Are you looking for the most convenient and comfortable portable hot water camping shower or portable shower for living the vanlife, or during your tiny house build?!
Well, you’re in luck! Because we’ve found four varieties of portable showers, so no matter your lifestyle or requirements – you can bet we’ve found a shower that will be perfect for you.
Read on to find out why you should consider investing in a portable hot water shower.
Table of contents
- TL;DR our top pick hot water camping shower
- What is a portable hot water shower?
- Solar vs. propane camping shower?
- Battery-powered vs. pressure camping shower?
- Why get a portable camping shower?
- Our top 12 portable camping shower picks!
- Add-on products to improve your showering experience
- FAQs
- Final thoughts
TL;DR the best portable shower
Our top pick for a portable hot water shower for camping is the Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump for $279.99 (+ $189.12 shipping and fees to Norway).
What is a portable hot water camping shower?
Portable hot water showers are exactly what they sound like – self-contained units that heat water or can be filled with hot water so you can enjoy a warm shower even when camping in remote areas or living off-grid.
There are many types of portable showers, but the most popular ones we’ve found are:
- Solar showers
- Propane-powered showers
- Pressure camping showers
- Battery-powered camping showers
Here are five reasons why a camp shower is a useful product to have:
- They’re easy to set up and take down.
- They don’t require electricity, so they’re perfect for remote locations.
- Most models come with a shower head and hose included.
- Portable hot water camping showers are great for RVs, campers, boats, and tiny homes.
- They’re perfect for people who love spending time in the great outdoors.
Solar vs. propane camping shower
There are a few key factors to consider when deciding between a solar shower or a propane camping shower.
The first is how much water you need – Solar showers typically only hold around 18 liters of water, so if you need more, you may want to choose a propane option.
A solar shower takes far longer to heat up – 4-6 hours on a sunny day–, so a propane shower might be a better option if you’re in a hurry.
Solar showers are great for short camping trips or if you’re just using them to rinse off after a hike.
Propane showers have the advantage of being able to heat larger amounts of water quickly, so they’re perfect for longer camping trips.
Another thing to keep in mind is how easy it is to set up and take down. Solar showers can be hung from a tree or on the side of your RV, while propane showers are bulkier and need to be set up on ground level.
A solar shower might be the better option if you’re camping in an area with limited space.
Finally, consider the cost. Solar showers are typically less expensive than propane camping showers, so if you’re on a budget a solar shower might be the way to go.
Which is better – a solar shower or propane camping shower? It depends on your needs. If you need a lot of water quickly, go with the propane option. Solar is the way to go if you’re on a budget or need a shower that’s easy to set up.
Do you have a solar or propane camping shower? Let us know in the comments below!
Battery-powered vs. pressure camping shower?
If you’re trying to decide between buying a battery-powered or pressurized camping shower for your next great adventure, let us help by breaking down some of the most important facts.
First of all – what is a battery-powered camping shower? Simply put – it’s a shower head with a connected water pump that runs off of a rechargeable battery to give you water pressure. This allows you to place the hose of the shower head into a bucket of water – and hey presto, you’re ready to shower.
This can be much more convenient than a gravity-fed shower, especially for those with long hair that need better water pressure to get their locks sparkling clean!
One of the benefits of the battery-powered shower head is that it’s tankless – meaning you can use as much water as you want, just pick the size of bucket or water receptacle that will work for you.
Plus, with a battery life of up to one hour per charge – this lightweight and affordable camping shower is perfect for couples and families.
A pressure camp shower consists of a water tank made from a solid material or a flexible bag with a hand pump that, when pumped up – provides you with water pressure. They’re similar in design to a weed killer spray tank but designed to cope with being filled with hot water rather than chemicals.
Why get a portable camping shower?
There are many reasons why portable hot water showers are so helpful when camping.
Perhaps the most obvious reason is that knowing there’s a shower waiting for you at the end of the day will encourage you to live each day to the fullest and seize every opportunity for adventure – without fear of being left uncomfortable and filthy.
