Maintaining basic hygiene helps reduce the risk of disease and bacteria, and this is especially so when you find yourself off the grid. Whether you are traveling in an RV, staying at a camping site, or living on a homestead, taking regular showers not only reduces the threat of disease and bacteria, it also reduces foul odors, boosts your mood, and makes you feel clean.
Fortunately, there are off-grid shower solutions that do not require plumbing. However, off-grid shower systems are not a one size fits all solution. So, what may work for an RV may not work on a homestead. For this reason, we made this list of the best off-grid shower solutions to help you narrow down your choices.
Before getting started on our list, it is important to learn about the different types of off-grid shower solutions available.
And if you are considering a no-plumbing water system for your off-grid location, you may find our posts on transitioning off-grid, composting toilets, and portable sink solutions helpful. Similar to this article, we tested the 6 Best Off-Grid Toilet Options for people interested in prolonged trips off-grid.
Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump
Flowclear Solarflor Outdoor Shower
Yakima Roadshower
In short, the Hike Crew is our top pick because it comes close to giving you a regular shower experience while off-grid. Despite the fact that the device is loud and you have to refill the propane tank regularly, it is a high-functioning shower solution that is worth what you pay.
The Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater and Shower Pump get the top spot on this list because it can serve most functions when you’re away from home and can serve as a main or backup shower system. I keep this shower solution at home as a backup solution, but I have tested it and used it for years while camping or traveling in an RV.
What I like most about this off-grid shower solution is that it is an off-grid device that provides many conveniences of a regular shower. The Hike Crew Portable Shower has a knob to adjust the temperature, allows you to switch between 3 unique spray patterns, and allows temperatures as high as 142°F. The device has built-in safety features which disable the burner once water temperatures exceed 142°F.
Propane is also one of the more efficient methods to power off-grid devices. Where a single propane canister can last for several hours, which is ideal for overnight stays off-grid. Still, we suggest keeping spare canisters of propane gas in case you unexpectedly run out.
One of the main drawbacks of the Hike Crew device is the noise level. While it is not overly loud, there is a noticeable hum when the heater is in operation. Another downside of this device is the need to use propane gas. The amount you spend on propane gas can add up over time. We personally like to use this device because it is efficient and gets the job done when we need it most.
In short, the Hike Crew is our top pick because it comes close to giving you a regular shower experience while off-grid. Despite the fact that the device is loud and you have to refill the propane tank regularly, it is a high-functioning shower solution that is worth what you pay.
What I Like
What I Don’t Like
The Flowclear SolarFlow Outdoor Shower offers a convenient and environmentally friendly solution for showering outdoors. Its solar-powered heating system, easy setup, and large water tank capacity make it a reliable choice.
The Flowclear SolarFlow Outdoor Shower offers a familiar, practical, and environmentally friendly solution for outdoor showering. Designed with practicality and convenience in mind, this gravity-fed shower system comes equipped with features that make it a reliable choice for most off-grid activities.
One of our favorite features after testing the Flowclear SolarFlow Shower is its solar-powered heating system. This outdoor shower system uses the power of the sun to warm up water stored in its large capacity tank.
The eco-friendly approach this shower solution takes reduces reliance on traditional energy sources like electricity or propane as well as ensures a consistent supply of warm water.
We found setup and installation for the Flowclear SolarFlow Outdoor Shower to be hassle-free. With its freestanding design, the shower is easy to assemble and requires minimal effort to connect to a water source. The adjustable showerhead allows for customizable water flow and spray patterns, catering to individual preferences and ensuring a comfortable shower experience.
Still, this shower system is heavy. The large model, which stores 9.2 gallons of water, weighs 41 pounds. So even though it is easy to set up, you should be comfortable carrying large metal parts to get the shower to work.
One limitation of this gravity-fed shower is its dependence on ambient temperature and sunlight for heating the water. In colder climates or during overcast days, the water might not reach optimal temperatures.
What I Like
What I Don’t Like
The Yakima RoadShower is a solid shower solution for people traveling with a vehicle. Its portable, durable, and uses a pressurized water system, making it a reliable choice for camping, road trips, and other outdoor activities.
We have heard many good reviews about the Yakima RoadShower for RVs. This portable pressurized water storage device that’s a practical solution for outdoor enthusiasts who need a shower system. Whether you’re on a road trip, camping, on a beach, or engaging in other outdoor activities, this water storage system provides convenience.
The main selling point of the Yakima RoadShower is its portability. It is compact, making it easy to transport and mount on your vehicle’s roof rack.
The Yakima Road Shower is also designed for durability, being made with high-quality aluminum material that ensures its longevity and resistance to outdoor elements.
Our favorite feature of the Yakima Roadshower is that it does not require electricity to function. This may seem like a minor detail, but it is one of the few high-functioning off-grid shower systems that do not rely on an external power source such as electricity or propane. This road shower relies on solar power to heat up the water instead.
Another benefit of this road shower system is the integrated hand pump which regulates water pressure at no more than 55 PSI, preventing your gear from getting damaged. The adjustable pressure settings give you control over the water flow, ensuring efficient usage and minimizing waste. These features are especially useful for rinsing off gear, cleaning equipment, or taking showers on the road.
