5 Best Solar Camp Shower
Do you like to walk in the fresh air, but are afraid not to take a shower? Thanks to the advantages of solar energy with a camp shower, you can be as sweaty and dirty as you want, knowing that a hot and comfortable shower will be waiting for you at camp!
If you search for an outdoor shower on the Internet, you are immediately presented with thousands of different models from different brands. Which to choose? Which one is the best?
Don’t worry. To help you in your decision-making process, we have compiled a list of the best camping solar showers to choose from.
Contents
The Best Solar Camp Showers
1. Nemo Helio Pressure Solar Shower
| Capacity: | 2.9 gallons |
| Empty weight: | 1.6 pounds |
| Dimensions: | 8.5 by 17-inches |
Our best pick of the solar shower is the Nemo Helio pressure shower. Traditional camping showers rely on gravity. This shower is award-winning and powered by the use of the earth.
This will give you the perfect pressure you need to wash dishes, wash your hair, or brush your dog. If only he wanted to ride in the dirtiest place he could find!
The 2.9 gallon tank is easy to inflate with a foot pump. The tank can be pressurized for 7 minutes of stable and reliable jet with multiple pumps.
Don’t worry about overpressure as the balloon won’t over-inflate. Place it in the sun to warm up or fill it with hot water for a warm shower.
2. Coleman 5-Gallon Solar Shower
| Capacity: | 5 gallons |
| Empty weight: | 8.8 ounces |
| Dimensions: | 8.7 x 6.5 x 2.2 inches |
For campers looking for an ultra-lightweight shower, the Coleman 5-Gallon Solar Shower Bag is perfect. This solar shower is the perfect option for campers and backpackers looking to travel light with less than one pound.
Although it is a basic design, it is very strong and durable, yet light and easy to carry. It has been tried and tested by outdoor enthusiasts. The Coleman 5 Gallon Solar Shower Bag has a very strong handle making it easy to move around even when full.
It is capable of heating water up to 120°F and is ideal for use during the fall and spring seasons. It is also able to absorb heat and maintain water temperature for a longer period of time. The on/off shut off valve allows you to turn off after you’re done and helps save water.
3. Advanced Elements Summer Solar Shower
| Capacity: | 5 gallons |
| Empty weight: | 20 ounces |
| Dimensions: | 20 x 16 x 2 inches |
In third place among the best solar showers is the 5-gallon Advanced Elements solar shower. With a 5 gallon capacity, it’s perfect for a couple of short showers or a longer one for a camping trip.
This 5-gallon Advanced Elements solar-powered camping shower features a four-layer design that retains heat for longer while providing enough hot water for everyone.
Fill it up and lay it flat side down and take a warm shower after a couple of hours. The bag is equipped with an insulator and a reflector that absorbs heat and retains it effectively. The shower head also features an easy-to-use switch to help save water.
There’s also a side pocket for soap and shampoo, as well as a Velcro strap that can be used to secure laundry while washing, and a large pour valve for easy use. The mirror is also available for hair styling and other skin care and beauty treatments.
This 5-gallon Advanced Elements shower bag weighs only 1.32 pounds and folds very tightly for easy storage when not in use. Ideal for hikers, hikers and groups of holidaymakers and anyone who needs quick and easy access to showers.
4. VIGLT Shower Bag for Camping
| Capacity: | 5 gallons |
| Dimensions: | 18 x 20 x 5,5 inches |
When you buy this VIGLT shower bag, you’ll get a whopping 5 gallons filled with hot water! This means that if you are relaxing alone, you will be able to take four showers in one bottle. This is an ideal option for vacationers, travelers and tourists.
Made of non-toxic and high quality PVC. This shower bag is eco-friendly, strong, durable and tough. Plus, the handle is reinforced so you don’t have to worry about it breaking halfway to the tub.
The bag comes with Velcro straps superior and more practical than zippers. The backpack also has a small compartment for storing shower items such as washcloths and shampoo.
The hose can be removed, it is not crushed, which does not affect the flow. The nozzle also has an on/off switch that can be turned off so you know how much water you’re using.
5. iDeep Camping Solar Shower Bag
| Capacity: | 5 gallons |
| Empty weight: | 1.14 lbs |
| Dimensions: | 18 x 19 x 4 inches |
Its solar iDeep shower bag holds up to five gallons. Enough to take a few showers, making it a great option for backpackers, vacationers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Outdoor solar shower bag available in two colors. It can be quickly and securely folded for easy transport. It also features a smart design with a heat interlock mechanism that can heat water up to 113 degrees (45 degrees Celsius) in just three to four hours in direct sunlight.
Plus, you get a handy storage compartment perfect for toothbrushes, shampoo, and other items. The shower head has an on/off button that has low or high water pressure.
The shower bag can be further strengthened by using a plastic tube that provides a better grip. It is also made of hard PVC, which is safe and resistant.
How to Choose a Solar Powered Shower
To get the most out of your outdoor shower experience, you need to choose the best solar shower that suits your needs. Let’s figure out together what factors to consider when choosing a camp shower.
1. User-friendly
It is important to note that the best outdoor solar showers provide excellent portability and it is important to choose a model that is easy to carry around. Please pay attention to its dimensions as well as the weight of the shower when folded or collapsed to determine if it is easy to move or not.
In most cases, weight and size won’t be an issue, as solar showers tend to be light. However, some solar showers may be larger and more suitable for vehicle campers rather than hikers.
