Our top three camping shower picks
Heating and pumping are different: the Joolca does both; the Companion pumps water without heating it; the Pocket Shower uses gravity. Compare the complete kit you need, not just the shower head.
Joolca HOTTAP V2 Outing Kit
Our choice for regular vehicle-based camping when hot water is worth the extra equipment. For occasional rinses, the Companion or Pocket Shower can meet the need for much less money.
The best camping shower is the one that suits your water supply, packing space and willingness to set it up. A heated system can be worthwhile on a cold touring trip; a small bag or bucket pump may be all you need after a swim.
These recommendations are based on product information, Australian listings and practical buying considerations. We have not personally tested temperature stability, pressure, battery life or long-term durability.
The shortlist at a glance
| Product | System | Main requirement | Listed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joolca HOTTAP V2 Outing | LPG heater + 12V pump | LPG, water and 12V supply | $579.00 AUD |
| Companion Rechargeable Shower | Rechargeable pump; no heater | Charged battery and water container | $69.00 AUD |
| Sea to Summit Pocket Shower | 10L gravity bag; no powered heater | Strong hanging point | $42.49 AUD |
How we chose
We kept the two distinct choices from the original article and added the Companion as an affordable pumped alternative. None of these three needs to win every use case: the right choice depends on whether you need heating, pumping or simply a compact way to rinse.
Amazon Australia and eBay Australia were checked first. We verified an exact Companion listing on eBay; suitable Amazon offers and exact available marketplace offers for the other two were not confirmed. Those buttons use the official Australian Joolca store and Tentworld instead.
1. Joolca HOTTAP V2 Outing Kit
Our overall pick for regular vehicle camping with hot water.
The Outing Kit is our overall choice for vehicle-based campers who will use hot showers regularly. It combines the HOTTAP V2 heater with the 12V pump and river filter needed to draw water from a suitable container, rather than relying on an existing pressurised tap.
Joolca lists a 2.5–6L/min flow range, a 5m shower hose, gas hose, lightweight feet and a carry tub. Ignition uses two D-cell batteries; the pump needs a separate compatible 12V supply. You must also provide water and the appropriate LPG cylinder.
Its value depends on your camping habits. For repeated cold-weather trips, the convenience may justify the cost and packing space. For two summer weekends a year, a much simpler shower could be the better use of your money. This is a portable system with several parts to set up, dry and store.
✓ Reasons to choose it
- Heats flowing water on demand.
- Outing package includes the pump and filter.
- Useful for regular vehicle-based camping.
– Reasons to reconsider
- Highest price and largest equipment commitment here.
- Needs LPG, water, ignition batteries and 12V pump power.
- Strict outdoor-use and clearance requirements.
Choose this one if: you travel by vehicle and hot showers will be a regular part of your camping routine.
2. Companion Rechargeable Camp Shower COMP25345
A lower-cost pump shower when you already have suitable water.
The Companion fills the useful middle ground between an overhead bag and an LPG system. Its rechargeable pump sits in a water container while the hose lets you position the shower head separately. It does not heat water.
Freddys lists a 2m hose, average flow of 3L/min, a built-in 3.7V 2850mAh lithium-ion battery, car-adaptor/USB charging and approximately 75 minutes of runtime. These are retailer specifications, not results from our own testing. Battery runtime does not mean a single bucket lasts that long.
The exact COMP25345 was listed new by Australian eBay seller 4wdindustries at $69 before postage. Freddys also listed it at $69. We would choose it for beach rinses and occasional camping when a hanging bag is inconvenient and on-demand heating is unnecessary.
✓ Reasons to choose it
- Much cheaper than the heated kit.
- No overhead water bag to lift.
- Rechargeable power and a separate shower head.
– Reasons to reconsider
- No heating: water temperature must be managed separately.
- Battery must be charged before the trip.
- You still need a suitable water container.
Choose this one if: you want a pumped rinse and can provide water at an appropriate temperature.
3. Sea to Summit Pocket Shower 10L
A compact gravity shower for minimalist trips and occasional rinses.
The Pocket Shower is the simplest option here. Sea to Summit lists a 120g packed weight, 10L capacity, twist-controlled outlet and 6m hanging cord. It has no pump or battery to manage.
The manufacturer suggests approximately eight minutes with the outlet fully open. Solar warming depends on the conditions, so this should not be bought as a guaranteed hot-water system. A full 10L bag adds roughly 10kg of water: the small packed weight does not remove the need for a strong hanging point and manageable lifting height.
The official Australian store was sold out when checked. Tentworld listed the same APSHOWER model at $42.49 with an add-to-cart option; delivery and local availability require a postcode. We have retained this recommendation rather than treating one sold-out store as evidence of discontinuation.
✓ Reasons to choose it
- Lowest checked price and smallest packed commitment.
- No gas, battery or pump.
- Adjustable outlet for a simple rinse.
– Reasons to reconsider
- Gravity flow is modest.
- Sun-warmed water is not guaranteed.
- Needs a secure support for the filled bag.
Choose this one if: low weight and simplicity matter more than pressure or guaranteed hot water.
Decide what you actually need
- Regular cold-weather vehicle camping: start with the Joolca and budget for the complete system.
- Beach trips and occasional weekends: consider the Companion if a bucket-based pump is more practical than hanging a bag.
- Hiking or minimal packing: consider the Pocket Shower, provided there is an appropriate hanging point and water to spare.
- Campsites with good amenities: compare the extra equipment with simply using the facilities you have already paid for.
Plan water before buying more equipment
A long battery runtime or an on-demand heater does not create a water supply. Start with how much water you can carry, how many people need it and whether you can refill safely and legally.
