Whether 4WD touring, hiking, or camping, sooner or later you’re going to wish you had an easy and reliable option for showering.
There are several different types of products on the market in this space and the best solution for you will depend on your specific situation and needs.
Below we outline the various alternatives and recommend our top product in each category.
We hope this guide helps you with your search for the perfect shower solution for your next adventure.
Best LPG Powered: Companion AquaHeat Hot Water Shower System
The Companion Camping Shower is a high-quality, durable product that provides hot water wherever you are.
The shower is powered by propane/LPG and an integrated rechargeable Lithium battery. The battery can charge via DC lead or AC adaptor (sold separately).
The shower can also operate directly from a DC power source using the supplied lead if the battery is flat.
The digital display control panel provides the user with multiple modes and settings, while the auto-ignition one-touch system allows the user to get started instantly. Quick connect fittings ensure that it’s super easy to set up and get going.
The built-in gas regulator with BOM connection allows you to attach a standard hose or other accessories, so you can use your own preferred equipment. The unique slimline design makes this product easy to transport and store when not in use.
The brushless pump provides high-quality performance and longevity, while also minimizing noise levels during operation.
The product weighs 6.5kg (excluding cartridge) and gas consumption is 18.57 Mj/h per minute. It will last for approximately 60 minutes on maximum before you’ll need to recharge the battery.
Best Solar Powered: Companion 20L Solar Shower
Probably the most durable of the various solar showers on the market, the Companion Camp Shower is a great option for those who think the benefits of a solar shower are closest aligned with their needs.
Companion is well known for producing tough, great-quality outdoor gear and this is no exception. The materials on this shower are 600D ripstop polyester and clear PVC, while the construction is fully heat welded.
The 20-litre capacity bag provides approximately 8min of shower time.
Handy features include a large front pocket for soap/shampoo storage, a water temperature gauge, and convenient velcro straps to adjust the head height.
The Companion Solar Shower rolls up into dimensions of 330L x 120W x 60Hmm and weighs 460g.
One thing campers sometimes do sometimes struggle with when using this type of shower is the need to lift 20 litres of water above your head to hook it up.
This can be mitigated somewhat by getting help from a friend or devising a pully system.
Either way, this is something to be aware of as you look into your options.
Also great: Companion Rechargeable Camp Shower
If access to hot water is easy enough, then this rechargeable camp shower from Companion is a great option.
Simply place the pump in a bucket of hot water, hang the shower on a hook or tree, or use the suction cup to attach it to your car, and you’re ready to go.
The pump is very simple to use and takes up a small amount of space when packed. The lithium-ion battery can be recharged via a car adaptor or USB cable.
This is a great no-fuss shower option for your next camping trip.
Also great: River & Ridge Aquatrek Camping Shower
The Aquatrek Camping Shower is a compact, portable solar shower that allows you to have a hot shower while camping, hiking, or overlanding.
The shower is lightweight and can be set up in seconds without any batteries or hanging from branches required.
To use the shower, simply step on the foot-pump 10-20 times to begin pressurized water flow. It should provide 5-7 minutes of full pressure with the occasional extra pump.
The shower comes with a 12L water container that needs to be left in the sun during use so it can heat up before use.
Aquatrek Camping Shower is affordable, easy to use, and requires no batteries or LPG for operation so it’s great for those who want a simple way to wash off after a day of activities outdoors!
Best Camp Shower Shelter: Pop Up Camping Shower
This is a great value for money shower shelter to use when camping.
It’s made from durable, waterproof polyester, so it can withstand the wear and tear of the outdoors.
This shelter is easy to set up, simply unfold the frame and it pops up in seconds. It also folds down quickly for easy storage.
The lightweight, portable design means you can take it anywhere and provides you with privacy to set up your camp shower.
Also, the sturdy flexible steel frame is rust-resistant so you don’t have to worry about corrosion.
There are more durable options on the market, but this one will serve you well if you’re looking for something affordable that gets the job done.
Camping Shower Buying Guide
Probably the main decision you need to make in your search for a camping shower is how you want to heat your water.
The alternatives are:
1. LPG + battery (or mains)
2. Solar
3. Heat water over a fire, or take from other hot water sources
LPG + battery
LPG + Battery powered hot water solutions are great for 4wd trips or for large groups or families.
The main upside of this option is that as long as you have LPG, battery power, and a water supply, you can get hot water.
In addition to showering, this opens up a range of other uses including cooking and cleaning.
Probably the main advantage the LPG offerings have over other categories is that you can get hot water when you need it, without having to wait for the sun or other heat sources.
Recommended product – Companion AquaHeat Hot Water Shower System.
Solar
The obvious pro of solar is that it will work anywhere (where it’s warm and sunny) and you don’t need to worry about charging batteries.
The other advantages of the solar options are that they are lightweight and much more affordable.
Solar showers do usually require the bag of water to be lifted to a sufficient height which many people do struggle with.
Recommended product – Companion Solar Shower 20L.
Other hot water source
Products in the third category include a showerhead and a battery-powered pump but you provide the hot water.
The advantages of this category are that the products are lightweight, reliable and easy to use.
Recommended product – Companion Rechargeable Camp Shower.
Camping Shower FAQs
LPG gas is the most common method of heating water when away from electricity. Solar showers are another option, which are just containers that are placed in direct sunlight until they reach the desired temperature.
It depends on the size of the container, how much water is in it, and the outside temperature. The bigger the container and the more water that is in it, the longer it will take to heat up. It could take anywhere from a few hours to all day depending on your situation.
