Top 5 Camping Hot Water Systems of 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
Imagine yourself on a camping trip, surrounded by nature’s beauty, but dreading the thought of a cold shower or struggling to wash dishes in frigid water. Fear not! The top 5 best camping hot water systems of 2023 have arrived to transform your outdoor experience, providing you with the luxury of the best camping hot water system wherever you go. Let’s dive in to discover the perfect system tailored to your camping needs.
- Snapshot of Top Performers
- The Joolca Hottap V2: Best for Instant Hot Water
- Companion Solar Shower: Best Budget Option
- Sea to Summit Pocket Shower: Best for Backpacking
- Smarttek Camp Shower: Best for High Flow Rate
- Companion Aquaheat Lithium Gas Shower: Best Portable Design
- Factors to Consider When Buying a Camping Hot Water System
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
Snapshot of Top Performers
Let’s start with a brief overview of the top 5 camping hot water systems of 2023, along with their notable features:
- Best for Instant Hot Water: Joolca Hottap V2
- Best Budget Option: Companion Solar Shower
- Best Backpacking Shower: Sea to Summit Pocket Shower
- Best for High Flow Rate: Smarttek Camp Shower
- Best Portable Design: Companion Aquaheat Lithium Gas Shower
The Joolca Hottap V2: Best for Instant Hot Water
Pros:
- Instant hot water
- Compact and lightweight design
- High-quality build
- Reliable performance
Cons:
- Pricey
The Joolca Hottap V2 revolutionises camping trips for those who desire instant hot water access. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport and set up, allowing you to enjoy a warm shower or wash dishes in a snap. However, the convenience comes with a slightly higher price tag than other options on this list.
The system prioritises user convenience with its efficient heating process and effortless operation. When camping off-grid, you’ll need an external pump to get water into the unit, but the overall experience is worth the extra effort. On the downside, the price might be a consideration for budget-conscious campers.
Rating:
- Price: 3/5
- Design: 4.5/5
- Performance: 5/5
- Overall: 4.2/5
Companion Solar Shower: Best Budget Option
Pros:
- Economical
- Environmentally friendly
- Simple to use
- 20-liter water capacity
Cons:
- Dependent on sunlight for heating
- Slow heating process
If you’re budget-conscious, the Companion Solar Camp Shower is an economical and environment-friendly solution offering warm showers during camping. Its 20-litre water capacity suits for solo trips or with family and friends. The downside is that its heating process depends on sunlight, which may not always be reliable.
To operate the Companion Solar Shower, you need to fill it with water in the morning and place it under sunlight to warm up throughout the day. The sun’s heat gets transferred to the water, allowing you to enjoy a warm shower in the afternoon. While it may take a few hours to heat up, the benefits of this budget-friendly solar camping shower make it a popular choice among campers.
Rating:
- Price: 5/5
- Design: 4/5
- Performance: 3/5
- Overall: 4/5
Sea to Summit Pocket Shower: Best for Backpacking
Pros:
- Lightweight and packable
- Easy to use
- Heats up well
- It comes with everything you need
Cons:
- Low pressure
- It can be difficult to hang high enough
- Roll-top is leaky
Attention, backpackers! The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is the perfect shower bag for easy transportation and setup. Here are some key features:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Holds up to 10 liters of water
- It comes with a cord to hang it from a tree
- Built-in shower head
- Shut-off valve for controlling water flow
The Pocket Shower:
- Made of durable and waterproof materials
- It lasts through multiple backpacking adventures
- Lower water pressure compared to some other options
- Portable and easy to use
- Favorite among backpackers
- It might take some practice to hang it high enough for a comfortable shower
Rating:
- Price: 4.5/5
- Design: 4/5
- Performance: 3.5/5
- Overall: 4/5
Smarttek Camp Shower: Best for High Flow Rate
Pros: It is easy to take it wherever you go. Using it is very straightforward.
- It provides instant hot water
- Compact and lightweight
- Durable construction
Cons:
- It may require a new gas bottle with a specific fitting
- Some users have reported issues with temperature control
The Smarttek Camp Shower is favoured by campers who prioritise convenience and simplicity of operation. Its portable design and user-friendly features make it an ideal option for those wanting a reliable and straightforward hot water system while camping. However, some users have reported issues with temperature control, and you may need a new gas bottle with a specific fitting.
This camp shower offers the following features:
- Runs on LPG gas
- Provides instant hot water for showers and dishwashing
- Durable construction for reliability and longevity
- Compact and lightweight design for easy transportation and setup
Overall, the Smarttek Camp Shower is one of the best camping showers for those seeking a portable, easy-to-use hot water system.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4.5/5
- Performance: 4/5
- Overall: 4.2/5
Companion Aquaheat Lithium Gas Shower: Best Portable Design
Price: $400
Pros:
- High flow rate
- Instant hot water
- Built-in lithium battery
- Easy setup and operation
Cons:
- Pricey
- Heavier compared to other options
The Companion Aquaheat Lithium Gas Shower is your go-to option if you’re looking for a high flow rate. Its features include:
- Powerful and efficient performance
- Exceptional shower experience
- Plenty of hot water for multiple users
- Built-in lithium battery eliminates the need for a 12v power source
- Convenient for campers
However, it is on the pricier side and heavier than other options on this list.
The Aquaheat Lithium Gas Shower:
- Easy to set up
- Provides instant hot water for showering or washing when you’re out camping
- It has a high flow rate and reliable performance.
- A popular choice among campers who prioritise powerful and efficient showers
- Despite its higher price tag, the benefits of this high flow rate hot water system make it a worthwhile investment for those who need plenty of hot water while camping.
Rating:
- Price: 3/5
- Design: 4/5
- Performance: 5/5
- Overall: 4/5
Factors to Consider When Buying a Camping Hot Water System
Before deciding, consider several crucial factors when buying a camping hot water system.
The subsequent subsections will explore various heating methods, portability and size, and ease of use to guide you in finding the ideal system for your camping requirements.
Understanding Different Heating Methods
Camping hot water systems come in various heating methods, including:
- Solar showers harness the sun’s energy to heat the water, making them an economical and eco-friendly choice. However, they depend on sunlight for heating and can take a few hours to heat up.
- Gas-powered systems provide instant hot water and are convenient for camping trips. They require a gas canister for operation.
- Battery-powered systems offer portability and convenience. They use batteries to heat the water and are suitable for shorter camping trips.
On the other hand, gas-powered camp showers use fuel to heat the water, providing instant hot water. While they’re more expensive than solar showers, they offer the benefit of using gas for other camping needs, such as heating water for a hot beverage.
Battery-powered camping showers are another option, providing instant hot water and temperature control at your fingertips. Although they’re heavier and more expensive than other options, they offer the convenience of a hot shower, independent of sunlight or gas supply, making them suitable for hot and cold showers.
Evaluating Portability and Size
Choosing the top camping hot water system requires a careful assessment of portability and size. A lightweight and compact portable hot water system is ideal for backpackers and campers prioritising space-saving and easy transportation. Some good options for portable hot water systems in terms of portability and size are:
- Joolca Hottap V2
- Companion Solar Shower
- Sea to Summit Pocket Shower
- Smarttek Camp Shower
- Companion Aquaheat Lithium Gas Shower
In addition to size and weight, consider the type of heating method used, as this can impact the system’s overall portability. Some options to consider are:
- Solar showers, which rely on sunlight and may not be suitable for shaded or cloudy environments
- Gas-powered showers, which offer greater flexibility in terms of location and setup
- Battery-powered showers, which are convenient for camping or other outdoor activities
Assessing Ease of Use
The user-friendliness of a hot water camping shower system is a significant factor to keep in mind. This includes the setup process, system operation, and necessary maintenance. When setting up your system, consider the water source (lake, river, etc.) and ensure it’s mounted securely.
Operating a camping hot water system can vary depending on your chosen type. Generally, it involves turning on the system and adjusting the temperature and flow rate as needed.
Maintenance of your system will depend on the type you get, but it’s important to check it regularly for damage or wear and tear and ensure that all connections are tight.
Summary
In conclusion, the top 5 camping hot water systems of 2023 cater to various camping needs and preferences. Whether you prioritise instant hot water, budget-friendly options, portability, or high flow rates, there’s a system out there for you. By considering heating methods, portability and size, and ease of use, you can confidently choose the ideal camping hot water system to elevate your outdoor experience and make cold showers and washing dishes a thing of the past.