Litres used = litres per minute × minutes with water flowing. At 3L/min, five minutes of continuous flow uses 15L. At 6L/min it uses 30L. For four people, the difference quickly becomes a major storage and transport decision.
Short wet–wash–rinse cycles can use less water than leaving the shower running. Follow the equipment’s instructions when stopping and restarting flow, and check the temperature again before stepping underneath. Keep drinking-water needs separate from the shower allowance.
What else belongs in the budget?
The Joolca price is not the price of a fully equipped campsite bathroom. Depending on what you already own, you may need a compatible gas cylinder, pump power supply, water containers and a privacy shelter. The other two also need an appropriate water source and a practical place to wash.
Before ordering, write a short packing list and decide where each item will travel. Include the space needed for wet hoses and the time to empty and dry everything. If the kit is awkward enough that you will avoid setting it up, a simpler purchase may offer more value.
For the rechargeable Companion, check the charging connection and available replacement parts with the seller. For the Joolca, check the exact Outing contents and gas connection supplied. Keep receipts and model details so support can identify the correct parts later.
Gas safety: the heater stays outside
Never operate a portable gas shower heater inside a tent, shower tent, vehicle, caravan or enclosed annex. Use it only in the outdoor conditions permitted by its manual. A privacy enclosure is for the person showering, not the gas heater.
The ACCC explains that fuel-burning equipment can produce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas with no colour or smell. Poor ventilation can allow it to accumulate. Read the ACCC’s carbon monoxide advice before using combustion equipment.
Follow the current HOTTAP instructions for positioning, clearances, gas connections and leak checks. Keep the cylinder upright, use the specified hose and regulator, and do not modify the appliance. Never check a leak with a flame. Shut off the gas supply after use.
Do not improvise a wind shield that blocks ventilation or traps exhaust. A shelter that feels open to a person may still be unsuitable for a gas appliance. If the required setup cannot be achieved, use another washing option.
Water temperature and electrical connections
Check water temperature before use and after changes in flow. A solar bag can warm unpredictably, while a pump shower simply delivers the water placed in its container. Keep water within the equipment’s specified temperature limits and never assume boiling water is acceptable.
For the Joolca, keep the pump and electrical connections positioned as the manual directs; it is a different design from the Companion’s submersible pump. Keep chargers and power connections away from the shower stream. Follow the supplied instructions for charging, cables and power sources.
Practise the complete setup before leaving home. Confirm that the pump can draw from your chosen container, the hose reaches comfortably and the controls are accessible. A first attempt after dark at a crowded campsite is an avoidable frustration.
Choose the washing spot responsibly
Check the campground or land manager’s rules for personal showers, water collection and wastewater disposal before setting up. Use designated facilities where required. If greywater must be collected, plan the collection method before using the shower.
Keep wash water and soap out of waterways. Do not assume a biodegradable label makes direct discharge acceptable. Choose stable footing and avoid creating a muddy hazard or sending runoff into another campsite.
Prefer a known suitable water supply. The Joolca’s debris filter should not be treated as a drinking-water purifier. Ask the manufacturer about the water quality its equipment requires; avoid using visibly contaminated water for a shower.
Frequently asked questions
Which Joolca kit should I choose?
This recommendation is specifically for the Outing Kit. Its included pump is useful when drawing from a container. Check the selected variant before checkout: Essentials, Outing and Nomad have different prices and contents.
Does the Companion heat water?
No. It moves water from your container to the shower head. If you want warm water, prepare it separately and check both the temperature and the equipment’s limits before using the pump.
Can the Joolca run inside my shower tent?
No. The heater must remain outdoors in a setup allowed by its manual. Route the shower hose to the washing area while maintaining the required separation and clearances.
Is a gravity bag strong enough for a proper shower?
It can provide a useful rinse, but expect a modest flow. Think about the task: removing salt and sweat needs less equipment than washing long hair in cold weather. A full bag also needs a secure support.
Will the Pocket Shower guarantee warm water?
No. Solar warming depends on weather and exposure. Choose it for its simplicity and low packed weight, with warm water as a possible benefit rather than a promise.
Does the Joolca price include everything?
No. You still need suitable water, LPG and power for the pump. Check the current package and your existing equipment before deciding on the total cost.
Why is the Companion a useful third pick?
It offers a pumped shower without the cost or gas setup of the Joolca. That is a distinct need the original two-product shortlist did not cover. Its limitation is equally clear: it supplies no heat.
Our verdict
Choose the Joolca HOTTAP V2 Outing Kit for regular hot showers on vehicle-based trips. It is our overall pick when the comfort is worth the equipment, expense and setup responsibilities.
Choose the Companion COMP25345 for an affordable pumped rinse. Choose the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower when a compact gravity bag is enough.
Spend according to how you camp. Water planning, a suitable washing spot and correct setup matter more than buying the most elaborate system.
Sources and price checks
- Joolca: Joolca HOTTAP V2 Outing Kit
- eBay Australia: Companion Rechargeable Camp Shower COMP25345
- Tentworld: Sea to Summit Pocket Shower 10L
- Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service: Leave No Trace
- Sea to Summit Australia: Pocket Shower specifications
- Freddys: Companion features and specifications
- Joolca: HOTTAP V2 user guide (PDF)
- ACCC Product Safety: carbon monoxide safety
Price and listing check: 18 September 2026. Joolca Australia: Outing Kit $579, available to order. eBay Australia seller 4wdindustries: Companion COMP25345 $69, listed new and available; postage extra. Tentworld: Pocket Shower APSHOWER $42.49 with add-to-cart available; postcode-specific stock and delivery were not confirmed. The Sea to Summit official store was sold out. Prices are AUD and may change. Confirm the exact model, kit contents and delivery cost before buying.
Need a second opinion?
Ask Adrian before making the decision.
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