Advanced Elements Solar Shower

Ever wish you could take a shower on a camping trip?  Well you can, and it's super easy.  Check out these Solar Showers from Advanced Elements.  They come in many sizes and also in a PVC free version.  It's a five gallon bag, so you'd probably need a tree.  If you are going to hang this in a privacy shelter, I wouldn't go past the three gallon, they're heavy!  Even with the 2.5 gallon bag, it's heavy too and holds more water than it appears to hold, you get a couple of good showers out of that.

These are well made solar showers.  The beefy handle at the top makes them easy to maneuver and you just pull down on the shower head to get it to work, simple as can be.  It has a large reservoir valve making it easy to fill--this is important, you might be at an awkward spigot and you don't want to be fumbling around spilling water all over yourself.  Some of them come with little mesh pockets and mirrors depending on the size you get.

All you do is place the shower in the sun, preferably on a warm rock to help absorb the heat, there are small solar panels on the bags to speed up the process.  You can pour hot water from your camp stove into the shower on days the sun didn't warm it up, or you didn't have time to leave it out long enough.  I ended up with a cold shower because I put the shower out too late in the day for it to work.   I could have put some hot water in there, but somehow the spectacular view mitigated any cold I felt.  The kids thought it was very cool and got excited over the tiny shower head, they couldn't believe they were showering outside.  We used the Grand Trunk Dunny Shelter with this and it was perfect.

I think these showers are awesome for camping, and also for emergency preparedness.  If your plumbing doesn't work, which can happen sometimes during a good hurricane or broken water lines, it's nice to know you can still bathe.  I won't go (car) camping again without one.  Find them HERE.

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SUMMER CAMPING: Packing Checklist

I consider car camping to be pretty luxurious, so why not go all the way and indulge in gourmet food and creature comforts?  When packing, be sure to keep items together in their respective groups to help with organization and easy set up.  Here is my packing list for Summer car camping (it's a loose list, so feel free to add or subtract based on your own needs):

Sleeping:
tent and footprint/tarp
sleeping pads/mattress
sleeping bags
camp pillows
book to read in bed/light to read by
mallet or hammer for stakes (or do what I do and use a rock)
mini dust pan/brush

Eating:
bear proof container or plan to keep food in car to prevent raccoons, bears, etc. from invading your camp
cooler stocked with healthy foods--salads and fresh fruit and veggies are totally doable
reusable plates/utensils/mugs
stove
pots and pans for cooking (I like stainless for non toxicity and durability)
bamboo skewers for veggie kabobs
sticks for roasting vegan marshmallows
extra large water jug(s)
cutting board/knife
kitchen towels (colorful ones that make your camp look festive)
salt and pepper shaker, spices
pet food/bowl

Site Comforts & Camp Necessities:
camera
lanterns
headlamps
flashlights
hammocks
extra blankets
camp chairs
long nose butane lighter
multi-tool
trash bags

Toiletries:
chemical free wipes
towels
biodegradable earth friendly soap
sunscreen, insect repellent (non-deet, non toxic-- badger balm makes good ones)
lip balm
contacts/glasses/cases/solution
first aid kit

Practical Extras:
extra batteries
extra fuel (for stove, torches)
duct tape
clothes line
small shovel
mallet for stakes
extra stakes
reflective guy lines
solar shower
waste bags

Luxuries:
iPad and popcorn for watching a movie after sundown--it's allowed!
solar or battery operated festive string lights
french press/organic coffee
festive tablecloth
board games, playing cards

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GEAR UP FOR SUMMER CAMPING PART 1

If you don't have any camping gear, it may seem like a big expense to get all the different things you'll want.  But if you compare it to other types of travel, the cost of hotels and restaurant food, you'll quickly find that it's a much more economical way to have family adventures.  And once you have your gear, you're good to go as often as you like. Here are some affordable quality basics for Summer car camping--stay tuned for more of my Summer Camping Series. 

EUREKA SUNRISE TENT:
My son loves this tent because it's blue, I love it because it's easy to use.  It is a very good looking tent.  Set up is simple and takes me about 10-15 minutes.  The construction is good with a "bathtub" bottom which keeps rain out.  There are extra storage options included with the tent like a hanging gear loft, storage unit, and bottle holders.

I love the sky light opening at the top (without the fly) and the windows on all sides.  This makes for great ventilation and views.  The dome is good for wind and rain.  The Sunrise 8 is a luxury tent for two, though it will accommodate four people. The tent also comes in two other sizes.

Taking the tent down and getting it back in its bag is easy and it's just a great all around economical tent for family car camping.

 Exped Mega Mat:  If you're going to splurge, I think a quality sleeping mat is a worthy luxury.  Tired and cranky do not make for a good outing.  This mat is ridiculously comfortable and two mats easily attach together if you need a double mat.  Read my in-depth review Here. 

KELTY ECLIPSE 30 DOUBLE SLEEPING BAG:  This is a great value for families.  It's a double sleeping bag that separates into two individual sleeping bags, you're basically getting a two for one deal here.

This is perfect for couples or for co-sleeping with kids.  When the child develops more autonomy and wants their own bag, voila, there it is.  The other side is a plain dark orange, which casts a nice glow in the tent. It has a pillow pocket, anti-snag zippers, a stash pocket, and I love that it has its own integrated stuff sack/carry bag--brilliant design.   It's a very comfortable sleeping bag and it doesn't get easier than this.

THERMAREST PILLOW:  Thermarest pillows are by products of their sleeping pads.  They utilize scraps to make their compressible pillows great for camping or travel.  My son especially liked the medium blue pillow--it fits his six year old frame and the colors are fun. 

Opening Image Credit: Kelty

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