Features & Benefits Of Costco's Portable Outdoor Shower

Costco's portable outdoor shower, the RinseKit Pro, brings a level of convenience to outdoor cleaning that's hard to overlook. While portable showers aren't new to the market, this model stands out for its combination of portability, water pressure, and ease of use. At its core, the RinseKit Pro offers a 3.5-gallon capacity, which, while not massive, is sufficient for a quick rinse after a hike, surf session, or bike ride. What really makes it convenient, though, is the battery-powered pressurization system, which provides a steady, high-pressure stream of water with just a simple button press.

With up to six minutes of pressurized water flow, this shower is built for more than just a quick splash. The five-setting spray nozzle allows for some versatility, offering options from a gentle mist to a strong spray for washing off gear or cleaning off after a dusty trail. However, the RinseKit Pro's biggest selling point is its portability. Weighing just 13 pounds empty (and 42 pounds when full), it's relatively compact in design, making it easy to transport on camping trips or even store at home when not in use. For your outdoor trips where the RinseKit Pro may not make sense, you can at least learn one of the simplest methods for washing your clothes while camping.

For outdoor adventurers, the RinseKit Pro's most obvious benefit is its ability to provide pressurized water on demand. If you've ever been out camping, you know how important it can be to have access to water after a long day of hiking (and you should know the simple way to purify water in the wild). The RinseKit Pro allows you to wash off dirt, sand, sweat, or even clean your gear with a high-pressure spray, without the need for bulky or complicated setups.

Another major benefit of the RinseKit Pro is its ability to maintain water temperatures between 33°F and 110°F. While it might not offer full control over water temperature like some fixed installations, this flexibility makes it usable across a range of outdoor conditions. Whether you're washing off in the middle of a hot summer day or cleaning up after a chilly fall hike, you can adjust the temperature to suit your needs. This added feature is especially useful for families with young children or anyone who is sensitive to cold water.

That said, the RinseKit Pro isn't perfect for every situation. The relatively short battery life (up to six minutes of pressurized water flow) means it's better suited for quick rinse-offs rather than extended showers. That said, as one Costco reviewer revealed, "[I] used it for over two days camping to wash dishes, wash vegetables, and to take over 7 showers without charging the battery. Battery still [has] about 12.0 left so it seems like sufficient amount." Depending on how often you need to use it, for those on long camping trips or in remote locations, this may not be ideal. For these trips, make sure you have the right equipment and have done your research setting up a wild bathroom. 

While the RinseKit Pro offers plenty of advantages, it's not the right solution for everyone. For example, the 3.5-gallon water capacity may not be enough for larger groups or for those looking to take a longer shower. It's great for a quick rinse, but if you're planning on using it for full-body showers or extended cleaning, you may find yourself running out of water sooner than you'd like. If you're planning a multi-day camping trip, you may need to refill the shower multiple times, which could be inconvenient.

Additionally, the battery-powered pressurization is a plus in terms of portability, but it comes with its own limitations. While the shower offers six minutes of high-pressure water, that's a relatively short amount of time, and you'll need to keep the battery charged if you want consistent performance. Luckily, the system includes both a car and wall charger, but if you're in a particularly remote location without access to power, you might run into some difficulties.

Another point to consider is the weight when the RinseKit Pro is full. At 42 pounds, it's not exactly light, and you may need to plan your transport accordingly, especially if you're trekking into a more rugged area. That said, when empty, it's manageable for most car campers or anyone who doesn't mind hauling it a short distance.