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camping shower

That’s right, portable camping showers do exist even though it’s not the typical item that campers are usually looking for when browsing their local camping store.

Remember the last time you went camping for more than 2 days with no accessible showers and couldn’t stop thinking about how nice it would feel to get back home to a nice warm shower? For some people, this feeling of uncleanliness can really turn a fun camping weekend into a negative experience.

Well, with your own personal camping shower you can say goodbye to the unpleasant feeling of being sticky all over after a weekend of camping.

Sure, you can find a public camping shower on some campgrounds but we all loathe the idea of going in there knowing how gross it is. I, for one, instinctively start tip-toeing the minute I get in there so that my feet don’t fully get in contact with that vile and dirty public showers floor. On top of that, you do need to get up pretty early before the others if you want to have enough hot water.

Another option is to grab a bar of soap and wash up in a nearby lake or river but this is damaging to wildlife water creatures and also not the most practical idea since taking a shower requires some privacy and often the campground is right on the lake or river and that makes it uncomfortable to start washing in open view. Also, bathing in a lake during the summer is just fine but wait when fall arrives and then it becomes quite a feat to wash in water this cold.

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A complete portable camping shower is very simple: it includes a shower tent and a solar shower bag. The more expensive and sophisticated models come with heavier and more efficient heating equipment like propane gas units. Most of the portable camping showers I’ve experienced fold very easily and some are light enough that you can carry along with your backpack although a majority of camp shower types are pretty heavy and are more suited for being carried around in your car. You can unfold the tent anywhere and hang the shower bag from the ceiling of the tent or outside, hanging from a tree, a boulder or anything high enough and you have a warm shower from the privacy of the shower tent.

If you buy a solar-heated shower you do have to wait for the shower bag to be heated by the sun for at least 2 hours, depending on the shower bag capacity, to have the perfect water temperature so you will have to plan ahead in that regard.

For example, after a day of hiking you can decide to stop while the sun is still out, fill up the shower bag at a nearby body of water and lay it down on a rock or a dark surface to speed up the heating. You can also leave the shower bag outside all night and in the morning when waking up, it will have been heated by the morning sun rays and you can then enjoy the luxury of taking a nice morning shower in nature.

Nowadays, everyone can go camping without the lack of hygiene and comfort usually associated with camping. Go ahead, get one of the available camping shower solutions on the market and add it to your camping gear. You won’t be disappointed and you will feel fresher for the day ahead.

Note that you can also use a portable camping shower for fishing, hunting, sailing, at the beach or any other outdoor activity you can think of.

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Filed Under (camp shower) by admin on 18-10-2009

Texsport Deluxe Camp Shower Shelter Combo

If you’re looking for an all-in-one portable camping shower solution, you probably couldn’t find a better option than the “Deluxe Camp Shower/Shelter Combo” from Texsport. By “all-in-one” I mean a product that includes the shower tent, the water source and the means to heat up water; all in one package. Many portable camping shower components on the market are sold separately so you have to buy the shower tent from one manufacturer and the water heating device and water container from another manufacturer. This is not necessarily a bad thing since you might prefer the flexibility to mix and match different items to best suit your needs. But you won’t have the certainty that these different items will work well together. With the “Texsport Deluxe Camp Shower/Shelter Combo,” you avoid this dilemma because it comes equipped with both the shower tent and a solar shower bag, which are all the components you need to get a warm shower anywhere outdoors.

The biggest advantage that the “Texsport Deluxe Camp Shower/Shelter Combo” presents is its high level of privacy. Many camping shower tents don’t shield your whole body from sight. Some of them provide cover from head to knees, leaving calves and feet exposed. The “Texsport Deluxe Camp Shower” provides shelter from head-to-toe and this helps you to feel more relaxed as you’re showering, knowing that no one can come up to the tent and take a peek. On top of that, you get two mesh windows on each side of the tent, allowing you to see anyone or anything that might be nearby.

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Another great feature that helps this particular model to stand out from the crowd is its size. At 4′6″ X 4′6″ X 7’, it’s much larger than most and with this much room, it provides a more comfortable shower experience by allowing you to move around and maneuver. The four mesh roof panels allow sunlight inside and help provide good visibility and superior ventilation while showering. A water-proof cover is also included, providing cover in case of rain because the last thing you want is to have rain pouring inside the camping shower tent while you’re trying to dry up.  Finally, extra amenities included to seal the deal: a towel hanging bar, a mesh shower rack for holding toiletries and an easy-to-clean detachable floor.

You’re probably wondering what kind of device is used to heat the water. It’s a simple 5-gallon solar shower bag that uses sunlight to warm up the water inside. The solar shower bag has a fill valve at the top to allow for water to be poured in and a hose connected to a shower head that lets the water out when showering. Just leave the shower bag under full sun for at least 3 hours and then hang it from the top of the shower tent.

