Portable showers:
the best solutions for your road trips in a converted van
Traveling in a campervan or with a rooftop tent means enjoying the freedom of the open road and breathtaking scenery. But vanlife also raises an essential question (one we're often asked): " How do you shower?"
Good news: there are plenty of clever, practical and eco-friendly solutions for staying clean (and comfortable) , whether you're 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 road trips in a van, converted van, rooftop tent, or bivouac!
Showering on a road trip :practical solutions to stay clean on the roads |
1. Portable showers
Portable showers offer a self-contained solution for your adventures. Here are three types of portable showers suited to 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 hook it to your roof rack and off you go.
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Hand-operated shower: Operated by a hand pump , it allows you to control the flow of water 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 traditional shower. Remember to keep a power source handy.
2. Public showers
Sometimes we want a little more comfort, that is to say 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 for freshening up on the way.
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Municipal swimming pools : perfect for a wellness break, they not only allow you to take a hot shower , but also to take a little dip to relax (and even a sauna or hammam depending on the facilities available). 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. The old-fashioned toilet
When you travel in a van , campervan , or bivouac , every drop of water counts . And sometimes you have to be resourceful to stay clean without access to a shower.
For budget-conscious backpackers or those in the great outdoors, the good old-fashioned basin and washcloth method remains a safe bet! A minimalist, economical, and effective method.
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Discover our soap net , so as not to lose a crumb of your soap
Some tips for having hot water |
- Solar Shower - Set up 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 the gas stove and fill your shower tank with the water (Depending on the tank, it is important not to put boiling water directly into the tank. Dilute it first)
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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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The shower tent for more privacy during your outdoor showers. It will also protect you from drafts and wind.
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Hanging toiletry bag : Convenient for keeping your products close at hand.
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Microfiber Towel : Lightweight, compact and dries quickly.
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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 , out of sight.
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Suction cup dryer : no more need to hang your towel on the rearview mirror (often dirty...). The suction cup dryer is ideal for drying towels , damp cloths and swimsuits .
A little extra for the planet…
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Consider using biodegradable soap, shampoo and toothpaste .
Did you know? Even with biodegradable soap , it is recommended to wash more than 50-100 meters from waterways (rivers, lakes, seas, etc.) to avoid contamination and preserve flora and fauna.
With all these tips, we can no longer say that vanlife rhymes with suspicious smells and messy hair!
Whether you're a portable shower person , a fan of strategic pool splashes , or a master of the express washcloth , there's always a solution for maintaining good hygiene on a road trip.
And with the right equipment and accessories, and a few good habits, you're ready to hit the road without worrying about your next shower!
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