Bathing is like a mini-workout even when you are not doing anything! How? Click here to know.
Whether or not you prefer bathing daily, there are some valid reasons why you should bath daily while camping/trekking. The First would be you don’t want to sleep with the smell of sweat, because you should not go to your sleeping bag without a shower, and you might also attract some bears, but not after you read this guide on how to get rid of bears while camping.
Also, feeling all dirty, sweaty, and tired after a day of trekking or hiking, a shower is a must and relaxing. It is preferred to take a bath in the morning if you are on a primitive camping trip. Night showers are before you go to sleep is much more practical if you went to hiking.
Taking a shower can be a little challenging, especially when you are with family, but it’s not impossible, right? You are at an advantage if you decided to go camping near a lake/river or any water body.
We have the solution to how to take showers while you are out and about, and what all things you should keep in mind while doing so.
Let’s get started, shall we?
6 Ways To Take Showers While Camping
We saw why is it important to take showers while camping. Now we should answer your questions on how?
If you have an RV, then you don’t have any problem, you can bathe or wash up whenever you feel like it. Still, you will have to think about the water usage and when.
Some commercial campsites also come with bathrooms available. Of course, you will decide and research about the campsite you are going to and just carry your toiletries with you and you are good to go.
1. Using A Portable Camping Shower
The option for any kind of portable shower is unlimited, it is up to you to decide what kind will fit your budget and requirements.
Fone such camping shower is an electric shower. These use a 12V volt battery to draw water from the attached container to the nozzles. But there is a drawback to it that is it does not have a flow rate regulator so you might waste more water than expected.
Invation portable shower is an electric shower that is most suited because this model has a battery-powered pump, siphon, and showerhead.
Another kind of portable showers for camping is pressurized camping showers. This is how it works- you fill the tank with water and pressurize the tank with a standard bicycle pump or 12-volt air compressor, and then you can also adjust the flow rate of the water, just like a faucet at your home.
These are also a great way to serve water conservation roles because it has adjustable flow rate. You can also store these on top of your vehicle and save the space inside the van/ RV/ trailer.
2. Let Gravity Do Its Job
What do you mean by gravity will help you? It means gravity will make DIY showers for yourself. It can be as simple as filling a bottle and punching holes in the cap and just squeeze the bottle upside down over your head.
You can control the flow rate by squeezing hard or not squeezing at all because gravity will do its work. What an easy solution to reuse water bottles and conserve water.
If you are hesitant to build one of your own, and upgrade the gravity shower a little. Here is an amazon link to some pocket showers, namely, Sea to summit pocket showers, simple showers.
Since this is so easy to do, there has to be a DIY for it. Yes, right here. DIY gallon jug–
- Take a clean jug with a screw-on lid.
- Drill 8-10 small holes
- Drill a hole in the bottom to prevent vacuum formation.
- And voila! You are ready.
You also have the option of setting a camping shower tent if there are people around. Depend upon how much privacy you want.
3. Sponge Bathing
Yes, the best way to save water and still ensuring a cleansing shower that will make you squeaky clean. This technique is used to bathe patients when they cannot move or are unconscious.
You can easily use soap without thinking of harming the environment. You can also call it sustainable bathing when combined with biodegradable soaps.
Here are some simple steps to follow-
- Warm some water on the campfire or stove. (lukewarm or however warm you want it)
- Apply a couple of drops of castile soap such as Dr. Bronners (This brand is the most recommended) to a wet washcloth or sponge.
- Wash a section and rinse it with another clean sponge or wet cloth.
- Repeat until you are fully washed or satisfied.
- Discard the water with soap in it at least 200 feet away from the campsite and do not dump in any water bodies.
4. Nature Resources
If you are out in nature and it has a water body, then you will have to experience this once. There is nothing better than swimming and getting yourself clean. But be aware of the water if it is home to alligators or crocodiles.
Make sure you are permitted to enter the water. Also, make sure you do not carry any kind of soaps into the natural waters as it is not good for aquatic life, not even the biodegradable soap.
Don’t get too deep into the water if you do not know how to swim. Take extra precaution with kids.
5. Public Showers
This is the easiest and convenient method to take shower. You can easily find one of these in gas stations, or just random public bathrooms along the roads.
The bathrooms at the campsite will charge you for every use per head. Truck stops also have a pay for shower facility for the drivers and the public. Public beaches have this for free.
6. Baby Wipes
Yes, you can these to wipe yourself and get a quick-dry cleaning. Carry these baby wipes on camp with you and use them to wipe your body and face. Don’t use the same wipe to clean your face and body.
Pack the used wipes in separate ziplock bags, as these are not biodegradable. Dispose of them once you find a way to do it correctly. It would be great if you can get your hands on some biodegradable body wipes.
Tips For Showers On Camping
- Pack at least two outfits for your camping trip so that you can wash one with the extra water and let it dry overnight or in sunlight.
- Never dispose of any kind of soaps or shower gels into the natural water resources.
- Consider using hand sanitizers to wash your hand instead of water and handwash.
- Use microfibre towels as they dry quickly. Avoid bringing thick towels.
- Avoid using scented soaps/ shampoos as they attract bugs. Here is how to get rid of the spiders.
- Always keep the motive of saving water in mind.
FAQs
Conclusion
I hoped this article helped you in giving enough reasons to bathe during camping and how to bathe during camping if you do not have a camper/ trailer.
We also have some important tips to keep in mind while showering during camping. I would recommend the gravity trick if you do not want to step into natural water. Otherwise, nature is the best.
If you have more creative ideas to shower during a camping trip, then do let us know in the comment section. We would love to hear those.
Check out our website for more camping related guides.
Until then happy camping!
