery-powered unit, to make sure you’re not having to constantly change or recharge the batteries. This is especially important if you’re wanting to provide showers for the whole family or a larger group.

You also need to consider the temperature rise in your water heater. This is the amount that the heater will increase the temperature of your water. We’d recommend getting a water heater with a high-temperature rise, to ensure all your showers are satisfactory. If you’re using particularly cold water, try heating up on your campfire, or putting it once through the water heater first, to ensure you get a nice warm shower.

Make sure your water heater has the right max temperature so that it can’t burn you. We’d recommend 110 degrees at the most.

To make this hot camping shower, you’ll need a few parts, all of which can easily be purchased at most local hardware stores. Here’s what you will need:

A fresh water tank (we’d recommend keeping a few extra in the trunk of your car as backup)

A portable water heater

A propane canister

A shower-head attachment (often this comes already attached to the portable water heater. If you’d like a slightly different model, they can easily be changed and reattached to most portable water heaters)

A 12V plug attachment to use in the cigarette plug of your car (or, for other models of water heaters, fully charge the battery of the water heater or bring extra D-Cell batteries)

Once you’ve purchased these parts, here is how you assemble your hot water heater camping shower:

Connect your freshwater tank to your portable water heater (click here to find out how to refill your fresh water tank while camping)

Connect your portable water heater to your propane canister. When you’re preparing your shower, the more you turn on your propane canister, the hotter your shower will be. If you’re trying to preserve your propane, don’t turn it up too much, or take short showers.

Plug your portable water heater into your power source. You can insert the battery, or charge your battery if you’re using a battery-powered water heater. However, if you’re car camping, we would recommend buying a water heater that has an attached 12V plug that you can put straight into your car’s cigarette plug.

Attach your shower head attachment. Many portable water heaters come with their own, so you might be able to skip this step, or you can replace the showerhead with one which you prefer.

Once you’ve set up all the parts in this way, all you need to do is switch on your water heater, and turn on your propane. Pull the trigger on the shower head attachment, and enjoy your warm alfresco showering experience!

Water bag showers

If you like the DIY approach of the first camping shower, but want the warm shower provided by the second model, then we might just have the perfect solution for you. For a nice warm shower, that you can build entirely on your own, you can buy a solar shower bag. This is a black water bag, which absorbs the sun’s energy, and gives you a lovely warm shower through solar heating. All you need to do is fit the bag with a hose and nozzle, leave it in the sun to warm, put it up high and then shower away: letting gravity do all the hard work for you. This solution is handy: the bag can store away nice and easily, and is light, so this is a great option for you if you’re hiking a long distance before you set up camp or backpacking. However, it does have some drawbacks. This solution relies on the sun to provide you with warm water. This will not work effectively on cool days, or if there is a lot of cloud coverage. You also need to be in a wooded area or have a pole nearby, where you can hang the shower bag. Alternately you can hold the bag above your head while you shower, but that does get a little bit annoying.

One great solution is to repeat all the steps from a camp shower one. This doesn’t rely on the sun’s heat, and you don’t need to hang it from a height, the pressure pump will give you all the pressure you need for a strong shower. Then if you’re camping in cool weather, or winter or mountain camping, you can heat the water for your shower on your campfire before putting it in the garden sprayer. This is also a great option if you don’t want to carry around lots of extra clean water: you could opt for boiling water from a lake or river, to kill the bacteria, let it cool for a while and then put it in your garden sprayer. This will give you an easily replaceable water source, and you don’t have to use any energy from your car or batteries to power the shower. An easy, cheap, portable solution for a DIY camp shower!

With all the varieties of DIY camping showers out there, it’s easy to stay clean and refreshed while out on the trail.

Final Verdict:

There are a lot of options on the market for portable camping showers, some that include gadgets like a shower tent. However they can sometimes be expensive, often don’t heat up the water effectively, or don’t have a strong stream of water coming from the showerhead. Opting to make a DIY camping shower is a great solution. If you are camping with your car or going on a road trip, we would recommend going for the second DIY camping shower option, as then you can use the portable water heater for other purposes such as doing the washing up. Especially if you purchase a water heater that plugs into your car, you’re guaranteed to always get nice, hot water, and a steady stream. Think about bringing a tarp to stand on, so your feet don’t get muddy. With this option, you can have an almost luxury outdoor shower, that will make you want to sing just like your shower at home!

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

1 month ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter