Best Budget Camping Showers: Ivation and Dr. Prepare Reviewed

When it comes to camping, having a reliable and convenient shower makes a big difference in your outdoor experience. We’ve tested and reviewed two of our favorite portable showers: the Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower and the Dr. Prepare Camping Shower. Both have their unique features, pros, and cons that cater to different needs and preferences.

Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower is a compact, battery-powered unit that draws water from any bucket or sink and provides a steady shower stream. We love that it’s designed to pull water from virtually anywhere and is battery powered. This makes it really versitile and easy to use.

Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower, Battery Powered Compact Handheld Rechargeable Camping Showerhead - Pumps Water from Bucket Into Steady, Gentle Shower Stream

Pros

• Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for camping trips.
• Battery-Powered: Offers up to 1 hour of continuous use on a full charge, making it ideal for off-grid use.
• Strong Water Flow: Delivers a flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute, ensuring a consistent and comfortable shower experience.
• Versatile Mounting Options: Comes with a suction cup and S-hook for easy mounting on various surfaces like trees, cars, or shower tents.
• Ease of Use: Simple to set up and operate; just immerse the pump in a water source and turn on the showerhead.
• Gentle and Safe: Suitable for all ages, including seniors, babies, and pets due to its gentle flow rate.

Cons

• Battery Life: While it offers good battery life, it requires several hours to fully recharge, especially if charged via car ports.
• Hose Length: The 6.5-foot hose may be too short for taller users, making it inconvenient for some.
• Water Capacity: Drains a 5-gallon bucket in about 4 minutes, so you may need a larger water source for extended use.
• Charging Issues: Some users reported receiving a wall plug instead of the advertised USB charger, which can be inconvenient for those relying on USB charging capabilities.

Dr. Prepare Camping Shower Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The Dr. Prepare Camping Shower is designed with a large water capacity and manual pump operation, making it a versatile choice for various outdoor activities. We love this shower because it doesn’t rely on electricity. Plus it’s tank is large enough for a couple quick rinses, or a single longer shower which is nice as long as you aren’t moving it around often.

DR.PREPARE Camping Shower 4 Gallons/5 Gallons Portable Camp Shower with Foot Pump, Dual Shower Options, Large Water Inlet, Portable Outdoor Shower for Camping, Beach, Hiking, Climbing

Pros

• Large Capacity: Holds up to 4 gallons of water, allowing for longer showers or multiple uses without frequent refills.
• Versatility: Suitable for camping, hiking, beach trips, and even emergency situations.
• User-Friendly: Easy to fill, operate, and transport.
• Durability: Made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand outdoor conditions.
• Compact Storage: Despite its large capacity, it packs down small for easy storage and transport.

Cons

• Weight: When filled, it can become quite heavy, which may be challenging to carry over long distances.
• Pump Operation: The manual pump requires physical effort, which can be tiring for some users.
• Temperature Control: Lacks a built-in heating mechanism, so water temperature depends on the environment or additional heating efforts.

Conclusion

Both the Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower and the Dr. Prepare Camping Shower offer unique advantages for camping enthusiasts. The Ivation shower is perfect for those seeking a lightweight, battery-powered option with a strong water flow and versatile mounting options. However, it requires frequent water refills and may not suit taller individuals.

On the other hand, the Dr. Prepare Camping Shower offers a larger water capacity and durable construction, making it ideal for extended use and various outdoor activities. Its manual pump operation might be less convenient for some, but it provides a reliable showering solution without the need for electricity.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize portability and ease of use or capacity and versatility, both showers are excellent options for enhancing your camping experience and are both very affordable.

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By Summer and Bill

Summer and Bill are the dynamic duo behind Adventureite.com, a blog dedicated to inspiring others to explore the great outdoors. With a combined lifetime of experience traveling and adventuring across America, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. From hiking to camping, kayaking to travel, Summer and Bill are passionate about helping others discover the beauty of the natural world.