Updated September 2, 2024
When camping or otherwise engaged in getting down and dirty with the great outdoors, it is inevitable that many of you will have the desire to maintain some semblance of the cleanliness and hygiene you are accustomed to in other settings. With the lightweight, well-designed, and easy-to-use portable shower systems today, there is no reason not to get yourself clean and fresh regularly, if that is the way you like to be.
There are hundreds of great portable showers for camping on the market today with a range of capabilities and designs to consider. To help with the research, some of the best have been selected as an introduction. There’s a comparison table to start, followed by reviews with specifications, features, pros & cons, photos, videos, and a basic buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on hiking and camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Backpacking Water Filters Headlamps Night Vision Binoculars Marine Binoculars Backpacking Stoves Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
Best Portable Showers for Camping
- Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower
- Ivation Portable Camping Shower
- Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower/Solar Shower
- Sea to Summit Pocket Shower
- Iron Hammer Portable Camping Shower
- Mr. Heater BOSS-XB13 Basecamp Shower System
- Coleman 5 Gallon Solar Camping Shower
- Reliance Flow Pro Pressurized Camping Shower
- Simple Shower Portable Camping Shower
- Gasland Outdoors BS158 Camping Shower
Portable Camping Shower Comparison Table
| Picture | Camping Shower | Weight Power | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower | 1 lb 6 oz Foot Pump & Solar | 4.4 | $$$ |
  | Ivation Portable Camping Shower | 1 lb 13 oz Lithium Battery | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower/Solar Shower | 1 lb 4 oz Gravity & Solar | 4.3 | $$ |
  | Sea to Summit Pocket Shower | 4.25 oz Gravity | 4.3 | $$ |
  | Iron Hammer Portable Camping Shower | 1 lb 3.2 oz Lithium Battery | 4.6 | $$ |
  | Mr. Heater BOSS-XB13 Basecamp Shower System | 7 lbs D-Cell Batteries & Propane | 4.7 | $$$$ |
  | Coleman 5 Gallon Solar Camping Shower | 1 lb Gravity & Solar | 4.2 | $ |
  | Reliance Flow Pro Pressurized Camping Shower | 3 lbs 13 oz Hand Pump | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Simple Shower Portable Camping Shower | 2 oz Gravity | 4.0 | $ |
  | Gasland Outdoors BS158 Camping Shower | 7 lbs D-Cell Batteries & Propane | 4.6 | $$$$ |
| Picture | Camping Shower | Weight Power | Rating | Price |
Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower
It has a durable 2.9-gallon PU-coated polyester reservoir which uses the power of the sun to warm water and a 7-foot neoprene hose and spray-nozzle for 5-7 minutes of continuous flow.
A fitted nozzle holder allows for hands-free usage and if the pressure gets low it can be replenished by another easy pump of the foot.
Specs & Features
- Capacity: 2.9 gallons (11 liters), also available in a 5.8-gallon (22-liter) version
- Weight: 1 pound, 6 ounces
- 5-7 minutes of steady, continuous spray
- Free-standing on the ground and pressured by a foot pump
- 7-foot neoprene hose with a hand-held spray nozzle
- The nozzle holder enables hands-free showering
- PU-coated polyester reservoir material
- Can fill it with hot water or warm it in the sun
- Packs into a 5 x 8.5 inch zippered, ventilated stuff sack
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Price: $$$
- Rating: 4.4
Pros: easy set-up and use, compact, portable, substantial water pressure, multi-use
Cons: solar warmed water is not hot
Ivation Portable Camping Shower
The pump provides a steady flow for up to one hour of use powered by its USB rechargeable Lithium battery.
A 5.9-foot hose gives you around 6.5 feet of extension from the water source.
It can be hung using an S-hook or placed on a flat, smooth surface with a suction cup for hands-free use.
Specs & Features
- Weight: 1 lb 13 oz
- Dimensions: 33 x 3.27 x 2.8 inches
- Pump powered by a built-in USB rechargeable 2200mAh Lithium battery
- 60 minutes use on one charge
- 5.9-foot hose
- Suction cup and S-shaped hook for mounting
- Built-in water filtration
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $$
- Rating: 4.5
Pros: easy set-up and use, compact, portable, 60 minutes on one charge, no set capacity, steady water flow
Cons: switch is inconveniently located near the pump, tall people can’t mount the nozzle overhead, doesn’t heat water
Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower/Solar Shower
Pressured by gravity, the 5-gallon capacity provides a steady spray, enough for two to shower down after a hike or swim.
It’s loaded with features to add to the convenience including a temperature gauge, mirror, and numerous places to store accessories like soap and shampoo.
Easily portable, it’s lightweight, rolls up after use, and has a wide handle.
