The Best Portable Shower For Van Life: Best Picks Of 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
2BK Portable Outdoor Solar Shower Bag Camping Shower
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: 2BK Portable Outdoor Solar Shower Bag Camping Shower

2BK Portable Outdoor Solar Shower Bag Camping Shower is a super lightweight, portable, and perfect shower bag that can be used in multiple ways to take a shower on the go. The special design of the solar panel makes it possible for you to enjoy warm water for about 10 hours after just one sun exposure. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: innhom Portable Shower Outdoor Camp Shower Camping Shower

Innhom portable shower for camping comes with 2 detachable batteries and a charging cable, the direct charge from a USB port, car adapter or computer, and laptop ( output of 5V/1A~2A ). A full charge of 2 batteries allows 90-120 minutes of continuous use. The LED light on the battery switch can indicate the battery power. Read Review

3. Best Easy Set Up: Iron Hammer Portable Shower Camp Shower Rechargeable Shower

Iron Hammer Portable Shower Camp Shower Rechargeable Shower is a lightweight, portable, rechargeable shower that is perfect for camping, backpacking, hiking, and going on any adventure. This water-saving camp shower comes with two water flow stalls for adjusting the pressure of your wash. Read Review

4. Best Realiable: Colapz 12V Portable Shower - Includes 9 Gallon Water Shower Bag

The Colapz 12V Portable Shower is a must-have for van life. It makes the perfect portable shower, or the perfect utility bag to store in your RV, camper, truck, or car. Read Review

In a van life setup, you’re probably not going to have a lot of space. As such, you need your van life to be as compact as possible. A compact shower is one of the essential parts because it should be easy to access and quick to use.

Showers are also crucial because they’re essential to keep clean and hygienic. Dirt and grime build up on the skin over time, making it harder for the body to stay clean. Showers also let you wash off dirt, grime, and oils from your skin so soap doesn’t get clogged up in your pores anymore. So how do you find the best portable shower for van life? Let’s look at these factors and see what we can learn about finding an ideal solution.

Our experts have determined the models that would be the most excellent fit for your requirements, specifically 2BK Portable Outdoor Solar Shower Bag Camping Shower, after extensive study and analysis over a considerable time. Consider innhom Portable Shower Outdoor Camp Shower Camping Shower as an alternative if you're still undecided. Other suggestions on this list are worth considering, and we've put up a helpful shopping guide to help you decide!

