Why outdoor life is good for you — and how to shower wherever you are
Dela
Camping, boating, beach days, the allotment garden, the dog that rolled in something awful — outdoor life is wonderful, until you need to rinse off. But before we get to the practical solution: did you know that time spent in nature is actually one of the most well-documented health boosters available?
The Research: 2 Hours in Nature Per Week Makes a Difference
In one of the largest studies in the field, published in Scientific Reports (2019) with almost 20,000 participants, researchers at the University of Exeter found a clear threshold: individuals who spent at least 120 minutes in nature per week reported significantly better health and higher well-being than those who did not spend time in nature at all. The effect peaked around 200–300 minutes per week — and it didn't matter whether the time was taken in one long outing or several short ones. The correlation held for both young and old, and also for people with chronic health problems. Read the study in Scientific Reports here.
Research has also shown that physical activity outdoors in a natural environment can have greater positive effects on mood and recovery than the same activity indoors. In other words: more hammock days, swimming excursions, and camping nights are not a luxury — they are health care.
What Makes Many Hesitate: Hygiene
Ask a family with children why they hesitate to camp for another weekend, or someone with a motorhome why they always seek out campsites with service buildings. The answer is often the same: the shower. Sandy children after the beach, sweaty bodies after a hike, dishwashing at the tent, the dog after a walk in the woods — without running water, it quickly becomes impractical.
This is where nature as a water source comes in. The lake, the jerrycan, or the bucket contains all the water you need — all that's missing is the pressure.
The Solution: A Portable Pocket-Sized Shower
Our Dusch-Ess – portable outdoor shower and water pump transforms any water source into a real shower. Submerge the pump in a bucket, jerrycan, or lake, press the button — and you have a steady shower stream instantly. It charges via USB, requires no permanent installation, and fits in your luggage.
Perfect for:
- Camping, caravan, and motorhome — shower wherever you stay for the night
- The beach — rinse off sand and salt from the children before the car ride home
- The boat — freshwater shower after a swim
- The garden and allotment garden — rinse off vegetables, feet, and boots
- The dog — clean paws and fur before it jumps into the car
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the shower need any installation?
No — no permanent installation at all. The pump is submerged in any water container and powered by a rechargeable battery (USB charging).
How much water does it use?
Significantly less than a regular shower — a 10-liter bucket goes a long way to rinse off one person. The battery lasts for several showers per charge.
Can lake water be used?
Yes, that's the whole point — the lake, river, or rainwater barrel works excellently as a water source for rinsing.
Does it work for rinsing off the dog?
Absolutely — a soft, steady stream that most dogs accept better than a garden hose.
Source: White et al., Scientific Reports 2019. The study shows a correlation between time in nature and self-reported health/well-being.