Specs & Features
- Capacity: 5 gallons (18.93 liters)
- Weight: 1 lb 4 oz
- Durable 4-layer construction includes a reflector panel, insulator panel, and solar panel to heat water
- Includes water temperature gauge, reflective mirror, pocket for shampoo and soap, Velcro straps for washcloth and soap, and a D-ring
- Convenient on/off control in the showerhead
- Large fill valve
- Wide handle, rolls up for transport and storage
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $$
- Rating: 4.3
Pros: enough water for a lengthy session, easy set-up and use, lightweight & compact, portable, plenty of storage for accessories
Cons: heavy when full
View More From Advanced Elements
Just fill it with water and find a place overhead to mount it using D-rings and the provided 20-foot cord. Gravity pushes water at a steady stream for up to 8 minutes through the twist-open contoured shower head.
Constructed of durable 70D nylon with water-resistant PU coating and a roll-top closure, it also can be used as a dry sack for gear and perishables.
- Capacity: 2.64 gallons (10 liters)
- Weight: 4.25 oz
- Durable 70D nylon construction with fully taped seams, PU-coated for water-resistance
- Roll-top closure
- 2 D-rings for hanging with a 20-foot cord included
- Easy twist mechanism for on/off flow
- Approximately 8 minutes of flow using the full capacity through a contoured showerhead
- Doubles as a dry sack for the transport of perishables, clothes, gear, or a sleeping bag
- Pocket-sized
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Price: $$
- Rating: 4.3
Pros: 8-minutes flow time, easy set-up and use, ultralightweight & portable, doubles as a dry sack
Cons: heavy when full of water, taped seams won’t bear water hotter than 140°F/60°C
Iron Hammer Portable Camping Shower
It is compact and even more lightweight and has a two-speed adjustable flow with up to 60 minutes of continuous operation on high, on one charge of the built-in Lithium battery.
Using a ground-level source, the total length of more than 7 feet extends well above the head of all but the tallest users without the need to crouch.
Specs & Features
- Weight: 1 lb 3.2 oz
- Pump Dimensions: 2.56 x 4.25 inches
- Pump powered by a built-in USB rechargeable 4800mAh Lithium battery, recharging time of 3-4 hours
- 2-speed adjustable flow – high: 4 liters/minute, low: 3 liters/minute
- Tolerates water from 41°F(5°C) to 122°F (50°C)
- 60 minutes use on one charge when adjusted to high
- 9-foot hose, total length of 7.6 feet
- Built-in water filtration
- Includes mesh carry bag
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $$
- Rating: 4.6
Pros: easy set-up and use, compact, portable, 60 minutes on one charge, no set capacity, 2-speed adjustable flow
Cons: switch is inconveniently located near the pump, doesn’t heat water, must take care to close the recharge port completely to avoid entry of water
Mr. Heater BOSS-XB13 Basecamp Shower System
Powered by a standard 1-pound propane canister and 4 D-cell batteries, with a flick of an electric ignition switch it delivers .6 gallons of water heated to 35°F above the source temperature for up to 40 minutes runtime using a handheld showerhead.
Specs & Features
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Dimensions: 5 x 7.5 x 12 inches
- Pump powered by 4 D-cell batteries for 40 minutes runtime
- Up to .6 gallons flow per minute
- Water heated by a 1 lb disposable propane cylinder (not included)
- Includes showerhead
- 12,000 BTUs, heats water to 35°F above the source temperature
- Hot water safety flow switch
- Pump includes a filter system
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $$$$
- Rating: 4.7
Pros: easy set-up and use, reasonable flow, 40 minutes run time, portable
Cons: expensive, must provide your own propane and batteries
Coleman 5 Gallon Solar Camping Shower
The black PVC bag is heated by the sun and has a durable handle for carrying or hanging it, a flexible hose, and a straightforward on/off valve attached to the showerhead.
The 5-gallon capacity can be used for showering or other camp cleaning activities with the flow powered by gravity.
Specs & Features
- Capacity: 5 gallons (18.93 liters)
- Weight: 1 lb
- Sturdy handle for hanging or carrying
- Flexible shower hose
- On/off valve connected to the showerhead
- Black PVC construction uses solar power to heat water
- Warranty: 1-year limited (check with the seller for details)
- Price: $
- Rating: 4.2
Pros: low-priced, easy set-up and use, lightweight & compact, reasonable water flow, warm water
Cons: heavy when full, filling it isn’t convenient
Reliance Flow Pro Pressurized Camping Shower
It employs a kink-resistant 6-foot hose with a trigger-action showerhead for convenient hand-held use and water preservation.
A washable neoprene sleeve with a carry strap makes it convenient to carry and a mesh pouch provides a place to put your shampoo or soap.