Our Top Picks

  • ★Portable Camp Shower Bag:The new, Outdoor Portable Camp Shower is the perfect companion for any camp set up. Easily portable, quick to set up and large capacity means you can have a warm shower every day while camping outdoors. Simply fill with water, hang from a tree, or other support stand in full sun, and enjoy a warm shower each day.
  • ★Heats Water:The black PVC material can efficiently absorb the solar energy to heat up the water inside the bag. It heats water to 113°F (45°C) in 3 hours with direct sunlight. There is even a built-in thermometer to monitor water temperature inside the bladder, so you know when you are ready to enjoy a hot shower.
  • ★Large Capacity: This solar camping shower has large 5-Gallon/20 Liters water capacity, enough water for multiple showers,The bag itself will not leak, and the faucet can be tightened by itself. It has a large water fill hole to make filling easy and the ABS nozzle system has a built in On/Off switch to control water flow and save precious heated water.
TOP Choice #2 innhom Portable Shower Outdoor Camp Shower Camping Shower
Our Score:
9.7
Innhom
  • 【Easy Assembly/Operation】Attach pump and shower head to the hose. Fully immerse the pump in water and press the switch on battery to start. The camping shower offers gentle and comfortable stream at 0.9 gal/min (3.5 L/min).
  • 【2 Battery with 1 Year Warranty】innhom portable shower for camping come with 2 detachable batteries and a charging cable, direct charge from USB port, car adapter or computer, laptop ( output of 5V/1A~2A ). Full charge of 2 batteries allows 90-120 mins of continuous use. LED light on battery switch can indicate the battery power. innhom portable shower comes with 1 Year Free Warranty to ensure your pleasant shopping experience. Any problems, feel free to contact us.
  • 【Small and Compact】Weights 1.6LB, bonus mesh storage bag, convenient to carry and store. Provided suction cup can fix the shower head on any smooth flat surface. Hook lets you hang the showerhead safely on trees for a convenient shower.
TOP Choice #3 Iron Hammer Portable Shower Camp Shower Rechargeable Shower
Our Score:
9.5
Iron Hammer
  • √ Built-in High-energy Lithium Battery: The portable electric shower is built-in 4800mAh rechargeable battery , and scientific equipped with low battery indicator light.Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry in Car Trunk , Backpack or Luggage.or It is essential for family emergency.
  • √ Warranty--- The Portable shower come with 30 days money back guarantee and One year except for artificial damage. If you have any issue with our product, simply send us a message via "Contact Seller". Your problem will be solved within 24 hours.
  • √ Charging Convenient and Safe:The Portable Electric Shower equipped with battery charge and discharge protection circuit, Use 5v USB charging. And equipped charging indicator light.
  • Waterproof Shower Bag - The Colapz 9 gallon water utility bag is 100% water tight so is perfect to use as a large water container or bucket for your portable washing kit, when not near a water source. The bag also doubles up as storage for used wet equipment like wetsuits, towels or motocross jerseys and pants.
  • Portable Outdoor Shower - High pressure, easy to use portable outdoor shower! Simple charge up the battery via USB to get 45 - 60 minutes of water flow, whilst travelling or not near utility power or water. The perfect addition to your outdoor gear and van life essentials.
  • LONG-LASTING RECHARGEABLE BATTERY | Powerful Li-Ion Battery w/ Detachable Pack Provides 45-60 Minute Operating Time on a 2.5-5 Hour Charge | Use the Included Cable to Charge Via Car, Laptop, Phone Charger or Any USB Input
  • GENTLE FLOW FOR UNIVERAL COMFORT | 3.5 L/Min Flow Rate Delivers Ideal Pressure for Adults, Children, Seniors, Pets, Plants & More | Includes Deluxe Waterfall & Mini Bidet Shower Heads & Extra Long 6-Foot Hose for Easy Movement
  • LIGHTWEIGHT. COMPACT. CONVENIENT. | Travel-Friendly Kit Stores Discreetly in a Backpack, Luggage, Trunk, Truck Bed or RV Cargo Space| Easy to Carry to the Pool, Lake, Beach, Campsite, Dog Park, Boat, Dock, Tailgate, Sports Events, Etc.
  • COMFORTABLE CAMPSITE SHOWERS – Includes Water Temperature Control Knob, Hand Faucet/Spigot & Shower Head Attachment w/ [3] Adjustable Spray Patterns
  • PORTABLE OUTDOOR WATER HEATER – Innovative System Runs on Propane Gas Tank to Heat Water for Showering, Washing Dishes, Cleaning Hands & Other Tasks
  • PUMP & HEAT ON-THE-GO – Connect AC/DC Adapter to Outlet or 12V Cigarette Lighter to Car for Instant Hot Water; Perfect for Camping, Fishing, Hiking & Hunting
  • EASY TO ASSEMBLE & STORAGE -- Connect tubes to pump & shower head, drop the suction pipe into the bucket of water, press the on/off button, ready to get a shower! Perfect for camping, hiking, kid bathing, pet cleaning, car washing, plants watering, windows and backyard cleaning.
  • HANDS FREE OPERATION -- Our battery shower with a pump lift up to 2.4 meters, it can handle heights from 0.5m to 2.2m. Suction cup and S-hook are included, use the suction cup to securely stick to any flat surface,or use the S-hook to hang it from the tree.
  • CONVINIENT USB CHARGING -- Adopt USB rechargeable 2200mAH batteries, separated from the pump. No need to immerse the batteries into water, which can protect and enhance the batteries life. Differ from traditional design.
  • Large Capacity – The Extremus Portable Camp Shower has a higher capacity, 6.6 Gallon/25L PVC bladder that is more than enough for a comfortable shower outdoors. It has a large water fill hole to make filling easy and the ABS nozzle system has a built in On/Off switch to control water flow and save precious heated water.
  • Solar Heating – The black, heavy duty PVC bladder heats water quickly in full sun conditions. It heats water to 113°F (45°C) in 3 hours with direct sunlight. There is even a built-in thermometer to monitor water temperature inside the bladder, so you know when you are ready to enjoy a hot shower.
  • Portable Camp Shower – The new, Extremus Portable Camp Shower is the perfect companion for any camp set up. Easily portable, quick to set up and large capacity means you can have a warm shower every day while camping outdoors. Simply fill with water, hang from a tree, or other support stand in full sun, and enjoy a warm shower each day.
9 POMO Long Lasting, Resistant, High Pressure 5L Outdoor Portable Shower
Our Score:
8.2
Impeccable Culinary Objects (ICO)
  • High-Pressure - Capable of building the same pressure as a garden hose: 45 PSI. The hose is 5 foot 6 inches (170cm) to reach anywhere you need.
  • Long Lasting, Resistant & BPA Free - Made of industrial grade high density polyethylene this product won't leak or break. It will serve you for many years to come.
  • Different Nozzle Settings - Industrial hose nozzle with 5 settings: Jet, Mist, Shower, Flat Jet, Super Pressure Jet
  • KEEP FRESH IN THE WILDERNESS: After a day of Hiking and Camping, nothing beats the sensation of a fresh shower amongst nature. Complete with a rainfall showerhead our portable camping shower will complete any campsite. On/Off functionality built directly into the portable shower head to ensure no water is wasted and you get the ultimate outdoor shower.
  • COMPLETE CAMPING SHOWER IN A BAG: Our Portable Camping Shower is the perfect, stress-free, all-in-one solution. Store and carry all the components in the included 10L (2.5 gal) Dry Bag. When you are ready to then enjoy your ultimate camp shower, simply fill the Dry Bag with freshwater, lower the camping shower pump into the Dry Bag and then enjoy the greatest shower of your life.
  • RECHARGEABLE POWER: Up to 60 minutes of run time on the rechargeable 2200mAH battery ensures there is enough power for the entire family to enjoy their camping trip. Unlike other portable showers with clumsy cables, the battery for our portable outdoor shower simply slides into the pump and is easily removable for when it is time to charge it on any 5V USB power output.