While the Yakima RoadShower offers many benefits, one major drawback is that heated water is dependent on solar energy. So on days where it is overcast, or there is not a lot of sun exposure, you will have to rely on ambient or even cold water.
Another downside of this road shower is the high-price point. Although you pay for durability and high functionality, there are other road showers on the market that come at a lower price point.
What I Like
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The Camplux Tankless Water Heater Shower offers a reliable and convenient solution for outdoor showers. It’s portable, easy to set up, heats the water quickly, and offers unique safety features that make it a reliable shower solution off-grid.
A good friend of ours let us test their Camplux Tankless Water Heater during a camping trip, and it exceeded our expectations in terms of convenience and performance. This shower solution is a portable propane shower that offers several features that make it a reliable and practical solution for outdoor showers.
The standout feature of this propane shower is its portability. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up wherever needed. At just 10 pounds, it is the lightest high-functioning off-grid shower system on this list.
The showerhead and 5-foot hose can be neatly stored inside the unit, ensuring no trouble when transporting and storing this shower system in your camping gear.
The Camplux Tankless Water Heater is also easy to use and warms up the water to max temperature in just 10 minutes. It also comes with a user-friendly control panel that allows you to adjust the water temperature and water flow. This system has a max flow rate of 1.32 GPM, giving you a satisfying shower experience in the most off-grid outdoors.
One major drawback of this off-grid shower system is its dependence on lithium batteries. While off-grid, you may not always have access to a generator or an outlet, so if the battery runs out, you may not have a functioning shower. Still, this can be remedied by having spare batteries on hand during extended excursions off-grid.
Another area of improvement is durability. Although it can be used in most environments, the heater becomes less efficient in colder climates, and it isn’t resistant to freeze damage.
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The Kedsum Portable Camping Shower is our value pick because it is a low-price yet versatile and reliable off-grid shower option. With its simple functionality and ease of use, it provides a convenient shower experience.
The Kedsum Portable Camping Shower is our value pick because you will get many of the benefits of other shower systems at a lower price. Whether camping, hiking or simply needing a rinse after a day of outdoor activities, this shower solution can be used for most of your needs.
This off-grid shower solution is lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack and carry along with you. It comes with a showerhead as well as a water pump that is both detachable, allowing for convenient storage and transportation. This makes it an ideal choice for backpackers who value lightweight, space-saving solutions.
This solution comes with a rechargeable battery-operated water pump. One unique feature of this product is its battery life; it can last between 45-60 minutes on a single charge. This means you can take several showers while off-grid before having to worry about recharging the battery.
It also provides a steady and consistent water flow at 1 GPM, meaning you can have a pleasant shower experience even though you’re off-grid.
In addition to outdoor activities, it can also be used for cleaning outdoor gear, washing pets, or even as a backup shower option in emergency situations.
While the Kedsum Portable Camping Shower offers many benefits, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The water capacity of the shower is relatively small, so it may not be suitable for prolonged showers or larger groups of people.
Additionally, the water temperature is dependent on the ambient temperature, as there is no built-in heating element. Therefore, during colder weather or in chilly climates, the water may be cold.
What I Like
What I Don’t Like
If you are going off-grid with a group, you may want to shower with some privacy. An outdoor privacy shelter allows you to take a shower with peace of mind.
After evaluating the off-grid shower solutions on this list, the clear and obvious best off-grid shower solution is the Hike Crew Portable Off-Grid Heater. We chose this solution because it is a high-functioning shower system that can be used in most off-grid environments. Whether it is your primary shower system on an off-grid property or it is simply being used on a campsite, it is a shower system that can simulate a regular shower experience when you are away from indoor plumbing.
Still, there are many good solutions on this list that may be more useful for your specific needs.
One important point to keep in mind before buying an off-grid shower solution is to know that you will be giving up convenience by switching to off-grid showers. Off-grid showers require more maintenance and effort to prepare before taking a shower. When you have a traditional shower system, you likely don’t think about running out of water, sourcing water, or waiting for the water to heat up.
Despite this, the transition to an off-grid shower system provides other benefits, such as reducing your dependence on on-grid services and reducing your water consumption.
If you found this article helpful, consider reading related articles on our site to help you build an off-grid water system.
Related Articles: 6 Best-Off Grid Toilet Options
Related Articles: Off-Grid Shower Systems: Options You Should Know About
Related Articles: Composting Toilet: Pros and Cons of Using Off-Grid Toilet Systems
Related Article: Must Have Off-Grid Appliances For Your Property
We evaluated our list using quantitative metrics, subjective perspectives, and personal experiences. We measured water capacity, flow rate, item weight, energy usage, and max temperature. These quantitative evaluation metrics allow us to understand the physical capabilities of each off-grid shower system and compare them fairly. We then evaluated the shower solutions by interacting with the devices. If we did not have access to the shower solution, we spoke with friends who had experience with it. This informed our perspective and opinion on the solution. Once we had quantitative metrics and qualitative experience, we were able to start ranking the shower systems.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are sponsored links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a referral fee at no additional cost to you. However, if you do purchase from the link you will be supporting Soulful Prepper and help us continue to produce content for this site. Thank you.
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