Van Life Shower Solutions: Testing 5 Portable Shower Devices for Vanlife!

[@OverlandOne]

I use Bob's idea of a garden sprayer painted flat black. It works suprisingly well and after a few hours in the sun, I get a very hot shower. I also use it to clean my solar panels.

[@joanies6778]

That's what I'm going to get, too , when I go on the road next year, if I don't find something better that's affordable. 🤗

[@joymacasieb9540]

Is spraying black to attract the heat? I was kind of confused as to why he was going to spray black😮

[@johnhuff393]

​@@joymacasieb9540black absorbs heat better .

[@BlissfulDee]

Yes, @@joymacasieb9540 - if you want hot or warm water, setting a black container in the sun works well.

[@halltrader]

​@@joymacasieb9540Yes painting the sprayer tank black absorbs the heat from the sunlight and will heat the water in tank.

[@HuddlesAbound]

I like the Coleman ONESOURCE pump sprayer. It has a rechargeable battery, folds down to 3 inches and it holds 3 gallons. With arthritic hands, I cannot lift a shower bag. With the Coleman, I can leave it on the ground. It also has several spray options and the hose is plenty long enough. It costs $140, but the rechargeable battery also fits other Coleman products. I cannot pump air or lift a heavy bag, so the one time price is worth it to me. Great video. Thank you.

[@wanderlust62]

I have to look into it, love every thing about it and I use other Coleman's, too. I kept my garden one but as Bob said, about short hose and long handle. Thanks for sharing.

[@HuddlesAbound]

@@wanderlust62 Anytime. Thank you.

[@Ulbre]

If you had previously been using one of the other versions, I am sure that by the end of the first shower you were happy to part with that $140- :)

[@sk_rrrt9726]

I had it and used it full time. It didn't last 2 months.

[@BrassLock]

You're doing a fantastic job with your educational videos Bob.

[@smile83tye]

I agree❤

[@Lois-o1f]

Yeah, there will be a big community of us boomers in a caravan coming south. I'm packing right now😂❤😊

[@lorib360]

Haha the thumbnail is great! 🚿

[@ZiggZagg11]

I was wondering if he was going to give us a actual demonstration... 😂

[@ValentinoMustangs]

Best I've found for a cheap shower is a 5 gallon bucket and a USB rechargeable showerhead, once you get the water heated up in the bucket it's a easy warm shower.

[@chelsealaine2550]

Can you recommend a brand? There are so many on Amazon!

[@ProfChris]

Great feedback Bob! I have one like the $11 one and I use it as a hand washing & dish washing unit by my camp cook area. It's nice to have warm water right there when your cooking!

[@jsso2845]

I'm still using my solar shower. I only fill 1 or 2 gallons. It heats quickly and stores very small. I really like the usb units that you put in a warm bucket of water and use the shower head. No pumping. Great video Bob

[@IvyRosethebus]

I use the garden sprayer painted black. I usually heat water up in my tea kettle. Works perfect. I’ve used it for years. 😊

[@garbostyle1]

I grew up with no indoor plumbing at all so I learned early in life to heat some water, put it in a pan and wash off. In the summer you could rig up a tarp or something for privacy so you could at least pour water over yourself or just hit the river.😂 Those pan baths will get you through the winter though if it's all you have. I much prefer a shower so thanks for the info . It's good to hear from someone who has tried them out.

[@viking8889]

I have been living in my RV full-time for the past 13 years. The method that I use that has been foolproof is a 5 gallon bucket with a rechargeable camp water pump made for showers. I fill the bucket with either warm water from a 2-3 gallon solar shower bag or on a cold day I will heat water in a tea pot on my propane stove and then add in enough cold water so the temperature is pleasant. You could use the 5 gallon bucket from your camp toilet if you want so you don’t need to buy another one. I suggest you cut a flap in the lid and put that on top of the bucket with the water pump extended through the flap to keep out the soapy water when you rinse off.

[@sunderwonder6366]

Nice!

