Join below and unsubscribe at any time!
Best Portable Hot Water Systems For A Warm Shower While You Camp (2022)
Having a hot shower while camping is perhaps the one luxury that many campers can't go without. Whether it's washing away the sand and dirt from the days adventure, or just warming up before before bed, a portable hot water system can really bring a new level of comfort to your getaways.
Many campsites around Australia do have hot water facilities. However, some are unreliable at best and if you're camping on the beach or heading to a secret spot without warm water, you're going to want to want to heat your own water.
There are plenty of different methods to warm up cold water from gas, to electricity to solar. But it gets a bit more complicated when you introduce different types of portable showers, hot water systems, shower tents and how you access your water source.
But fear not, I'm here to help demystify and simplify your choices so you can find the best hot water unit for your camping style!
Compare Portable Hot Water Systems
Best Hot Water System
Joocla Hottap Outing V2 Portable Hot Water System
This hot water solution is one of the more expensive units. However, you get your money's worth because it is extremely well built, connects in seconds and comes ready with all the needed attachments to install it correctly without needing any professional help.
It accepts any kind of water source. The plug will fit a tap, or if you're out and about then the included rainproof 12V water pump will allow you to draw water directly from any nearby water source such as a river or lake from up to 30 m away.
I mentioned versatility earlier, well the pump can be powered either directly from a car battery or a cigarette lighter port.
Once everything is set up, just choose your temperature and flick the switch on the shower handle.
This portable hot water unit will also provide around 15 hours of hot water when turned up to its highest heat setting when connected to a full 9 kg gas bottle. It will last much longer if you set the water to be warm rather than piping hot.
When it comes to heating, this unit will provide you with up to 6 litres per minute of 50 degrees C heated water, along with all the safety features you’d expect from such an elite system!
Pros
Light for an all-in-one unit
Extremely versatile, durable and easy to use
Provides up to 6 litres of water per minute
Accepts any source of water and comes with a 12-volt pump capable of pumping water from 30 meters away
Cons
Premium price tag
Camplux 5L Gas Portable Water Heater
This water heater is a highly rated international model, so if you're in a pinch and not intending to wait for shipping then perhaps look elsewhere. Otherwise, it's a powerful water heater mainly intended for people who own an RV or camper van with a large water tank, but you can also hook it up to an external pump to draw water from any other source.
The operation couldn’t be more simple. After hooking the water source, you’ll have to connect the heater to a propane cylinder with the provided regulator. Then, as soon as you push the nozzle’s lever, the internal burner will light up automatically, giving you an enjoyable hot water shower experience away from home.
The best thing about this shower is that it gives off 34000 BTU / hour, meaning that it can heat the water up to 46 °C. Furthermore, it can supply up to 5 litres/minute, which will feel as satisfying as your home’s shower.
As you might’ve expected, such a brawny device costs an arm and a leg. Then again, it’s actually more affordable than most propane heaters.
Pros
Lightweight — With less than 5 kg, you can move it easily and hang it anywhere you like.
Powerful — One of the highest sustainable flow-rates combined with hot water.
Adjustable — You can fine-tune the temperature and flow rate according to your needs and resources.
Cons
High-maintenance — Some of the internal parts may require replacement after prolonged use.
Companion AquaHeat Rechargeable Hot Water System
The Companion AquaHeat is one of the more advanced options when it comes to heating water systems for camping but it is also one of the most compact and easiest to use.
While it can run off a normal LPG bottle and hose, but the option to fit a Universal LPG (ULPG) propane gas canisters on the rear of the unit to power the burner is very nice feature. The real benefit is it also has a 12-volt lithium-ion battery to power the internal pump.
The weight of the Companion AquaHeat unit itself is a bit heavier when compared to other models. However, you have to consider that the combination of the ULPG and internal battery and pump means it's a very tidy set up, extremely portable and doesn't require a lot of extra parts to be functional.
The water circulates inside the system with a brushless motor pump that provides up to 120 minutes of run time on a single full battery charge. It will take roughly 4 - 5 hours to fully recharge the unit if it's completely flat.
The only downside about this portable hot water system is that flow rate isn't that great. If you don’t mind a water flow of about 2 litres per minute, then you’ll find no problems using this device! Also something to note is that due to the slower flow of water, this unit is also fairly efficient with its gas consumption.
Pros
Minimal extra equipment and accessories required makes it very portable
Option to use a ULPG or normal LPG bottle
Built in rechargeable battery and pump
Cons
Flow rate on the lower side
Smarttek Hot Water Shower Heater with Pump
There are many campers who prefer gas-powered heaters because they produce more heat with rapid action when compared to the electric ones.
The Smarttek hot water shower system is an excellent example of what a good gas-powered water heater should be.
