Taking A Shower In The Backcountry Is A Guilty Pleasure!
If you thought you'd have to forgo a hot shower while backpacking in the backcountry think again. This guilty pleasure can be yours with no inconvenience at all.
When we go camping with our family and there are no wash houses available we bring along our large portable solar shower. Filled up with cold water we let the bag sit in the sun for a few hours and then hang from a tree.
There is enough hot water, heated by the sun for everyone to get clean by.
The same is true for backpackers. We found a very small and lightweight portable solar shower that fits in the palm of your hand when folded up. Nothing really feels better after a hot day of hiking than a warm shower to wash away all the sweat, dirt and bug spray. That's what a portable backpacking solar shower can offer.
Even when you're backpacking you can still take a shower. Imagine taking a nice warm shower after a long hot day exploring the woods, hiking along dusty trails and climbing rocks, logs and trees.
Portable showers are heated up with the solar power of the sun and can get very warm in a short period of time.
A portable shower or portable outdoor shower is a great way to get clean while you're away. They will hold enough water for a couple of hikers to have a quick wash at the end of the day.
They are usually constructed from heavy duty tough plastic, black on one side and clear on the other. The one we use for backpacking trips is made of a black coloured heavier duty waterproof fabric.
A handle at the top with rope to hang and tie from a tree branch or other tall, sturdy post and a hose with a shower head attached at the bottom.
The shower head can be turned on or off by either pushing/pulling the shower head or twisting it open and close. A portable outdoor shower will come in different sizes so check this out before buying so you get what your needs are.
Fill it with water, leave it out in the sun and then hang to shower! Of course use biodegradeable soap and hang your shower at least 200 feet from any nearby stream or fresh water source.
Showering in the backcountry might seem like an unnecessary luxury but after a hot day of hiking this is one lightweight luxury I make sure to pack with me.
Happy Hiking!
About The Author:Leanne Arnott invites you to read more articles about taking your family camping or going on a family hiking trip at http://www.family-camping-and-hiking.com. You can add your submissions on many topics and subscribe to our monthly ezine.
Recent Articles On This Topic
Enhance Your Hike With A Helmet Camera
Many companies make special cases that will turn your cell phone into a waterproof camera or a helmet camera with very little work.
Backpacks For Kids
It's especially important to have a properly fitted backpack for your child if they are going on a backpacking trip with you.
Do You Need A Sleeping Pad?
Sleeping pads are really the foundation of your bed when you are camping or backpacking. They act as a cushion against the hard ground and as a warm air insulator to help keep you warm and comfortable during the night.
Warning: Sleeping In A Hammock Tent May Cause You To Ditch Your Ground Tent
Hammock tents aren't for everybody, especially if you sleep with your partner or family in one tent but for others they offer a great alternative that is both environmentally friendly and very comfortable for the body.
How To Purify Water When Backpacking
Water purifier systems are a necessity if you are going on longer hikes or backpacking. Those cold, mountain streams are natural sources of drinking water but may contain viruses and bacteria. You need to filter those out.
The Importance Of A First Aid Kit While Hiking
Whether you are hiking for the day on a local well maintained trail or heading out into the backcountry for a multi-day hike, you need to be prepared. A hiking or backpacking first aid kit is an essential and very important part of any hiking trip.
Hiking Socks - Are They Worth It?
The best hiking boots will keep your feet comfortable and happy as long as you pair them with some great hiking socks. They are more expensive than regular run of the mill socks you wear daily but they are well worth the investment, believe me.
Protect Your Food From Bears - Hang It Up!
Leaving your food at ground level at night is taking a risk that it won't be there by morning. Many popular back country areas have a pulley system to enable hikers to hang their food well out of reach of bears and other wildlife.
Buying Great Gear While Winter Is Still Here!
Winter is a great time to buy new gear at fantastic prices! You can get top quality camping and hiking gear for a lot less if you shop now.
What Is Merino Wool And Why It's Perfect For Hiking
More and more people are hearing about the greatness of wearing merino wool fabrics for backpacking and hiking. But what is it and what is so great about it? Here are some quick basics about merino wool and why so many people are falling in love with this fantastic fabric.
Overnight Survival: What To Do When You Are Lost In The Wilderness
Getting lost in the woods is a very real possibility. You hear about it happening to someone every year. The stories with happy endings usually have a few things in common: Luck, smarts, and advanced preparation for such emergencies.
Spring Is Here - Time To Check Your Gear
Springtime is the best time of year to inspect your backpacking gear for the upcoming season. Making sure your gear is in great condition and ready to work for you instead of loading up your gear in a month or two only to find that some of it isn't going to hold up and you're stuck with inferior gear or you need to cancel your trip altogether.
Using Your LED Flashlight As An Emergency Signal
One simple piece of technology has saved many lost hikers: an LED flashlight. Learn how to use your flashlight to signal for help, and increase your chances of being found before the situation becomes alarming.
Marmot Angel Fire Sleeping Bag - Will It Keep You Warm Enough?
Marmot makes a great line up of camping and hiking gear that is both well made and very durable. Their products are practical and made with the outdoors in mind. One of my favourite products they make is the Marmot Angel Fire sleeping bag.
Taking A Shower In The Backcountry Is A Guilty Pleasure!
If you thought you'd have to forgo a hot shower while backpacking in the backcountry think again. This guilty pleasure can be yours with no inconvenience at all.
Hiking Boots: How To Know When It's Time To Replace Them
Everyone hates to give up the things they love and we often do form a loving relationship with truly excellent hiking boots that have served us well for so long but when they're ready to give up the ghost, don't try to drag more life out of the old friends. Let them die with dignity.
Questions To Help You Pick The Perfect Hikers Backpack
This guide was made just for someone like you, to provide information on how to pick that perfect first hiking backpack for yourself.
Get Those Compasses Out Of Your Hiking Backpacks And Use Them!
Here is how you can be directed by your compass easily.
How To Choose The Right Tent For You
There are so many tents on the market these days; how do you know which one is the one you need? There are a few questions to ask yourself before making your big purchase.
Portable Water Filter Options - Pros And Cons
Before you buy a portable water filter, it's a good idea to know what's out there, including the different basic types that are available today. Here's some information about the three major types of portable water filtration devices to help you decide what will suit your needs best.
Hiking Water Filter - Top Five Things To Look For
Buying a hiking water filter is essential for your next hiking trip.
Get The Right Backpacks For Your Different Kinds Of Hiking
The last thing you want is for your backpack to cause a strain that causes you to have a problem on the hike or to cut your hike short.
Features Of Backpacks For Hiking
There are many different types of backpacks for hiking, and each of them has its own special features. Once you know about the different features that are available and their purpose, you may be able to decide on which backpacks for hiking are the right kind for you.
Items You Should Look For On Outdoor Backpacks
If you are becoming a serious hiker, then your old school backpack simply won't cut it. You need outdoor backpacks if you are going to do outdoor adventuring.
Tips On Getting The Best Backpacking Backpacks
If you are ready to pick up some new gear before you head out on your next back-country hiking trip, then you may be interested in these tips on getting the best backpacking backpacks.
Some Advantages Of Lightweight Backpacks
As a backpacker, you can travel further and faster by packing lighter with lightweight backpacks.
Navigation
