5 Ways to Conserve Water While Camping

Created by
Taressa Burge

Fall 2023

Camping is all about connecting with nature, but it’s equally important to respect and conserve the environment we love so much, unless you want to find yourself in a standoff with Mother Nature. One essential resource to safeguard during your outdoor adventures is water. By implementing some rather ingenious water-saving strategies, we can enjoy the great outdoors while minimizing our impact on the environment and keeping our camping cool factor intact. In this blog post, we’ll explore some practical tips for conserving water while camping and introduce you to some of our game-changer products that Shades of Adventure live by.

Plan Ahead 

The first step in conserving water during your camping trip is to plan ahead. Knowing where and when you’ll have access to water sources will help you make informed decisions. Sometimes you hit the jackpot, and water is available on the campground, and other times, it may be days until you reach a water source. Identifying water supply points near your campsite or while traveling is key, and hey, don’t be shy to ask the gas station attendant if you can fill up your Jerrycans for a small fee. It’s all about strategic hydration, folks!

Use Biodegradable Soap and Shampoo 

When you do use water for cleaning, make sure to use biodegradable soap and shampoo. These products are eco-friendly and won’t harm the environment when they eventually make their way into the soil or water sources. It also rinses easier than regular dish soap which will also conserve some water.  And here’s a nifty trick: dilute Dr. Bronner’s soap and put it in a foaming soap dispenser with water. It’ll not only prevent people from wasting it but also make you look like a camping chemistry genius.

Staying Hydrated

 Water is necessary for your well-being on a normal day, but it’s crucial when you’re out conquering the wilderness. Sometimes you have to get creative with water transportation, especially when you’re backpacking or overlanding. Consider using a purifying hydration system, like the Lifesaver jerry can or the trusty LifeStraw for off-the-beaten-path adventures. Oh, and ditch the caffeine and booze; they’re like hydration’s sworn enemies. Stay cool, prehydrate, and remember: we begin our adventures already well-hydrated, because nobody wants to be the wilting flower in the woods.

Master the Art of Dishwashing 

After cooking and eating, be mindful of how you wash your dishes. Always wipe off food scraps before washing; campfires make excellent food scrap receptacles. Use a basin or collapsible sink to capture and reuse rinse water, and scrub your dishes efficiently. Remember, wasting water is so last season. And if you’re really fancy, try cooking and eating out of foil packs – fewer dishes, more fun!

Embrace Shower Alternatives 

Bath wipes work great when you just need a little freshening up. Just remember to dispose of them responsibly. If you want to kick it up a notch, get yourself a collapsible bucket for some quick and easy water and soap action. But for the ultimate camping luxury, let’s talk about the Geyser Shower System. It’s like a spa in the woods, providing a comfy shower experience with less than 1 gallon of water per shower. No more rushing through showers; this thing has efficient water flow. And for those hot showers, we use our Jetboil to heat up the water. Even in the wilderness, a warm shower is a game-changer.

So there you have it, 5 ways to conserve water while camping that’ll keep you in Mother Nature’s good graces and ensure your camping buddies are in awe of your water-saving prowess.