News

       The Klymit’s compact size makes it ideal for van enthusiasts who are short on interior space.

       The Leitner’s extremely long hose and rugged design make it the ideal choice for those with demanding equipment requirements.

       There are many solar showers out there, but the SOL does the job better than most and is ideal for backpackers on a budget.

        We may earn income from products offered on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Find out more >

        As much as we love to unplug, a good camp shower can make it even more enjoyable. While I don’t mind getting dirty and messy during outdoor adventures, it’s no fun being smelly all day long. For years, you had no choice but to wait until you got home and clean up. The only option is to pay extra to stay in a modern tent camp with amenities or spend money on a shower at a motel. But those days are over thanks to new and improved camping souls.

        Campers can now have a lightweight, portable shower to help them cool off in the woods. Some of these units can even provide hot water without using much electricity. We’ve collected a variety of showers with different features such as heating and pressure systems, as well as showers more suitable for wildlife. I’ve tested every model on this list so you don’t have to. This is the best camp shower you can buy.

        I’ve spent most of my life camping and have had the opportunity to roughly test several different forms of portable showers. I have tested some of the souls on this list in the past, as well as others that I tested specifically for this review. My testing process included sampling water pressure and temperature, as well as shower times. Some of my other criteria include:

        The HydroSpray has a rather discreet appearance, but I was amazed by its versatility and performance. This system uses a built-in filter and water pump to draw water from virtually any source. This means you can instantly increase water pressure in rivers and lakes using battery terminals or a 12V power supply. I tested this shower using one of my portable power stations and was shocked at how little battery consumption it used. When running at full power, it only consumes about 70 watts at the top end. After 10 minutes of operation, the station’s battery didn’t even run out.

        At 35 PSI, I found that different headset settings provided varying amounts of pressure that other outdoor showers often lacked. I was able to knock the dirt off the sides of the van using more pressure. For showering, I use a seven gallon tank in the sink. With its help, I took a shower for about 10 minutes, which was enough. But if you throw a filter into a stream or lake, the length of your shower will only be limited by the power source. This makes the system suitable for various scenarios.

        The only downside is that unless you are using a natural water source, you will have to keep a close eye on the water level in the tank. It didn’t take long for the pump to empty my seven gallon tank. It also doesn’t get hot. But I like the whole system to be packaged in a small box and tucked away neatly. This makes it an ideal shower solution for RVs or overlanders with limited space.

        The Leitner HydroPod was designed primarily for hardcore off-road and off-roaders, and it shows. This is the most durable and long lasting camp shower I have ever come across. The tank is very strong and can withstand all my abuse.

        If your goal is a shower that is independent and can be unplugged, then this is the answer. Think of it as a giant water gun. Just press the handle and lock it and you’re done. I found that at full pressure it worked for about three minutes.

        I used the HydroPod several times during a two week trip this summer. I was also able to wash off a layer of fine dust from the van after a day spent on the dusty back roads of Iowa. The pressure here is not as great as we would like, but it is much better than the pressure provided by a solar shower.

        This is my choice for serious SUVs who want something simple that won’t clutter up their vehicle’s storage space. Additionally, the 20-foot detachable hose is one of the longest I could find, adding to its versatility. HydroPod is also made in the USA and is of high quality.

        I’ve owned several cheap solar showers over the years and the SOL is one of the best. It’s a simple design that keeps you warm on warm summer days. When not in use, it folds well and is easy to store. Because it is gravity fed, there is virtually no water pressure on the tiny head driven by the auger. But he will get the job done in a pinch. I have been able to go to bed many times using this shower without feeling sticky and gross.

        The SOL solar shower is a bit difficult to fill, which is one of the downsides. But I found that it holds 5.3 gallons of water, which is enough for about three to five minutes of showering. This is sufficient for most situations.

        Some people just don’t want to take a cold shower, and we understand that. Conditions for solar showers are also not always optimal. This is where propane heating systems from Hike Crew come into play. We chose this shower over some other propane-heated options because it features a pump that pumps water from a container of your choice. Another nice feature is the small tap system for quick cleaning or cooking.

