Best Portable Showers for Camping and Van Life: Honest Review of Geyser Systems, Rinse Kit, BeachBox & Sea to Summit
When you spend days off-grid, few things feel better than a hot shower! But finding the right portable shower can be surprisingly hard. We’ve road-tested four of the most popular portable showers models on the market so you don’t have to! In this blog, we share our reviews of the four popular off-grid shower models, and break down the best portable showers for camping and van life. Below we review and compare the performance and functionality of portable shower units from Geyser Systems, Rinse Kit, BeachBox, and Sea to Summit. Spoiler alert: our favorite off-grid shower pick REALLY surprised us!
Why should you trust us? We’re Gwyn and Ami, a couple based in the Pacific Northwest. Last year we spent over 150 days on the road traveling in our Scout Kenai truck camper! Our camper has a shower pan but no built in shower system or plumbing, so when we got our truck camper we knew we would need to research the best portable showers so we could stay on the road for extended periods of time. We use a portable shower every 1-2 days when we’re staying in our camper, and we’ve extensively road-tested the four portable showers reviewed in this blog.
This post is NOT sponsored. Looking for the best portable showers for camping and van life? Below we share our honest reviews of off-grid showers from Geyser Systems, Rinse Kit, BeachBox, and Sea to Summit.
FULL review of the best portable showers for camping and van life
Quick Summary: Best Portable Showers for Camping & Van Life
Before we dive into our reviews of four different portable showers for camping and vanlife, below is a table that breaks down some of the basic stats and features of each off-grid shower model reviewed in this post.
| Shower | Best For | Power Source | Capacity |
| Sea to Summit Pocket Shower | Lightweight and small; hot showers | Gravity | 2.6 gal |
| BeachBox Outdoor Portable Shower | No-fuss setup; no power needed | Manual pump (no batteries or power needed) | 1.3 gal |
| Rinse Kit Pro | Strong pressure; longer showers | 12V battery | 3.5 gal |
| Geyser Systems | Water efficiency | 12V power (must be plugged in for use) | 0.8 gal |
How We Tested These Portable Camp Showers
I tested each shower on multi-day off-grid trips, both outdoors and inside our camper. Each off-grid shower was evaluated and rated based on:
- Ease of use & setup
- Water efficiency
- Pressure & temperature control
- Durability
- Value for price
I like HOT showers. For heat, I typically boiled water on the propane stove in our camper and mixed it with cold water to achieve a warm shower. Of the four shower systems reviewed here, only the Geyser Systems unit includes a built-in heating element.
Our FULL reviews of off-grid showers from Geyser Systems, Rinse Kit, BeachBox, and Sea to Summit
Geyser Systems Portable Shower with Heater Review
Geyser Systems Portable Shower with Heater
Best for: Minimal water use, heating water using 12 volt electrical power
Our rating: ⭐️⭐️ 1.5 out of 5
The Geyser Systems Portable Shower with Heater is a compact, 12 volt power-operated shower system. It’s designed to provide low-water, heated showers for camping, van life, and off-grid use. It uses a small electric pump and built-in heating element to deliver a steady stream of water through a sponge or hose attachment. It must be plugged into a 12 V source to operate, and holds 0.8 gallons of water. Geyser Systems positions their product as a good option for quick, efficient rinses while conserving water.
This was the first shower system we tested out in our Scout Truck Camper and, based on the glowing online reviews, I felt confident I would LOVE the Geyser System. Spoiler alert: we experienced significant quality control and customer service issues, and didn’t love the Geyser Systems portable shower. Below, I share my full review of the Geyser Systems Portable Shower with Heater, including what I liked… and what I didn’t like!
My experience testing the Geyser Systems Portable Shower with Heater: a faulty product from the start
We bought the Geyser Systems Portable Shower with Heater just before heading out on a 5-day off-grid trip to Mount Baker. With nearly 50 miles of hiking planned, we were excited to have a way to rinse off and feel human again each evening. Unfortunately, the excitement didn’t last long. Our brand-new unit arrived with a cracked valve system which sprayed everywhere! Not a great start for a product designed for remote adventures.
Once we were back in cell service, we contacted Geyser Systems customer support for a replacement valve. It took over 2 weeks to get a response, which wasn’t encouraging. When the part finally arrived, we tested the shower at home before our next trip, and that’s when problem number two appeared. The bottom of the unit wasn’t sealed properly, and it leaked water all over our bathroom floor, ruining our baseboard. Strike three!
Hoping it was just a faulty unit, we decided to give the Geyser portable shower another try and ordered a replacement unit. Would this be strike FOUR? Below, you’ll find our honest review of the Geyser Systems Portable Shower with Heater, including the pros and cons of using it as an off-grid shower system for camping and van life.
