Last updated on October 3rd, 2022 at 02:15 pm
Camping is dirty. And soaping up in the river can be detrimental to the local ecosystem. We’ve tried everything, including biodegradable wipes, river safe soap, and… well, not bathing. But, nothing really comes close to standing up naked in a shower. And, there are plenty of handheld and gravity fed showers out there to satisfy even the snobbiest campers. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the best portable shower for camping to level up your next excursion.
What Makes a Great Portable Shower for Campers?
The perfect portable shower for camping really depends on your needs as a camper. We’ve put together a list of attributes to keep in mind when picking the perfect shower to fit your style.
- Pressure Pump vs Gravity Fed: While a gravity feed is lighter weight for backpackers, a pressure pump shower is an upgrade for those looking to get clean at camp. We prefer Pressure pump showers for car camping, and gravity fed showers for backpacking or kayak camping.
- Solar vs Battery Heated: Some showers have the capability to heat your water, which is very luxurious while camping. However, battery-powered, or electric models are ok for car and RV camping, but not as accessible for wilderness campers. Whereas Solar powered models are eco-friendly and a step above a chilly gravity fed bag.
- Heated vs Tap Temperature: Most showers are unheated. However, for car camping, you have lots of options for a warm shower. It’s really up to you based on the level of comfort you want to achieve.
- Capacity or Bucket Fed Supply: Whether you’re traveling with a companion, or you’d like a long shower to wash away days of dirt, we’d suggest opting for a model that holds at least 5 gallons. Additionally, models that feed from a bucket of water are not ideal for backpackers, as an empty bucket isn’t an easy thing to pack for a long journey.
- Portability: On a backpacking journey, a lightweight, solar, gravity fed model will be best for the trip, especially if you’re in a wooded area with plenty of spots to hang it. Some higher quality models with heat and pressure can weigh up to 9-lbs, which drastically cuts down their portability.
Our Favorite Showers for Campers Are...
When determining which camping showers are worth your while, remember you want to factor in things like weight, portability, luxury features, and overall capacity. After comparing on these points and selecting our favorites, we found the following deserved special mention:
The Best Overall: Geyser System Portable Hot Shower
Our Favorite for Backpacking: Sea to Summit Pocket Shower
Second Best: YIIQIQ Electric Power Shower
Our Favorite Budget Option: Ivation Battery Powered Portable Shower
We go over the gritty details of each of these and more in the below reviews.
Comparison Table of Portable Camp Showers
First, we’ve placed all of our favorites in the below table for quick reference and comparison.
| Picture | Name / Link | Capacity | Heated? Y/N | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Geyser System Portable Hot Shower | 3 liters | Y | $$$ |
 
|
Sea to Summit Pocket Shower | 10 liters | N | $ |
 
|
YIIQIQ Electric Power Shower | 5.8 gallons | N | $$ |
 
|
Ivation Battery Powered Portable Shower | N/A | N | $ |
 
|
Advanced Elements Summer Shower | 5 gallons | Y | $ |
 
|
Nemo Helio Pressure Shower | 11 or 22 liters | N | $$ |
As you can see from the above, portable showers come in a wide array of styles. To shed light on those differences, and what makes each unique and awesome, we go into each in the reviews to follow.
1: Geyser System Portable Hot Shower
First up, we have the Geyser System Portable Hot Shower, a compact shower that can even heat your water for a thorough clean on your next car camping adventure.
This is our favorite overall for its compact design, unique water conservation, and its ability to warm water.
Compact Design
Coming in at a whopping 7lbs, this camping shower is easier to load up in the car than to carry backpacking.
But, don’t rule it out, if feeling clean is more important than another thing, you could easily shave off some weight to make room. However, for the Geyser system to work, you’ll need access to an outlet.
Additionally, don’t let the compact design fool you, the water capacity is up to 3 liters, making it small but mighty!
We have spent our fair share of camping trips hauling around bulky shower set ups. This often means sacrificing valuable gear or food space to be able to pack the shower.
However, this shower solves that problem making it easy to pack all of your essential gear!
Hot Water Sensor
The Geyser system has a built-in LED dashboard that indicates if the water temp is below 95 degrees or if the water is piping hot. No more burning yourself or shrinking away from freezing tap water!
As a result, you can find that perfect toasty temp for a luxury shower or effectively clean grimy dishes. What more could you need honestly?!
Control Valve and Unique Design
Finally, this Geyser features a control valve for you to control how fast or slow you want the water to flow. This feature is particularly helpful for modifying the flow rate to conserve your water.
No one likes to waste water. Being able to easily modify the flow rate makes this shower a more sustainable option for the environment.
Moreover, the Geyser’s unique sponge output design further reduces wasted water.
