Why Every Camper Needs an Outdoor Shower This Season

As the weather warms and the days stretch longer, Aussie campers are dusting off their tents and prepping the 4WDs for another season of outdoor adventures. But let’s be honest: nothing kills the camping buzz faster than being coated in sweat, sunscreen, and red dust with no way to rinse off.

Enter: the humble outdoor camping shower.

Far from being a luxury, a good outdoor shower setup can be a game-changer for anyone spending time off-grid. Whether you're pulling up near the coast, bush bashing inland, or hitting the trails in the hinterlands, there’s no better feeling than washing the day away under a sky full of stars (or at least rinsing the sand out of your undies).

Types of Outdoor Showers

1. Solar Showers
Fill it up, let it bake in the sun, and voila – warm water without electricity. Perfect for lightweight setups and eco-conscious campers.

2. Portable Gas Hot Water Systems
These bad boys connect to your LPG bottle and water source to give you a near-instant hot shower. Great for longer trips and family camping.

3. 12V Pump Showers
Drop the pump in a bucket or river, plug it into your car battery, and you’ve got steady water flow. Simple, affordable, and effective.

4. Shower Tents & Enclosures
Because privacy matters, especially when the campsite is packed. These quick-pitch tents give you a change room and a shower cubicle in one.

Must-Have Features

• Adjustable flow rate – for rinsing or full-pressure cleaning.

• Compact and portable – space is premium when you’re on the road.

• Durable build – tough enough for the bush.

• Easy setup – nobody wants to wrestle with hoses after a hike.

Fan Favourites This Season

Companion AquaHeat Gas Shower
"Feels like a home shower in the middle of nowhere. Worth every cent." – Dave, WA

Sea to Summit Pocket Shower
"Tiny, light, and perfect after a sweaty hike. Doesn’t look like much, but does the job brilliantly." – Mel, QLD

Kings Portable 12V Shower Kit
"Simple to use, great pressure, and under $50. It’s a no-brainer." – Jacob, NSW

Keeping Your Shower Setup in Top Nick

To keep your outdoor shower running smoothly season after season, a bit of maintenance goes a long way:

• Flush it out after every trip, especially if you've used bore water or creek water. This stops sediment and gunk build-up.

• Dry it properly before packing away to avoid mould or mildew, especially with solar bags and hoses.

• Check the seals and hoses for cracks or leaks regularly, particularly on gas systems.

• Store it safely in a dry, dust-free spot to protect the electronics and fittings.

• Use clean water whenever possible – it'll prolong the life of your pump and give you a better rinse.

A little care now saves a lot of frustration when you're deep in the outback and just want a decent wash.

Whether you're heading off on a weekend trip or tackling the Big Lap, adding an outdoor shower to your camping gear makes roughing it a whole lot more civilised. Plus, you'll finally win the ongoing argument over who smells worse at camp.

So this season, embrace the rinse and keep your adventures fresh. Your tent mates will thank you.