While we all love outdoor activities like camping and hiking, there’s nothing better than a hot shower to get rid of all that dirt and start over again. However, unless you’re glamping, you’re unlikely to come across such a luxury. Enter solar showers – just a few hours in the sun, and you have hot water at your disposal. To save you from spending hours on research, we’ve narrowed down some choices – the following are our picks for the best solar shower available.
1. Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower
ASIN Number: B0834NS6L7
This solar shower is highly rated for a reason – it’s extremely affordable while still maintaining durability and function. It can hold up to 5 gallons of water, which is enough for multiple showers (if you’re not washing your hair). Additionally, because of the 4-ply construction of the bag, you never have to worry about it leaking or ripping.
Solar showers can be difficult to get used to because of how quickly one has to shower. The Summer Shower makes this experience more comfortable by ensuring that users are surrounded by all of their essentials. The shower bag has a side pocket that can house shampoo and soaps, and Velcro straps for wash cloths. The design takes into account water scarcity and has an on/off showerhead that’s easy to use. When not in use, Velcro straps can be used to tuck the shower hose away. The valve is also easy to use, is large, and has a twist-off cap that makes filling the shower bag more convenient.
Another impressive feature is the built-in mirror that allows you to take care of all your grooming needs. When you’re done showering, it can be rolled up and stored easily. The solar shower also has an extra-wide handle for easy transportation.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable
- 5-gallon capacity
- PVC free
- Large valve with twist-off cap
- On/off shower head
- Easy to store and transport
- Pockets and Velcro straps for storage
Cons:
None.
2. Giantex Outdoor Solar Powered Sower
ASIN Number: B07RJV9L9P
Not all solar showers come in the form of shower bags. Free-standing designs are especially popular for outdoor locations that are more permanent, including beaches, backyards, and near swimming pools. This is a more convenient option if you have access to a hose since it doesn’t involve filling water and hanging up bags. However, this isn’t suitable for those who are on the go.
This black, PVC solar shower is slim and simple enough to match any design. It is also durable and has a solid steel base for mounting. The brass construction also makes the item non-corrosive. Depending on how much water you’re planning to use, you can opt for either the 5.5-gallon solar shower or the 9.3-gallon solar shower.
Convenience is the main advantage with this solar shower since it’s so similar to traditional showering. This particular model even has a swivel shower head for added convenience. Water can be heated up to 140 degrees and is controlled using the temperature adjustment knob. In addition to easy refilling, this is also simple to assemble – all necessary hardware is included.
Pros:
- Slim and aesthetically pleasing
- Durable brass and PVC construction
- Convenient
- Large water capacity
- Easier refilling
- Hardware included
Cons:
- More costly than solar shower bags
- Cannot be used on the go
- Requires a permanent setup
3. KIPIDA Solar Shower Bag
ASIN Number: B085KRL3BK
Our pick for the best solar shower available on the market, the KIPIDA solar shower bag is equipped with great design features while still remaining affordable. Not only can it store up to 5 gallons of water, but the showerhead also has an on/off option. It even lets users control the water current and thus, can help conserve water by lowering the pressure.
Durability isn’t a concern with this solar shower – it is constructed from environmentally friendly heat-proof materials and is known to be long-lasting. This solar shower bag is also extremely effective and allows for heating up to 113 degrees in as little as 3 hours. There’s even a temperature indicator that allows users to check progress.
Because of its lightweight and portable design, the KIPIDA solar shower bag is perfect for all sorts of uses from camping trips and hikes, to backpacking across the country.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comes in 7 different colors
- Short heating time at 3 hours
- Heats up to 113 degrees
- Environmentally friendly construction
- Durable and leak-proof
- Large water capacity (5 gallons)
- Shower head, hose, and tap included
- Temperature indicator for convenience
- Large, twist-off valve cap
- Storage for toiletries
- Non-slip handle for easy transport
- Adjustable water current
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
None.
Features to Consider
In order to buy the best solar shower for your needs, you need to keep the following factors in mind. This way, you can make an informed decision and ensure that you make the right choice.
Type of Solar Shower
In addition to standard bag solar showers, there are other options available. These include stand showers that can be used in gardens or near pools or combo showers that double as floatation devices.
Water Capacity
First and foremost, determine how much water you need to shower. If multiple people are going to be using the solar shower, you should adjust the capacity to reflect this. On average, solar showers boast a water capacity of 5 gallons/20 liters – this translates to 1.5-2.5 minutes of running water.
Design
By design, we don’t mean that the shower has to be aesthetically pleasing. However, it does need to be functional and allow you to have a good shower experience. In addition to being easy to fill, it should be easy to hang up, start, and stop. The entire point of a solar shower is to make things easier, so avoid getting one that seems overly complicated.
Weight and Portability
You’re going to be lugging the solar shower with you and should make sure that it isn’t too heavy. It should be portable – if you’re backpacking, you’re already low on space and need something lightweight and compact.
This also comes into play when hanging up the shower. If the solar shower is too heavy, you will need adequate support as well as helping hands.
Material
Material is important for many reasons – not only does it need to ensure quick heating, but it also needs to be durable. A solar shower is something you buy to use over and over. Therefore, it has to be durable, thick enough, and resistant to tears.
Our Final Thoughts
Solar showers are the perfect solution for campers and hikers alike. They’re convenient, portable, and easy to use. With the different varieties available and the various options that we’ve listed today, we’re sure you’ll be able to choose the best solar shower for your needs.