What to Look For in a best portable shower for van life?

You may think purchasing seems simple, and it sometimes does the opposite! Studying the outcome of best portable shower for van life will take a considerable amount of time. Also, there are multiple sides of best portable shower for van life you need to check. That’s the reason why we’re all ready to assist you with best portable shower for van life issue.

You should pay more attention to the following criteria of best portable shower for van life in 2024:

Gravity Vs. Pressure

A camp shower should move water rapidly through its thin neck so it can spray on both sides. This can be done either by gravity or internal pressure. The camp showers that depend on gravity must be raised before being used. This can either be done in a tree, or by another method. Water is released when the nozzle opens. Normaly gravity gives you enough velocity for your body to be rinsed fairly well. But don't forget to wash your hair.

Camp showers can use both internal pressure and external pressure to force water through the nozzle. Human-generated pressure is the first. This happens by pushing air into the water chamber, which builds enough pressure to cause the water to shoot out at the end of the nozzle, often at a high velocity. Although this creates a similar amount of pressure as a standard shower head, it is necessary to pump the water occasionally for human-powered camping showers to maintain their pressure.

Others camp showers use internal battery to pump water through the nozzle. These batteries must be recharged regularly to allow for continued use at home, or by using one of our best camping power banks.

Packed Size

Some gravity-powered camping showers can be carried on backpacking trips, but others are large enough that they may need to be combined with a tent. Before you commit to buying a camping shower, think about how much storage space your car or backpack can accommodate.