Not to mention, if you’re camping in an area where the temperature drops at night – having a hot shower can be a huge perk, and who wants to take a cold shower in cold weather?!
Portable showers are also much more private than campground showers, and they’re great for families with small children who don’t want to wrangle their kiddos and head to the communal campground shower.
Top 12 portable camping showers
What are the best camp showers? Great question! And we did the research, so you don’t have to.
Many portable hot water showers exist on the market, but not all are created equal.
In this section, we’ll list our top 12 portable camping showers, broken down into four different product types – each designed for different needs and lifestyles.
Solar hot water camping showers
1. Solar Camping Shower by Advanced Elements
Water capacity – 11 liters.
Time – 3 hours to heat.
Water pressure – Low
Hose length – CHECK
Powered by – Gravity-fed.
Price – $34.99 (+ $24.51 shipping and fees to Norway)
Where to buy – Advanced Elements Amazon Store
The Portable Solar Camping Shower by Advanced Elements is another great solar-powered option. It has a water tank that holds up to 22 liters of water, an on/off shower head to conserve water, and thanks to its 4-ply construction – this solar shower can heat in only three hours.
The Portable Solar Camping Shower by Advanced Elements is another great solar-powered option. It has a water tank that holds up to 22 liters of water, an on/off shower head to conserve water, and thanks to its 4-ply construction – this solar shower can heat in only three hours.
This handy-dandy solar shower is one of the most lightweight and effective options. This one also benefits from an easy-to-read temperature gauge that will tell you when your water is ready and an integrated toiletry pouch.
2. Helio Portable Shower
Water capacity – 11 liters.
Time – 6 hours to eat using solar or instant by filling with hot water.
Water pressure – Low/Medium
Hose length – 210cm
Powered by – Foot-powered pressurization and solar-powered heating.
Price – 1299 NOK
Where to buy – XXL
The Helio Portable Shower is a solar-powered shower perfect for camping. It has a tank that holds up to 11 liters of water and can be filled directly with hot water or left in the sun to heat up naturally.
The bag is pressurized with a foot pump, so it doesn’t need to be hung up when used.
3. VidaXL Camping Shower 40 Liters
Water capacity – 40 liters.
Time – 3 hours in strong sun.
Water pressure – Low.
Hose length – Approx 60cm
Powered by – Solar.
Price – 679 NOK
Where to buy – VidaXXL
This high-capacity camping shower is perfect for a soothing shower after a long day of hiking or camping. Made from high-quality PVC material and with an impressive 40L capacity – this is the solar shower for families!
Just fill the bag with water and hang it in the sun to heat. A hook and a few ropes are included to aid in hanging it on the side of your campervan or your tiny house cabin for a few hours.
Propane hot water camping showers
1. Zodi Outback Gear Extreme Hot Shower
Water usage – 11 liters.
Time – 5-10 minutes (many say it takes up to 20) to heat up to 37 degrees Celsius.
Water pressure – Light
Hose length – 182 cm
Powered by – Propane + hand-powered pressurization.
Price -$149.95
Where to buy – Zodi.com
This camping shower is one of the most lightweight and space-saving propane options we’ve stumbled upon.
It doesn’t require a separate water heater or water pump – this heats directly on the propane and has a hand pump for water pressurization, making it one of the best options we’ve found for entirely off-grid and backcountry campers.
2. Coleman H2Oasis Hot Water
Water capacity – 22 liters.
Time – Takes 30 seconds to heat before use.
Water pressure – Medium.
Hose length – 182cm non-kinking silicone hose.
Powered by – Propane and lithium-ion battery.
Price – $264.99 (+ shipping and fees)
Where to buy – Coleman Amazon Store
The Coleman H2Oasis Hot Water on Demand Portable Shower is another popular option, able to dispense hot water in only 30 seconds.
This propane-powered water heater features a 22-liter water tank and can be heated from 12 – 51 degrees celsius.