[@paulmaag6958]

I've been using these types of showers for over 25 years. I found all of the plastic types of showers to break after numerous usages. Most of them use cold water, which in my opinion, only is usable part of the year (brrrr). The only shower that lasted long and has a propane burner for colder time use is the Zodi Extreme. I have two of these, one of which I have used since the 1990's, demonstrating the value of its stainless steel construction. These appear to be an expensive alternative at $180, but considering it can give you a really hot shower and last a long time, is a bargain in MHO.

[@mayaluna11]

Longtime subby, but don't comment often. Had to break that habit to thank you for the laughs at the thumbnail. The twisty towel head suits all long hair afficionados 🤩Another great video Bob, and the scenery is gorgeous!

[@craig5477]

Good stuff. The Camp Shower warns that a couple hours in direct sun can bring water temp up to 122 degrees F. Don’t know bout you but that’s HOT.

[@danrandall794]

I made my own after watching a video Brian from Adventure Van Man did. I have learned that depending on the temperature outside even with the sprayer painted black it might not get nice and toasty warm. I can easily shower with less than a gallon of water so I went to a home improvement store and bought an empty one gallon plastic paint can and painted that black. I put water in it and put it on the dash and the thermal load coming thru the windshield always gives me hot water. Of course you can always heat water on the stove too. Hope this tip helps someone.

[@tandiparent1906]

Thanks!

[@mrdavemo]

Don't forget the low-tech version: a bucket or washing pail filled with cold water. Scoop the water over your head with a big bowl! I've been using this method for years. You get wet, soap up, rinse off, easy. Get used to cold water by taking cold showers at home. It's amazing how quickly you get used to it, and cold water showers are beneficial anyway!

[@mrj-charles6383]

I never heat the water. Just makes you bathe quicker when the weather is cold.

[@kentuckylucky5762]

Ok i think i have the best system...black painted gallon water jugs.. If its cloudy i have a fold up 3 gallon bucket i put a quick aquarium heater in it( $20 -30 bucks) the use a usb rechargeable shower head ...its all easy and works great for this disabled camper

[@kentuckylucky5762]

Try it..yes a little more water. But works great.

[@chelsealaine2550]

Does the USB shower head have a pump that you submerge in the water container?

[@JonTanOsb]

I bought a cheap garden sprayer and cut off the long plastic end. I got a metal barbed joiner that fit up the tube (and held on with a small hose clamp) and screwed a kitchen sprayer hose on the other end. It works well and is longer than I need. If you need all the different spray types, you can get a joiner than fits a regular garden hose and nozzle. I haven't yet put a strip of painter's tape over the fill numbers on the side, but I'll do that before I paint it black, so I can easily see (once the tape is removed) how much water is inside. When the rubber seal stopped doing its job, and I couldn't find the right sized replacement, I put a hair elastic (the kind without the baubles) under it, and now it works again. Hope that helps someone. Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@OwnedByACatNamedC.C.]

Your more recent videos have all been very excellent; no nonsense, & to the point without the distraction of the opening musical montage. Not that those videos are less valuable, because all of your videos are teaching tools we can all use! This video is no exception, as I am about to hit the road for the first time & since I don’t yet know enough about the features of my rig, I may invest in one of these portable showers to keep things simple as I begin my travel. Thank you Bob!!

[@lisapittman8878]

Very cool Bob. Youre doing a great job. Im planning to attend my first RTR in a few months !!! This has been my DREAM for the post 30+ years!!! I appreciate ALL OF the help I've gained from your ministry !!! God bless you

[@rebelgirl7289]

It will be my first as well. I've waited about 7 years and moved cross country so now I'm closer. I'll be as excited as you! Can't wait. Hope we meet Bob.

[@sandhiller49]

I used to take the 5 gal clear plastic jugs with spray nozzle that you can turn on and off. Put it in the sun on the picnic table or ground, let the sun heat it up. Then hang up by rope in tree with a hulu hoop and shower curtain, wooden grate on ground. Did a good job for a impromptu shower.

[@Lois-o1f]

I knew I was smart to save the hula hoop (I should also use it to exercise 😂)❤

[@stanbyme7874]

Geyser (unheated) system & a collapsible dog pool. Boil water for coffee in morn. Extra hot water goes into Thermos. After hike/bike use 1 cup hot/2 cup reg & have wonderful shower. Plugs in Goal Zero. Negligible power usage. I’m in Subaru Crosstrek. I needed smallest, most efficient. *Geyser was on Sale $150. Made $$ back the 1st month. Stay Healthy!

