NEMO Helio Pressure Shower
Quick Verdict
car camping, overlanding, beach trips, washing pets and gear where you have warm weather and access to water
weight-conscious backpacking or cold-weather/winter camping; indoor/stealth use
Key Specifications
About This Gear
Perfect for long camping trips, the Helio provides a refreshing shower experience far from home. Its pressure-based design is convenient, but the foot pump can take some getting used to.
Pros & Cons
Synthesized from expert reviews and user feedback
What People Love
4 positive findingsStrong, consistent spray via foot-pump (no batteries) that maintains pressure as water level drops
Most reviewersBlack reservoir enables effective solar heating; can also accept stove-heated water for flexibility
Most reviewersLarge volume and decent run-time (11 L standard; 22 L XL available) suitable for rinsing people, pets, and gear
Most reviewersDurable, well-designed materials and fittings with a responsive lifetime warranty
Most reviewers
Things to Consider
6 considerationsVery difficult to fully drain and dry, leading to trapped/stagnant water if not carefully air-dried
Most reviewersFill cap and valve design have a learning curve and can be fiddly to seal or open when full
Most reviewersOccasional air leaks at valves or base reported after repeated use on some older units
Some reviewersVery heavy and awkward to carry when full (full weight ~24 lb for 11 L)
Some reviewers
Weather & Conditions
How this gear performs across different environments and seasons
Temperature Range
performs best in moderate temps with sun for heating; avoid subfreezing use as water/parts can freeze and rupture
Weather Performance
Climate Suitability
Excels In
- mild rain
- moderate temperatures
- coastal environments
- sunny conditions for solar heating
Limitations
- not recommended for winter camping
- condensation and trapped water issues if not properly drained and dried
What People Are Saying
Aggregated insights from expert reviews and user feedback
Users praise the Helio for its strong, reliable foot-pump pressure, solar heating, large capacity and durability; common complaints focus on difficulty draining, cap/valve fiddliness, occasional air leaks on older units, and bulk when full.
What Users Love
- strong pressure
- solar heating
- large capacity
- durable construction
- lifetime warranty
Common Concerns
- difficult to fully drain
- cap/valve quirks
- occasional air leaks
- bulk when full
- many long-term owners report years of use without failure (5+ years in some reports)
- some reports of nozzle or seal failures on older units; 2025 update addresses several issues
not applicable
lifetime warranty; generally responsive customer service with replacements provided in reported cases
Expert Reviews
our winner…for best portable pressurized shower.Read full review →
the Nemo Helio… remains the best camp shower system I’ve tested.Read full review →
Care & Maintenance
Keep your gear performing at its best with these tips
Maintenance Tips
Keep it in top condition- release pressure and fully drain after each use; open valves and accordion-press the bag to expel water
- air-dry the tank and hose completely before storage to prevent mold or odors
- periodically rinse interior with a mild bleach or vinegar solution if stored damp; inspect and replace O-rings/seals as needed
Watch Out For
Known issues to monitor- air leaks at cap or pump valves after repeated use
- difficulty fully draining leading to trapped/stagnant water
- hose connection clamps can loosen over long-term use
Alternatives to Consider
Compare with similar products that might better fit your needs
REI Co-op Camp Chair
- 50% cheaper
- heavier
- less packable
when budget is primary concern
Decathlon Quechua Pressure Shower
- lower price
- hand pump and must be hung
- similar run-time but different ergonomics
when you want a cheaper pressurized option and don't mind hanging the unit or using a hand pump
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this gear