        The biggest downside to this system is its weight (13.2 pounds). Thus, it is the best option for RVers, campers, and RV enthusiasts who might want to camp in the wild. Propane is also essential, which means that once it runs out, so does the hot water. However, I like that Hike Crew made this shower compatible with a regular AC/DC adapter or 12-volt plug. This means it integrates seamlessly with a car outlet or portable power station while away from conventional power supplies. This product also has one of the best shower heads in this type of system.

        Deep swimming in a remote area with zero amenities may seem like a pipe dream. But Nemo makes it possible with this compact pressure shower that weighs just over a pound. This means that even if you are far from civilization, you can still get away. It does this without relying on a gravity feed system. The clever design of this shower allows campers to pressurize it using a foot pump. This is great because you don’t have to stop in the shower to restore pressure. Just rock the foot pad a few more times and the pressure will return.

        Because the tank is made of compressed polyester, Helio is difficult to dry. It’s not a big deal if you use it every day while traveling. However, campers should give it some time to air out before returning it to storage. However, few camping showers are so portable while delivering so much pressure.

        When it comes to a camp shower, the decision often comes down to whether or not to heat it. I’ve used a simple solar shower in the past with great success. However, it is easier to get and keep clean with something that can heat the water for you. Of course, this requires an energy source and possibly fuel to operate the water heater.

        Alternatively, if you don’t have a power source handy, there are many systems that operate solely by gravity or pressure, such as large water guns. These systems are more than capable of cleaning up the mess at the end of a long day. The downside is that unless it is a solar shower system, the water is not very hot.

        Showering while camping is easy. Not so with hot showers while camping. There are several ways to remove hot water from the network. The simplest solution is to use a solar shower bag, which uses the sun’s natural heat to heat the water. The advantage of this type of shower is that it is portable and does not require electricity. While I find they work great on hot days, campers need to shower before sunset to ensure the water temperature remains warm.

        Another option is to purchase a shower with a heating system. These units require electricity or propane to heat water instantly. This also means having a self-contained power system, which takes up valuable storage space. Plus, once the propane runs out, the hot shower will run out. Propane-based systems are best for overlanders or RVers who are building their own camper. Integrating these shower enclosures into your living space is quite easy if you start planning ahead.

        While hot showers sound great, propane water heating systems with pumps are very large and heavy. This makes this type of system rather impractical for any use other than car camping. Personally, I like my shower to have as few moving parts as possible. Especially since my van is a very small Ram Promaster City. Consider where you will store and transport all the different components, including the propane tanks for your heating system.

        Another thing that some vacationers don’t consider is water delivery. Most shower systems require at least several gallons of water. This usually takes a minimum of three to five minutes in the shower. Consider what type of water container you will need to transport it and where you will place it in your car or RV.

        Because most water from shower stalls ends up seeping into the ground, just like runoff from soap and shampoo. I have seen campgrounds in Michigan ban certain types of portable showers for this reason. Runoff can reach sensitive rivers and streams and cause environmental problems. Consider adding a bottle or bar of biodegradable camping soap to your backpacking checklist. As a bonus, many of these specialty camping soaps are fortified with insect repellents such as citronella oil, which is ideal for those who particularly enjoy buggy camping.

        Most vacationers can expect a shower time of two to three minutes, depending on the type of shower head connected. Some have stronger flows than others. However, since most campground showers are small, campers should be prepared to clean up quickly.

        In my experience, a solar shower can take several hours to heat up. Other days it may only take a few hours. This depends on the amount of sunlight the shower receives and the ambient temperature. If you wait several hours after dark to shower, chances are you won’t feel warm anymore.

        Often, a simple rubber bath mat will do the job. Another option is to purchase a small shed built specifically for camp showers. It usually has a floor like a standard tent, but with built-in drains for draining water.

        While all of these showers are capable of keeping campers clean in a pinch, the Klymit is my favorite purely from a versatility and space-saving standpoint. No other shower provides such high water pressure in such a compact design. Combined with the fact that it uses very little energy, this shower is a winner in every way.

        For 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with reliable, reliable information about outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the great outdoors, and that passion shows in our product reviews. You can trust F&S to keep you up to date with the latest equipment. When we write about a product, whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack, we cover its pros and cons so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to buy it.

        Travis Smola is a staff writer for Field & Stream. He spent eight years writing about all things outdoors at Wide Open Spaces before deciding to find a new challenge in 2023 at Field & Stream. Please contact the author here.