[@watcher9997]

Gorgeous scenery! Thanks for the informative video!

[@larryoutdoor]

If you have water and soap your half way there. Your a nomad boondocking . Being homeless and broke is a good motivator. Problems don't come to destroy you they come to show you your hidden power.

[@Lois-o1f]

Yeah!❤😊turn that frown upside down😂❤

[@keemandikotravels]

Thanks Bob! Love when you said" you do you"❤

[@bonniestillwater56]

Thank you for this video, Bob. I really appreciate the detailed demonstrations, and I am sure many others do too, so that we don't have to find out the differences in products the hard way. This saves people a lot of money we might not have to spare. 🙂

[@cathybell2899]

I appreciate these creative ideas for showering. But ... I always wonder why we aren't thinking outside the "shower to get clean box"? We're already thinking outside the sticks and bricks mindset, and we've learned we don't need a flush toilet to live happily on the road ... take it one step further. :-D Consider this: "Showering" was not a "thing" until fairly recently in human history. So how did our ancestors keep clean? My great grandparents moved by covered wagon from N Carolina to Maryland - with a small baby! (my grandmother). On their journey, they washed clothing and diapers in streams and hung them up to dry on the outside of the wagon. They also hauled buckets of clean stream water to the wagon, hung a sheet for privacy, and washed themselves and their baby from the bucket. No shower. No tub. In their home, they had a water pump at the back of the house that moved water from their well into buckets - for washing dishes, the house, and themselves. They used buckets of water with wash cloths for cleaning themselves - and didn't have indoor plumbing, with a bathtub and toilet, in their modest farm house until the 1960s. They had a summer kitchen outside the main house for washing dishes, and children. And old fashioned dry sinks with pitchers for washing themselves inside during the winter, and for daily shaving for the men. I'm lucky to have lived during a time when my great parents were still living and could share their adventure stories with me. My third child was born in an old hospital building that didn't have an ensuite bathroom with shower - just a toilet and sink. (she was born in 1989) I was given a basin with wash cloths and towels, and instructed to take a "birdie bath" at the sink. That's what the nurse called it. I had to ask her how to do that. lol (Ugh - so disappointing after having a baby to not get a nice warm shower) It worked, and I stayed very clean for the 2 days I was there. Now that we travel full time, I have a travel trailer with a 20 gallon fresh water tank and a shower, but I don't like to use gallons and gallons of clean water for showering (except for pure pampering days when I just need it for my mental health. :-) ) Instead, I take a "birdie bath". And I'm so happy I learned how to do it. I can clean from head to toe, in the privacy of my RV bathtub, with one gallon of water using the birdie bath method. It's easy. It's warm. It's clean and sanitary. I could do this in our outdoor stand-up shower tent also, but I prefer to stay indoors. I can use this method whether I'm boondocking on BLM land, or staying overnight in a Walmart parking lot or rest area on the highway. I save my fresh water for more important uses like drinking and cooking.

[@eugeniabernal5875]

This video is very informative. I’m glad I watched it. I think I would first try a tin bucket left in the sun, and a tin can or cup. Then placing a tall privacy tent over it and a chair would be also very helpful.

[@scootercarneal9625]

if you get the garden sprayer, paint it black, it draws the sunlight and warms the water faster

[@jodimcfarland1280]

Bob your humor and attitude is the best. Anybody else giggling about the pic!!!!😂

[@coloradopackratprepper]

Your pic made me laugh!!!! Thought i was gonna see actual showers!!!!! Keep up the no nonsense practical vids. More and more will join nomad and need this kind of advise

[@jamesderr1344]

I bought the Camplux Pro and love it, takes about 2 to 2 1/2 gallons to take a shower, a lot less if you don't wash your long hair. I combined that with the Kickass Shower curtain and KickAss Shower base and I use it in my box van and it all works perfectly to give me a great shower in the privacy of my van and I wash my dishes in a tub outside my van occasionally with the Camplux also. The whole system works great. You can make your own shower curtain and a base out of a folding dog pool and save money.