Overall, the “Texsport Deluxe Camp Shower/Shelter Combo” is a complete camping shower solution and worth looking into if you’re searching for a package that provides a high level of privacy and is loaded with features.  Plus, it carries the trusted name of Texsport, which, for over 40 years, has been providing camping and outdoor recreational equipment to enthusiasts all over the world.

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Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Portable Water Heater

The Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand is a very useful 3-in-1 device that has a variety of functions, one of which is that of a portable camping shower. It provides hot water for washing dishes, making hot beverages and showering. Over are the days where you have to light up a fire to heat up water for soup, coffee or tea. This Coleman unit will save you time by providing boiling hot water in 5 seconds and have your beverages ready in a flash, thanks to the fueling power of propane. Just use the rotating faucet to fill up any cup or container and turn the control knob to the “hot” setting. When you’re ready to do the dishes, turn the knob to “warm,” fill up a bucket, add some soap, and you’re ready to plunge in your plates and utensils. The unit also acts as a portable camping shower and an optional Coleman spray adapter is available for around 20$ to simulate a more genuine shower experience than the hose included with the kit. The “warm” setting will provide a comfortable showering water temperature of around 90 degrees. The water pressure is supplied by a 6 volt rechargeable battery that pumps the water through the hose and out of the nozzle. So, no need to look for a tree branch to hang the unit, unlike portable solar camping showers, which require the bag to be hung overhead to provide water pressure. The unit comes with a 5-gallon collapsible water container that you can fill up to act as the water provider; or, if you have access to a continuous flow of water, such as a water hook-up, you can purchase an optional pressure hose that you can use to connect the water hook-up to the Coleman outdoor unit. With all these functions, the Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Heater is one of the most versatile water heater solutions out there. It allows you to wash dishes, prepare hot beverages and take a shower while spending time at any campsite, regardless of the amenities provided. With a bit of imagination, this Coleman unit can also come in handy in situations other than camping such as during natural disasters, blackouts, on fishing and boating trips, at a rustic cabin in the woods or on a lake and even at all-day outdoor sporting events. With the Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Heater, the lack of hot water in any situation will never be a problem again. 1264627598___CompanyLogo7

The Coleman brand has always been synonymous with dependable camping products and this one fits the bill as a must for any outdoor event. It will make your outdoor adventures much more enjoyable as you’ll be able to concentrate on the fun things and not worry about leaving the comfortable conveniences of home behind.

Important facts:
– The Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Heater includes a safety device that immediately shuts off the unit to prevent it from going beyond 160 degrees
– The 6 volt rechargeable battery needs to charge for about 8 hours to be fully ready
– Use standard propane cylinders made for camping products. Do not use 14.1oz cylinders normally used for hand torches
– The Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Heater will typically make 40 gallons of warm or hot water on one full battery charge and a 16.4 oz. cylinder of propane

The Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Heater comes equipped with:
– Pump/heater unit
– 5-gallon collapsible water container
– Rechargeable pump battery
– Hose Quick-connect
– 6 volt Rechargeable Battery
– 12 volt Recharger Cord (auto)
– 110 volt/120 volt Recharger Cord (household)
– PCV Rain Cover
– fits over Hot Water On Demand unit when not in use

Optional accessories not included with the unit:
– 16.4 oz. propane cylinder
– Coleman Hot Water on Demand Carrying Case (Adjustable shoulderstrap or barrel handles, includes two zippered side pockets, perfect for carrying two 16.4 oz. propane cylinders or other accessories.)
– Coleman Water Hose Adapter (Regulates water pressure from input hose up to 100 PSI)
– Coleman spray adapter (48” long hose easily attaches to faucet of the Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Heater with Quick-connect fitting. Handled spray head is ideal for a light shower.)

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Filed Under (camping shower) by admin on 05-10-2009

Coleman 5-Gallon PVC Camp Shower

If you’re like me, you enjoy going camping and you don’t mind getting a bit dirty because it goes hand in hand with spending time in the outdoors.  At the end of the day, though, there’s nothing better than a nice, refreshing shower. At some campsites this may well be a possibility as they are equipped with public camping showers, although these are usually not the most sanitary of places.

But sometimes your camping trip may take you to a place where there aren’t such conveniences.  If you’re going camping at a campground where all that’s included is a spot to put up your tent, then the only amenities available are the ones you brought along for the trip.   Similarly, other outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, or hunting usually mean getting dirty and not having access to a shower.

This Coleman outdoor item I’m reviewing in this article solves this problem in a big way: it’s the “Coleman 5-Gallon PVC Camp Shower“.  This item can be a camper’s best friend, along with the Swiss Army knife and the camping stove.

