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Best Solar Showers
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Portability
Solar showers were not designed to be used in your home, that is what you have a traditional shower or bath for. Not that you could not but the purpose is to provide you with a shower in situations where you would not have one otherwise. This could include camping, backpacking, hiking or even hunting. With this in mind, you would be hard-pressed to find a solar shower that is not portable. Besides their lightweight nature, most can easily be folded up or even rolled up to be as compact as possible.
But, also remember this, when the bag is filled with water it will be both heavy and an inconvenience when traveling. Yes, that is why they are equipped with handles but at the same time, five gallons of water is heavy (one gallon of water is around 8.5 pounds).
Features
Solar showers in and of themselves are convenient devices, bottom line. But, besides this being prevalent because of the nature of their design, you can also find several that are loaded with a boatload of convenient features. For starters, how about mesh pockets or side pockets that provide a place for your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, washcloths, etc.? Having those necessities at your fingertips is key. Also, how about a temperature indicator? Instead of guessing if the water is warm enough, you can monitor the exact temperature at a simple glance. Speaking of which, a see-through back is also a bonus as you will know at all times the current water level. Plus, you could keep tabs on how much water is actually being used per shower.
This is also where the shower head comes into play. Besides incorporating one, most will be designed, in some fashion, with the ability to turn it on/off at will. While a valve makes this process easy, some will be designed with a turning mechanism. Thus, with soapy hands, it can be nearly impossible to turn the shower back on. Lastly, some heads will have additional features such as the ability to control the water flow.
Water Capacity
If this list is any indication, you can roughly expect a solar shower to hold around five gallons of water. However, just because several have this capacity, does not mean they all do. According to Home Water Works, the average American shower will use 17.2 gallons of water for a shower that lasts 8.2 minutes. Now, remember, a home shower is going to run continuously without stopping. No matter what you do, you will not be able to take as long of a shower with a solar shower as you do at home. Plus, chances are, you are just wasting water when you are showering.
The key to using a solar shower is to be efficient with the water. At home, it is irrelevant to you how much water you use because you have an over-abundance of it (other than jacking up your water bill). With a limited amount, though, you will be forced to understand the term moderation. Even with five gallons, you could feasibly get three to five showers. Simply, turn the hose off when you are cleaning yourself and turn it on to rinse yourself off.
Durability
In pretty much anything you will ever invest in, not including daily foods and drinks, the durability and construction of a portable shower will always play a pivotal role in your decision process. It is simply no different from a solar shower. There are a few factors you need to consider and address and the first is the durability of the fabric and its ability, or lack thereof, to withstand some abuse. Clearly, tear-resistant fabric that has been double layered will be able to handle an accident or two.
Next, pay attention to the seams. A few versions of this list have had this issue and even though it is possible to reinforce them yourselves, it can be an inconvenience on your part. As such, double-welded seams and those that have been reinforced will increase the likelihood that leaking will not be an issue. However, the overall strength of the bag is important also. Most will have a section built-in that acts as the handle and this is what is used to suspend it in the air. When it is filled to the brim with water, the weight can become quite immense and the solar shower needs to be able to take it.
Our Top Picks for the Best Solar Showers
1. Advanced Elements
Across the world, you will not get too many that disagree with this selection. Advanced Elements has designed the single best solar shower on the planet and it is no wonder thanks to its capacity, ultra-convenience, and premium construction.
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When you fill this sack to its max potential, the 4-ply construction will ease your mind as you know it can take it. In addition to this, there is an insulator panel that allows the water to generate heat faster.
Capacity
At five gallons, which is what most solar showers will be able to hold, this should provide enough water for multiple showers. Of course, it depends on how much water you use.
Simplicity
Because of the extra-large valve, with a screw cap to secure it, it is incredibly simple to fill this up with water when the time comes.
Convenience
What is nice about the shower head is that it has an easy to use on/off function. Also, there is a side pocket that allows you to store your bathing accessories and also Velcro straps that can hold smaller items such as a washcloth.
Portability
When it is not in use, Advanced Elements has designed this solar shower to conveniently roll-up into an ultra-compact size, making it ideal for any trip or adventure.
Overall
In the world of solar showers, it just does not get much better than this. Typically, there is stiff competition but because of everything it combines, no other version really comes close.
2. Stearns Sun
Now, the Stearns Sun Shower may not quite be what Advanced Elements has designed but all in all, it is pretty impressive in its own right. Clearly, its most notable features are its double-welded seams and puncture and tear-resistant fabric.
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Indeed, this is a major bright spot for this solar shower. The double-welded seams are practically indestructible and when you combine this with the tear-resistant fabric, leaking should not be a concern. Even more so, it sports a reinforced pipe handle.