[@catpatrick3838]

I found a usb rechargeable camp shower pump that has a super quiet pump, the battery stays out of the water (it is separate from the pump, there is a cord on the pump that you plug into the battery). Came with two batteries. I can even bathe my little dog with it. KEDSUM is the brand. Came with both the shower head and the dish sprayer. I ditched the shower head and spent $13 on one with an on/off button and three spray options. The pump was $35. I can shower using less than half gallon of water, one to one and a half gallons total if I wash the hair as well. I'm really impressed with how quiet it is. If the water wasn't coming out I wouldn't even know it was on, it's just that quiet. Best investment for my camp shower needs so far. I killed the one I had that had the battery and charging port built into the pump so having the battery external was a huge plus for me. 🙄😁 ETA Both were purchased on Amazon.

[@Braveheart.22]

❤ thank you

[@joanies6778]

Thanks! Going to check inro this.

[@catpatrick3838]

@@joanies6778 From Amazon of course. I forgot to mention that. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@christafisher8533]

Love the mountain scene behind you. Thanks for the demonstration.

[@tracymeskel2839]

I use my $11 shower as a water heater. Works great.

[@glennalillpop3590]

Great video Bob - I am not a nomad but just a camper person. I use one of the cheapie bags hanging off of the side of my van to maintain a pretty constant supply of hot/warm water and will actually fill my shower sprayer with the heated water. I also use the water from the cheapie bag to do mini "sink" baths when I just need to freshen up but don't need a full shower. Thank you for your product reviews. I am sure they are very helpful to Nomads and are a definite good source of information to those of us who camp out of our vehicles.

[@BlissfulDee]

I just have to tell you that this is the BEST thumbnail you've ever made! The towel turban is the icing on the cake!

[@tennesseeterri]

YES BOB, I was thinking the same thing!

[@Ghost_Os]

In my opinion, the garden sprayer type is the way to go. I'll spend the extra $15 for the one that's ready to go; it would cost me that much or more to convert the Scott one into a shower. I can verify that when the gasket seals eventually fail, it's typically an easy task to find a compatible one at a hardware store, typically under a buck. Sometimes, you can even fix the problem just by cleaning the gasket. If it's looking a bit worn, you can try soaking it in some mint oil if you have it. I keep some on hand for headaches. Mint oil soaks into many types of rubber (but I don't think silicon), and has a plumping effect. It takes time, generally a say to see the full effect... Sometimes it will work, sometimes not, but worth trying if you're having trouble finding a suitable replacement gasket. I've also used silicone caulk, and of course there are various gasket maker kits you can get. I prefer a manual pump over a compressor; no electronics to fail, and up to a point, it will work as long as I'm willing to work.

[@viveviveka2651]

I use soft-sided (LDPE) squirt-top water bottles, similar to the ones used by bicyclists. Super simple, super reliable, durable, multi-purpose, inexpensive, and compact. If you watch how the Tour de France riders use their water bottles, basically to rinse themselves down, you can get a good idea. They warm up just fine in the sun. They could be painted black, but I find that there is no need. They are relatively small, so they warm up more quickly than larger water containers. I use them for drinking water and other beverages as well.

[@ladyporter2851]

Very smart 💦

[@montanaelkwhisperer1744]

winter just got here in Montana...which means i had to unhook and blow out my H2O system. yesterday, i went to our local public aquatic center (public pool) and bought a season pass for $150. now i can go take long, hot showers all winter!

[@zantarstone4971]

12 bucks 2.5 gallon garden sprayer rhen sink sprayer nozzle also w mart one barc fitting from hardware stor 2 bucks tgink it all togather ran like 25 bucks works great

[@jarrodharris5929]

After years on the road I prefer a manual pump shower, the greatest thing about them is the durability and when in colder climates you can always heat the water on the stove, and the problem I have found with any bag system is they are easily puncture

[@julesf.]

I bought a propane shower and I have the cheap-o bag shower for emergencies, but I think I really like that last usb shower you showed Bob. I'm going to look one of those up. I'm working on building an in-bed truck camper and I need to figure out an alternative shower solution for such a tiny space. That usb shower would be perfect.

