Having an outdoor experience with the best solar shower in 2023 presents a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with nature and clear your mind and body of any form of stress. Hence, whether it is camping, hiking, backpacking, or any outdoor activity, it is vital to take a refreshing shower. Unfortunately, doing this is a far cry for many because they don’t have the resources to facilitate this.
However, with a solar shower, you can have a warm bath to keep you fresh and clean all through your outdoor experience.
Best Solar Showers in 2023
1. Coghlan’s Solar Heated Camp Shower
The Coghlan’s Solar Shower is a valuable addition to your gear when going camping or any outdoor activity. The volume of this solar shower is large enough to allow you to have several showers. When the sun is bright, it doesn’t take time before the water is heated up. Generally, you should get access to hot water with this solar shower in about four hours. More so, it is advised that you come prepared with ice cubes to cool down the water if it is too hot.
It is also vital to mention that this solar shower is durable and can serve you for several years. The handles of this solar shower are very firm, and it allows you to carry the bag without handles breakage. In addition, the Coghlan’s Solar Shower comes with instructions for users to heat the water based on their preference.
Pros
- The installation of this solar shower is quite easy
- It is available at an affordable price
- This solar shower comes with the needed showering accessories
- It heats the water quickly because of its black color
Cons
- It does not last for a very long time
Takeaway
One of the features that make the Coghlan’s Solar Shower stand out is, it doesn’t develop leaks like some sun shower bags on the market.
2. STEARNS Sun Shower 4 Portable Shower
You don’t have to remain dirty when you are camping, and this is why the Stearns Portable Shower is always there to save the day. This solar shower comes with a capacity of 4 liters that allows you to have multiple showers. Similarly, this means that if you are camping with a group of friends, there is enough water for everyone to use.
On the showerhead of this unit, there is a control that has an on/off switch. This implies that during use, you have full control of the water flow.
In addition, when you buy this unit, it comes with a thermometer that allows you to know the water temperature at any time. It is interesting to note that this shower bag heats water in the shortest possible time, as fast as 3 hours exposure to sunlight.
Furthermore, the Stearns Portable shower has a sturdy handle that makes hanging and carrying reliable. Anytime hot water isn’t accessible, you can count on this solar shower to provide you with enough.
Pros
- This shower bag heats water very fast
- It has a great build quality that helps to reduce leakage problems
- It comes with a nozzle for water volume control
- It has a thermometer that tells you the water temperature
Cons
- The instructions for use are not really helpful
Takeaway
Not all solar showers come with a thermometer, but the Stearns Portable shower does. This feature gives this unit an upper hand above other units on the market.
3. Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Solar Shower
If you need the best solar shower in 2023 that provides you with a shower on the go, the Advanced Elements 5 Solar Shower is a great choice. This unit is designed with a 2-layer build that features optimum performance and heat retention.
One of the interesting features of this solar shower is the presence of a reflective mirror. This mirror comes with a temperature gauge that tells you when the water is warm. It is important to mention that this solar shower unit can heat water up to 110 degrees in about 3 hours when exposed to sunlight.
Another feature worthy of mention is the on and off switch on the showerhead, which helps to save water. Closely related to this is the shower hose that comes with a suitable Velcro strap to make showering a breeze. For increased convenience, this solar shower has a pocket where you can keep your shampoo, soap, and other items as you shower.
The Advanced Elements 5 Solar Shower has a big capacity to hold up to 5 gallons of water. With this capacity, you can have multiple showers, and if you are with friends, everyone can have enough to freshen up.
After using this unit, you can easily roll it up and store it in your camping gear.
Pros
- This solar shower unit is lightweight and easy to carry
- It comes with a temperature gauge to let you know when the water is warm
- It can be easily operated with little or no supervision
- It can hold around 5 gallons of water
Cons
- Not all the settings on this solar shower unit can be adjusted
Takeaway
Not all solar showers come with sufficient capacity to hold enough water. However, the Advanced Elements 5 Solar Shower can hold up to 5 gallons of water.
4. Advanced Elements SS761 Solar Shower
One of the features of a good solar shower is the ability to set up easily and fast, which is one of the features that this solar shower unit provides. In addition, the Advanced Elements SS761 is portable and can be carried about conveniently. This convenience feature is highlighted with the presence of ergonomic handles that allow you to carry the unit easily.
If you are going camping alone, this solar shower unit is ideal because it has the capacity to hold 3 gallons of water. This means you can have between 2-4 showers all through your outdoor activity. It is crucial to mention that this solar shower comes with a temperature gauge that tells you when the water is warm enough for use.