Capacity
Despite its high ranking on this list, it actually has a smaller capacity than most at four gallons. However, even still, if you use the water efficiently, this should account for four to five showers.
Simplicity
Both the twist-top valve and the twist-flow nozzle ensure a user-friendly experience. Plus, they both ensure that they seal as securely as possible.
Convenience
Besides the fact that the shower head has an integrated adjustable flow control feature, there is a TempTracker indicator that shows you the internal temperature of the enclosed water.
Portability
To ensure that no damage is caused when you are traveling with this solar shower, it comes included with a mesh carrying bag.
Overall
Okay, it is fair if you fall in love with this model over the first-ranked solar shower. To be honest, its unbelievable construction and innovate design features are proof enough for that.
3. Risepro
If convenience is what you seek, then that is what you shall receive with this portable solar shower. Besides the obvious benefits of its natural design, it features a showerhead that allows you to control the water flow (low or high) and a temperature indicator.
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To make the durability superior, this specific version features multiple layers of fabric to enhance the leakproof design. Overall, this is only constructed from environmentally-friendly materials to guarantee that your health is safe.
Capacity
Even though you do not have to fill it to the brim, as it does get heavier this way, if you needed its full potential then it could handle up to five gallons of water.
Simplicity
This solar shower literally opens as a gas cap would open. As such, it is ideal for you to either take a hose or a bucket to pour the water into the opening. If by a stream or lake, it will be difficult to fill it up by merely placing it in the water.
Convenience
Not only can you shut the shower head off to conserve as much water as possible but you can also control the water flow. That is right, you can either opt for high or low. In addition, a temperature indicator is attached to the bag.
Portability
As with most other models in existence, this is designed specifically for transport. The combination of its lightweight nature and its ability to be folded, ensure easy portability.
Overall
If not for a few drawbacks, such as a soft hose that is easy to kink, this may have had a chance to leap over the top two models on this list. As it sits, though, it is a fantastic product with minor issues.
4. Green Elephant Combination
Out of all the solar showers in this guide, the Combination Solar Shower has got to be the most innovative. Not only is it designed as a shower but it can also be utilized as a dry bag that can hold your personal belongings such as your smartphone and wallet.
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Given that this can be used as a dry bag, which is waterproof, you know it has a high-quality construction. This is accomplished with thick PVC material that prevents both water leakage and infiltration.
Capacity
When filled with water, it can hold five gallons which is suitable for a multitude of showers. As a dry bag, it will be large enough to hold most of your essentials.
Simplicity
Thanks to the wide opening, it is very simple to both fill it with water and empty it. Of course, the transparent panel is also a nice touch and allows you to monitor the current water level.
Convenience
By turning the shower head, it can be turned off to conserve water. But, clearly, this section is headlined as its dual-use as a dry waterproof bag. As most dry bags are, that makes it a suitable place for your small accessories and belongings.
Portability
When folded down, this will resemble a rectangle and overall, it is compact enough for any adventure that you can possibly think of. It should fit with ease in most backpacks.
Overall
A solar shower and a dry bag in one, what could possibly be better? Well, a better spout design would have been appreciated. But, at the end of the day, it is hard to argue with the convenience here.
5. Outmate Camp
You could spend time praising this solar shower because of its high capacity, terrific portability, or even its PVC construction. However, a simple, yet extremely effective, the feature is that the back of the sack is see-through. As such, you can always see how much water you have remaining.
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For reliable handling and carrying, there is an integrated strong handle. In addition to this, it is crafted from a durable PVC.
Capacity
The five-gallon capacity that this solar shower holds will provide enough showers for the whole family if used in moderation.
Simplicity
The valve that you need to open is located directly on top and as such, it makes pouring water inside a much easier process.
Convenience
As with most others, the shower head integrates a handy on/off valve. But, so you can ensure no one is taking an extra-long shower, the back is see-through and allows you to view the water level.
Portability
With all the components that go with a solar shower, this still manages to be an easy product to transport with. Without being filled with water, it weighs less than a pound.
Overall
For average people, five gallons of water should be a sufficient amount for showering or even washing dishes. However, the ability to see the water level is criminally underrated as you can easily tell if you are using too much water.
6. Coleman 5
It is tough to find foolproof solar showers, that is for sure. You should go in not expecting perfection as then you may be disappointed. Coleman’s solar shower is a great example of this as there are certain design flaws that may leave you scratching your head.
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Thanks to the strong PVC handle, finding an adequate place to hang this is quite simple. Also, it is crafted with heat-locking material to warm the water quicker.