It is also important to consider how easy it is to install and use a solar shower. Most shower bags come with hooks or a handle to hang them up. Some of them come with an extra mount, pipe or other options to make them more practical.
2. Materials
Perhaps the most important element is the quality of the material. Today, more and more people are striving to be more environmentally friendly. Many solar camping showers are made from environmentally friendly non-toxic PVC.
Solar showers made from high quality and durable materials are also more durable and perform better. For best results, choose a solar shower with multiple layers as they retain heat more effectively.
After all, it’s important that your shower lasts as long as possible, so high quality and durable materials are crucial. It would be helpful if you were looking for solar showers with great reviews and a reputation for their high quality.
3. Design
While solar showers may appear the same from a distance, they are not. As we mentioned, some shower enclosures have two or even multiple layers that retain heat longer, giving you more time to shower.
Different manufacturers use PVC material, but some manufacturers use different materials and some are more expensive. Quality materials will be heavier and last longer. The handle is an important component, as a boring design can mean the bag is more likely to break.
The best solar shower will have shower heads and hose piping. Those that can be detached are more effective as they allow the bag to be folded down for easy storage. Another option is an adjustable valve. Usually they are connected to the shower head and allow you to reduce or increase the flow of water.
It is recommended to look for a solar shower with an on/off button. This means you can turn off the shower when you apply soap or shampoo so no water is wasted.
Finally, it would be better to also check the length of the hose. If you want to hang a solar shower higher for better water pressure, a tube that is too short will cause a lot of trouble!
4. Capacity of water
Water capacity is an important element. You must consider the number of people who will be using the water, in addition to how many times you will need to heat the water.
Many solar showers provide five gallons of water. Some smaller models are ideal for hikers and solo travelers.
However, larger showers are ideal for large numbers of people who want to take short showers. The most common container sizes you will find include:
2.5 and 3 gallon solar showers
Small showers are ideal for solo travelers or couples. They are incredibly light and compact, making them easy to pack and transport. They are especially useful if you need to carry a light bag around with you.
4 gallon solar showers
Solar showers are great for three campers who take a quick shower, or one camper who wants to take a long shower.
5 gallon solar showers
The solar shower, which offers 5 gallons of water, fits four to five people, so it’s great for families on camping trips. They may take a little longer to warm up, but you won’t notice much of a difference.
10 gallon solar showers
Are you planning a big group camping trip? Do you need a 10 gallon solar shower? It’s ideal for 6 people. The showers ensure that there is enough hot water for everyone.
5. Maximum temperature
Another important aspect is the degree of hot water heating. If you plan to hike during the day and camp in the early evening, you will need an early shower. This means that a solar shower capable of heating water in a couple of hours is an absolute must.
Similar to how quickly hot water gets hot in a shower, you’ll need an option that locks out the heat for a long time so everyone can take a quick shower. If you could hang the bag and heat it up in the area where you will be showering, that would be helpful, but in most cases, this is not possible.
Many solar shower manufacturers produce shower enclosures that can reach 113°F, but some brands can reach higher temperatures. Keep in mind that once the shower bag has warmed up, it will become very hot.
This may not be an issue for the smaller 2.5 gallon bag. If you’re camping and trying to handle a 5 or 10 gallon hot bag, make sure you don’t spill hot water, which can cause a burn.
6. Additional features
Check out any other features the shower may contain. These additional features are designed to make camping easier.
Transparent back
One example is the transparent back, which allows you to see the amount of water left. This is a great feature that shows you how long you have to take a shower before the water runs out. This helps to avoid wasted water and saves time.
Handle for hanging
Another important aspect is the sturdy handle for hanging the shower. A strong handle can prevent the bag from falling apart because that’s where it’s most likely to get damaged. This is especially important for large showers. Once they are full, they will become unwieldy and the last thing you want is for the pen to fail!
Temperature sensor
The water temperature sensor is also an important feature to look out for. The indicator informs you how hot the water is and ensures that the water is at the right temperature.
7. Budget
Equally important for quality is the price. Our solar model checklist suggests that you don’t have to shell out a lot of money for the best model. Many inexpensive models have the same features as more expensive shower enclosures.
Naturally, the budgets of different buyers are different. However, the most important point is the choice of strong and durable products. For example, PVC material is often used in solar showers because it is durable and strong.
If you have all the necessary camping gear, you won’t need to think about the expense of a portable shower. If you need to buy sleeping bags, a tent, and a solar-powered shower, you may need to tighten the strap a bit.
As with all purchases, consider the price you can control in terms of what you need, not what you want. As such, every shower on our list has everything you need to enjoy outdoor showering.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
What size solar shower do I need?
Since 1 gallon weighs about eight pounds, a five gallon bottle (that’s 40 pounds of water) is a great alternative. Together with a reasonably sized shower head, the 5 gallon capacity will give you enough water to give you plenty of time to clean up after lathering.
How long does a solar shower take to heat up?
We found that almost all camping showers reached 100-105 Fahrenheit after about 3 hours in direct sun on an 80-degree noon.
Is it worth it to use a solar camping shower?
Yes! The solar shower works very well. If you love camping but are worried about skipping showers, then a solar-powered shower is a must. The best thing about a solar shower is that it can be used no matter where you travel. Fill the container, then leave it in the sun for a while, and voila! Your shower is ready!