Additionally, you can easily store this solar shower by rolling it up when you are done having a shower.
Pros
- It has a water temperature gauge that tells you the temperature of the water
- You can quickly roll up this solar shower and store it conveniently
- This unit is easy to install
- It has an ergonomic handle making it easy to carry
Cons
- This unit has a capacity of 3 gallons of water which is insufficient for several campers
Takeaway
If you want to spend some time alone during any outdoor experience and you are looking to prioritize convenience, you need the Advanced Elements 5 Solar Shower to get started.
5. Beaucares Solar Heating Camping Shower Bag
If you want to go on any outdoor activity with your family and you are looking at keeping everyone fresh and clean, it can be possible. Having the Beaucares Solar Shower Bag in your camping gear is a good place to start. This camping shower bag can contain up to 5 gallons of water, meaning that you and your loved ones can take turns in having a shower.
You don’t have to worry about the size of this solar shower unit because it is portable and easy to carry. Including this unit in your camping gear does not constitute a burden because of its compact size. It is important to mention that this outdoor solar shower is made from PVC material. This implies that you can use it for a very long time without wearing it out.
For your shower needs like soap, shampoo, and the likes, this camping shower bag comes with a compact storage pocket to contain them. With the Beaucares Solar Shower Bag, you can heat water to about 45 degrees Celsius/113 Fahrenheit, provided the bag is exposed directly to sunlight. And with the temperature bar on the shower bag, you can monitor the water temperature.
This solar shower is suitable for any outdoor activity like camping, fishing, backpacking, hiking, hunting, etc.
Pros
- This unit comes with a temperature gauge that gives readings in Celsius and Fahrenheit
- It comes with a storage pocket that allows you to keep soap and other showering items
- It is made from a top-quality material that ensures durability
- The unit is affordable
Cons
- The cap opening is quite small, which prolongs the time needed to fill from a river
Takeaway
The Beaucares Solar Shower Bag is an ideal selection if you are used to going out with your family on outdoor activities.
6. RISEPRO Solar Shower Bag
It is rare to get access to electricity or gas at campsites during hunting, hiking, backpacking, etc. The absence of these resources has ruled out the possibility of taking a shower after a long and stressful day. However, having the RISEPRO Solar Shower Bag eliminates the need for electricity or gas because you can easily get access to warm water within a short time.
The RISEPRO Solar Shower Bag is made from premium quality materials that are environmentally friendly and leakproof. The essence of this feature is, you can use this solar shower unit for a long time. It is interesting to mention that these materials are not harmful to human health.
In addition, this solar shower can contain up to 5 gallons of water, which means that a number of people can have their shower conveniently. If you are out camping alone, you can shower multiple times. Furthermore, this solar shower bag comes with a smart heat absorption design that absorbs solar energy for heating the water in the bag. In about three hours, you can have hot water provided the bag is exposed to direct sunlight.
Also, the RISEPRO Solar Shower Bag comes with a temperature indicator that allows you to monitor the temperature of the water. This feature signals goodbye to guesswork when you are trying to determine the temperature of your water before showering.
Pros
- The solar shower is made from top quality materials that ensure its durability
- It has the capacity to contain a high volume of water
- It comes with a smart heat-absorbing design that heats water fast
- It has a temperature indicator that shows the temperature of the water
Cons
- When there are nozzle leaks on this shower, it can be difficult to fix
Takeaway
The RISEPRO Solar Shower Bag is made from durable materials that are designed to last for a very long time.
7. FeChiX VIGLT Portable Shower Bag
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly and non-toxic solar shower unit with no detrimental effects on the environment, you need the FeChix VIGLT Portable Shower Bag. This solar shower bag provides you with a soothing and comfortable showering experience during your outdoor activities.
The FeChix VIGLT Portable Shower Bag comes with an intelligent heat absorption design that allows water to heat fast when exposed to direct sunlight. While your water is heating, you can leverage the temperature indicator affixed to this shower bag that allows you to monitor the temperature of the water to your taste.
It is vital to mention that this shower bag is made from durable PVC, which is resistant to wear and tear. This means that you can use this shower bag for a long time without bothering to replace or repair it.
The capacity of this solar shower is another worthy mention. It has the capacity to contain 5 gallons of water which suggests multiple rounds of taking a shower during your camping activity. Also, this sun shower has an improved shower head that has an on and off switch to control the water flow as you like.
