I have the smaller Camp Chef on-demand water heater which is very similar to the Ecotemp L-5. I've used it on several occasions while camping and like it, but it does take some effort to get it set up. I have a 12V on-demand pump that runs off a deep cycle battery and is plumbed into my water tank on the inlet, then into the water heater for the discharge. I use a 20 lb. propane tank to fuel the water heater, then run the hot water to the included shower head in my shower tent. All in all, it makes for a great warm shower, and the flow rate is acceptable. The biggest drawback is the amount of setup it requires (I don't have it permanently configured yet). Oh yeah, one more thing... I also have a 45w solar array that recharges the deep cycle battery. I rarely set up all the components, but if I do, it is usually when I'm planning to stay in one place for several days. For short stays, I don't worry about recharging the battery, so the solar array stays home, and if there's a faucet to connect to, then I also don't need the 12V pump. In that case, it's just a water hose and propane connection that are needed, and that's not too difficult.
Here is a rundown of all the components I can (and sometimes do) use for my system:
Water heater (w/shower head)
20 lb. propane cylinder (w/hose)
Water tank
12V pump (w/hoses to connect to tank and to water heater)
Deep cycle battery (w/wire to 12V pump and an on/off switch for pump)
Solar array (w/charge controller and wiring to battery)
Shower Tent
large tote to carry water heater, hoses, shower accessories, etc.
(and my truck and trailer to carry it all!)
All in all, it's a lot to carry if I take everything with me, but I can also be fully self contained until I run out of water or propane.
As I said above, unless I'm staying put in one place for several days, it doesn't usually make sense to take everything with me.
I'm working on a more permanent mounting system so it is easier to set it all up, but, so far, I haven't worked it all out (yet).
