A no-frills rundown for first-time campers weighing DIY showers vs paid options
Festival threads are buzzing about the cheap pop-up privacy tent + 5‑gallon solar shower kits you see online. If you’re rolling GA and trying to cut costs, the combo looks appealing — small price, instant privacy, and a way to rinse off between sets. But like every festival hack, there are tradeoffs. Here’s a straight-up look at when that $30 kit makes sense and when you should skip it.
Pros
- Low upfront cost — cheap tents and solar bags are often under $40 for a starter kit.
- Privacy and convenience — set up at your camp and avoid lines for communal showers.
- Fast setup and pack-down — pop-up tents fold small, and solar bags pack flat.
- Good backup — useful for quick rinses, washing dishes, or as a changing room.
Cons and caveats
- Water is heavy — five gallons weighs ~40 lb; hauling and storing water is a real pain for GA campers.
- Limited capacity — a 5‑gallon bag gives a short rinse, not a full wash; expect quick, cold or lukewarm showers unless you get perfect sun exposure.
- Festival policies vary — some events restrict greywater dumping, open flames for heating, or even on-site water storage. Always check rules first.
- Hygiene and comfort — no drainage system, shared fill spots, and weather can ruin the solar-heating trick.
How to make a DIY shower actually work
- Scout water sources: plan fill-ups at potable-water stations or bring a large reusable container to refill from taps.
- Use a collapsible container or extra jugs — easier to carry and refill than multiple 5‑gal bags.
- Heat safely: place solar bag on a dark surface in direct sun and test temperature before use; don’t leave a hot bag unattended on reflective surfaces.
- Bring a simple pump or gravity nozzle — rigging a shower head or squeeze pump makes rinsing easier and reduces waste.
- Pack hygiene extras: biodegradable soap, wet wipes, dry shampoo, and a microfiber towel for rinse-and-go showers.
- Respect the site: dispose of greywater according to festival rules, and stake the tent so it won’t blow away.
Bottom line: If you’re GA and want a cheaper, low-effort way to stay fresh between sets, a pop-up privacy tent and solar shower can be a solid, budget-friendly move — but don’t expect spa-level comfort. For less hassle, consider paid festival showers or VIP/Good Life amenities (if available) for reliably hot, sanitary showers and shorter wait times.
Pack smart, check the rules, and pair the kit with wipes and dry shampoo — you’ll be the cleanest GA camper in the crowd without paying for endless shower tokens.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/comments/1p1cnrr/is_something_like_this_a_good_idea/