Portable showers:
the best solutions for your camper van road trips
Traveling in a camper van or with a rooftop tent means enjoying the freedom of the open road and breathtaking landscapes. But vanlife also raises an essential question (one we are often asked): “How do you shower?”
Good news: there are plenty of clever, practical, and eco-friendly solutions to stay clean (and comfortable), whether you are near a beach or in the mountains!!
In this blog post, we reveal our best options for enjoying a good shower on the road during your van, camper van, rooftop tent, and bivouac road trips!
Showering on a road trip :practical solutions to stay clean on the road |
1. Portable showers
Portable showers offer an independent solution for your adventures. Here arethree types of portable showers designed for the needs of nomads:
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Solar shower: A black bag filled with water that heats up in the sun, perfect for a hot shower after a long day. Practical, eco-friendly and ideal for sunny days. Use a carabiner to attach the handle to a tree branch or hang it from your roof rack and you're ready to go.
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Manual pressure shower: Operating with a manual pump, it allows you to control the water flow without requiring electricity. An ideal choice for areas where sunlight is scarce.
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Portable electric shower: Powered by a rechargeable battery, it offers constant pressure for an experience close to a regular shower. Remember to keep a power source close at hand.
2. Public showers
Sometimes, we want a little more comfort, that is, a long hot shower where we can “lounge” for more than 2 minutes and for those with long hair, take the time to pamper it.
There are then a few options available to you:
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Public showers: available in campsites, some rest areas, gas stations and even on some beaches, they are often a simple and accessible solution to freshen up on the road.
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Municipal swimming pools: perfect for a wellness break, they allow you not only to take a hot shower, but also to take a little dip to relax (and even use a sauna or hammam depending on the available facilities). A real luxury after several days on the road!
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Gyms: for the more athletic who also want to work out!
3. Old-fashioned washing
When you travel in a van, camper van or bivouac, every drop of water counts. And sometimes, you have to be resourceful to stay clean without access to a shower.
For frugal adventurers or those in the great outdoors, the good old method of a basin and washcloth remains a reliable choice! A minimalist, economical, and effective method.
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Discover our soap bag, so you don't lose a bit of your soap
A few tips for getting hot water |
- The portable gas water heater with integrated shower from the Camplux brand. A compact water heater that heats your water instantly. No electrical connection, you can use it anywhere!
Discover the Camplux portable water heater
- Solar shower - place the shower in the morning before going for a walk. Around 5 p.m. the temperature will be at its peak and you can enjoy a hot shower.
- Heat water on gas and fill your shower reservoir with the water (Depending on the reservoirs, it is important not to put boiling water directly in the reservoir. Dilute it before)
Discover our stainless steel kettles
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Use a heating probe to heat the container.
Discover our heating probe - Rinsekit
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Use a water heater to get hot water quickly!
Discover our portable water heater - Kampa
Our useful and practical accessories for showering on a road trip |
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Shower tent for more privacy when showering outdoors. It will also protect you from drafts and the wind.
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Hanging toiletry bag: Convenient for keeping your products within reach.
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Microfiber towel: Lightweight, compact, and quick-drying.
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Discover our microfiber towels (sea to summit + Vinga Sweden)
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Clothesline or magnetic hooks: Perfect for drying your towels outside.
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Microfiber poncho : Ideal for drying off quickly and changing discreetly, away from prying eyes.
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Suction cup dryer : no more hanging your towel on the rearview mirror (often dirty…). The suction cup dryer is ideal for drying towels, damp dishcloths and swimwear.
The little something extra for the planet…
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Remember to use biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothpaste.
Did you know? Even with biodegradable soap, it is recommended to wash yourself more than 50-100 meters away from bodies of water (river, lake, sea, etc.) to avoid any contamination and preserve wildlife and plants.
With all these tips, you can no longer say that Vanlife means unpleasant odors and messy hair!
Whether you are team portable shower, adapted from the strategic pool dive or master of the express wash mitt, there is always a solution to maintain good hygiene on a road trip.
And with the right equipment and accessories, a few good habits, you are ready to hit the road without worrying about your next shower!
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