[@shwartz166]

Extra thumb up for the thumbnail

[@jjm9902]

Nice vid, thx. And nice background!. On our boat we use a bag like the first one you showed 'cause we've had it forever. Just hoist it up the mast a bit for plenty of height. Changed the nozzle, tho. Leaving it on deck all day yields some seriously hot water. Thanks again, sir. (Enclosures??? We dont need no stinkin enclosures. ;-)

[@homelessnomad101]

A bucket with warm water and a cup to use to poor over me works perfect 😁

[@kele1264]

Great review, Bob, thanks! I think I like the one with the electric pump best. It does take a long time to charge. I'll have to look up how much energy it draws. But what a great idea. Have an awesome weekend!

[@MAGA_Monger]

Ordered the rechargeable solar heating camping shower as soon as I watched the video. Received it today. Love it!! Works great. The Velcro patch on the bag didn't survive the first use. It came loose just from filling the bag with hot water --- didn't even set it in the sun. Two thumbs up otherwise.

[@BobtheTraveler-WD8NVN]

Thanks Bob for another Great Video !!😃😃😃

[@ericalampley480]

That thumbnail is great!

[@mrussoregon]

Love the thumb nail, great info, thanks

[@carolyn6290]

When i have been in a situation of having to take a "bird bath", i get a pan of warm water and add some Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar to it. What a refreshing, clean feeling...and good for your skin!

[@sharkcookie.YouTube]

The electric pump is definitely the most convenient.

[@johnbornschein5525]

I like the last one thanks for the shower I needed one !

[@haroldconover5221]

Thanks for the info.I think the black bags the best 👌, and the spray one looks good

[@jojobobo6661]

wow that area your in is just stunning

[@1927su]

The black bag works great for handwashing while camping

[@ronmoore3987]

Thank U Mr Wells for the shower demos, and all the other videos you've made. I always dig thee entertainment value. Some day I'd love to meet you sir !

[@turquoisewitch.wild-owl]

I have to say that I bought the hanging black bag. It was WAY too heavy for me to hang high enough to use. I did buy a pumping pressure sprayer, which was so much better! I don't remember the brand I bought, but the long wand was removable, which helped.

[@bryantibbals2110]

Sea to summit watercell x bag with shower head attachment. Let gravity do the work! Can hang it anywhere naturally or I’ll use it with kelty H2GO privacy shelter (or anything comparable). Heat in the sun or boil and add water…Works like a dream!

[@angeladawn805]

Great review Bob 😊

[@alovesupreme8603]

Once again Bob excellent video! Aaaand my goodness the awe inspiring breathtaking vista behind you!!! Thank you!!! 🙌✌️😎💯👍🌞🤩🫡🏕️🖖🏼

[@janice234]

That thumbnail is hilarious!!!!

[@WebDesignSocal]

Just wash yourself with small plastic water bottles. Pour the water on yourself with one hand. Saves water too. Don't think in terms of "taking a shower". A shower is something you do in a "house".

[@tennesseeterri]

I use water bottles for watering delicate plants. Just put a bunch of holes in the lid, mini shower.

[@thevideostump46239]

The Original Camp Shower Bag (the 1st one you showed) I used one like it 20 something years ago at a motorcycle campout and it work just fine.. I think the actual original was Blue and someone put a Black trash bag over it to heat it up in the September sun and it worked!! Now I will say the time was like now in Indiana, the 7th year or a Indian Summer. Which for Indiana means lots and lots of Cicadas 🙄.. As for now, I still use my Kedsum portable/ rechargeable shower.. It works great but needed a longer hose on it, a trip to Menards cured that. However, if I was in the market I'd get the BTawd to save space!..

[@claudiamello7684]

Love me a good, hot shower. And a clean, dry towel. Heaven. 😊

[@donnamartin927]

Hahahah that picture of you wrapped in a towel is hysterical!!! I’ve been watching you for years . I’m still being a barnacle but one day I’ll let go and float off in an RV!!

[@terrapintravels3829]

Great demonstration Bob, thank you.🌵

[@lindam2720]

Thanks!

