Best Solar Camp Shower

Camping trips are fun but they can make you very tired and grumpy, especially if you don’t get to stay clean. A warm bath can help treat your body by boosting blood circulation and absorbing pressure from your tired legs. However, warm water in a camping trip is a luxury.

Imagine having access to warm water in the middle of a jungle. Sounds like a dream? It is now possible. All that you need is the best solar camp shower. These devices can hold gallons of water and make it warm using the heat locking ability to store the sun’s energy.

A solar camp shower is a must-have for every vacation or camping trip. It saves you propane, water and lets you wash off the grime from your body without any trouble.

We have picked some of the best solar camp showers on the market on the basis of their performance, durability, price and features.

Best Solar Camp Shower

1. Advanced Elements Solar Shower

Advanced Elements is the best solar shower on our list because of many reasons. It doesn’t leak, functions fast, and can bear the weight of the water-filled bag when hung on a branch or something similar without any trouble.

In short, if you are looking for quality in an affordable price, this one is your best bet.

Key Features

• 5 gallon capacity.
• Side pocket to keep soap and shampoo.
• Lightweight – 1 pound.
• A 4 layer design which has amazing heat trapping ability.
• Water temperature gauge to note temperature.

There’s a large screw like tool that serves as the mouth of the bag for you to fill water easily. This screw is leakproof and quite tight.

The bag can be rolled and put in the trunk of your car or carried along when empty. It only weighs a pound and won’t cause you any effort in transportation.

The showerhead of this camping shower bag is easy to use thanks to the on/off pull and push feature it provides.

There’s even a temperature gauge on the bag that lets you note the current temperature.

Pros

• Extremely durable with 4 layers – reflector panel, insulator panel, solar panel and water reservoir.
• Sturdy handle.
• Pull/push shower head that lets you rinse or take a bath by hanging the bag in an elevated position.
• 1 year warranty.
• Takes around 2 hours to get warm, however, this will depend on the weather conditions.

Cons

• The hose needs to be used carefully or it might break.
• The handle might get weary in a few weeks supporting 5 gallons of water.

All in all, Advanced Elements Summer Shower is one that speaks of quality and readies warm water in very less time for an affordable price.

2. KingCamp Camping Solar Shower

KingCamp is one of the best solar camping showers because of its durability and more than 5 gallon of water capacity in an affordable price. You can take it on a fishing, camping, hiking or hunting trip to rinse off or take a hot bath.

Key Features

• 5.28 Gallon capacity.
• Manufactured with non-toxic polyester.
• Mesh pocket to hold toiletries.
• Switchable shower head.
• Wide and strong handle with velcros on either side to hang or carry the bag easily.

This solar shower bag can heat water much faster due to the 3-layered construction bag. It traps heat well and doesn’t let it escape.

It’s very easy to clean when you return from a trip. Using baking soda and washing it with warm water will make it as good as new.

The 2 meter flexible hose is enough when taking a bath under it.

It takes around 3 hours on average to get the water hot.

Pros

• Exposed backside to absorb sunlight quickly.
• 3 layered PVC material makes it safe to use.
• Temperature gauge to note temperature.
• Large valve to fill water easily.
• Good capacity.

Cons

• Some may find the hose quite short.

The KingCamp Solar Shower Bag is for all those people who love to travel. It can be rolled when empty and can easily find in the car to provide you with warm water using solar energy.

3. Coleman Solar Shower

With its 5 gallon capacity, you can bathe several times while on a trip or you can wash dishes, too. The shower head of the Coleman Solar Shower is easy to use and the wide handle makes it easier to hang it on a branch.

Key Features

• Strong handle.
• 20L water capacity.
• Easy to use on/off valve.
• Can be used to take a bath or wash dishes.
• Get 2 baths on an average.

You can easily fill the bag with water by either dragging it in a lake or simple pouring water from the opening.

The water gets warm in about 2-4 hours depending on how hot the sun is and the shower nozzle is flexible and produces water quickly, making it ideal for showers.

Pros

• Fast heating.
• Cheaper price.
• Powerful water flow from the shower head.
• Easy to carry.

Cons

• Cap might leak water.
• Plastic might smell sometimes.

If budget is your issue then buying this Coleman shower is your best bet. For the price, it offers amazing water capacity and heating features.

4. Stearns Sun Shower Portable Shower

This sun shower is ideal for a single person as it holds 4 gallons of water, offering 2 showers at maximum. The construction is perfect to trap warmth for a long period of time.

Key Features

• Built-in thermometer to note temperature.
• Strong handle for carrying and hanging.
• Heat locking construction.
• Thick and heavy duty plastic material used.
• The nozzle offers flow adjustment.

If you are in search of a solar shower that’s fast at heating water then this is the right choice. Its heat trapping ability is amazing and can warm cold water too in 2-4 hours.

Easily offers enough water for a couple of showers and more when rinsing off. The shower head is durable and the opening is convenient when it comes to filling water.

Pros

• Sturdy construction.
• on/off valve on the showerhead for ease of use.
• Ideal for both trips and emergencies.
• Warms water quickly.
• Lightweight – 1 pound.

Cons

• Expensive.