For instance, instead of standing under running water, your shower water is fed through a tube which is connected to a sponge. As a result, you have a very efficient and comfortable bathing experience.
Geyser System Portable Hot Shower Pros and Cons
Geyser System Portable Hot Shower PROS
- Hot water for dishes and luxurious showers
- Easy to set up away from camp with 16ft long power cord
- Large liquid capacity for being lightweight
- Easy to use
Geyser System Portable Hot Shower CONS
- Requires electricity to operate (voltage requirements: 12V DC)
- Takes at least 15-20 min for the water to heat up (sometimes even longer)
- Plastic valve may lack durability long term
- Heavy for backpackers at 7-lbs
Who is This Shower Perfect For?
If you are an avid car camper or van-based adventurer, this shower is a great option for you. You get the luxury of heated water and a large liquid capacity in one compact system. Gone are the days of sacrificing the quality of your shower after a long day on the trails!
Check out more information, including current pricing, here: Geyser System Portable Hot Shower
2. Sea to Summit Pocket Shower
The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is next on our list as a very lightweight shower option that’s perfect for a hardcore backpacker.
Who doesn’t love the sound of a device that doubles as a shower and washing machine?
Lightweight Material
Firstly, if you dread adding any additional weight to your pack, then look no further.
This bad boy only weighs 4.3 ounces and won’t take up much space in your pack.
Luckily, it’s the type of gear that you can easily fold down to put in the bottom or top of your pack.
Furthermore, we wouldn’t recommend carrying it while filled. Since the Pocket Shower can hold 10 liters of water, this shower would add 22-lbs to your pack.
Instead, many campers carry the Pocket Shower empty and fill it with clean river water.
And the best part? Less weight from the shower means more weight for trail snacks!
Washes Clothing
Secondly, the Pocket Shower can double as a portable washing machine.
Simply throw your clothes in the sack with some soap and slosh them around. Within a few minutes, you’ll have fresh clothing on a long backpacking trip.
As a very sweaty hiker, I really appreciate clean clothes during a long backpacking trip. This small luxury makes the hiking experience so much more enjoyable.
User Friendly
And finally, at the end of a long day of hiking, the last thing you feel like doing is navigating a complex shower set up.
Luckily, the Pocket Shower utilizes a simple D-rings and hanging rope system.
And after a long trek or climb, ease of use is at the top of my list.
In fact, the black construction also acts as an easy solar heater for your shower.
So, if you’re leaving camp and returning to the same area, toss your shower on a hot rock or in a sunny spot. Later you will have a nice, warm shower.
The adjustable shower nozzle also makes it easy to control the flow rate of the water. All you have to do is turn the nozzle to find the flow rate that’s just right for you.
Pros and Cons of the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower
Sea to Summit Pocket Shower PROS
Super simple set up with D-rings
Lightweight and easy to pack in your backpack
Holds up to 10 liters which allows you to shower for about 7 minutes
Black bag attracts sun’s warmth
Sea to Summit Pocket Shower CONS
Need to preheat your own water if you want a hot shower
Small nozzle means limited water flow when showering
Lightweight nature of the material lacks durability
Why Will Campers Love This Shower?
Backpackers are sure to swoon over this lightweight and easy-to-use camping shower. With your body and clothes smelling fresh, your fellow campmates are sure to appreciate it, too!
View more information, including current pricing, here: Sea to Summit Pocket Shower
3. YIIQIQ Electric Power Shower
Coming in third, the YIIQIQ Electric Power Shower is sure to impress Car and RV campers alike.
This electric pressure shower will elevate your next car camping experience. Especially if you have a dirty dog, or muddy gear to clean.
And, with a 5.8 gallon capacity, there’s plenty of time to clean everything.
Long Lasting Use
Firstly, with a full charge, the YIIQIQ can be used for a continuous 40-45 minutes. Just the idea of a long shower while camping is enough to get me excited to hit the trails.
Many campers can relate, I’m sure, to the rushed, soap-less scrubbing in a shallow river. And the awkward tiptoeing to your shoes to avoid tracking wet gravel and leaves back to camp.
If long showers aren’t your thing, this feature could still come in handy for cleaning gear. And, with the generous 5.8 gallon tank, there’s plenty of water for everyone.
In fact, you could clean all your gear at once instead of having to split it up in multiple rounds.
Multiple Hose Head Attachments
Additonally, this camping shower comes with two hose attachments with different features.
One attachment is designed to help conserve water. The other is your traditional garden sprinkler with a variety of settings.
Having multi-purpose hoses can be of practical use when showering vs. cleaning items. As a result, you can get a gentle cleanse or a high pressure spray down depending on your needs.