This device is capable of providing you with a constant flow of hot water with a flow rate of up to 6 litres per minute. It has a low water pressure startup and an energy-saving feature for hot climates and summer.
The water heater comes with automatic ignition and shut off feature. This feature guarantees safety from gas leaks as well as economic use of fuel to last you for longer.
The Smarttek water heating system is very easy to install, as it comes with detailed instructions and video tutorials on how to install it, making it very easy even for a beginner.
Pros
Can be easily installed by following the detailed instructions manual
Comes with a 6 L / Min pump
Automatic ignition and shutting off with the water
Connect to water tap or pump from a water container
Cons
No stand to mount the heater included
GASLAND Pro Portable Hot Water System
This is one of the more affordable propane powered hot water heaters you can buy in Australia.
As the name suggests, it uses LPG propane gas to heat the water which will come through a hose into the unit. It’s also very safe and has an overheat protection that shuts the system down when the temperature reaches 77 degrees C.
In addition to the overheat protection, the heater also has multiple features that put your safety first, making it a great option for family use. These safety settings include low water flow protection, anti-freezing protection, flame failure protection, and more!
The summer mode saves the fuel used in the burners, which helps the heater to last for longer and preserves your gas. This makes it a great option for longer camping trips.
Pros
Ideal for buyers on a budget
Doesn’t require high water pressure to start up
Multiple safety features
Cons
Might not be powerful enough for cold climates
Things to Consider While Buying a Hot Water System For Camping
Camping hot water systems don’t run cheap, so you have to make sure that you’ve picked the right one for the money you’ve invested in it.
Here are some of the aspects that you need to keep in mind before making your mind on the ideal hot water system:
Materials & Design
Unlike the regular hot water systems that you can find in your home, the camping hot water system is prone to a lot more damage because you’ll need to use them outdoors.
This means that your camping hot water system will be exposed to the elements of weather and direct sunlight almost every day. In addition to the continuous exposure, they’re not static.
This means that you’ll need to pack and unpack them frequently, putting them in additional risk of accidental bumps and drops.
The materials used while making the camping shower system won’t only determine its performance, but also how long it’s going to pass the test of time!
The design of the hot water system should also add to its protection by keeping it easy to carry and cover the vulnerable areas.
Make sure that the hot water system is made of materials that will resist the UV rays of the sun and won’t crack or chip due to exposure to temperature and/or humidity.
Source of Power
As a rule of thumb, almost all hot water systems on the market are either electrically or gas-powered.
Electrically powered hot water systems will work anywhere provided that they have a source of power.
They don’t need a source of fuel as they heat up the water directly. They don’t need any water pressure to start either.
However, the problem with electric water heaters is that they have a very limited capacity of hot water at a time and might not be as quick as gas-powered options.
The water heaters that use gas won’t take as much space. However, they still need you to have an extra source of fuel connected to them.
Water Pressure Startup
The reason why household water heating systems won’t work while camping is because they have a high water pressure startup.
This means that they’re set to start only when the water surpasses certain pressure. Always look for a water heater that can start even on hot water pressure to work with your limited access to water during camping.
Heating Speed & Water Capacity
As previously mentioned, some types are able to heat the water up faster than the others. So you have to make sure that you’re satisfied with the speed of the hot water system you’re going for.
Generally, the more water you need to be heated, the longer it’ll take the system to warm it up. The choice of a suitable hot water system here depends mainly on the kind of trips you’re making and how long you’re going to stay in the shower.
Depending on the style of camping, some people will need to take a shower more than once a day while others would save up on water and shower every now and then. Frequent showering might call for a gas system rather than a battery-powered one.
Portability
Larger water capacity is great! However, it can also mean a heavier water heater, which is something you want to avoid if you have limited water access where you’re camping and need to move around with your heating system.
Specifications such as overall dimensions and net weight should always be on your mind because you might need to carry it around while installing the system.
Safety
For a worry-free purchase, a good hot water system should have plenty of modules and safety measures, such as:
- Overheat protection
- Flame failure protection
- Anti-freezing protection
Budget
Camping hot water systems are available at a wide range of prices. In fact, some of them might cost you as little as half the price of what other models would cost you.
Ideally, you should excerpt to pay anywhere between $150 and up to $600 for a camping hot water systems run, depending on the type and features added to the model in question.
Since your budget is one of the most significant deciding factors, you should always look for the model that would give you all the features you’re looking for without costing you an arm and a leg.
Ease of Installation
Unlike household heaters, you won’t be able to get a water heater professional to install the system for you when you’re camping in the Australian Outback!
For that reason, you should always opt for simplicity and safety rather than features when it comes to camp hot water systems.
Make sure that the heating system you’ve chosen is easy to use and install. After all, the heater will be as good as you know how to use it!