Introduction:
Staying clean on overland trips isn’t always easy. When you’re camping off-grid for days or weeks, basic hygiene can get tricky without regular facilities.
Having the right portable shower systems, cleaning supplies, and privacy solutions lets you stay fresh wherever you park. Your kit should work without power or plumbing and fit in your rig. Honestly, the trick is finding gear that’s useful but doesn’t eat up all your storage.
1. Overland Vehicle Systems Pop-Up Shower & Changing Room
The OVS pop-up shower and changing room gives you privacy for showering, changing clothes, or even as a portable bathroom. Setup is quick, just pull up the hub, extend the poles, and you’re done in a couple of minutes.
It’s roomy at 5’ wide and 7’ tall and made from water-resistant 800m PU coated tent material. You get internal pockets for soap and shampoo, and weighted hems help the tent keep its shape on windy days.
👉 Shop OVS Pop-up Shower & Privacy Room
2. OVS HD Nomadic Car Side Shower Room
The OVS HD Nomadic Car Side Shower Room sets up fast with compression hubs and telescoping poles. It’s 5×5 feet wide and 6.75 feet tall, but packs down small at just 16 pounds.
Made from 420D Oxford Rip Stop fabric and aluminum folding arms which is all enclosed in a 1000D waterproof PVC storage bag. Inside, you’ll find 2 pockets for toiletries, and a shelf for your solar shower bag. Mesh windows up top give you some ventilation.
👉 Show OVS Nomadic Side Shower Room
3. Sierra Dawn Outdoor Soap
Sierra Dawn’s biodegradable soap is great for the outdoors. It breaks down naturally, so it’s safe for wildlife and water sources.
Use it for your body, dishes, or even laundry one bottle does it all. The compact size won’t hog space in your vehicle.
Just remember, always wash at least 200 feet from lakes or streams. Even eco-friendly soaps can mess with fragile ecosystems if you’re not careful.
This soap lathers up well and rinses off clean. It’s a simple way to keep your hygiene up without trashing the places you love to explore.
👉 Shop Sierra Dawn Outdoor Soap
4. Dr. Squatch Biodegradable Shampoo
Dr. Squatch’s biodegradable shampoo keeps your hair clean and doesn’t harm the environment. It breaks down naturally in soil and water. No harsh chemicals here, so you can wash up away from water sources. It even works in cold water, which is a relief on chilly mornings.
The compact bottle fits easily in your camp kit, and the cap stays put so you won’t get leaks. You only need a small amount per wash, so it lasts longer on extended trips.
Just stick to Leave No Trace and wash well away from streams. Works for all hair types and feels gentle on your scalp. I usually toss it in my shower caddy so I’m not digging for it later.
👉 Shop Dr. Squatch Biodegradable Shampoo
5. Dude Wipes
Dude Wipes are a lifesaver when there’s no water around. No scent means you’re less likely to attract bugs, always a win in camp.
They’re handy for quick cleanups between showers. Use them on your hands, face, or anywhere you need to freshen up. The wipes are tougher than regular tissues and can handle sweat and trail grime. Pack them in your hygiene kit or door pouch for easy access.
They’re also great for cleaning gear or wiping up spills. The packaging is small, so you won’t lose precious storage space.
👉 Shop Dude Wipes
6. BAGSMART Toiletry Bag
You need a hygiene bag that keeps your essentials organized and easy to grab. The BAGSMART Toiletry Bag is just that, compact and waterproof, with a few compartments to separate your stuff.
Pack the basics: biodegradable toilet paper, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, and a quick-dry towel. Use small packing cubes inside for better organization. Keep the things you use most often on top or in outside pockets.
👉 Shop BAGSMART Toiletry Bag
7. WaterPORT Self-Pressurized Water Tank
The WaterPORT DayTank is a 4-gallon, self-pressurizing off-road shower system that mounts easily to your hitch, roof rack, or truck bed. It fills in under 60 seconds with a garden hose and can be pressurized anytime with its built-in pump cap. With an 8-foot hose and high-pressure spray nozzle, it offers up to 15 minutes of rinse time.
Perfect for outdoor adventures, it helps you clean off after camping, beach trips, off-roading, and keeping your gear and vehicle interior fresh. It holds 4 gallons of water, which is enough for a quick rinse.
👉 Shop WaterPORT 4.0 DayTank
8. Attmu Mesh Shower Caddy Organizer
This durable mesh shower caddy is built to handle heavy toiletries without tearing. It features 8 side pockets and a roomy center compartment for organizing everything from shampoo and towels to razors and toothbrushes.
The quick-dry mesh design keeps it ventilated and fresh, while the sturdy handle makes it easy to hang in the shower. Lightweight and collapsible, it’s perfect for home, dorms, gyms, or travel, keeping your essentials tidy and within reach wherever you go.
👉 Shop Attmu Mesh Shower Cadddy
9. Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper Pack
Regular toilet paper takes forever to break down outdoors. Biodegradable toilet paper is way better for the environment.
Betterway offers ultra-soft, 3-ply bamboo toilet paper that’s gentle on skin. With 57% more square footage per roll and 360 sheets each, you’ll change rolls less often and save more. It’s unscented, chemical-free, and safe for sensitive skin. It’s eco-friendly, helping fight deforestation with every roll.
Store your toilet paper near your privacy tent or portable toilet for easy access. Always check the packaging to make sure it’s actually biodegradable and safe for outdoor use.
👉 Shop Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper
10. Germ-X Hand Sanitizer with Flip- Top
A small hand sanitizer bottle is a must-have for your overland hygiene kit. When soap and water aren’t around, you need quick germ protection. Stay healthy this fall with Germ-X Hand Sanitizer, a fast-acting germ fighter that kills 99.99% of common germs in just 15 seconds
Hand sanitizer isn’t just for hands, you can swipe down gear or small surfaces with it too. It’s handy when cleaning supplies are packed away or missing.
Stash a few bottles in different spots around your vehicle and camp. This way, you never have to hunt for sanitizer during meal prep or after working with gear.
👉 Shop Germ-X Hand Sanitizer
Leave No Trace Principles
Disposal and Environmental Considerations
Always dump soapy water at least 200 feet from natural water. That keeps streams and lakes clean.
Dig a small greywater pit or strain out food bits, then scatter the filtered water far from camp.
Proper disposal methods:
- Use existing greywater facilities if you find them
- Dig temporary pits in the right kind of soil
- Pack out all empty soap containers
- Don’t pour soapy water on plants
Even biodegradable soap can hurt aquatic life if you use too much in one place. That “biodegradable” label isn’t a free pass.
Stick to unscented soaps so you don’t attract wildlife. Scented stuff can bring bears or other curious animals to camp.
Choosing Safe Locations for Showering
Set up your shower at least 200 feet from any streams or lakes. That keeps soap out of the water.
Look for spots behind big rocks or thick bushes for windbreaks and privacy. You’ll appreciate it if there are other campers around.
Skip low areas where water pools after rain. Go for higher ground with good drainage.
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