I'm curious if you would recommend using two of these, as opposed to a 5-gallon bag? Many have said the 5-gallon bag is harder to use & pops easier.

We just finished camping using a 5 gallon shower. It's nearly impossible to hoist 40 pounds of water overhead using a branch of a tree and then cinching the rope off to hold it in place. Also, if the sun doesn't heat the water sufficiently for a shower (think cloudy day), it takes a massive amount of boiling water to achieve a shower temperature in a 5 gallon tank. Adding 2 quarts of boiling water to a 2.5 gallon shower tank should be enough to achieve a desirable temperature.

How long does it take to heat up the water? Also, any ideas on something compact that we could take to hang it on?

It depends on ambient temp and available sunlight. In direct sun when the air is in the 70s it can hit in excess of 110 degrees in about 3 hours. All the variables come into play, though: ambient temp, amount of sunlight, temp of water to begin with, etc. when ambient afternoon temp was 115 and morning temp in 70s, I filled half way in the morning, filled the rest of the way in the evening with cool water and immediately had a hot shower. It can easily get hot enough to scald you. As for something to hold it, water ways about 8.85 pounds per gallon. You have to have something sturdy enough to hold 50 pounds, basically.

I'd like to use this to wash dishes when I camp in the desert where water is scarce. Are you able to adjust the water flow to slow it down?

I would say yes the water flow can be controlled 2 ways. Head nozzle out = high, head nozzele pushed back further, less flow. Then there is the on/off feature to control the flow as well. What I do is get in (we have a shower tent) turn it on then use the "less flow, with the head pushed back, wet down my hair and body, then turn it off. Next, I wash my body, then turn it on rinse my body and turn it off. Next I shampoo my hair, pull the head all the way out for "full flow" and turn it on to rinse then turn it off. Condition my hair, turn it on rinse, and turn it off. Sounds like quite the process, but if you think about it, it's really simple. This is the best way I've found when boon dock tent camping, with a limited water supply, to conserve water!!! Hope that helps y'all! Oh ya, I hang it up with support and also use it for hot water on tap when doing dishes and washing hands!!! With 2 its an easy set up!!! Happy trails to all wherever your going or whatever your doing, may peace and happiness follow you all of your days!!!

Item Package Dimensions L x W x H	14.88 x 6.02 x 2.09 inches
Package Weight	0.49 Kilograms
Item Dimensions LxWxH	16.5 x 6 x 1.5 inches
Item Weight	1.06 Pounds
Brand Name	ADVANCED ELEMENTS
Country of Origin	Indonesia
Warranty Description	1 Year
Model Name	Summer Shower 2.5
Color	Silver
Material	Other
Suggested Users	unisex-adult
Number of Items	1
Manufacturer	Advanced Elements
Part Number	SS-760
Model Year	2013
Style	Standard
Included Components	shower
Size	2.5 Gallon
Sport Type	Kayaking

ADVANCED ELEMENTS Camping & Outdoor

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