Capacity
It has the capability of holding five gallons of water but then again, did you expect anything different at this point?
Simplicity
Coleman clearly thought through the process of filling up their sack with water. This is evident as the simple top-filling cap makes doing so a relative breeze.
Convenience
Connected to the shower head is an on/off valve and this allows you to control just how much water you need for an individual shower.
Portability
At only 8.8 ounces, which is about half-a-pound, you could probably have your five-year-old child carry it and they would be fine. Of course, this is not factoring in the water.
Overall
About the only aspects, Coleman did not nail are the hose and the shower head. As many consumers have pointed out, they are both pretty cheap and certainly are not designed to withstand abuse.
7. Solstice
As compared to the rest of the competition, Solstice does not bring many new innovations or ideas to the forefront. Still, what they provide is another solid option in a long list of them for solar showers.
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While at first glance you may be skeptical in this area, due to the thinner plastic material that appears to be used, users have noted that it actually holds up quite well.
Capacity
It is possible you have seen this movie before but guess what, this solar shower has been designed to hold up to five gallons of water.
Simplicity
Some solar showers only come equipped with a built-in handle for hanging it up. However, Solstice includes a rope system with their model and it branches the possibilities for you.
Convenience
With the included valve on the shower handle, simply turning it will turn it on and then to turn it off, merely turn it back the other way.
Portability
Due to the design, when all the water has been removed, it can be laid flat for storage or even folded up when you need to conserve as much room as physically possible.
Overall
There really is a lot to love here including a rope system to suspend the shower, it's simple to use the shower head and even the suitable capacity of five gallons.
8. Kingcamp
When the KingCamp Solar Shower is functioning, it seems to be a general consensus that it is a competent product. However, over time, some users have complained about leaking at the seams and you may need to seal them to prevent it in the future.
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Notwithstanding the fact that this is crafted from polyester and features a strong handle, consumers have reported issues of leaking from the seams which means you may need to reinforce them.
Capacity
Instead of holding five gallons of water, KingCamp actually rates this as being able to handle up to 5.28 gallons of water. It may not seem like much but 0.28 more gallons can be beneficial.
Simplicity
On the bottom of this bag, there is a large valve that needs to be removed (via a twist-off cap) to properly fill this up with water. Thankfully, this is a fairly hassle-free process.
Convenience
A handy on/off valve has been designed into the showerhead that allows you to stop the water flow any time you see fit.
Portability
Do not worry about this taking up an excessive amount of room as because of its nature, you can roll it up as compactly as you can get it.
Overall
Many may ponder how a solar shower that has notable leaking issues could possibly crack a top-ten list. Fair point but not all users have experienced this and plus, you can learn how to reinforce seams if it becomes troublesome.
9. Seattle Sports
Even though once again, there are some issues present here, Seattle Sports has still designed a solar shower that everyone can get some use out of. One of its benefits is its long hose that can better accommodate to shorter people.
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Instead of using PVC, this has been crafted with a PEVA water reservoir and while it is lightweight, it is durable. However, once again, leaking has been known to be an issue from time to time.
Capacity
It is simply fitting that the last shower on this list also holds five gallons, given that so many follow this formula.
Simplicity
No, this will not simply fill up with water by placing it in water. A hose or large cup must be utilized. In addition, the water in the shower head is not powerful enough to flow upward.
Convenience
Some people will truly appreciate the long hose and the push-pull valve that is located on it.
Portability
At just under one pound, this is another model that is ridiculously easy to transport around and the fact that you can easily fold it also helps.
Overall
Do you put your faith in the majority or the minority? Answering this will determine if you are willing to take a chance with this solar shower. There is the relative majority claiming it is a good product and the minority who are bashing it.
10. Nemo Helio
This solar shower not only will give you access to a warm shower, but also comes with a foot pump to allow you to apply pressure instead of getting a steady stream like other showers on our list. If you have decided to invest in a solar shower for you next camping experience, this is one to check out.
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For reliable handling and carrying, there is an integrated strong handle. In addition to this, it is crafted from a durable PVC. It also comes with a foot pump or extra pressure.
Capacity
The eleven liter capacity on this shower holds will provide enough showers for the whole family if used in moderation.
Simplicity
Filling this shower up is quite easy and all you need to do is leave it in the sun for a couple minutes to get the warmth to the water. The longer you leave it, the warmer the water will be.
Convenience
As with most others, the shower head integrates a handy on/off valve. The foot pump also is quite convenient as it allows you to give extra pressure if need be.
Portability
With all the components that go with a solar shower, this still manages to be an easy product to transport with. Without being filled with water, it weighs less than a pound.
Sources
- , 10 Best Solar Shower, Article
