5 Gal Solar Camp Shower

[akjunkie]

Need recommendation for a good Solar Camp Shower.

I picked up 2 today @ Big 5 made by Texsport.

When I got home I noticed a small Warning sticker stating "This product contains chemical known to the State of Cali to cause cancer, birth defects, etc."

Further online reviews had poor ratings for this brand.

Any suggestions?

[devilinblack]

I have a handful of the super cheap coleman's from Wal-Mart. They work well if you're in full sun, an afternoon sitting in the sun and the water is more than warm enough for showering, also if you're frugal you can get 2 showers per 5 gallon bag.

Assuming they are similar to what you have I'll note they are not terribly durable but if you are careful they should easily last a camping season or more. The main problems I had with mine was filling them through a pipe from a spring that had a lot of dirt in it, cleaning them out was a bugger.

If you car-camp and want something more durable you might want to look at this: http://www.roadshower.com/

Having seen that, and ways I could build it or improve upon it I think I've talked myself into building a 12v/propane system for on demand unlimited hot water for under $300.

I used to be like a lot of people and scoff at showering while camping, I've spent long periods of time in the woods/desert while in the army bathing with nothing more than a canteen cup and a rag, but a shower in the back country really is one of life's great pleasures. You can do without it, but why bother if you don't have to?

[rudigan]

On backpack trips in the past I've used smaller versions of the bladder type. Here is a 5 gal one. http://www.rei.com/product/752797/se...hower-5-gallon

They'll pick up a lot of heat sitting on a rock if it's sunny.

imo 5 gal should be plenty for many very frugal showers, nothing close to a real one, but nice. Probably good for a base camp. Or, just jump in the lake!

[TAS]

I've had a couple different ones, including the Stearns Sun Shower, but I don't think it's 5 gallons. It works fairly well but I've moved onto the Zodi hot water system for the long camp trips. For the short trips, I can usually manage without. I got through Zodi through Cabelas & I think that's where the solar bag came from as well.

The reason for the Zodi was because it can accommodate more people and is hot when you need it. It also serves well to wash the camp dishes too. Somewhat expensive but was worth it for me.