The Stearns Sun Shower is a smaller capacity than the other bags in this review although this is great for those tight on space or those who want to heat their water faster. 

5. Sportneer Solar Camping Shower

The Sportneer Shower bag can accommodate 5 gallons of water and offer 3 showers if water pressure is moderate, not too fast and not too slow. The highlight of this bag is that it utilizes a solar panel to heat water and doesn’t rely on the bag’s material to heat the water. Thus, water is heated quickly.

Key Features

• Storage pocket to hold toiletries.
• Eco-friendly and non toxic PVC material construction.
• Large filling head.
• On/off shower head.
• Strong bag with strong handles – easily hangs on branches, roofs, etc.

You won’t be spilling water when filling it as the back is transparent and allows you to see the level of water.

Takes 4 or less hours for the water to get heated. However, if the temperature is hot enough, it can heat the water in about 2 hours as well.

You can also monitor the temperature as there’s a temperature gauge inside the bag that lets you read the temperature.

The handle and the construction is quite durable thanks to PVC material and strong plastic tubes.

Pros

• See through back to monitor water level.
• Built in temperature gauge.
• Durable bag.
• Sturdy handle that can hold weight easily.

Cons

• Weak hose.

The Sportneer Shower bag is a great product for the price and offers better performance than many other solar shower bags in the same price range.

6. Zoeson Camping Shower Bag

If a conventional 5 gallon capacity solar shower bag isn’t enough for you then this 10 gallon water holding bag will cater to your needs. The Zoeson Shower Bag is manufactured using PVC materials so that it absorbs heat quickly and is also easy to clean.

Key Features

• At 40 C, it heats water in 3 hours.
• Strong plastic tube and handle make it easier to carry.
• on/off twist nozzle.
• The hose is removable.
• Comes with a hook and rope to hang on higher spots.

The shower head may not be an on and off switch but still, the twisting of nozzle isn’t a daunting task. With a single twist, the water comes rushing.

Despite being able to hold 10 gallons of water, the bag itself is only 1.27 pounds. Thus, easy to carry.

Moreover, with almost double capacity than most products on this list, it’s perfect for two people as well. It can easily offer 6 – 7 showers.

Pros

• Large water capacity.
• The hook and rope are durable and hold the bag without breaking.
• PVC heats the water quickly.
• Affordable

Cons

• The on/off twist system wastes water.

If you are looking for a solar bag to cater to the washing and bathing needs of multiple people then the Zoeson Shower Bag will serve you right.

7. RISEPRO Solar Shower Bag

If you are looking for a solar shower bag that’s leak proof, durable, and easy to use and carry then Risepro won’t disappoint. It has an advanced functioning shower head and sufficient water capacity as well.

Key Features

• On/off shower head with low to high water flow adjustment.
• Multiple layer construction makes it leak proof.
• 5 gallon water capacity.
• PVC layers absorbs heat and warms the water efficiently.
• Temperature gauge.

You won’t be wasting water with this solar bag because the shower head offers a flow control feature. This lets you control the flow when you are washing dishes or bathing.

The PVC material construction absorbs the heat and warms the water in just 3 hours.

The temperature gauge notifies you about the water temperature so that you can know when it’s too hot or too cold.

Pros

• Leakproof water inlet sealed cap.
• Strong handle strap to carry and hang the bag.
• Operate shower head with an on-off button.
• Enhanced shower head with water controlling features.
• Foldable

Cons

• The handle is not sturdy.

If you wish to to prevent wastage of water then this RisePro solar bag is perfect. With the water flow pressure feature, you can choose more pressure when bathing and less when rinsing.

8. Solar Shower Bag

A 5 gallon water holding solar bag that heats water in just 3 hours. Moreover, the multilayered design makes this Solar Shower strong and leakproof.

Key Features

• Heats water to 45 C in three hours.
• Strong non toxic PVC construction which is eco friendly.
• Advanced shower head that lets you control water pressure.
• Waterproof.
• On/off shower head.

You won’t have to carry an extra bag to keep soaps, toothpastes, and shampoos as it this bag has a mesh pocket to store things.

The handle is very sturdy as it is made up of strong plastic tubing.

When empty, you can fold it and carry along with no problems.

This one is a multipurpose shower bag that lets you wash dishes, rinse face, hands and legs, and shower. Moreover, you can even use it to water plants.

Pros

• See through design to note water level.
• Temperature gauge to note temperature.
• Lightweight – 1 pound.
• 5 and a half minutes of continuous high pressure water.

Cons

• The cap might leak if handled roughly.

If you want hot water in a few hours then this solar shower can do that. Hang it on a tree or any elevated position and its heat absorbing PVC material will do the job.

9. RUNACC Solar Shower Bag

Get comfortable warm baths with this heat trapping solar bag and bathe whenever you want. The Runacc Solar Shower Bag is made up of heavy duty materials and is easy to carry thanks to it being a foldable bag.

Key Features

• Easy to fill and drain water.
• Leak proof.
• Transparent back design to see water level.
• Soft handle doesn’t strain your hand when carrying it around.
• Durable hose.
• 5 gallon water capacity.

