It is a fact that overlanding requires you to be dirty. You are going to get filthy, sweaty, and grimy no matter how hard you try not to. But some things will make the experience more enjoyable, like a fantastic hot portable shower for your next trip!
The Top 3 Portable Hot Showers for Overlanders are:
Our top 3 choices for portable hot showers for overlanding are listed here
- Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater and Shower Pump
- Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Shower
- Advanced Elements 5-Gallon Solar Shower
Let’s take a deeper dive into cleanliness on the road and what to consider. We will also take a deeper dive into our three choices. Read on.
Hygiene While Overlanding
Being outside has so many beautiful associations with overlanding. Traveling with friends or family may provide an opportunity to reconnect with nature, experience lengthy but enjoyable road journeys, and get away from the stresses of daily life.
The nasty sensation you get after a few days without showering isn’t enjoyable at all. As a result, the majority of campers have likely begun “glam-ping.”
Because of this, you won’t have to worry about missing out on a shower while on the road. This means that you may enjoy your camping vacation without fearing that you’ll be stinky, smelly, and generally irritable when you get home.
If you’re planning a lengthy camping vacation and need a portable shower, you’ve come to the correct spot. There is no time like the present to begin!
What to Consider Before Buying One?
Consider these questions before deciding which portable shower solution is ideal for you:
- How simple are they to use?
- For how long do they last?
- Is it simple to transport them?
- How much time do you get in the shower?
- A portable battery is a need for how often?
Top 3 Portable Hot Shower When Overlanding
At Passport Overland we offer the best overland guide and resources. We will help you to continue your journey with 3 fantastic hot portable shower options!
1. Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump
How Does it Work?
The LCD monitor and temperature dial on the Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump allows you to fine-tune the heat to your preference. It heats water to a maximum of 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
There’s also an AC/DC and 12-volt adaptor, as well as a pump house and showerhead attachment with three spray patterns, in the package, in addition to the water heater. As an alternative to using an electrical power source, you may use a propane tank (not supplied) attached to the heater’s rear.
Showering may begin once you’ve connected to your propane and electrical supply. Just fill a bucket with water, and the Hike C amp unit’s water pump will simply drop into the bucket and connect to the Hike Camp unit, where the water will be heated between 95 and 125 degrees using propane!
How Long Does It Take To Heat Up?
As long as you don’t mind a little heat, the Hike Camp may go as hot as you wish. The pump immediately begins sending water to the showerhead as soon as you turn on the device.
How to Use it?
When the showerhead is activated, the unit warms up the water and flows through the shower nozzle. You may begin your shower in a matter of seconds after the water has heated up.
For a full-sized adult, a 5-gallon bucket is water than enough to rinse their body and hair. Rinse thoroughly with adequate water after shampooing and soaping with the shower head turned off. If necessary, repeat this process.
2. Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Shower
The Nemo Helio Pressure Shower System makes showering more enjoyable and safer with an 11-liter water tank, a flexible hose, and a spray head. These qualities make the system the best solution to your outdoor bathing needs without the need to strain. It’s basic, yet it has a clean and polished look that you’ll be proud to display.
How Does it Work?
The HelioTM portable pressurized shower is different from the regular showers that need to be hung. These are good for when you are camping. It can be used for washing hair, cleaning dishes, watering plants, or cleaning the dog.
An effortless foot pump is all that’s needed to inflate and maintain the tank’s maximum pressure for up to seven minutes of powerful, continuous spray. Overinflation of the tank is not an option. If you want a warm shower, fill the tank with hot water and leave it out in the sun.
HelioTM may be refilled without a hose almost everywhere. Whether you want to use the neoprene hose as a showerhead or to wash down muddy boots or salty wetsuits, the 7-foot length is perfect. The HeliopolisTM privacy tent includes a built-in nozzle holder for hands-free overhead bathing, making it the ideal showering experience in the wilderness.
How to Use It?
Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Shower is a no-hassle, lightweight, and compact portable shower for camping. In contrast to other camping showers, the Helio features a hanging system that allows both hands to be accessible for washing, rinsing, and rubbing while you take a bath.
This results in an immaculate bath. Those who are too weary or obsessive about cleanliness to multitask but still want a clean bath will benefit significantly from this shower setup.
These are some of its most important features:
- Secure
Most people lack confidence in their ability to use technology devices. Some individuals remain afraid even with the most basic electrical setups, such as rechargeable batteries, a standard cigarette lighter charger, or essential fuels. This approach alleviates your anxiety without sacrificing performance.
The Helio system incorporates a safety strap over the fill entrance and the lack of sophisticated equipment or electrical mechanisms. This eliminates the possibility of your tank accidentally opening while it is being used.
- Effortless and Consistent
The method is simple to use due to the lack of a sophisticated electrical mechanism. Because you don’t have to use your hands to operate the foot pump, you may enjoy a relaxing soak after a long day of adventuring. In addition, the hose’s considerable length allows it to flex freely and will not wear out or kink easily over time.
3. Advanced Elements 5-Gallon Solar Shower
Using the power of gravity, this most OK solar shower is a 5-gallon bag hung from a branch or other high location before using it. Solar panels and a reflector are included inside the insulated bag so that you may have a warm shower without the need for any electricity or batteries.
As soon as it’s ready to take a shower, a nozzle can be taken out of the soft, leak-proof cover and used to dispense water, eliminating the risk of wasted water. A gauge on the side of the pouch lets you see how much water is left, and a window allows you to see how much water is in the bag.
How Do They Work?
The Advanced Elements Summer Solar Shower Bag’s design is straightforward. A solar panel, a reflector panel, and an insulator panel all work together to absorb the sun’s rays.
Then, a water tank can hold the amount of water needed (in our case, 5 gallons). Finally, a window made of clear plastic that allows the sun to shine through the reflecting panels.”
Because of this, you should place the transparent window side of the solar bag in the sun. Reflective panels absorb the sun’s rays as they pass through the water’s transparent window layer. The water is heated as a result.
With a thermometer on the clear side, you can see how hot it is. The thermometer is a common gripe, as it’s difficult to read. However, with a bit of tinkering, you can get a reading. You’ve discovered that the perfect temperature is 116 degrees Fahrenheit, or 116 degrees Celsius.
Gravity thus plays a role in how the solar shower functions. As long as the shower bag is over your head, the water will flow. We recommend trying it on a tree limb or a roof rack if you have one. A ladder will come in helpful in this situation. Because we’re full-time RV dwellers, we’ve invested in a telescopic ladder that’s been a godsend.
Water pressure is acceptable, albeit it diminishes as the bag is depleted. This isn’t the first time this has happened.
How Long Does It Take For A Solar Shower Bag To Heat Up?
It all depends on the strength of the sun and the weather. “Room temperature” is the term used to describe the temperature at which a cup of water with no reflecting elements is placed. Reflective material, on the other hand, speeds up the process of heating the water.
Temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the sun’s position more deficient in the sky will make it more difficult for the bag to reach the ideal shower temperature. It might take all day, if at all, to heat up.
The bag may heat up in less than an hour if left in direct sunlight at 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. As a result, it is subject to the whims of Mother Nature’s many facets!
How Do You Keep a Solar Shower Bag Safe and Secure?
When not in use, you have a few options for storing your solar shower bag. You can roll it up and stow it almost anyplace if you want to keep it empty. Alternatively, you may keep it topped off and store it with the water still inside (which is our preferred way). However, if the room is at a premium, consider the roll-up approach.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of whether you like regular camping and overlanding, there is no debate that a hot shower at the end of a long day is the best way to conclude the day.
We hope you found this helpful list, and don’t forget to check out our website to discover more about the overlanding guide and tips.