Pros
- This solar shower comes with a temperature indicator to monitor the water temperature
- It has an advanced shower head with a switch to regulate the water flow
- It is an environmentally friendly unit
- It has a large capacity able to contain 5 gallons of water
Cons
- The hose that comes with this unit is sometimes fragile, and you might need to replace it
Takeaway
The FeChix VIGLT Portable Shower Bag is an environmentally friendly unit that poses no harm to the environment. This is one of its outstanding features that sets it apart from several solar shower units on the market.
Buying Guide
Before getting solar camping showers, there are some factors you have to consider to get the right unit for your outdoor showering needs.
1. Water Capacity
This is one of the most important factors to consider when you want to get a solar shower. When you are considering the water capacity of a solar shower, it largely depends on if you will be going alone or not.
If you are always going on outdoor activities alone, you need a solar shower with smaller capacities like 2 gallons, 2.5 gallons of water, etc. On the flip side, if you will be going out with family and friends, you need a solar shower that comes with a capacity of 4 gallons or 5 gallons.
2. Build quality and design
Some solar shower manufacturers use PVC to produce their units, while others use environmentally friendly materials. It is important to note that some of these materials are more expensive than others. So, you need to consider your budget while making plans to get a solar shower.
Also, look out for materials that are thick because this is one way to determine their durability. More so, don’t leave out the design of the handles because when the shower bags begin to rip apart, it starts from the handle.
Furthermore, some solar shower units have four layers which are effective in making water hot. Similarly, solar shower units with four layers or more are efficient in locking the warmth if you need to shower at a later time.
3. Heating time
The last thing you need when you get a solar shower is to wait several hours before your water gets heated. Hence, before you buy any solar shower unit, check with the manufacturer on the projected time it would take for the bag to heat water.
Generally, the estimated time needed to heat water depends on the sun’s intensity for that day. But, most solar showers get the water heated for between 3 to 5 hours. If you are out camping and the day is cloudy, fill the solar shower with water in the morning, and when it's time to shower in the evening, it would be warm.
4. Thermometer gauge
Getting solar camping showers that has a thermometer gauge is always an advantage. Some solar showers on the market lack this feature, which makes it impossible for you to monitor the temperature of the water. Before you get a solar shower, check if it has an in-built thermometer. The last thing you want is getting scorched due to the high temperature of the water when taking a shower.
5. Air-tight water bag
It is important to watch out for this factor to avoid water wastage during your outdoor experience. An excellent solar shower should have an impervious water bag so that you can store enough water for showering.
6. Showerhead and Hosepipe
Many solar shower units on the market come with showerheads and hosepipes. However, for the best experience, you should go for units with a detachable showerhead and hosepipe. In addition, if you want a solar shower that can be easily rolled up and stored, the showerhead and hosepipe should be removable.
Additionally, there must be a control valve on the showerhead that helps to decrease or increase the water volume. More so, there should be an on and off feature to help you control the water while you have your shower.
The hosepipe size is another factor you need to consider. Sometimes, if you want to increase the water pressure, you need to hang the solar shower high. However, if the solar shower comes with a short hosepipe, it would be impossible to achieve this.
7. Price
You need to consider the cost of any solar shower unit before you opt for one. Usually, a solar shower that comes with more accessories is likely to be more expensive than units with a lesser number of accessories. However, you need to be careful that you are getting the best value for money because some low-cost solar shower units are better than expensive ones.
8. Portability
When some people want to buy solar shower units, they don’t consider the size until it is time to include it in their camping gear or hanging it from the perfect spot. If you have a convenient means of carrying pretty heavy items, you can opt for any solar shower without considering the size. On the other hand, if you don’t want something heavy, always ensure the solar shower is portable before purchasing.
9. Maintenance ease
Generally, a solar shower is meant to keep you clean and fresh, and it is essential to regularly clean your unit. A solar shower needs to be easy to maintain, and the unit's material determines how easy it would be. If you are going for a plastic solar shower, be rest assured that it would be easy to clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water is needed for a camp shower?
This depends on your choice. The amount of water in your solar shower is determined by the number of times you want to shower.
Why is a solar shower important?
After engaging in some activities during your outdoor tour, it is important to freshen up and stay clean. And one of the ways to achieve this is by taking a shower. A solar shower comes in handy because it can be used at any time during your outdoor experience.
How can I dry a solar shower?
All you need do is place it under the sun, and it will dry within some hours when the water has been removed.
Summary
Getting the best solar shower in 2023 is one of the wisest decisions you can make if you want a refreshing time during your outdoor activities. Before you get any solar shower, it is important to consider the features listed earlier in this piece. In addition, the products we reviewed above can be used as a yardstick to getting the right solar shower for your needs.
