Do you want an easy, low-cost, portable solar shower for van life? This compact, pressurized shower bag may be my favorite for traveling, and I explain why below…
For people camping in a van, this multi-purpose shower set up has a lot going for it. Not to mention, it’s really affordable, costing only about $60.
7 Reasons Why I Like this Portable Solar Shower for Camping:
1. Compact Travel Shower:
First of all, the water bag and pump don’t require lots of space. If you travel in a van, small trailer or even a car, you’ll appreciate this. Not only is the 3-gallon bag compact itself, but you can flatten it when empty to conserve even more space.
2. Shower Bag is Conveniently Portable:
Second, you can carry this portable shower around. Therefore, you can take in different vehicles, use it at the beach, at home or take it backpacking.
It has a handy side handle and even a detachable shoulder strap. So, you can carry it hands-free if you want.
The entire unit only weighs a couple of pounds, which makes it even more convenient. Consequently, you’re likely to use it more often – think brushing your teeth, rinsing your feet, washing produce, etc..
3. You Don’t Have to Take a Cold Shower:
Third, the solar bag heats the water for you. That said, you won’t have instant warm water. Plus, don’t expect a hot shower like you might have at home (especially on a cloudy day).
4. No Electricity Needed to Shower:
Fourth, you don’t need electricity to run your shower. The water warms through solar power, and the water pressure is works manually via the foot pump. As a result, you aren’t limited to where you can rinse off, wash dishes, etc..
Note A potential downside to these showers is that they are not hands-free. In other words, you must depress the spray nozzle in order for the water to flow. If you prefer hands-free, you may like a sun shower bag better.
5. You Don’t Need to Hang Your Shower Bag up High:
Fifth, you don’t have to use a tall tree branch or roof rack to hang your shower bag. You can pressurize it and use the sprayer while the bag sits on the ground.
Alternatively, you can hang the bag up high (to maximize water pressure), as long as it remains upright. For example, set it on your car roof or hang it from the top of your campervan.
6. Best Water Pressure to Maximize Water Usage:
Sixth, I think that the spray nozzle has just the right amount of water pressure. The flow feels stronger than a basic camping shower bag, but not so strong that you’ll empty the bag in a couple of minutes.
7. Save Money Showering When You Travel in a Van:
Lastly, as I mentioned above, this is a cheap camping shower. Not only can you save money, but you can also get a lot of use out of this DIY shower set up. In other words, I think it’s a really good value.
Not to mention, you don’t have to rely on campsite showers, gym memberships, lakes or rivers.
Note: The leak-proof can also double as a floating buoy. Just inflate it with air instead of water and close the top.
How to Use a Solar Shower with Foot Pump:
This portable shower is really easy to set up and use while camping or traveling. Basically, you fill it with water and place it in the sun to warm (or fill it with warm water).
Then, you simply step on the foot pump to pressurize the container and spray the water through the hose. When you’re finished and ready to store your shower, just fold it flat and keep it the included carry bag.
Note: Although the the shower bag is designed to sit on the ground, elevating it to a table, bench or the trunk of you car can assist with water pressure. Keep in mind, however, that the bag needs to remain upright to work properly. Compare to other solar showers.
Specs for the Solar Shower for Van Camping:
- Dimensions: Approximately 8″ Diameter x 17″ Tall
- Hose Length: 75″ Long
- Weight: 2.8 lbs (empty)
- Water Capacity: 3.7 Gallons (12 Liters)
- Bag Has Temperature Indicator
- Heat Resistance up to 122°F
- Leak-Proof
- Material: Waterproof PVC
- Bag Comes with Foot Pump, Shower Sprayer
- Kit Includes Shoulder Strap & Storage Bag
- For Sale: Where to Buy the Solar Shower