[@rhodeislandhiker4745]

Can we all just say this is hands down the best thumb nail of all time hahahaha your the best Bob

[@jhohiii]

@bob! Great video! I use MANY of your recommendations and learn a ton about practical concerns. Where was this filmed? That is an amazing site!!

[@johnshaw4140]

Brilliant and informative video as usual Bob

[@M1k3y0501]

We have the Nemo foot pump shower. He’s right it’s very pricey. It is good quality and does carry the Nemo lifetime warranty, for whatever that’s worth to you.

[@bobmirror7164]

Funny lead in photo. Two used 1-gallon Lipton Ice Tea bottles have have been my shower for years. Humm which one of those did Luis and Clark use. Next shower video should be teaching people how to pour water. Ahaa ha ha ha.

[@campgoerOne]

I have that green sprayer its great. I used a Home Depot bottle and switched out the long sprayer. I built mine myself for truck camping.

[@christopherwaller3115]

This is exactly the information I needed thank you so much!

[@LaineyBug2020]

Hey, I have the same turquoise and coral ring as you! So does my Mom! I love that ring so much!

[@MooseHenderson1]

Nice video Bob, hope you are well. I have used the Scott for about four years in my tiny house. I sold it with the tiny house as I have a regular shower in the Casita.

[@outdoorswithwoodswoman8467]

I have to admit that thumbnail of bob got me watching again damn it I already binge watch bob

[@njanderson4342]

Thanks Bob

[@kristenvincent3622]

Have to say it… EPIC thumbnail Bob!

[@gingerhaven2642]

The pic on the KZbin ad page has to be the cutest (as in Hobbit cute) pic of you, Bob, EVER! Thanks for the shower obsession!

[@rodhelms-yt2pk]

Good chicken Sunday at Safeway also other side the elk show will start soon in the private fields nice to watch

[@happynapper1234]

I live in a caravan In NZ my water pump has broken i am using 2, 10 liter buckets fill with cold water boil the jug add some hot, works really well use a plastic jug to pour it over my head and body cheap and quick feel clean and nice once done very affordable

[@eqmuse]

I've been using garden hand pump sprayers for years. I have a big one with a long wand, & a smaller hand held for reaching places the long wand isn't great for. I use them for all my washing needs, including dishes.

[@CamperGirl03]

Thanks Bob!!!

[@craftymulligar]

The ones you choose good budget options. Me ive done plumbing probably modify create my own versions to act as a standard house shower much as possible. Because i like to have the best. Some how or where i will put a gate valve to fine tune the stream and the best time. Maybe have a water pump instead of air. Use a 12 heating element put it on the bucket heat the water with battery or solar panel. Maybe a filter or 3 to create recirculating system to take long showers with 5 gallons of water. Thats getting expensive.

[@jkandkiminthecamper]

Thanks Bob! Helpful info!

[@mommadw2010]

I bought that solar shower. It worked ok and i just bought a portable shower you put in a bucket.

[@The_Joy_Finder]

Looking snazzy sir. One would think the $50 one would get much more regular use.

[@waynek3366]

I always boil one gallon first then put it in the cheap 5 gallon shower it always worked for me .

[@kendrasmith6637]

Very nice overview, Bob, for showers. 😊 thank you!

[@gypsylizzy8893]

Thanks for sharing. Great video

[@kimberlyknight4973]

Thank you Bob great video so many good options to hygiene on the road.

[@Braveheart.22]

I bought a ooyooqo shower system and it works perfectly

[@ramontoro]

Always interesting all your excellent videos Bob , thanks from Puerto Rico

[@jessdunn05]

Love the preview picture. So funny cute 🎉

[@ltpsalm63]

Wow! The scenery is gorgeous!! Where is Bob? Is this Colorado?

[@kevinwoolley7960]

Looks like Leadville area, that's Mt Massive in the background

[@ladikmk]

You had me at the thumbnail Bob! :)

[@TheMaximumMinimalist]

Nice! Haven't had time to look into all this. Been using a small pump garden sprayer, not very effective so this is good stuff to know

[@NilDreams]

Bob!! That thumbnail! Lol!!! Hilarious!!! 🤣🤣