Pros of Geyser Systems portable shower
- 12V heating feature can be handy when no other heat source is available
- Unit is compact and easy to store and carry
- Extremely water efficient (uses less than 2 liters of water per shower)
- Can be used to wash gear, pets, and people (but needs to be plugged in)
Cons of the Geyser Systems portable shower
- Expensive (around $400)
- Cheap-feeling plastic valves that are hard to operate
- Broken parts, leaks, and poor quality control
- Built-in heater takes too long to warm water
- Auto-shutoff triggers easily, limiting heat
- Poor customer service
- Included sponge doesn’t dry out well between uses
- Not ideal for thick or long hair
Geyser Systems review: a high-cost portable shower (with design flaws)
Overall, I’d give the Geyser Systems Portable Shower with Heater a 1.5 out of 5. I went in with high hopes, but was ultimately disappointed. This shower system is one of the most expensive portable showers available, yet we experienced multiple equipment failures and poor customer service. Despite the high cost, I didn’t find it to be a premium product.
There are several aspects of the Geyser Systems portable shower design I didn’t like, and that I think could be significantly improvised. First, the valve that controls the water flow is difficult to operate. Based on other reviews, and our own experience, the valve is prone to cracking and failure. Second, while the ability to heat water using 12-volt power is helpful, I feel that it takes too long to warm water up, and adding hot water manually often triggered the unit’s auto-shutoff, even when the temperature was safe. Finally, the long, uninsulated hose also causes water to cool rapidly, making it difficult to enjoy a warm shower. Furthermore, because the Geyser Systems portable shower requires constant power to run, it’s less convenient for off-grid or van-life showers.
The biggest advantage of the Geyser Systems off-grid shower is its extremely low water consumption, making it one of the most water-efficient portable showers we tested. However, the weak flow and narrow valve aren’t ideal for rinsing long or thick hair, and the tall, narrow design tips over easily. Overall, I found that the Geyser Systems Portable Shower with Heater doesn’t justify its high price compared to more reliable and user-friendly portable shower systems reviewed below.
Rinse Kit Pro Portable Shower Review
Rinse Kit Pro Portable Shower
Best for: Longer showers, easy upright storage and transport
Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 out of 5
The Rinse Kit Pro Portable Shower is a pressurized shower system designed for camping, road trips, and off-grid adventures. It holds 3.5 gallons of water, and the pump is operated by a rechargeable 12 volt battery. The unit does not need to be plugged in to work. It can be filled with hot or cold water, which is delivered by a spray nozzle with powerful pressure (50 psi). All the components are stored inside of a compact plastic box with a handle on it, making storage and transport easy while traveling or camping.
Pros of the Rinse Kit Pro Portable Shower
- Strong, adjustable water pressure with multiple spray settings
- Self-contained design with sturdy handle for easy transport
- Can be filled with hot or cold water
- The square design makes it easy to store
- Can be used to wash gear, pets, and people
- Built like a tank!
The cons of the Rinse Kit Pro Portable Shower
- Hard to gauge exact water temperature once filled
- Because the unit is large, it’s hard to heat a sufficient volume of water
- I found this to be the most water-intensive of the portable shower systems we tested
- Bulky and heavy when full
Rinse Kit review: lukewarm on this off-grid shower system
Overall, I’d rate the Rinse Kit Pro Portable Shower a 3 out of 5. The system delivers strong water pressure and has solid battery life, making it a reliable choice for off-grid showers. It’s built like a tank! Its design is functional and easy to use, though a bit bulky for smaller truck campers or compact car camping setups.
My main critique of the Rinse Kit Pro is its size, and its performance for hot showers. The 3.5-gallon capacity makes it difficult to heat enough water efficiently on a stove, and the long hose quickly cools the water, resulting in a lukewarm shower experience at best. This unit also used more water than the other shower systems reviewed here. Overall, I don’t think the Rinse Kit is a bad product. However, it wouldn’t be my top pick for the best portable shower for overlanding and van life.
BeachBox Outdoor Portable Shower Review
beachBox Outdoor Portable Shower
Best for: No-fuss warm showers for camping, overlanding, and car camping
Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5 out of 5
The BeachBox Portable Shower System is designed for camping, van life, and the beach, and is one of the most convenient portable showers for outdoor use. It consists of a pressurized water tank and pump, detachable hose with a spray nozzle, and insulated neoprene cover. The system requires no power to operate and maintains strong, consistent water pressure with minimal pumping. Lightweight and durable, the BeachBox is ideal for rinsing off or showering after hikes, surf sessions, or camping trips.
PROS of the BeachBox Outdoor Portable Shower
- No electricity or batteries are required
- Portable – can be used outside or inside
- Excellent, consistent pressure with minimal pumping
- Compact size and sturdy design
- Good water efficiency for its capacity
- Great value at around $120 (and often goes on sale)
- The flexible hose makes it easy to direct the flow of water
- Spray nozzle make it easy to control the flow of water
- Can be used to wash gear, pets, and people
Cons of the BeachBox Outdoor Portable Shower
- Because the fillport is small, it’s hard to gauge the exact water temperature once the unit is filled
- Hose dissipates heat quickly, resulting in warm (not hot) showers
- Not the most water efficient – it is better than the Rinse Kit, but uses more water than the Geyser System (mentioned above) and Sea to Summit (mentioned below). However, this does result in more of a “full shower” experience.
