The Coghlans Portable Shower Made a Bold First Impression
The Coghlans Portable Shower promises a simple solution for maintaining hygiene in the great outdoors. Coghlans is a well-known name in camping and survival gear, and this portable shower aims to bring a bit of civilization to remote locations. My initial thought was, “Can something this simple actually work?”.
My quest for a reliable portable shower stemmed from years of backpacking and overlanding trips where consistent access to running water was a luxury. Wet wipes and sponge baths only go so far after days of hiking or working on a vehicle in the dirt. I needed a compact and effective way to rinse off, and the Coghlans Portable Shower seemed like a promising, no-frills option.
Unboxing the Coghlans Portable Shower revealed a straightforward, almost retro design. The handheld sprayer is connected to what appears to be a basic but kink-resistant hose. The materials felt reasonably durable for the price point, though certainly not heavy-duty. It was lightweight, which is crucial when packing for extended trips.
Compared to electric pump showers I’ve seen, the Coghlans Portable Shower stood out due to its simplicity and lack of reliance on batteries. Solar shower bags were considered, but their dependency on direct sunlight for warm water makes them unreliable in many environments. The simplicity of the Coghlans Portable Shower was the main selling point.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t fancy, but it looked like it could potentially get the job done. I was eager to see how it performed in the field, hoping it would live up to its promise of providing a convenient rinse.
Real-World Testing: Putting Coghlans Portable Shower to the Test
First Use Experience
The Coghlans Portable Shower got its initial baptism during a weekend camping trip in the mountains. I paired it with a five-gallon water jug for a gravity-fed system. The surrounding environment was moderately dusty, with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The ease of use was immediately apparent. I simply attached the hose to the jug and used the handheld sprayer to direct the water. The flow rate was adequate for a quick rinse, though certainly not comparable to a home shower. There were no leaks or malfunctions, and the kink-resistant hose lived up to its name.
The only minor issue was the lack of a good way to hang the water jug at the right height for consistent flow. A sturdy tree branch worked as an improvised solution. The water pressure was a bit weak at times, indicating a need for a higher elevation of the water source.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of occasional use during camping and overlanding trips, the Coghlans Portable Shower has held up surprisingly well. There are no significant signs of wear and tear beyond some minor scuffs on the sprayer head. The hose remains flexible and kink-free.
Cleaning is simple. Rinsing the sprayer and hose with clean water after each use prevents any buildup or clogging. I store it in a dry bag to keep it protected from the elements when not in use. This seems sufficient to keep everything in good working order.
Compared to previous attempts at portable showering solutions, the Coghlans Portable Shower wins hands-down due to its reliability and ease of use. Solar shower bags are often frustrating, and battery-powered pumps are prone to failure. The simplicity of the Coghlans design has proven to be a significant advantage.
Breaking Down the Features of Coghlans Portable Shower
Specifications
The Coghlans Portable Shower is a no-frills portable showering solution. It consists of a handheld sprayer head attached to a length of kink-resistant hose. It is designed to be used with a user-supplied water container.
- Kink-Resistant Hose: This is a key feature, preventing the hose from collapsing and interrupting water flow. The length of the hose allows for flexible use.
- Handheld Sprayer: The sprayer head provides a controllable stream of water. It is basic, but functional.
- Simple Design: The absence of complex components increases reliability. There are no batteries or pumps to fail.
- Lightweight: The entire unit is designed to be easily packed and transported. This is crucial for backpacking or overlanding.
These specifications are essential because they directly impact the shower’s usability and dependability in outdoor settings. The kink-resistant hose ensures consistent water flow. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry, and the lack of electronic parts minimizes potential points of failure.
Performance & Functionality
The Coghlans Portable Shower performs its primary job adequately: providing a stream of water for rinsing. It’s not a high-pressure shower, but it’s sufficient for washing off dirt, sweat, or grime. The ease of use is a significant strength.
The main weakness is the lack of water pressure, which is entirely dependent on gravity and the elevation of the water source. This can be mitigated by hanging the water container as high as possible. A better sprayer head design could potentially improve water pressure.
It meets expectations for a simple, no-frills portable shower. It is not designed to be a luxurious experience, but rather a practical solution for basic hygiene needs. It provides the necessary functionality at a reasonable price.
Design & Ergonomics
The Coghlans Portable Shower features a simple, utilitarian design. The materials are basic but seem reasonably durable. The handheld sprayer is comfortable enough to hold and use, though it lacks any ergonomic features.
The design is user-friendly with essentially no learning curve. Attach the hose to a water container and start spraying. Its inherent simplicity makes it easy to set up and use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Coghlans Portable Shower appears reasonably durable for a low-cost product. The materials are not exceptionally robust, but they are adequate for occasional use. With proper care, it should last for several seasons.
Maintenance is minimal. Rinse with clean water after each use and store in a dry place. The simplicity of the design means there are few parts that can break or require repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Coghlans Portable Shower comes with no accessories and offers limited customization options. The user provides the water container. Some users might choose to add a shut-off valve or a different sprayer head for improved water flow.
It’s generally compatible with standard water containers and fittings. This allows for some flexibility in setting up the shower system. Some users have experimented with adding small pumps for increased water pressure.
Pros and Cons of Coghlans Portable Shower
Pros
- Simple and reliable design. There are few things that can go wrong.
- Lightweight and compact. Easy to pack for backpacking and camping trips.
- Kink-resistant hose. Ensures consistent water flow without interruptions.
- Affordable price. Offers a basic shower solution without breaking the bank.
- Easy to use. Requires no special skills or tools for setup and operation.
Cons
- Low water pressure. Dependent on gravity and elevation of the water source.
- Basic sprayer head. Lacks advanced features or adjustable spray patterns.
Who Should Buy Coghlans Portable Shower?
The Coghlans Portable Shower is perfect for casual campers, backpackers, and overlanders who need a simple and affordable way to rinse off while in the outdoors. It’s also a good option for emergency preparedness kits, providing a basic hygiene solution in the event of a disaster. Anyone looking for an ultra-light and easily packable solution will find it ideal.
Those who require high water pressure or a luxurious showering experience should skip this product. It’s also not ideal for situations where a large volume of water is needed for thorough cleaning. Individuals who expect a full-pressure, hot shower will be disappointed.
A must-have accessory is a sturdy container for holding the water, ideally with a wide mouth for easy filling. A small tarp or shower enclosure can also enhance the experience by providing privacy and preventing water from splashing everywhere.
Conclusion on Coghlans Portable Shower
The Coghlans Portable Shower is a simple, affordable, and reliable solution for basic hygiene needs in the outdoors. While it lacks the features and performance of more sophisticated portable shower systems, its simplicity and durability make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize lightweight and ease of use. It won’t replace a hot shower at home, but it offers a refreshing rinse when you’re miles from civilization.
The price is definitely justified for what it offers: a functional and dependable way to clean off dirt and grime while camping or overlanding. The low price point makes it accessible to virtually anyone. It’s a basic solution that delivers on its promise.
I would personally recommend the Coghlans Portable Shower to anyone seeking a no-frills, dependable portable shower for occasional use. It’s not fancy, but it works. If you’re heading out for a camping trip and want a simple way to rinse off, give the Coghlans Portable Shower a try – you might be surprised by how much you appreciate its simplicity.