When you’re out camping, traveling, or on the road, finding a reliable way to clean up can be challenging.
While nature offers plenty of adventure, it often lacks the amenities we take for granted at home—especially a decent shower.
Fortunately, you can create an affordable, portable camp shower using just a few easily sourced materials.
This DIY project involves converting a simple weed sprayer into a functional camp shower, saving you both money and space.
In this stepbystep guide, I’ll show you how to build your own portable camp shower for under $30.
The setup is incredibly easy, and it takes only a few minutes to assemble.
Once it’s ready, you’ll have a convenient way to wash off after a long day of hiking or camping, with no need for fancy plumbing or electricity.
Let’s dive into the materials and process.
Table of Contents
Tools and Materials
Before getting started, you’ll need to gather the following items. Most of these materials are available at your local hardware store or online:
1. Weed Sprayer Bottle: This is the core of your camp shower setup. You’ll need a weed sprayer bottle, which will act as the water reservoir. A 2-gallon version is ideal for a longer shower or multiple uses.
However, a 1-gallon bottle works well for short term use or if you’re looking for something more compact.
2. Replacement Faucet Hose and Sprayer Nozzle: These components can often be purchased as a set. They’re essentially the same hose and sprayer you’d use for a kitchen sink.
If you buy them separately, make sure the hose and sprayer are compatible.
3. Brass Hose Barb Adapter: This is a critical puzzle piece. The brass hose barb connects the faucet hose to the weed sprayer, allowing water to flow from the bottle into the sprayer nozzle. You’ll need a quarter inch threaded male adapter with a quarter inch barbed end.
Why Choose a Weed Sprayer for Your Portable Shower?
You might be wondering why a weed sprayer is the best choice for this DIY camp shower. There are several reasons why this particular piece of equipment works so well for the task:
Affordability: Weed sprayers are relatively inexpensive. A 1gallon weed sprayer costs about $10, and even the larger 2gallon version is usually under $20. This makes it a budgetfriendly option compared to specialized camping showers, which can cost significantly more.
Portability: Weed sprayers are lightweight and easy to transport. They’re designed to be carried around, which means you won’t have to worry about adding a bulky or heavy item to your camping gear.
Durability: Weed sprayers are built to withstand outdoor use. They’re made from durable materials that can handle rough conditions, making them ideal for camping or traveling.
Pump System: Weed sprayers come with a builtin pump, allowing you to pressurize the water inside the bottle. This is key for turning your sprayer into a shower, as the pressurized water will flow through the hose and out of the sprayer nozzle.
Given all these advantages, it’s easy to see why a weed sprayer is the perfect base for your portable shower.
Now, let’s move on to the assembly process.
Step 1: Assembling the Faucet Hose and Sprayer Nozzle
The first part of the build involves assembling the faucet hose and sprayer nozzle.
These components can sometimes be found preassembled, but if you buy them separately, assembling them is straightforward.
1. Attach the Sprayer Nozzle to the Faucet Hose: The sprayer nozzle screws onto one end of the faucet hose. Make sure to tighten it securely so there’s no chance of leakage.
Some hoses come with an Oring that helps create a tight seal, so be sure to check if your hose has one.
2. Tighten by Hand: While you could use plumber’s tape to ensure a watertight seal, it’s usually unnecessary due to the low pressure of the system.
Hand tightening is often sufficient to prevent leaks.
By this point, you should have a fully assembled sprayer nozzle and hose, ready to be connected to the weed sprayer in the next step.
Step 2: Preparing the Weed Sprayer Bottle
Now that the sprayer nozzle and hose are assembled, moving on to the weed sprayer bottle is time.
This will serve as your water reservoir, and we’ll be modifying it slightly to suit the needs of the shower system.
1. Remove the Factory Nozzle: Most weed sprayers come with a nozzle designed for fine misting, which isn’t practical for a shower. Remove the factory nozzle and set it aside.
2. Insert the Hose: Weed sprayers come with a plastic hose that is typically used to feed the sprayer nozzle.
You’ll be replacing this with your faucet hose. Insert the hose into the fitting on the sprayer bottle and make sure it’s securely attached.
With the hose properly attached, your weed sprayer bottle is now ready to be connected to the faucet hose using the brass hose barb adapter.
Step 3: Attaching the Brass Hose Barb Adapter
The brass hose barb adapter is the key component that links the faucet hose to the weed sprayer.
