The 5 Best Outdoor Shower Kit Picks

June 2024 · 6 minute read

3 / 5

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Enjoy camping, van life, off-grid adventures and explorations while staying clean with the Helio Pressure Shower. This lightweight and compact pump-pressurized shower has a 2.9-gallon reservoir to wash away dirt and debris at your campsite. What’s more, when exposed to direct sunlight, this outdoor shower kit has a black water reservoir that heats up water to comfortably warm temperatures.

A foot pump provides pressurized flow, and its lengthy seven-foot hose makes showering comfortable for people of all sizes. One full pump provides five to seven minutes of continuous, steady water pressure. When it’s time to pack up and head home, the Helio Pressure Shower neatly fits in the included carrying case for transport and storage.

“This pressure shower is a must-have item for any outdoor adventure,” writes five-star reviewer Sydnee J. “I take it with me on most of my car camping trips. I use it to wash dishes, clean off my gear, rinse my doggos feet off, and take quick showers at camp. It’s easy to fill and you can either leave it in the sun to heat up the water or even directly pour hot water into it.”

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Designed to withstand the elements, the corrosion-resistant Homewerks Outdoor Shower Kit is ideal for building a simple spot to rinse off. Or, if you’re looking for something more luxe, pair it with privacy shrubs or a gazebo kit for a secluded spa of your own design. The two-handle kit gives precise control of hot and cold water, and it includes a convenient soap dish. Lastly, this outdoor shower kit is WaterSense certified, meaning it conserves water for a greener shower without compromising performance.

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Experience the luxury of a hot shower in the wilderness or your backyard with the Advanced Elements Summer Shower. This portable 5-gallon solar shower is designed for ultimate convenience and performance wherever you go. Efficient two-layer construction ensures optimal heat retention. Simply fill it with water, lay it out in the sun with the clear side facing up and get a soothing hot shower in almost no time at all!

With its durable build, wide handle grip and easy-to-use shower head, this outdoor shower kit is perfect for camping, hiking or boating adventures. For an affordable outdoor shower at home, hang it on a hook outside of your shed, garage or mudroom. Moreover, it features an extra-large filling valve, twist-off cap and strong Velcro straps to hold essentials like soap and shampoo. After use, simply roll it up for effortless storage.

Five-star reviewer Nenial says this is an absolute must for camping. “On our nine-day excursion through the great Southwest we did mostly wild camping and this was essential. Nothing like bathing in the wild. It heated up fast and the capacity was perfect for both of us to shower. Love the thermometer. Very easy to use and clean. Light but very tough. Great product.”

What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Shower Kit

Keep the following factors in mind when purchasing an outdoor shower kit:

Types of Outdoor Shower Kits

Why You Should Trust Us

Allison T.S. Robicelli has nearly 20 years of experience testing and vetting appliances for Family Handyman, MyDomaine, Epicurious, Food Network, Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, Wine Enthusiast, Washington Post, Serious Eats, Food52, Eater, The Takeout, Taste of Home and more. The Baltimore-based author has penned titles such Robicelli’s: A Love Story, with Cupcakes, 11 Places in Baltimore That You Must Not Miss, The Official Back to the Future Cookbook and The Official WWE Cookbook. She is also a James Beard Award nominee. Allison is also a former cooking teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City and Kings Cooking Studio in New Jersey. 

How We Found the Best Outdoor Shower Kits

Our experts researched the best outdoor shower kits before compiling our list. We considered each one’s features, functions and the materials that each one is made with. From there, we tested many on this list to ensure each product is worth spending money on. Our team also combed through thousands of shopper reviews to learn what real-life customers like about the kits you don’t have to. Lastly, we considered advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value and covered every price point.

FAQs

Do you need a drain for an outdoor shower?

Whether you need a drain for your outdoor shower depends on where you’re setting it up. In some instances—like if you’re setting it up near an in-ground pool or on a raised deck—you may not need to install any additional drainage. Consider water drainage before any installation, ensuring excess water is directed away from the shower space to reduce slipping hazards, mud puddles or ground saturation.

If you’re installing a permanent outdoor shower structure, check local building codes or HOA regulations before proceeding. They may require drains for proper wastewater management and to prevent environmental contamination. It’s important to check with your local authorities to determine if a drain is mandatory in your area.

Installing your outdoor shower on naturally absorbent surfaces like gravel, grass and sand may eliminate the need for a dedicated drainage system. If you still have oversaturation, consider a French drain system, which is easier to DIY than running a traditional outdoor plumbing line.

Does an outdoor shower add value?

Depending on the location of your home, adding a permanent outdoor shower structure can potentially increase its value. Houses in areas known for outdoor activities—like beaches, lakes and hiking trails—may benefit from having one installed. In warmer climates, a relaxing backyard area that is usable year-round is attractive to potential buyers.

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