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The Coleman 5-Gallon PVC Camp Shower bag is a 5 gallon PVC pouch that has a fill valve at the top to let the water in and a hose with a spout to let the water out as you’re showering.  Like most camping shower bags, it uses solar power to heat the water inside. Leave it under full sun for about 3 hours and you will get a warm shower at the end of the day.  If it were a 3 gallon shower bag, 2 to 3 hours under the sun would suffice to get the water warm enough for a comfortable shower but since this is the bigger sized model it does take longer to get more acceptable results. A good tip is to place the camping shower bag horizontally on the ground from noon to 3pm and in the morning and afternoon after 3pm, hang it vertically. This way it will get the maximum amount of sun at all times and will be ready to go at the end of the day.  At the full capacity of 5 gallons, you have enough water for an 8 minute shower. At 4 minutes each, two people can enjoy a quick, comfortable shower

You can purchase the shower bag by itself if you absolutely need to pack light, as when you’re going hiking for example. It will do the job to get you clean but you will not have the privacy that a real shower provides. For full privacy, it’s best to combine the camping shower bag with a camping shower tent.  This way, you’ll be equipped with a fully portable camping shower solution that provides the benefit of privacy on top of getting clean.

The Coleman 5-Gallon PVC Camp Shower bag does a good job of providing water anytime, anywhere for a price tag of around 15$.  However, some people have complained that it can sometimes rip at the seams. This seems to be due to the large quantity of water it holds because it mostly happens when it is filled all the way to the 5 gallon mark.  If you keep it filled not too far past the 4 gallon mark, chances are you won’t run into this problem. There you have it. For 15$, the Coleman 5-Gallon PVC Camp Shower bag is a decent product and gets the job done. Overall, the materials used in the making of this product are slightly cheap, but at this price there’s not much to complain about. For more sturdy and quality camping shower bags I suggest looking at models in 20$ – 30$ range.

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Many of us loathe the idea of not being able to take a shower during a camping trip and the few people who do bring a portable camping shower or any other related pieces of equipment to wash up, will probably end up having a much better time since good hygiene and cleanliness are directly linked to our well-being and mental state.
Not all portable camping showers are created equal so I will talk about some of the available models on the market that are built for different circumstances. On your next camping trip you may be going to a campsite where there won’t be a source of water to hook-up your portable camping shower. It may provide just the bare minimum, meaning the designated area where you’ll camp and that’s it. Some camping showers are designed for these situations. On the flip side, the campsite where you’re going may be equipped with a water hook-up and there are camping showers that can take advantage of this as well.

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Texsport Privacy Shelter Camp ShowerTexsport Privacy Shelter
This is a great example of a portable camping shower that requires no water hook-ups. It’s very simple as it doesn’t have as many parts and doesn’t carry the weight as some of the high-end models. You can take it deep in the woods, set it up anywhere you want and it is fully independant thanks to the solar shower bag that harnesses the power of the sun to heat the water contained inside; no need to carry heavy heating equipment such as propane tanks. The Texsport Privacy Shelter includes a large 5 gallon shower bag, a shower tent with black polyethylene walls that attract warmth from the sun, a fiberglass pole frame system and durable web straps with quick-release buckle that secure the frame for hanging. One major disadvantage that I find with this model is that you need to hang it somewhere at an acceptable height, like on a tree branch, as there is no self-support system.

Zodi Hot Tap Piezo Ignition Single Camp ShowerZodi Hot Tap w/Piezo Ignition Single
The Zodi Hot Tap is not a complete camping shower solution because it doesn’t include the shower tent but, then again, many of the camping shower solutions sold on the market require you to purchase the shower tent separately. The Zodi Hot Tap’s sole purpose is to provide the means to heat the water and it does so by using propane which allows water to be heated within seconds. Powered by 4 “D” batteries, the integrated pump provides great water pressure which can be useful to clean dishes as well as taking a shower. Included in the kit are a 4-gallon storage case, a stainless steel burner, a powerful water pump, an 8ft flexible shower hose and a 16.4 oz disposable propane cylinder. It’s a powerful camping shower solution but it doesn’t have the portability of a solar camping shower. The Zodi is more suitable when going car-camping due to its weight.

Eccotemp Systems Portable Tankless Water HeaterPortable Tankless Water Heater by Eccotemp Systems
If you mainly camp at campsites where water hook ups are available, it might be a good idea to look into a camping shower solution that can take advantage of that and which doesn’t require you to carry a shower bag or a water container. The portable Tankless Water Heater by Eccotemp Systems does just that. You only need to hook up the hose to a water source and the propane will take care of heating up the water as it flows through the main module where the on/off and temperature adjusting knobs are located. The heated water flows out through the hose and out of the nozzle. This model also includes 2 “D” batteries used to trigger the flames that will burn inside the main module whenever hot water is needed.

Regardless of the type of camping shower that fits the bill, you can be confident that it will be a great addition to your camping gear. It may seem like a luxury item at first but once you’ve gotten used to taking a shower anytime, anywhere , you probably won’t want to go back. I honestly believe that camping showers will become a mainstream product eventually since we’re always looking for ways to improve our comfort level in any situation and the Internet permits us to have access to uncommon products like these which people around the world are becoming accustomed to.

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