Helio LX Pressure Shower

The Nemo Helio LX Pressure Shower is a ground-standing portable shower for camp. Fill the tank, step on the attached foot pump a few times, and a long neoprene hose delivers a steady, pressurised spray and there is no need to find a tree or hook to hang it from.

What it is

A pressure shower rather than a gravity bag. The Helio LX stands upright on its base, and the foot pump pressurises the water inside, so the spray comes out with some push behind it and keeps going. The two-stage nozzle works by trigger for short bursts, or locks into continuous spray when you want both hands free to wash your hair.

The tank cannot be over-inflated. If the pressure drops halfway through, give the pump another few presses and carry on.

Who it's for

Anyone who camps a few days in one spot and wants to wash properly. It is at its best at a base camp: a beach site after a day in the surf, a riverside camp in the Victorian high country after a muddy walk, or a school-holiday site where the kids come back sandy every afternoon. Rinse salt out of a wetsuit, sand off feet and boots, dirt off the camp dishes, and still have water left for a shower.

Pair it with Nemo's Heliopolis privacy shelter and shower tent, whose fitted nozzle holder turns the Helio LX into a hands-free overhead shower.

Key details

• Built-in foot pump pressurises the tank, so it never needs hanging
• Two-stage nozzle: trigger spray or continuous spray
• Long neoprene hose that reaches overhead for a shower
• Wide fill port with an easy-grip screw cap
• Padded handle for carrying it back full from the tap or creek
• Sets on the ground and warms up when left in the sun
• Folds down small, with the hose and pump nesting under the base

How it compares

The Helio LX is the larger of Nemo's two Helio showers, with a taller tank that gives a longer run of spray between refills. Choose it for families, groups or longer showers. The standard Helio is the more compact choice for one or two people.

Looking after it

The wide fill port opens up the whole tank, so you can reach in to clean it and let the inside air out properly. Empty it, leave the cap off until it is completely dry, then fold it down with the hose and pump tucked under the base.