Solar Vs Battery Heated

Solar-heated camping showers are lighter and more portable than traditional ones. However, you will need to prepare a little ahead to make sure the water bag is filled up and kept in sunlight to get a warm shower.
You won't need to bring five to ten liters of extra water if you are on a thru-hike. You won't be able heat your water if you are on a cloudy day.
Check whether hot water can be added directly to your camping shower bag before you buy it. If the bag can handle heat, it is possible to heat the water on your camping stove to get a hot shower.
A battery-heated camp shower has the advantage that it doesn't require you to prepare water, or heat the bag. However, these showers can be heavier and more costly than regular camping ones. This type of shower works best for RV camping or car camping.

Flow Rate

Some gravity-powered camping showers can be carried on backpacking trips, but others are large enough that they may need to be combined with a tent. Before you commit to buying a camping shower, think about how much storage space your car or backpack can accommodate.

Price

Your budget could be the most important factor in deciding which camping shower to buy. The cost of camping showers is affected by all the factors mentioned above. However, quality usually means a higher price.

There are many products that can clean your skin, and they are affordable. If you have a limited budget, gravity showers may also work as dry bags.

If you are looking to rent a shower at your campsite for the whole summer or for long trips, then a higher-priced shower is a good option. This will not only save time, but also make it more comfortable and last longer.

Capacity

Camping showers typically hold two to three gallons. This is enough for two people to take a short, three-minute bath. It may make sense to purchase additional camp showers for larger groups, such as four-person or more.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take To Heat Up A Solar Shower?

The time required to heat up your solar shower will depend on the temperature of the day and how many gallons of water you have. It is best for a campsite shower to heat up in the sun for at least 3 hours before you use it. If you want to take a particularly hot shower, or if there are clouds, then allow your shower to cool down more. It's a good idea, before you shower to make sure the water isn't too warm.

How Many Gallons For A Camp Shower?

Camp showers should not hold more than five gallons at a time. It is enough to provide a decent shower for most campers before they run out. You can shower for as little as three to four gallons if you are more efficient.
Hang bags come in sizes ranging from 2-5 gallons. They are often measured in Liters. It is difficult to store more than five gallons in a bag because of the heavy weight.
Even though five gallons may not sound like much, it is possible to get an amazing shower without running out.

Should You Get A Pressurized Or A Gravity-fed Camp Shower?

It all depends on where you are traveling. Although gravity showers will be more affordable, you may not always have the opportunity to hang them up. Backpackers should not consider using pressurized showers as they are heavier and more difficult to carry.

What Leave No Trace Principles To Apply To Camp Showers?

To minimize disturbance to the environment, you should camp in the backcountry on either a backpacking or dispersed trip. This means that your campsite shower should be at least 200 feet from all water sources. Some recommend going as high as 300 feet. It is not necessary to use soap. Campers and backpackers generally agree that it is unnecessary. To make your shower more pleasant, you can use a camping towel or bandana to apply the soap and then wipe off with a clean cloth. It is important to make sure that no water from your shower reaches another source. However, a soap that biodegrades can help reduce the environmental impact.

How Do I Use A Portable Shower?

The type of shower you use will affect how it works. You use a camp shower for your hygiene while out in the wild.
It all starts with how you set up your model. Your camping shower should be placed in a safe and clean area. Next, find reliable water sources.
You should always have plenty of supplies, whether it's in your bag or bucket.
Clean up the bathroom and make sure it looks normal. To preserve your experience, make sure you leave the surrounding areas cleaner than when you found them.

How Long Does A Camping Shower Last?

A camping shower can last approximately seven minutes depending on its flow rate and capacity. This is enough time to use two showers.

All in all, anything you need to acquire for your convenient purchase of best portable shower for van life is presented above. Admittedly, this information is accurate, thanks to our product consulting experts with a wealth of experience. Furthermore, we keep best portable shower for van life of 2024 data up-to-date at all times. It is helpful if you are a busy person. Try to check us as much as possible!

You are expected to contact us if any problems or inaccuracies with best portable shower for van life occurs. With your feedback, we can improve our data better!


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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