With a lithium-ion battery that powers the water pump and LED display, this can be recharged from your car with the included charger.
3. Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump
Water capacity – Unlimited.
Time – Heats within seconds.
Water pressure – Medium, with three spray settings.
Hose length – Unknown; we’ve heard complaints of it being too short.
Powered by – Propane and 12V cigarette lighter.
Price – $279.99 (+ $189.12 shipping and fees to Norway)
Where to buy – Hike Crew Amazon Store
The Hike Crew portable propane water heater is our top pick for propane camping showers. This easy-to-use on-demand hot water setup is multi-purpose; use it for showering, doing the dishes, or even making coffee!
This setup consists of a water hose with an attached pump that fits into pretty much any water tank, the main unit with an attached gas canister (this is where the water runs through to heat up!), and a faucet with a detachable shower hose and shower head.
Battery-powered hot water camping showers
1. Portable Camping Shower by Ivation
Water usage – 11 liters in 7/8 minutes.
Time – Up to one hour of continuous use on one charge.
Water pressure – Light/medium
Hose length – 180 cm
Powered by – Battery-powered rechargeable.
Price – $34.99 (+ $25.46 shipping and fees to Norway)
Where to buy – Ivation Amazon Store
The Portable Camping Shower by Ivation is one of the most popular portable showers on the market.
It consists of a shower head with a pipe and battery-powered water pump, meaning that this tank-free shower transforms any water source into an instant shower.
Simply fill a bucket of warm water – add the nozzle, and you’re ready to go!
2. Easy Rain Portable Battery-Powered Shower
Water usage – 2.5 liters per minute.
Time – Up to one hour of continuous use on one charge.
Water pressure – Light/medium
Hose length – 180 cm
Powered by – Battery-powered rechargeable.
Price – 295 NOK
Where to buy – Sparelys.no
For off-grid cabins without running water, vanlifers, and tent campers – the shower is perfect to have with you.
Heat water on your stove or in a jet boil, pour it into a bucket with the water and take a nice warm shower. As the pump is battery-powered with rechargeable USB, you don’t need to be connected to power.
The shower has a built-in filter that prevents larger particles from entering the pump and causing blockages – this can even be removed and cleaned as and when needed.
3. Camp4 Smart Shower
Water usage – 2.5 liters per minute.
Time – Up to one hour of continuous use on one charge.
Water pressure – Light/medium
Hose length – 180 cm
Powered by – Battery-powered rechargeable.
Price – 455 NOK
Where to buy – Caravan.no
The Camp4 Smart shower with battery power for a cord-free off-the-grid shower.
This shower head and hose with a water pump features a USB rechargeable integrated battery with one hour of battery per charge.
It’s not rocket science – you warm a bucket of water, pop the pump end of the hose into the bucket, and turn it on – voila, you’re now taking a shower!
One fun feature of the Camp4 shower for camping is that it comes with a suction cup and a hook to hang the shower head from – this can help reduce your water usage as you have both hands free to wash quicker.
Hot water pressure camping showers
1. Epoca Freshower Camping Shower
Water usage – 7-liter tank capacity.
Time – Up to a five-minute shower.
Water pressure – Low.
Hose length – 180 cm
Powered by – Hand powered.
Price – 499.90 NOK
Where to buy – Clas Ohlson
The Epoca camping shower is excellent for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. It’s compact and easy to carry, making it perfect for hikes and camping trips.
The container holds seven liters of water, and the long, flexible shower hose means you can easily wash yourself or your gear.
Plus, the multiple spray functions make it even more versatile – so whether you’re rinsing off after a long day on the trail or watering your flowers, this shower is up to the task.
2. Helio Portable Shower
Water capacity – 11 liters.
Time – 6 hours to eat using solar or instant by filling with hot water.
Water pressure – Low/Medium.
Hose length – 210cm
Powered by – Solar heating + foot-powered pressurization.
Price – 1299 NOK
Where to buy – XXL
So good we’re talking about it twice! The Helio Portable Shower also features on our top solar-shower list, but as it’s also a pressure shower and we’re so impressed with it – we had to recommend it again!
