When most people are out camping they waste a lot of time and energy heating water. The problem is that there is never enough, and you waste a lot of fuel heating more and more. That also doesn’t include any thoughts, no matter how remote, of taking a shower, let alone a hot one.

Well a portable water heater can change all of that. There are many different sizes and models of hot water heaters that can be taken anywhere, even camping. What type and size really depends on what your needs are. What are some of the advantages of using a portable hot water heater you may ask? Number one some of these units are so small and compact that they can be taken almost anywhere, and can even used by back packers.

The Zodi Outback Gear Instant Propane Water Heater is a portable water heater that not only heats water for every day uses, but can also heat up to 50 gallons of water on one propane cylinder, plenty for even the most leisurely showers. It’s rugged steel construction can provide years of use. It has a push button ignition, for easy starting without matches or a lighter. It has a battery operated pump that can draw water from any water source, and comes with and 8′ hose and low flow shower head. It will fit on any of the smaller propane camp cylinders, not included, and has a stable base for the cylinder fits into. Best of all it fits into its own container and the whole thing weighs just over 10 pounds. The best thing is that you can find it at your local mass marketing outlet for under $100.

That is just one of the many models for a portable water heater. Coleman, the leading manufacturer of reliable camping products in the country, has two different models to choose from, one that can be hooked up to an outside water source, and can heat up to 40 gallons of water at a temperature up to 160 degrees on a single propane cylinder. This unit costs just over $200, and their fully self contained model with collapsible tank is just twenty dollars more.

You can find a portable water heater in many locations. While you may not have a Coleman outlet near you, they have their own website, with lots of camping accessories. You can find many more online retailers, and there are even price comparison sites to help you find the best prices. While you may find a few for under $100, most can be well over that, so this is something you need to take into consideration when buying.

You will still have to check each site for extra charges, like shipping or taxes. You should also make sure they have some guarantee and return policy on the portable water heater so you don’t get stuck with a defective product. The nice thing about buying one from a local retailer is there are not shipping charges, and if something goes wrong you can take the unit back in right away.