How to Store Your Camping Shower Kit Between Trips

Quick answer

Empty and air-dry every water part first, then store the kit loosely packed in a cool, dry place away from direct sun. Never seal a damp hose, pump, or tent in a bag — trapped moisture is what causes mold, odors, and cracked fittings between trips.

The gap between trips is when most camping shower problems start. A hose coiled away wet, a pump left in a sealed container, or a tent folded with damp fabric will come back smelling musty and working poorly.

This routine takes about 20 minutes at the end of a trip. It applies whether you run a simple pump-and-hose setup or a full hot-water kit, and it keeps every part ready to use the next time you head out.

Why storage matters more than most campers think

Water left inside a hose or pump creates the ideal environment for mold and mildew. Over weeks in a hot garage or vehicle, that growth becomes a smell you cannot rinse out, and it can clog small pump components.

UV exposure is the other quiet problem. Rubber and plastic parts left in direct sunlight degrade faster, which shows up as stiff hoses, brittle connectors, and leaks. Shade and airflow do more for longevity than any cleaning product.

Storage also affects how quickly you can set up next time. A kit packed in a known, dry state means no last-minute scrubbing or troubleshooting at camp.

• Store in a cool, dry, shaded spot — not a sun-baked shed or the back of a parked vehicle.
• Keep parts loose rather than compressed so air can move around them.

Clean before you store, not after

Rinse the pump, hose, and any basin or container with fresh water before packing. If you used the shower with lake or river water, a mild soap rinse helps remove organic residue that feeds mold.

Do not use harsh solvents or abrasive scrubbers on hoses and seals. A soft cloth and plain water handle most of it, and gentle dish soap is enough for stubborn grime.

Let everything dry completely before it goes anywhere near a storage bag. If you can still feel cool moisture on a fitting, it is not dry yet.

• Pay attention to connectors and threads, where water hides longest.
• Wipe the exterior of the pump rather than submerging it in soapy water.

Dry the tent and fabric parts separately

Shower tents and vehicle-mounted awnings need their own drying step. Set them up or hang them loosely in the shade until the fabric and seams are fully dry, inside and out.

Never store a tent folded while damp. Even a small amount of trapped moisture can lead to mildew stains and a persistent smell that is difficult to remove later.

Once dry, fold loosely rather than tightly. Sharp creases stress coated fabrics over time, and a relaxed fold makes the next setup faster.

• Check the floor and corners of the tent, which dry last.
• If you packed up in rain, re-dry the tent at home before long-term storage.

Choose the right storage spot and container

A breathable bag or an open shelf beats a sealed plastic tote for anything that touches water. If you must use a sealed container, make sure every part is bone dry first and add a little ventilation if possible.

Keep the kit off concrete floors, which can wick moisture, and away from chemicals like fuel, solvents, or fertilizer stored in the same space.

Label or group the kit so you can grab it as one unit. That also makes it easy to notice missing small parts like adapters and connectors before you leave.

• Store hoses coiled loosely, not kinked tightly around a fitting.
• Keep the pump upright or in its own spot so it is not crushed by heavier gear.

A quick check before the next trip

Before you load up, uncoil the hose and inspect it for cracks, stiffness, or flattened spots. Check connectors for missing O-rings or debris, and run the pump briefly with clean water to confirm flow.

Charge or top up any battery-powered components so you are not starting a trip with a dead pack. This is also the moment to confirm adapters and cords are still in the kit.

If something failed, replace it before you leave rather than improvising at camp. Small spares are cheap; a cold, broken shower is not.

• Test the pump for a few seconds before packing it in the vehicle.
• Keep a spare connector or adapter with the kit if you have one.

Your between-trips storage routine

1. Empty and rinse all water parts: Drain the pump, hose, and any basin or container, then rinse with fresh water. If you used natural water sources, add a mild soap rinse. Checkpoint: no standing water remains in hoses or fittings.
2. Air-dry everything completely: Hang or lay out hoses, the pump, and the tent in the shade until every surface feels dry to the touch, including threads and seams. Mistake to avoid: packing while anything still feels cool or damp.
3. Fold and coil loosely: Coil hoses without tight kinks, fold the tent with relaxed creases, and keep the pump from being crushed by heavier gear. Checkpoint: no sharp bends or pressure points on hoses or fittings.
4. Store in a cool, dry, shaded place: Use a breathable bag or open shelf, keep the kit off concrete, and store it away from fuel, solvents, or other chemicals. Mistake to avoid: sealing a kit in a hot vehicle or sun-exposed shed.
5. Do a pre-trip check: Inspect hoses and connectors, run the pump briefly, and charge the shower battery before you load up. Next step: replace any worn or missing part before departure.

Kakadu parts and how they affect storage

• Kakadu Outback Shower Pump & Hose: The pump measures just 2 inches wide, fits into most jerry cans and water containers, and uses a rugged submersible design with quiet operation. Its compact size makes it easy to store in a small dry bag, but the submersible design means it must be fully dried before packing to avoid mold in the pump body.
• Outback Shower Essentials Bundle: The bundle includes the Outback Shower, Carry Bag, Wash Basin, and AC Adapter for hot water on demand. Because the kit includes several water-contact items, each part needs its own drying step before everything goes back in the carry bag.
• Outback Shower Tent: The Outback Shower Tent is a premium camping shower tent designed for privacy and convenience, with a spacious design and durable construction. Durable fabric still needs to be fully dry before folding; storing it damp is the most common cause of mildew and odor between trips.
• Outback Shower AC Adapter: The AC Adapter is designed to charge the Outback Shower for home, campsite, or RV use. Storing the adapter with the kit and topping up the shower before each trip prevents a dead battery when you arrive at camp.

A little drying and loose packing at the end of each trip is the difference between a kit that lasts for seasons and one that smells musty by the second use. Store it dry, shaded, and ready, and your next camp shower is a five-minute setup instead of a cleanup job.