Shower Shelter Showdown

[TangoBlue]

My biggest concern would be that you're a big man Doc and that it may be too small for you.

Ahh, very good point about some of these portable privvy's. If you are large of girth and conspicuously tall you might be challenged.

But Dave, we're about the same size so I don't think you'll be too big for the shelter. Besides, it's more space than in a field shower unit or a stall in the head on-board ship, so you'll be happy... and squeaky clean.

 

[Lost Canadian]

Another Outback user. Easy up, easy down, cheap, and it works.

 

[john101477]

Mine is a different brand but the same as the outback. got it from cabelas. works great easy to set up and take down. cheap easy and functional

 

[Corey]

You can read my take on the Pett in my camping gear review thread in this section.
It sucks, it likes to take a bow in the wind

Two years ago I switched over to the Outback, and I like it a lot.
It too is reviewed in my review thread.

 

[dzzz]

Anyone have the Zodi ihut?
Something simpler, larger with no roof interests me

 

[Martyn]

Choice of privacy structures will also be dependent on what you are primarily using them for. The Paha Que Tepee is primarily a shower structure, it's very sturdy, the user is moving around lot more inside it, hanging stuff off the sides, using the gear shelf etc. It take a while to put up but it's a solid structure.

Some other products are primarily toilet structures. They are quick to set up, and less sturdy than the Tepee, all you are doing inside is sitting down on a throne, no shower unit, no towel, no wash bag, just a roll of T.P.

A toilet structure may be deployed quickly for a single usage, and quickness may be a big benefit. I can't think of a time I've been super rushed to take a shower, unless you include that episode with the skunk :sombrero:

 

[Dave Bennett]

Anyone have the Zodi ihut?
Something simpler, larger with no roof interests me

I'd like to hear from anyone who has this one as well. I like the size and it looks easy to build.

 

[Chazz Layne]

Between the two, the Outback is definitely the better unit - I own the PETT. It is slower to set up/tear down, far more fragile, and requires a little extra work securing it in a wind (guy lines work wonders). In exchange, it is actually tolerable showering in cold weather (downright pleasant actually).

I loved the Outback for convenience, but a cold-weather shower with it is absolutely miserable. I wish they'd make a solution for this, it'd be pretty easy to slip a thick "winter"-fly over the top to hold the heat in... if they did I'd make the switch.

 

[dzzz]

Anyone have the Cabela unit? I'm curious if it's usable with out the rain fly. Is the top open without the rain fly?

It seem like one that could be set up simply without the fly would be desirable. With the option of adding the roof when desired.

 

[Redline]

Choice of privacy structures will also be dependent on what you are primarily using them for.
snip...

Yep, and we're using the Outback 'spring hut' as both a throne and shower structure.

 

[Corey]

I had the Cabelas one, but never set it up, it looked to involved and time consuming, so member Salue bought it from me, then later he sold it

I use mine for both deeds, so when it is time to put the Zodi Hotman Extreme shower inside, the Pett toilet comes out.

 

[elcoyote]

I have experience with 4 shelter models.

The first shelter I had was a Zodi hut. I did not like it because in the slightest breeze it would start to collapse around you and of course that was fun while taking a shower. I can be staked at the corners but has no provision for guy lines. It has no pockets or frills and an open top. It was given away.

Shelter #2 was a Cabelas shower shelter. While it was stout and roomy, it was insanely complex to set up with many steel pole sections that did not interlock very well. It was also heavy and bulky. It has lots of internal pouches for your toiletries. This was sold in a yard sale for cheap.

Shelter #3 Pahaque TeePee with aluminum poles. I do not recommend the fiberglass pole version. This is indeed the cadillac of the shelters I have used. Takes practice to set up, very strong and stable in the wind when staked out with its guy lines. We used 4 of these at our Pyramid Lake event some years ago (a very windy spot) for 50 people taking showers and they held up to the stiff gusts. The tapered shape at its center is great for girth and I think it is the tallest shelter on the market. Ihe multiple pockets are handy. The external horizontal poles are accessible from inside and are great for hanging towels and a fresh change of clothes. Great shelter if staying put for a couple of days. I still have the Teepee and use it when base camping.

Shelter #4 The PETT PUP. It's a quick and convenient shelter for doing your business with a little set up/break down practice. I have not experienced the bending at the joints as mentioned elsewhere in this thread. Like any shelter in the wind, it has to be staked down and has provision for guy lines as well.
It is a bit cramped for taking a shower but this is the shelter I carry when on the move and privacy is needed. It is part of my standard kit in the MJ.

I guess it all boils down to price, conditions (windy or calm), how much room you need (girth & height), how much room you have to stow the shelter, are you on the move or base camping, whether the shelter is needed for only doing business or both showers and business.

I guess I'll have to try the Outback to round out my experience now.

 

[Streakerfreak]

Dave, the Outback will flat-out be too small for you. It's tight for me and you are much bigger than I am.

As everyone has said, its easy to put up, but a pain in the butt to take down. Others have said it is easy to store, but I feel differently. It's a giant freaking disk with no way to strap in down. Very awkward to find places to stick it out-of-the-way versus something more akin to a tent bag. If I had the money, I would get rid of mine and get something that takes longer to put up. Its taken at least 15 minutes at times to take down my Outback.

 

[Mc Taco]

...It's a giant freaking disk with no way to strap in down....

It is a bit smaller in diameter than the X-jack. Might be spot next to that.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Great feedback gents, I have added a POLL so we can see who prefers what :snorkel: