Camping trips can be an amazing way to reconnect with nature, but staying clean while off the grid can be a challenge. This simple, solar-heated portable shower unit is perfect for outdoor adventures.
It efficiently warms water using solar energy and provides an easy-to-use gravity-fed shower system. With a few affordable materials and some DIY skills, you can have a warm, refreshing shower anywhere you go.
Why This DIY Portable Shower Works
- Affordable & Easy to Make: Uses inexpensive materials that are widely available.
- Solar-Heated: Black Gorilla tape absorbs sunlight, naturally warming the water.
- Lightweight & Portable: Compact and easy to carry for camping or emergency preparedness.
- Adjustable Water Flow: Modify flow rate with the spout and air stopper for efficient use.
What You Will Need
- 1 x 9-liter rectangular water jug
- 1 x braided poly rope (10-20 feet)
- 1 x garden watering can spout (or compatible shower attachment)
- 1 x chain shackle
- 1 x unscrewable chain link
- 1 roll of Gorilla tape
Tools
- 3 x contractor-grade glue sticks
- 1 x glue gun
- 1 x tiny tube of Krazy glue
- 1 x thin piece of wood (e.g., matchstick)
- 1 x pliers
- 1 x lighter or butane torch
- 1 x scissors
How to Make
Step 1: Fitting the Rigging
To securely suspend the water jug, create a support system using braided poly rope.
- Lay the water jug tap-side down.
- Thread the rope through the jug handle, ensuring equal lengths on both sides.
- Use the bottom edge of the jug as a guide and tie a reef (square) knot.
- Wrap the rope around the jug’s length and bring it to the opposite side.
- Split the sections around the white spout, pass one end through the handle, and tie another reef knot.
Step 2: Perfecting the Spout Head
To ensure controlled water flow, modify the watering can spout:
- Remove the detachable spout from the watering can.
- Place the spout face down on a flat surface.
- Heat the glue gun and carefully seal the inner ring holes with hot glue, leaving the center hole open.
- Allow the glue to fully dry before proceeding.
Step 3: Connecting the Two Spouts
For a leak-proof fit between the jug and watering can spout:
- Insert the spout into the jug opening.
- Apply a thin layer of Krazy glue around the connecting edges for a temporary seal.
- Reinforce the bond with hot glue, ensuring it doesn’t block the water pathway.
- Apply additional layers of hot glue around the connection to prevent leaks and improve water pressure.
Step 4: Preparing the Hanging Line
To suspend the shower securely:
- Place the chain shackle in a vice and tie a reef knot around it with the rope.
- Secure the knot with hot glue.
- Attach the unscrewable chain link to the other end of the rope using another reef knot and glue it shut.
- Trim excess rope and use a lighter to melt the ends to prevent fraying.
Step 5: Taping Up Your Jug for Solar Heating
Enhancing the jug’s heat absorption with black Gorilla tape:
- Wrap the jug in Gorilla tape, leaving a small area to monitor the water level.
- Secure the front rope (under the spout) to the jug with tape, but keep the back rope untaped for hanging.
- Tape the knotted rope sections together to fit through the chain link without slipping.
Step 6: Testing Your Camping Shower
Once assembled, test the system before heading on your trip:
- Fill the jug with water and hang it from a sturdy tree limb or crossbar.
- Thread the rope through the chain shackle and secure it.
- Lift the jug, toss the rope over a limb, and secure it at the desired height.
- Pull the air stopper to release water—adjusting flow by opening or closing the spout.
Notes:
- Adjust the shackle placement to regulate water flow.
- For time-release function, open the stopper, start the flow, and close the stopper—it will continue running for 20-30 seconds before stopping.
Additional Features for Customization
- Privacy Curtain: Attach a simple hanging shower curtain for privacy.
- Water Capacity: Use a larger jug for longer showers.
- Better Heating: Cover with additional black tape or use a solar heat-absorbing bag.
Summary
This solar-heated portable camping shower is an easy-to-make, affordable solution for outdoor hygiene. Using simple materials, solar energy, and gravity-fed water flow, this DIY project ensures you have a warm and refreshing shower while camping. With a bit of preparation, you can enhance comfort on your next outdoor adventure!
This plan is a contribution by [alliedmilk]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.