I’ll never forget my first camping trip, where I spent two miserable days skipping a shower just to avoid freezing outdoor water. That trip taught me why a solar shower is one of the smartest things a camper, van lifer, or beach house owner can own.
It does not need electricity, it does not need gas, and it simply uses the sun to do the hard work.
What Are Solar Showers?
A solar shower is basically a water bag made of tough PVC that holds water until the sun warms it up naturally. There are two main varieties: passive showers, which rely on the sun’s energy and natural warmth alone, and active showers, which use a pump to circulate the water so it stays heated consistently.
I have used both, and the durable construction of a good PVC bag really does help it store enough water for a full shower, whether the water is simply stored in a tank or moved with a pump.
How It Works
Once you fill it with water, you hang it high or hang it up high in a spot with strong direct sunlight, and the bag begins to heat up. Most bags reach around 113 degrees Fahrenheit in about three hours or 3 hours under a clear sun, though some cheaper models need four to six hours, while a good active solar shower can be ready in two to three hours. The black PVC material on many bags absorbs solar energy faster, and a small showerhead and hose deliver the heated water, but if the sky turns cloudy or it starts raining, you may end up taking a cold shower instead.
If you camp during the winter months, do not expect much from a solar shower since it depends on the weather and needs to be exposed to the sun for hours before use. I always plan and try to create pressure by rigging a support to hang the bag early in the day. This kind of suspended solar shower is affordable, compact, simple to use, and great for hiking, but it means you often have to hope for the sun because this type of shower is not always reliable.
Choosing the Right Model
Before buying, think about the capacity you need, the water pressure it gives, and the materials used in the bag, since these three key factors decide whether the shower will perform efficiently and last longer.
Your local climate, the amount of space you have in your van or tent, and how often you plan on usage also matter a lot when you try to select the right one. I personally check the environment first, because a bag that works great in a sunny desert may struggle in a cloudy coastal town.
Tips for Mastering the Sun Shower
Always look for a sunny spot because more sunlight means faster heating, and try to avoid cloudy days and shady areas at all costs. If you own a passive solar shower, remember it needs several hours, so fill up the tank and plan accordingly long before you actually want to wash.
Before jumping in, always test the temperature to make sure the water is warm, not hot, and add cold water to cool down the bag if the faster heating made it too warm.
Advanced Elements Summer Shower
This is one of my favourite picks because the four-layer construction really does a great job at storing and retaining heat, giving you a proper hot shower even late in the evening.
It has a thermal strip that helps you determine temperature, plus a reflector panel and insulator panel that keep everything working smoothly, and the on/off shower head helps with water saving while you shower.
The bag has a 5-gallon capacity, works well for small groups, and its adjustable shower head lets you control water pressure, while the pump helps it circulate water evenly.
It also comes with a pre-attached shaving mirror, a side pocket for soap and shampoo, a Velcro strap for your washcloth, and an extra-large filling valve that makes it easy to fill up. Simply lay it out clear side up in the warm sun to enjoy hot water fast, and once you are done, it rolls up tightly for convenient storage.
Weighing only 1.32 pounds, this bag comes with a carrying case, making it easy to transport for backpackers, campers, and hikers who want a light, useful shower with evenly heated results every time.
Nemo Helio Pressure Shower
The Nemo Helio won the International Home & Garden Award for Best Utility Product, and it works as a gravity camp shower with a built-in sprayer for washing hair, washing the dog, water plants, or rinsing equipment.
Its 2.9-gallon tank uses a foot pump to build pressure, giving a strong continuous spray for 5-7 minutes, and the black tank is designed so it cannot over-inflate even with a few pumps. You can also screw on the included solar thermal collector, which is sold separately, to any hose to gradually heat the water.
For hot water, though, you must wait several hours in direct sunlight to reach a proper hot shower temperature, which some campers find a bit cumbersome compared to pumping with foot-style showers.
Still, this shower works well for a hiker with no electricity or anyone who wants to do the dishes for several days without extra gear. Comparing it to inflating a camping mattress, I found the process simple enough, and it remains a solid alternative for anyone who needs a portable pressurised shower.
Stearns Sun Shower 4 Portable Shower
The Stearns model is an easy-to-use shower that uses a pump to circulate water, and its adjustable showerhead helps you control water pressure exactly the way you want.