This piece ensures that water flows smoothly from the sprayer bottle to the hose and out of the sprayer nozzle.
1. Insert the Barbed End into the Weed Sprayer Hose: The brass hose barb has a barbed end, which fits snugly into the weed sprayer hose. Push the barbed end into the hose, making sure it’s securely attached.
2. Screw the Faucet Hose onto the Threaded End: Once the barbed end is in place, screw the faucet hose onto the threaded male end of the brass hose barb. Again, handtightening should be sufficient to create a secure connection.
This adapter is designed to work without the need for additional clamps or fittings.Because the system operates under low pressure, there’s no need for extra reinforcement.
The snug fit of the hose on the barb prevents leaks or blowoffs.
Step 4: Testing the Shower
Now that the camp shower is fully assembled, it’s time to test the system and make sure everything works as it should. Here’s how to do it:
1. Pump the Weed Sprayer: Start by pumping the weed sprayer to build pressure inside the bottle. Most weed sprayers come with a builtin pump mechanism, making this part easy.
2. Check for Leaks: While the system operates under low pressure, it’s still a good idea to check for leaks around the connections. If you notice any leaks, tightening the connections by hand or adding some Teflon tape should resolve the issue.
3. Pressurize the Water: After pumping, the water inside the weed sprayer will be pressurized, allowing it to flow through the hose and out of the sprayer nozzle. You’ll now have a functional shower stream that’s ideal for rinsing off or cleaning up.
Once you’re satisfied with the performance of the shower, you’re ready to take it on the road.
Creative Uses for Your Portable Shower
While the primary purpose of this project is to create a shower, the weed sprayer system has many other practical uses. Here are a few ways you can utilize your portable shower:
Washing Dishes: After a long day of camping, you’ll need a way to clean your cooking utensils and dishes. The portable shower offers enough water pressure to wash dishes efficiently.
Cleaning Gear: If you’ve been hiking or biking, your equipment will likely get dirty. Use the shower to rinse off your gear before packing it away.
Hydrating Pets: When you’re on the road with your pets, keeping them hydrated and clean is essential. The camp shower can be used to give them a quick rinse or provide water in a pinch.
How to Stay Warm in Colder Weather
One of the challenges of outdoor showers is dealing with cold temperatures. In colder months, you won’t always want to take a chilly shower, but fortunately, there are ways to warm up your water.
One of my favorite methods is heating water on a camp stove. I typically heat about a gallon of water, which I then pour into the weed sprayer along with a gallon of roomtemperature water.Depending on the weather, you may need to adjust the temperature, but this method works well even in colder climates.
In warmer months, you can simply leave the sprayer in the sun for a few hours. The sunlight will naturally warm the water, creating a refreshing yet not too cold shower experience.
Using a Shower Tent for Privacy
While the camp shower works well in most outdoor settings, you might occasionally find yourself in a more public location where privacy is a concern.
That’s where a portable shower tent comes in handy.
Portable shower tents are lightweight, easy to set up, and provide ample privacy for taking a shower, changing clothes, or using a portable toilet.
You can find shower tents at outdoor retailers or online, and they usually cost around $40 to $50.
Final Thoughts
Building your own portable camp shower using a weed sprayer is a fun and rewarding project. Not only does it save you money, but it also provides a reliable solution for staying clean while outdoors.
With its low cost, ease of assembly, and versatile functionality, there’s no reason not to give this project a try.
So grab your materials, follow the steps outlined in this guide, and enjoy the comfort of a portable shower wherever your adventures take you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does the water last?
The amount of water you’ll need depends on how long you plan to shower. A 2gallon sprayer provides enough water for a 57 minute shower, which should be sufficient for most camping scenarios.
2. Is the water pressure adjustable?
Yes. You can adjust the pressure by controlling how much you pump the sprayer. The more you pump, the higher the pressure, but remember that higher pressure will also use up the water more quickly.
3. Can I use it for other purposes besides showering?
Absolutely. This setup is versatile and can be used for washing dishes, cleaning gear, or even rinsing off pets. It’s a great allaround tool for camping and outdoor activities.
4. Is it easy to transport?
Yes, the weed sprayer is compact and lightweight, making it easy to pack in your car or camper. Plus, it doesn’t take up much space, so it’s a convenient addition to your camping gear.
5. How do I store the shower when not in use?
Once you’re done using the shower, empty the water, clean the bottle, and let it air dry. Store it in a cool, dry place until your next adventure.