Easy Transport
Finally, the YIIQIQ expands and collapses for storage.
In fact, once you’re done, let it dry and simply stash it flat in your car until you need it again.
As someone who hates surprises and loves over-preparing, an easy stow-away feature is a strong selling point in my book!
Pros and Cons of the YIIQIQ Electric Power Shower
YIIQIQ Electric Power Shower PROS
- Multiple hoses allow for more direct rinsing of body, pets or gear
- Large 5.8 gallon tank
- No need for an outlet
- Rechargeable
- 40-45 minutes of use per recharge
- Able to moderately modify pressure for multi-use with hose settings on garden attachment
YIIQIQ Electric Power Shower CONS
Bulky in size when fully expanded
No built-in heating system for the water
Who Would This Shower be Perfect For?
Lovers of long showers should seriously consider this option for car camping. It may also be a solid choice if you have gear to clean when camping. With a long-lasting capacity and varying pressure options, you can’t go wrong with this shower. Additionally, campers can heat a portion of the water up then add it to the reservoir for a warm water shower.
Check out more information, including current pricing, here: YIIQIQ Electric Power Shower
4. Ivation Battery Powered Portable Shower
Another great car camping option, the Ivation Battery Powered Portable Shower is very budget-friendly for all that it offers. In fact, this minimalist shower head is uber-easy to use. For instance, simply charge it up and bring an empty bucket to make your self a perfect shower experience.
In fact, campers can easily affix this to the ceiling of a shower tent, or to a tree branch while it pumps water from a bucket for a continuous flow. And, like other reservoir shower heads, you can work around the issue of heat. Campers can heat a small amount of water over their campfire and add it to their cool water to create a warmer shower. Just test the mix to make sure it’s not to hot.
Higher Pressure
First, it must be noted that this shower nozzle delivers consistent pressure making it easy to freshen up in a similar environment as home.
Although, when compared to traditional stationary showerhead, you are able to direct the pressure right where you need it.
We found the pressure to be ideal, even better than our low-flow shower at home.
Additionally, the higher pressure comes in handy for effectively cleaning camping items as well. You can put the high pressure directly on those tough to clean spots.
Hanging Option
Another important feature, this shower is very easy to hang. In fact, it comes with both a suction cup and a hook that allows you to attach the nozzle to a surface.
Not only do these attachments allow you to experience a traditional shower, they keep the setup off the ground and out of the bucket.
Moreover, this design grants you the flexibility you need as a camper. You can use the hose set up to directly clean really grimy areas. And, once that’s done, you can hang it up for a convenient hair washing set up.
Easy to Charge Battery
Finally, to this shower is easy to charge. For instance, the Ivation Shower is charged by a USB based charger. As result, this makes it compatible with many cars and laptops.
However, if you don’t want to use your car or laptop, you could also use a portable USB power bank. The charging options are almost limitless with a USB setup.
Ivation Battery Powered Portable Shower Pros and Cons
Ivation Battery Powered Portable Shower PROS
Provides up to one hour with a full charge
Easy USB charger
More pressure than traditional hanging shower systems
- Pump can be placed in any reservoir
Ivation Battery Powered Portable Shower CONS
Requires a bucket to use
No way to modify flow rate of the water
Shorter hose length (6.5ft-7ft) limits maneuverability
Who Would Love This Shower?
Haul this lightweight handheld portable shower nozzle and a bucket on your next car camping adventure! The flexible set up and multiple pressure options are sure to leave you a happy camper. All it takes is a quick charge using a USB port for you to get squeaky clean.
Check out more information, including current pricing, here: Ivation Battery Powered Portable Shower
5. Advanced Elements Summer Shower
Next up, the Advanced Elements Summer Shower is a solar powered option that provides you with an electricity-free heated shower.
Plus, thanks to its large capacity, you and your campmates don’t have to fight over the warm shower!
Natural Heating Design
First and foremost, this shower was created using both reflector and insulator panels that speed up the process of heating your water using the sun.
After about 3 hours in the sun, the Summer Shower heats your water up to 110 degrees.
Nothing is worse than a biting cold shower when you’re backpacking…you can’t convince me otherwise. Campers will love that this option provides a hot shower without the need for electricity. This could easily be a backpacking luxury item!
Large Water Capacity
In addition, the Summer Shower holds upwards of 5 gallons at a time. That amount of water easily equates to multiple showers.
This means multiple campers could get a rinse in using warm water after an exhausting day of adventures. No more fighting over who gets the hot water in the shower!
Easy Storage
Finally, after you’ve finished bathing, all that’s left to do is fold the Summer Shower up and pack it away. However, it’s not the most compact shower option on the market.
The Summer Shower packs down to approximately 4″x18.”
