How to Use a Pocket Shower for Backcountry Rinsing
By Sea to Summit | Outdoor Gear To Equip & Inspire | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set up, use, and pack away a portable pocket shower for rinsing off after a day on the trail. Step-by-step instructions for backcountry hygiene.
Quick answer
A pocket shower lets you rinse off almost anywhere by filling it with water, hanging it in the sun to warm, and using the twist on/off showerhead for a controlled stream.
Why a pocket shower beats a dunk in the creek
Cold creek water can shock your system and leave grit on your skin. A pocket shower lets you control temperature and flow, so you get a proper rinse without shivering or wasting water. The 70D nylon fabric and fully taped seams mean it holds up to trail abuse and won't leak when you hang it from a tree branch.
Choosing a spot for your shower
Pick a location at least 200 feet from any natural water source to avoid contaminating it with soap or sunscreen residue. Look for a sturdy branch that can support the weight of the filled shower (about 2.5 gallons / 10 liters). Avoid dead limbs or branches that could snap. If no branch is available, use a trekking pole wedged between rocks or a dedicated camp shower stand.
How to use a pocket shower for backcountry rinsing
- Fill the shower: Unroll the top and hold the shower open. Pour water from a bottle, filter, or stream directly into the bag. Leave a few inches of air at the top so you can roll the closure shut. Twist the showerhead to the OFF position before filling to avoid accidental spills. Common mistake: overfilling. If you fill to the brim, you can't close the roll-top properly and water will leak out when you hang it.
- Warm the water (optional): Lay the filled shower on a dark rock or hang it in direct sunlight for 1–2 hours. The black fabric absorbs heat and raises the water temperature by 10–20°F (5–10°C) on a sunny day. For a cold rinse, skip this step and use the water as-is. Checkpoint: if the water feels too hot after solar heating, let it cool for a few minutes before showering to avoid scalding.
- Hang the shower: Tie the 20ft nylon cord to a sturdy branch at least 6 feet off the ground. The two D-rings on the roll-top closure let you adjust the height by looping the cord through one or both rings. Make sure the showerhead hangs below the bag so gravity feeds the water. Common mistake: hanging the shower too low. If the showerhead is at waist height, you'll have to crouch to rinse. Aim for head height so the water falls naturally.
- Rinse off: Stand under the showerhead and twist the on/off mechanism to the ON position. Adjust the flow by twisting further – a quarter turn gives a gentle trickle, a full turn gives a steady stream. Wet yourself, turn the water OFF, apply biodegradable soap to a cloth, scrub, then turn the water back ON to rinse. Checkpoint: always turn the water off while soaping up. This conserves water and extends your shower time – a full 2.5 gallons can last 3–5 minutes of continuous flow.
- Drain and pack: After rinsing, turn the showerhead to OFF, untie the cord, and open the roll-top. Pour out any remaining water. Hang the empty shower upside down to air-dry for a few minutes, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to push out excess air. Store it in the included stuff sack or your pack's side pocket. Common mistake: packing the shower while still wet inside. Moisture trapped in the roll-top can lead to mildew. Always dry it thoroughly before storing for more than a day.
Product facts
- Pocket Shower (Like New): The Pocket Shower is made of 70D Nylon, the same high quality, wear-resistant, waterproof fabric as our Lightweight Dry Sacks. The seams are fully taped and the roll-top closure has two ‘D’ rings attached to 20ft of nylon cord. This construction means the shower can handle repeated use on rocky ground and hang securely from a branch without tearing, so you don't have to baby it in the backcountry.
Pocket Shower (Like New)