The black surface of this bag is meant to trap sunlight and heat water at a much faster rate than its rival bags.

You can insert a stick inside the handle to make the handle strong and easy to carry. The shower head can be tucked on the seal cap when it’s not in use to prevent it from hanging down.

Produces water for continuous 8 minutes.

Pros

• Heats water in just 4 hours if the sun’s out.
• Gravity pulls the water out of the hose when you turn the valve.
• Large water filling nozzle.
• Safe hanging cord.

Cons

• Water comes out due to gravity. This wastes water compared to on/off switch shower head.

It’s a powerful solar shower bag that caters to your bathing and washing needs when on a trip. It’s affordable and durable, too.

10. Viking Nature Solar Shower Bag

This solar bag is made up of 4 ply materials so expect amazing durability from this product. You won’t have to worry about it being damaged or torn even when handled roughly.

Key Features

• 5 gallon capacity.
• Heats water in 3 hours if there’s good sunshine.
• Mesh pocket to store toiletries.
• Transparent backside to note water level.
• On and off nozzle switch for ease of use.

The bag is manufactured using high-end PVC material to trap solar energy and convert it into heat to warm the water in much less time.

The large sealing cap is a breeze when it comes to filling the bag with water and the handle is sturdy. This means there will be no concerns of the bag breaking when hanging. 

There’s also a solid rod inside the handle to offer a rigid support when carrying the bag.

Pros

• Durable construction.
• Easy to use on/off valve.
• Foldable bag.
• 2 feet hose.

Cons

• The pressure coming from the nozzle is low.

The viking nature solar bag is ideal to along on camping trips, vacation, beach holidays, etc.

11. ASANMU Solar Shower Bag

Asanmu solar shower bag is eco friendly as it is made up of good quality PVC material. It is meant to cater for various needs such as bathing, rinsing, washing dishes, etc.

Key Features

• 5 gallon capacity.
• Heats water up to 45 C in hours when sun is out.
• Temperature gauge to note water temperature.
• The shower head lets you control the flow of water.

The mesh pocket at the front lets you store products such as soaps, shampoos, combs, etc.

Velcro straps are built into the design so the shower head can be secured so it doesn’t hang down.

A combination of a hard tube and strong strap handles makes it easier to carry the bag even when it is filled.

The shower head works with an on/off switch and also offers pressure control to produce water as per requirement.

Pros

• Large valve to fill water.
• The bag and handle are highly durable and doesn’t break when hung on a tree or any elevated place.
• Weights only 1 pound.
• Multiple uses.

Cons

• The PVC material might smell a little if you don’t wash it off frequently with baking soda.

People looking for a cheaper solar bag with high end durability and water flow control should turn to the Asanmu solar shower bag.

Key Information about Choosing a Solar Camp Shower

Before buying a solar camp shower, you need to know about certain things that will help you choose the right one.

Bag Capacity

The capacity of the solar bag should be determined as per your use. If you are a single person who is out on a single day trip then a 4 or 5 gallon solar shower bag will be sufficient for you. It will cater to your washing, rinsing and bathing needs. Moreover, if you are all about short trips then a 2 or 3 gallon bag will do, too. It’s important to know that 1 gallon of water equals to 8 pounds so a 5 gallon bag will weigh 40 pounds. Therefore, choose according to your needs.

Since, you will most likely be carrying a lot of weight, dragging along a 10 gallon solar shower bag is a trouble call if it’s just you on the venture. However, if there are more than 2 people on the trip then choosing a bag with more capacity can be a wise choice.

Material

The material is an important factor when choosing a shower bag. It’s essential that a shower bag is leak proof or your adventure will become a haunting experience as you will keep on losing water.

We suggest that you go for PVC. It’s not only leak proof but also very durable.

Maintenance

It’s vital that you keep the bag well maintained to extend its life. You should thoroughly wash the bag using baking soda and warm water after every trip, especially in case of PVC bags.

PVC is a plastic material and will start to smell bad if not cleaned properly.

Shower Head

One of the most important components of a solar shower bag is its shower head. Normally, there are two kinds of shower heads.

• Shower head with twist technology: This type of shower head turns the power on and off when you twist it. This one is a bit troublesome and even wastes water.
• Shower head with on/off switch: A much better option than the twist shower head because with just a push or pull, you can control the flow of water. Moreover, some of these also let you control the pressure of water. This comes in handy when you are doing different things such as bathing, washing, dishes and rinsing. You can select the pressure accordingly for respective activities.

Time Taken For The Bag To Heat Up Water

 Another deciding factor that you must consider is how quickly the bag heatings up water. Again, more numbers of layer construction means more insulation properties and quick heating.

On average, a solar bag heats water in 2 – 4 hours. However, this depends on weather condition as well.

Bottom Line 

A solar camp shower is a must have for campers & hikers. Being able to wash away the dirt from your days adventures with warm, clean water is a luxury everyone can afford. There are many solar showers to choose from so the team at Ram Research have compiled a detailed guide and reviews to make the decision easier for everyone. Be sure to select the right one for your needs – if there are multiple users the bigger the bag capacity you’ll need but bear in mind it can take a little longer to heat more water!