It has a five-gallon capacity, perfect for small groups, and its solar heating panel helps preheat water before you even hang the bag up. It also gets heated evenly, comes with a carrying case, and is easy to transport, especially helpful if you plan on camping somewhere with less sun.
Coleman’s Solar Shower
Coleman built this shower to be highly mobile, using a pump to keep the water heated evenly while an adjustable showerhead helps you control water pressure during camping trips.
However, I found it feels less durable, since the bottom uses thinner material and the seams are not reinforced as well as those of other brands. It is also less adjustable, but it still comes with a carrying case that makes it easy to transport from site to site.
Vango Solar Shower
The Vango bag also uses a pump to circulate water, has an adjustable showerhead, and lets you control water pressure with ease, but its standout feature is the temperature gauge.
This is great for anyone particular about temperature, since you can check the perfect temperature before stepping in. It comes with a carrying case for easy transportation and stays heated evenly from start to finish.
KIPP Solar Shower Bag
The KIPP bag is built with leak-proof materials and environmentally friendly parts that are safe for human health, and it comes with a hose, shower head, and water tap ready for use.
In direct sunlight, it needs about three hours to reach 113 degrees Fahrenheit, and it holds five gallons, which is more than enough for showering outdoors.
The upgraded shower head has an easy on/off switch with low to high water flow, letting you conserve water while you enjoy a refreshing shower.
This bag works well for outdoor camping, hiking, backpacking, self-driving, fishing, and even hunting trips, since the removable hose and removable shower head make it simple to set up and take down.
Rice Pro Solar Shower Bag (5 Gallon)
This deluxe version uses environmentally friendly materials that are safe for human health, and its multiple layers boost the leak-proof feature, so it holds up well for remote areas use.
Its smart PVC material can absorb solar energy and heat water to 113 degrees Fahrenheit within three hours of direct sunlight, giving you a proper refreshing shower anywhere.
With a 5-gallon or 20-litre capacity, plus an advanced shower head offering low to high water flow and a built-in temperature indicator, this durable bag rarely disappoints.
2BK Portable Outdoor Solar Shower Bag
Built for any camp setup, this bag is easily portable and quick to set up, giving you a warm shower every day while camping thanks to its large capacity of 5 gallons or 20 litres.
The faucet is tightened by itself and will not leak, while a large water fill hole makes filling simple, and the ABS nozzle has a built-in on/off switch to control water flow and save heated water.
It comes with a strong strap for the handle and strengthened plastic tubes, making it a perfect companion for anyone who wants multiple showers from one water capacity.
Made from durable PVC material that is non-toxic and eco-friendly, its black PVC material can absorb solar energy to heat water to 113 degrees Fahrenheit in three hours of direct sunlight, giving you easy filling every time.
Rice Pro 40L Solar Shower Bag
This bigger bag holds 10 gallons, or 40 litres, making it ideal for camping, hiking, and climbing trips where you want a proper hot shower outdoors.
Its smart black PVC material can absorb solar energy and heat water to 113 degrees Fahrenheit in three hours of direct sunlight, and the advanced shower head gives low to high water flow for extra comfort.
With a built-in temperature indicator, the hot water feature ensures the perfect temperature, while environmentally friendly and leak-proof materials allow it to withstand years of use.
Our Autonomous Portable Shower
This clever setup charges via USB and is the fastest to use, since you simply unscrew the cap on your water container, dip the pump in, and the portable showerhead is ready in seconds.
It stays lightweight, works without wiring, and runs on a built-in battery with 45-60 minutes of autonomy that you can recharge via USB while on the road.
For anyone cold-sensitive or camping in winter, simply heat a pot of water on the stove and pour it into the cold water jerrycan to get hot water fast.
FAQs
Are solar showers any good?
Yes, a solar shower is a great eco-friendly way to get a warm shower outdoors without electricity or gas, especially for camping and hiking.
How hot can a solar shower get?
Most solar shower bags reach around 113 degrees Fahrenheit under strong direct sunlight, giving you a proper hot shower.
What is the best solar shower?
The Advanced Elements Summer Shower is a top pick thanks to its durable four-layer construction, large capacity, and ability to heat water fast.
How does a solar-powered shower work?
A solar shower uses black PVC material to absorb solar energy from the sun, warming the water stored inside the bag.
What is the best outdoor shower?
For most campers, a 5-gallon solar shower bag with an adjustable shower head and carrying case offers the best mix of comfort and portability.