One of the best feelings after a long day of touring or exploring is washing away the dust. While some fancy setups rely on 12V Camping Accessories and electric pumps, sometimes the most reliable solutions are the simplest. The Kings solar shower is a perfect example: a black vinyl bag that uses nothing but the sun’s energy to provide a warm rinse.
The good
- Ultra-light at only 350g when empty
- Packs down tiny, just 31 cm x 16 cm folded
- 20L capacity gives up to 7 min shower
- Comes with a useful second backup hose
- Transparent back for easy water level monitor
The not-so-good
- No dedicated bag for hose/tap components
- Relies entirely on strong sun for heating
- Needs a very sturdy branch to hang 20 kg
With a generous 20L capacity and a lightweight design, it serves as an excellent, cost-effective way to maintain Camp Hygiene without complex gear. I brought this shower along on a recent trip to see how well this basic principle works in the real world.
What You’re Getting
An ultra-light, portable 20L capacity solar shower bag that uses the sun’s energy to provide a warm camp shower. Features an adjustable valve and transparent back.
Quick Specs
If you’re ready to dive into the details, here are the key specs for this product. The table below gives you a clear and quick overview of everything you need to know.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Adventure Kings |
| Capacity | 20L |
| Material | PVC/Vinyl |
| Weight (Empty) | 350g |
| Packed Dimensions | 31 cm x 16 cm |
| Shower Time | Up to 7 minutes (20L) |
| Features | Solar heating, large filler, adjustable valve |
First impressions
The initial impression of the Kings solar shower is how surprisingly small and light it is. Empty, it weighs only 350g (lighter than most water bottles) and folds up to a tiny 31 cm x 16 cm rectangle. It’s genuinely amazing how little space it takes up; you can store it in a glove box or the side pocket of your 4WD Storage without even noticing it. The material feels like a thick, dark PVC or vinyl, designed to absorb as much heat as possible. The transparent back is a smart touch, allowing me to easily monitor the 20L water level while filling it up.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that mine came with two shower hoses, which is great for having a backup if the first one gets damaged or misplaced. The large diameter inlet also makes filling it up quick and easy from a creek or larger Water Storage container.
Materials & Build Quality
The entire construction of the kings solar shower is built around maximizing solar gain and minimizing weight. The dark, thick plastic material is essential for heat absorption and gives it enough toughness to be slung over a branch when fully loaded. While the material is simple, it’s rugged enough for its intended use and won’t fail easily. The seals around the large filler cap and the outlet valve are solid, which is the most important factor when dealing with 20L of water suspended above your head.
The hose and shower head are basic but functional, featuring a flow adjuster on the outlet valve which is key for conserving water. My observation that it came with a spare hose is a bonus, ensuring the longevity of this simple system even if a component fails in the bush. The design is straightforward, meaning there are few complex parts that can break down over time.
Ergonomics & Weight
The ergonomics of this Adventure kings solar shower are dictated by the laws of gravity. Empty, its 350g weight is fantastic, making it a perfect piece of lightweight backup gear. However, once you fill the 20L capacity, you are dealing with a hefty 20 kg of water. This means you must select your hanging point carefully, a thin awning pole or small branch won’t cut it. You need a sturdy tree limb or a dedicated, strong shower frame.
The packed size of 31 cm x 16 cm is incredibly convenient for stowing away. The main ergonomic challenge is the lack of a dedicated storage bag for the hose and valve components. They tend to just flop around when the shower bag is folded, making it slightly tricky to keep everything together and tidy before tossing it into your gear pile. But overall, for the ability to deliver a warm shower from such a small pack, the portability factor is huge.
Performance & Features
The performance of the Kings solar shower relies entirely on direct sunlight, and that’s exactly what makes it so effective and cost-effective. By leaving the black bag in the sun for a few hours, the solar energy is efficiently absorbed, heating the water significantly. On a hot, sunny day, the water can easily get warm enough for a comfortable shower, sometimes even too hot, so always check the temperature before stepping under it!
The 20L capacity is generous, providing up to a 7-minute shower if you are mindful of the flow. That’s enough for a full wash or for multiple people to rinse off sand from their hands and feet after a day at the beach. The adjustable outlet valve is crucial, allowing you to fine-tune the flow from a trickle (for washing hands) to a steady stream (for a full body rinse), which helps conserve your precious Water Storage.
Conclusion: Kings Camping Solar Shower (20L)
The Kings solar shower proves that you don’t need complicated tech to enjoy a warm, refreshing clean outdoors. It’s an incredibly cost-effective, durable, and reliable way to provide essential camp showers using only the power of the sun. While you have to be mindful of finding a sturdy hanging point for the 20 kg of water and keeping the small components organized, its minimal 350g weight and tiny packed dimensions make it an absolute must-have backup for any vehicle-based adventurer. If you want simple, solar-powered warmth without any wiring or pumps, this is the bag you need.
Gear That Complements Your Camping Setup
Keeping clean on the road is easy with the Kings solar shower, but don’t forget the rest of your Camp Hygiene setup! Pair this solar camp shower with a dedicated shower tent for privacy, or check out our range of durable Camping Tents for your sleeping arrangements.
If you need a more pressurized system for dishes or washing gear, look into our reviews of 12V Camping Accessories that use electric pumps. This simple shower is the perfect entry point for keeping clean in the outback.
This shower is a great value, simple solution for Camp Hygiene.
It's incredibly light at 350g and packs down to 31 cm x 16 cm. It reliably heats 20L of water on a sunny day, though finding a sturdy support for the full 20 kg load is necessary.
This solar shower is best for car campers, weekend warriors, and those who need a reliable, backup Camp Shower that takes up virtually no space in their 4WD Storage. It's ideal for moderate climates with plenty of sunshine.
The Adventure Kings solar shower is a fantastic, low-cost investment that significantly improves Camp Hygiene. Its simple, tough construction and reliance on solar power mean it’s guaranteed to be a long-term, reliable tool in your camping kit.