I would still argue it’s worth packing for a short backpacking trip. Maybe because I am willing to do just about anything for a hot shower at the day’s end.
Advanced Elements Summer Shower Pros and Cons
Advanced Elements Summer Shower PROS
- Heats up water well in the sunlight
- Easy to read built-in temp gauge
- Large water tank capacity (5 gallons)
- Large handle
- Built-in toiletry caddy
Advanced Elements Summer Shower CONS
- No direct water flow rate control system
- Low pressure valve
- Short valve and small shower head
- Not easy to thread onto a branch
Who are This Shower Perfect For?
If you don’t have access to electricity and crave a hot shower, this option is definitely worth considering. Both backpackers and remote car campers will appreciate this shower set up. Stuff it in your bag or car to keep you and your whole gang clean as can be!
Check out more information, including current pricing, here: Advanced Elements Summer Shower
6. Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower
Last but not least, theNemo Helio Pressure Shower is a pressurized camping shower that’s sure to turn heads of beach and desert campers alike.
It’s a hang-free option that can still build pressure to achieve a thorough rinse off.
Pressure Pump System
Firstly, using the foot pump design, you can easily increase the pressure in the system to allow you to have enough steady pressure for 5-7 minutes.
Whether it’s the body or dishes, we find this to be sufficient time to get the grime off.
Furthermore, you can modify the intensity of the pressure by simply pumping more or less with your foot.
Pump it lots for big messes or keep it light for a gentle cleanse.
Fast Set Up
Additionally, campers need not search for a tree or object to hang this shower from. This feature is essential if you are camping on the beach or in a barren desert.
Even in the forest, threading a bag onto a sturdy tree limb is a hilarious task. So, we prefer free-standing options like these, wherever our journey takes us.
With no need for an object to hang it from, it’s the easiest shower set up of all time. All you have to do is set it on the ground and use the foot pump to build pressure in the system.
Multiple Size Options
Finally, the Helio Pressure Shower provides you with both an 11 liter and 22 liter water tank option.
This allows you to choose a size that accommodates your personal camping needs and accommodates multiple showers.
Additionally, you can tailor the size of your shower to the duration of your trip. And, if you’re like us, you may just choose the larger option because you hate having to refill the tank.
Nemo Helio Pressure Shower Pros and Cons
Nemo Helio Pressure Shower PROS
No need for something to hang it from (great for beach or desert camping)
Higher pressure output than traditional hanging showers
Packs down well for easy transport
Nemo Helio Pressure Shower CONS
Doesn’t heat water
No drain plug can make emptying a chore
No option to convert to hanging shower if desired
Why Will Campers Love This Shower?
Now you can camp anywhere and still get in that relaxing shower! The Helio Pressure Pump Shower sits on the ground is perfect for any camping environment. With multiple size options to choose from, you’re bound to find a pressurized shower that meets your camping needs.
View more information, including current pricing, here: Nemo Helio Pressure Shower
Our Favorite Pop Up Shower Shelters
When you’ve found the perfect portable shower, there’s nothin like showering outside. However, privacy is even better. And, we also have favorites where shower shelters are concerned. We love these tall privacy tents for showering at camp:
Before Picking Your Camp Shower
We’ve found so much to love about our favorite portable showers. But, if you still want to search the vastoptions out there, keep in mind our criteria for finding the best one. Choose a shower that:
- Is pressure pump or gravity fed. A pressure pump shower is ideal for a deep clean. We prefer Pressure pump showers for car camping, and gravity fed showers for backpacking or kayak camping.
- Is either solar or battery heated. A heated shower is as luxurious as it gets on the trail. Solar powered models are eco-friendly and a step above a chilly gravity fed bag. However, with some modifications to your water supply, some battery-powered options can work very well.
- Is heated or tap temperature. As we just mentioned, there are options if you really can’t live without a warmed shower. It’s really up to you based on the level of comfort you want to achieve.
- Has an appropriate capacity or bucket Fed Supply. We’d suggest opting for a model that holds at least 5 gallons if you’re car camping. Additionally, models that draw from a bucket are not ideal for backpackers.
- Is portable. a lightweight, solar, gravity fed model will be best for minimalist backpacking. Some higher quality models with heat and pressure can weigh up to 9-lbs, which drastically cuts down their portability.
Whether you’re trying to get clean, or you’re washing gear and dishes, there’s a perfect shower system or you!
Level Up Your Camping Game
Day after day on the trails in peak season can be taxing on your morale and your gear. Imagine climbing into your sleeping bag refreshed after a nice shower with one of these portable camping showers. Regardless of your shower choice, wake up refreshed and head out for another adventure without worrying about the mess!
Image Credit: Jim Kelly | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size