With an 11-liter capacity, you can leave it in the sun for a solar-powered shower or heat water on the stove for a shower ready in minutes!
Most pressure showers have a hand pump, which is a bit of a hassle if you’re halfway through washing your hair – with shampoo streaming into your eyes.
But that’s not an issue with this fancy product; simply pump with your foot as you continue showering for no wasted water and no wasted time!
Unlike most other solar options, you don’t need to find anywhere to hang the Helio up while showering; just set it on the floor by your camper, and you’re good to go.
3. Pro Plus Camping Shower
Water capacity – 11 liters.
Time – Unknown.
Water pressure – Low.
Hose length – Approx 180cm
Powered by – Solar heating + foot-powered pressurization.
Price – 579 NOK
Where to buy – Nordisk Camping Utstyr
The Pro Plus Camping Shower is the shower that packs flat for easy showering no matter where in the world you are!
This sturdy fold flat solar shower bag with a foot pump has a long hose and an on/off shower head.
One of our lightest and smallest shower finds and is ideal for those embarking on great backpacking adventures, so whether you’re hiking the pacific crest trail or cycling to northernmost Norway – this might be a great addition to our kit for the trip!
FAQs
Can you put hot water in a camp shower?
Yes, you can put hot water in a camp shower. Portable hot water showers for camping are a great way to have hot water when camping.
Are camp showers worth it?
Portable hot water camping showers are worth buying! Not only do they make showering while camping more convenient, but they also offer many other benefits.
How long does a 5-gallon shower last?
A five-gallon shower will last approximately 20 minutes. This is based on the average shower time of two and a half minutes, which uses about two gallons of water. Portable hot water showers for camping are a great way to conserve water while still getting clean.
How do you warm up water in a camp shower?
There are three common ways to warm a camp shower:
1. Fill up a solar shower bag with water and place it in the sun; the sun will heat the water throughout the day, and you’ll have a warm shower waiting for you in the evening.
2. Boil water on a camp stove and pour it into your shower bag.
3. Turn on your propane water heater – and hey presto, you’ve got instant hot water!
How does a cowboy shower work?
A cowboy shower usually consists of a temporary frame made from PVC piping and connected to a solar or propane shower.
How do you bathe when living off-grid?
There are three ways you can bathe when living off-grid: solar showers, propane showers, and stove-heated showers.
How do I make an outdoor shower for camping?
It is absolutely possible to make your own shower for camping. You can easily make a gravity-fed shower out of a bucket with a piece of flexible pipe and a water bottle with holes cut into it.
How many liters of water does a camp shower use?
This depends on which product you buy, but for a 5-minute shower, you can expect to use around 3.5 liters of water.
How safe are propane camping showers?
Portable propane camping showers are safe as long as you follow the instructions. The main thing to remember is not to use them indoors and always ensure good ventilation.
Other products you’ll need for your camping shower
Jet Boil for Boiling Water
A jet boil is a super fast camp stove and kettle combo that can boil 1 liter of water in 100 seconds!
Advanced Elements Shower tent
If you want to add a little privacy to your camping shower – have no fear because pop-up shower tents are incredibly easy to find.
Dr. Bronner’s Soap
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps are known for their all-natural ingredients and ethical practices. The company has a range of biodegradable shampoos made with organic oils and plant-based ingredients. The shampoos are also vegan and cruelty-free.
Final thoughts
Portable hot water showers are a great way to stay clean and comfortable while camping.
They come in various shapes and sizes and can be powered by the sun, propane, or filled using water from the stove.
When choosing a portable hot water shower, it’s essential to consider how you’ll be using it, how easy it is to set up and use, and what type of power you want.
With so many great options on the market, there’s sure to be a portable hot water shower that’s perfect for your next camping trip! And hey, if you’re more of a bath kind of camper – why not check out our guide to the top 18 tiny bathtubs!
Keep living tiny xx
Nadia.