BeachBox final review: no-fuss warm showers (no power needed)
Honestly, the BeachBox shower system really surprised me! I enjoyed using the BeachBox Portable Shower System, and would give it a 4.5/5. This portable shower for camping and van life requires minimal pumping and no power source, making it the easiest and lowest-maintenance option of the four showers reviewed here. It works well for both indoor and outdoor use, and is simple to fill with hot water. It’s easy to operate, and the water pressure is strong and consistent, effectively rinsing even long, thick hair. My main critique is temperature control: the uninsulated, long hose causes the water to cool quickly, so the shower wasn’t as hot as I would have liked. However, I experienced that same issue with Geyser Systems and Rinse Kit, which share a similar hose design.
Although this unit shares some similarities with the Geyser System and Rinse Kit reviewed above, I think it improves on both models. The 1.3 gallon capacity is generous, but not overly large. The showerhead has strong pressure, but it’s also easy to control and pause the flow of water. That makes this unit relatively water efficient, while still giving users a full shower experience (and with a stronger and wider flow compared with Geyser Systems). Finally, the lack of battery-operated components makes this system more versatile, simple to use, and long lasting, giving it key advantages over the other systems. The price point is also significantly lower, making it a no-brainer. Overall, it allows you to have a full, warm shower experience!
Sea to Summit Pocket Shower Review
Sea to Summit Pocket Shower
Best for: HOT showers, people with limited storage space
Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.75 out of 5
The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is an ultra-light, gravity-fed shower designed for camping, backpacking, and off-grid adventures. Unlike the other units here, the pocket shower relies on gravity to provide power-free off-grid showers. Made from durable waterproof fabric, you can heat your water with sunlight (the bag is black), or fill it with hot water. The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower delivers a steady flow for up to seven minutes. It packs down small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, making it ideal for travelers and even backpackers. Because it’s gravity-fed, you need to be able to hang it above your head to use it.
Pros of the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower
- Compact and lightweight – it fits in the palm of my hand
- Simple, reliable design with minimal parts
- Incredibly water-efficient – I can shower with about 1.5 liters of water
- Portable – can be used outside or inside
- Retains heat surprisingly well, delivering genuinely hot showers
- Excellent price point (often under $40)
- Easy to reach into the bag to test water temperature before showering
Cons of the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower
- Must be hung above you to work – not ideal for every camper layout
- Fixed showerhead means less flexibility in directing flow (i.e. it’s hard to wash your feet)
- Not well-suited for washing gear or pets (gravity only)
Sea to Summit Pocket Shower final review: a surprise winner (with caveats)
I’m surprised to say that I LOVE the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower, and would give it a glowing 4.75/5 review! This gravity based shower for off-grid use is inexpensive and has a simple design that avoids some of the issues with the other models listed here. While it won’t work for everyone, I think it’s worth a try!
My favorite feature of the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is how small and portable it is, making it ideal for car camping and life on the road. The bag dries quickly after use, and is easy to store. Because there is no hose line there is no heat loss during use, so this allows for HOT showers on the road. The low cost is also a huge bonus– it is by far the cheapest option. It’s a minimalist wonder, and incredibly fast to set up and easy to use for piping hot off-grid showers.
Although I love and highly recommend this shower, there are a few caveats. Filling the bag with hot water is a bit nerve wracking, and requires care not to burn yourself. Additionally, and most importantly, this bag needs to be hung from the ceiling. We hang it from a cord we stretch from one side of our camper to the other, and it works great! That said, the ceiling of some campers would not allow for sufficient space for hanging inside. However, you can also use this shower outside. Finally, this shower is the least versatile. While the other showers have pressurized systems that can be used to wash off dirty gear or spray down pets, the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is gravity fed and wont work well for that. If you’re looking for an all-in-one, I recommend our second pick: BeachBox Outdoor Portable Shower.
Final thoughts: the best portable shower for camping and van life
After extensively testing four different models to find the best portable showers for camping and van life, I’m happy to say I found a couple winners!
For me, the low-maintenance and reliable systems offered by Sea to Summit and BeachBox really stood out. These systems are ultra-portable, nimble, and relatively low-cost. They both allow for comfortable showers using a modest amount of water, and they work well for people with both long and short hair. They’re compact, and don’t have a lot of mechanical parts that can break.
I could see instances where the Rinse Kit system is also a strong contender, especially if you don’t care about having a hot shower (although, they do have some units with a heater function). However, based on our poor experience and the high cost, I cannot recommend Geyser Systems.
Overall, here is how we rank the four portable showers reviewed in this blog post:
- 🥇 Sea to Summit Pocket Shower – Best and cheapest off-grid shower, but gravity-based design won’t work for everyone
- 🥈 BeachBox Outdoor Portable Shower – A close second! Most portable off-grid shower, with a fuss-free and power-free design that shouldn’t fail
- 🥉 Rinse Kit Pro – A good option, but bulky and not the most water efficient
- 🚫 Geyser Systems – Not recommended – high cost, poor reliability, and cheap parts
I hope you found this review of the best portable shower for camping and van life helpful. You can access more gear reviews and truck camper/overlanding content below!
