Camping and getting back in touch with nature is a lot of fun, but while some people can survive the dirt and the sweat for a few days outdoor, some people cannot and would love to know how to shower when camping. If you’re one of those people who can’t stay dirty, you’ll agree with me that an outdoor camping shower is a must. In addition to providing campers with a way to stay clean.
Getting back in touch with nature is one of the best things about camping. Living without luxuries and comfort can do wonders for the mind, body, and soul, even if it is only for a few days. However, there is one luxury few people don’t want to go without, and it is, instant hot water while camping.
There can be many purposes for having hot water on demand while camping, and some are considered more important than others. But does it really matter? Whether you want instant hot water for a hot shower or to clean dirty dishes is irrelevant. Knowing that you have access to it will put your mind at ease so you can enjoy camping even more.
But is it even possible to have access to hot water when camping, be it car camping or wild camping? Well, absolutely, there are a variety of methods that can be used to heat your water while camping. I’m going to show you a few different methods below as a starting point:
How to Shower When Camping
Use a solar shower bag.
Portable hot water devices are the best method to get instant hot water for having a shower in the outdoors. If it’s a hot shower you’re after, a solar shower bag is an inexpensive and efficient way to get just that, provided the weather plays its role. Solar shower bags are usually dark coloured bags (as you know the colour black absorbs the sunlight best) with a shower head attached.
If you have plenty of water, a solar shower bag would be a great option. All you need is a proper water supply and a sunny day. When they are exposed to sunlight, the bags will heat the water inside, usually, it takes about 3-4 hours. The only disadvantage of a solar shower bag is that the solar shower bag needs sunlight to heat up and the water has to be used before it can cool down. The water will not heat up overnight, so these are best used for an afternoon shower after a day of hiking.
Propane Water Heater.
Lots of homes today are equipped with propane water heaters, but most are “tank-type” where hot water is stored in large tanks. As we know home propane water heaters are not going to work out while camping. This is why a portable propane water heater for camping is very useful. Some models are tankless and some use only a mini tank.
A portable Propane Water Heater for Camping will increase the water temperature as required. All you need to do is connect the water heater to the propane tank and to a water source, turn it on, and the internal burner heats the water passing through it.
A typical setup includes a portable heater unit, a gas regulator, a showerhead, a control knob, and a propane tank. Older models use a simple hose to supply hot water and some other units use a pump that can be submerged in a bucket.
Portable propane water heaters for camping may require electricity or batteries to start up while some are equipped with electronic ignition. Many modern models of portable propane water heaters for camping also have sensors that detect when the water stops flowing, automatically turning off the burners.
But as with anything that runs on gas or electricity, it will be best to turn the device off manually to avoid a fire hazard.
Portable Electric Water Heater.
Portable electric showers are a great option if you have enough room for equipment, ideal for car camping. It’s a device that you plug into the mains and submerge the heating element in a bucket of water. It then heats the water. Provided you have access to proper power.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs and troubleshooting about camping and enjoying the outdoors, here are some additional posts to check out:
Conclusion
Taking a hot shower while camping is clearly a luxury but also a necessity after a while. These water heaters are usually small, simple, and convenient and not difficult to install so anyone can do it. It really comes down to how you value a hot shower while camping. After all, there is nothing better than enjoying nature with friends around a great fire after you had a good shower with hot water. Be Safe and Happy Camping.!