Benefits Of A Camping Shower
Just because you are on an extended camping trip, doesn't mean you can't take a little bit of civilization with you. Camping can be dirty business and being able to take a nice warm shower after a long day of hiking, fishing, or just basking in nature can ease you into a nice relaxing evening. Fortunately, there are a few different types of camping showers to choose from that you can take along to make this happen.
Many sporting goods stores and camping outfitters offer portable nylon shelters with steel frames that easy to put together. One such shelter is 4 1/2 feet by 4 1/2 feet and over 7 feet tall. It has a large zippered door, windows that can be zipped open or closed, a hanging bar on the outside for your clothes and towel. There is even a shower rack made of mesh for your soap and shampoo. Sounds cozy, you say, but where is the actual shower part of this shower? Shower shelters like this either come with solar camp showers or you can buy them separately. A solar camping shower is lightweight 4 or 5-gallon containers with hoses and a nozzle. Fill the bag with water from a stream or lake and leave it in the direct sunlight for about three hours. The sun becomes your water heater. To take your shower, suspend the water bag above the shower shelter and run the tubing with adjustable nozzle through the top and you are all set. There should be enough water for about 5 showers.
If you are camping by a stream and have your vehicle with you, there is another option that can provide you with unlimited hot showers while camping. This camp shower uses your engines coolant system to heat the water from any nearby water source. Part of the shower's equipment is a heat exchanger that is easily mounted in the engine compartment. You can leave it there permanently so you don't have to remount it for every camping trip. After the heat exchanger is mounted, it is set up so that the hot water that runs from the engine to the car heater passes through the heat exchanger. Start your vehicle and warm up the engine. When it's time for a shower, connect the pump that comes with the portable camping shower system to the battery. Now, connect the three hoses that come with the shower system. One connects to the pump while the other end is placed in the water source. The second hose goes from the pump to the heat exchanger. The third hose is attached to the other end of the heat exchanger while the other end is your showerhead. Whether you use a shower shelter or nothing at all is up to you.
If you love camping and would like the extra comfort while on long trips then camping showers are for you. Also, If you will be in very cold weather consider a camping heater to add to your equipment.
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I go camping at Bonnaroo every year. After 4 days (5 if you count Monday) of no showers in 100 degree heat, you get pretty gross. I am planning on bringing a portable shower next year. This is a helpful article - thanks!
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