Camp Shower

[apopj]

Just got back from a three week trip out west. Towed the Rascal behind the Harley for 6000 miles without a hitch. But, there was a problem. While staying in Glacier National Park, there were no showers AND no hot water. Hmmm, even I can't stand myself smelly sooooooo, bought a Seattle Sports Solar Camp Shower from REI. Paid about $20 for it and it worked great.
This is simply a lightweight rubberish bag that holds 2 1/2 gallons of water. From the bottom is a 3 foot rubber hose with a "shower nozzle" on the end. At the top is a handle for carrying and a 1" wide strap for hanging. I simply laid it on top of the Rascal and had plenty of water pressure for a nice shower.
The bag is black and aids in heating the water by the sun. Worked if the temp was high 80's but normally just heated two MSR pots of water and temp was perfect with a gallon of cold water. The nozzle turns off or on by simply pulling on it. Wouldn't want to make a career of it, but for washing hair and a quick shower, couldn't be more pleased. Saw a smaller one, but the nozzle was molded into the bottom and you would have to hang it over your head to use. This one had the hose and was very easy to use.
Highly recommended from REI......

[JohnDelivers]

I never go camping without our portable shower. Like you, I just fill the bag about half way with cold water, and then add a liter or two of hot water to that.

Personally I prefer the bag that has the nozzle attached directly to the bottom of the bag. It is super small and stores easily. The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower at REI. Both hands are free to take care of business that way. You can find it here~ http://www.rei.com/product/758045. I got it on sale for $20 back in May.

When pulling the trailer I bring the portable shower house with me. Find it here~ http://www.amazon.com/Texsport-Deluxe-Shower-Shelter-Combo/dp/B000ITVSSQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1279572794&sr=8-2-spell. The shower house is no larger than a large camp chair bag when dismantled. My bride and I stayed on the Blue Ridge Parkway for 7 nights back in May and it sure came in handy.

When all else fails the old sponge/wash cloth bath is refreshing as well.

[apopj]

Yep, that's the one I looked at. Where do you hang the bag when you don't have the shower tent? That was my concern as I am not always around something to hang it from. It was definitely a lot smaller and compact.....

[JohnDelivers]

I have yet to not have the shower tent with me if no showers are available where we're camping. But I would think a tree branch, or suspended between two trees. I could hang it from the pop-up if I had to. If someone is camping with you, you could always hold it for each other if no other options existed.

[nortonkicker]

The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is great and compact. Another alternative are the Kleenz towels. 2ft x 4ft pre-moistened towels that are large enough to wash your entire body. My wife loves them. They come in an easy to open, sealed pouch. At $1.99 each, they are a good alternative to carry in your bags.

[jabo1945]

For hanging the bag where there is no branches, maybe you ca devise some type
of collapsible pole from short sections of PVC pipe. Be easy to break down and stow
away. And the best part,, real cheap to make.

Maybe 3 - 2ft sections that couple together with the PVC couples.

Lash or bungee the assembled pole to whatever is handy, camp chair, motorcycle, your wife, etc.

Might be able to use pole for multi purposes around camp,, hanging lanterns, etc.

[JohnDelivers]

Jerry~

Wally World sells collapsible poles for about $10 in the camping section. The Coleman brand goes from 3.5 to 8 feet. I use them with a tarp to make a canopy for a covered front porch with the pop-up. I could hang a shower bag from one of them easy enough. Use one pole staked out with three lines or two poles with a line running from one to the other....either way that should about do it for ya'.

I've never heard of the Kleenz towels, but now that I have I may have to stow a couple of them on the bike or trailer....one never knows when you'll need 'em. Where did you pick them up at?

[scootac]

I just got one from Dick's Sporting Goods, holds 5 gal., with a hose and nozzle out the bottom. Cost was $10. Filled it from the garden hose, laid it on the patio Sunday afternoon, in an hour it was just as warm as could be. Has a piece of rope 5-6' long to hang it where ever. Now to try it out for real!