Specs & Features
- Capacity: 2 gallons (8 liters)
- Weight: 3 lbs 13 oz
- Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 17.2 inches
- Pump-powered, with pressure release valve
- Trigger-action showerhead
- 6-foot kink-resistant hose
- Includes washable neoprene sleeve, carry strap, and a mesh pouch for storage
- Warranty: ask the seller for details
- Price: $$
- Rating: 4.5
Pros: no batteries or assembly required, easy to use, portable, moderate water flow, pressure release valve prevents over-pressurizing, reasonable price
Cons: only 2 gallons of capacity, moderately heavy for a backpacker
Simple Shower Portable Camping Shower
The shower nozzle attaches to practically any 1 or 2-liter bottle with a screw-on connection and to Platypus collapsible bottles and bladders.
Just turn it upside down and let gravity power the flow.
You can use warm water or let it stand a while to warm in the sun.
Specs & Features
- Weight: 2 oz
- For use with most 1 or 2-liter bottles and with Platypus collapsible bladders and bottles
- Spray nozzle screws on with internal siphons for a smooth spray
- Water can be heated by the sun
- Supply your own bottle
- Warranty: ask the seller for details
- Price: $
- Rating: 4.0
Pros: easy to use, ultra-lightweight, simple design
Cons: no carrying case, low-capacity bottles normally used, short and quick-flowing for a shower, the bottle is not included
Gasland Outdoors BS158 Camping Shower
A tankless model requires only 2.5 psi of water pressure to start up and 2 D-cell batteries to ignite the propane which will provide up to 1.58 gallons per minute of adjustable-level hot water for a shower or other camp or clean-up activities.
You can use the mounting bracket to place it on your RV or a wall.
Specs & Features
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Dimensions: 5 x 7.5 x 12 inches
- Output of 1.58 gallons (6 liters) per minute on demand
- Automatic gas shut-off at 167°F (75°C)
- Hang using the mounting bracket
- Propane-powered (propane tank not included)
- 2 D-cell batteries required (not included)
- Water pressure of 2.5 psi required
- Includes gas supply line and regulator, 5-foot shower line and spray nozzle, and ¾-inch GHT garden hose adapter
- An anti-freezing drain plug prevents damage from frozen water
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $$$$
- Rating: 4.6
Pros: hot water like at home, automatic gas shut-off, relatively lightweight
Cons: expensive, must provide your own propane tank
Portable Camping Shower Buying Guide
Weight & Compactness
For camping, portability is a major factor. If you are hiking, the more compact and lighter the weight, the better. If you are driving in, these factors play a lesser role. Reviewed above are models from 2 ounces in weight like the Simple Shower model, all the way up to the 7 pounds of the Gasland Outdoors and Mr. Heater models, which is hardly extreme. All but the 7-pounders pack into a small size quite suitable for hikers.
Flow Methods
Three methods are commonly used to power the water flow in the design of portable showers for camping: gravity, pump, and electricity.
- Gravity systems are the most basic and simplest in design. Typically there is a bag or bottle filled with water that is mounted or held in a position such that gravity allows the water to flow downward out of it. These are the cheapest and usually compact and lightweight.
- Pump – Instead of using gravity, this style of portable camping shower employs a hand or foot pump to pressurize a water chamber. This typically results in a spray from a nozzle with better water pressure than gravity can create.
- Electric – This type uses a battery-powered electric water pump that is submerged in the water source to pump water through the hose and out the spray nozzle. The water pressure is usually more substantial than gravity systems provide.
- Otherwise, shower units like the Gasland Outdoors BS158 Camping Shower use the pressure from running water like that from a public utility to power the flow.
Water Heating Options
If your camping trip is in the heat of summer or in a tropical area, a hot shower may not be of great importance. For those that prefer warm water on their bodies or for cleaning purposes, there are three primary ways to heat it up.
- Solar – Requiring only the power of the sun, many models use special insulation and materials or reflective elements to heat water. Even without any special materials or treatment, a period in the sun can heat water significantly. Some of the best designs can reach temperatures of 90°F (32°C). The downside is that it can take up to 3 hours and if it is cloudy it will take longer, or if dark, it won’t work at all. The upside is that no fuel expense is incurred. The Benefits of a Solar Heated Shower
- Gas – For a much faster hot water supply some models use propane gas as do the Gasland Outdoors and Mr. Heater models. This water is substantially hotter than what you can get from solar-heated water, great for washing dishes and cleaning gear.
- Battery – Using electricity to power the water heating, these models work efficiently and are capable of very hot water. They are also often very heavy, however, and require recharging.
Capacity
Some portable showers use water from an open source like a lake or faucet and others have a limit set by the size of a tank or container. You need to consider how much water is needed. Do you just need a quick spritz or is a larger source of water needed? Perhaps the shower needs to serve a number of people. Models reviewed here cover the range from those using open sources down to those that employ a tank, bag, or bottle.
For more information on hiking and camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Backpacking Water Filters Headlamps Night Vision Binoculars Marine Binoculars Backpacking Stoves Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
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