Camping is rising in popularity, especially among the Millenials. Imagine spending time with your family or friends surrounded by nature?
Camping and backpacking are said to reduce stress and contribute a lot to both emotional and physical health.
Well, when planning for camping, you must carry some clothes. But that’s not even the problem. The real issue is managing the limited number of clothes you packed. Sometimes you are in a place where there are no Laundromats or the available laundry rooms are crowded.
But I (and many camping enthusiasts) have discovered a way out. Gone are the days when it wasn’t possible to take a washer along. These days, there are portable washing machines for camping, and these have saved us lots of trouble.
What about electricity, you ask? Well, there are non-electric washers – you can use these. And if you have a power source like a generator or a powerful-enough battery or solar, an electric washer will do.
You know what makes portable washing machines for camping so convenient? They’re super cheap! You could even get one for less than 60 bucks. Where? That’s what I am here to tell you.
Read on as I reveal the top portable washers that people use when camping or backpacking.
1. The Wonderwash Non-electric Portable Compact Mini Washing Machine
The wonder wash is a highly portable washing machine. It relies on human power; this means that you don’t need electricity to use it.
The machine is not only economical but also eco-friendly.
If you are a traveller or a camping enthusiast, the amazing wonder wash might be just what you need. It comes in small sizes, and it can wash your clothes in a matter of minutes.
Are you planning to camp in a remote area where people live off-the-grid? You should probably consider the highly rated wonder wash machine.
Most of the buyers are happy with its price and functioning. The company offers a 3-year warranty on this product.
Yeah, I know how limited resources like water can be when camping. Well, tell you what?
The non-electric mini washing machine can clean your laundry using 90 percent less water and detergent compared to other washing machines.
So, you get to enjoy your camping without worrying about water and soap.
Wonderwash compact portable washing machine is built to last; it does not have an agitator. This means that it is more durable than regular electric washing machines.
Key features
- Compact design
- Washing capacity: 8 dress shirts, 10 T-shirts and 2 pairs of jeans
- It is nonelectric.
- Patent pressure system.
- Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 12 inches
Specification
Brand: The Landry Alternative
Model: Wonderwash
Weight: 5.5 pounds
Pros
- It is economical and eco-friendly.
- Easy to operate
- Easy to clean small loads of laundry.
- There is no maintenance required.
- It is cheap
Cons
- The wonderwash washing machine is noisy.
- It has no wringing ability.
2. Lavario Portable Clothes Washer
Many folks say that the Lavario is the best portable washing machine for camping trips.
The appliance is made in the USA, and it is non-electric. It is well-built and compact, so you needn’t worry about space.
This washer is made of heavy plastic. Inside the tub, there is a basket that functions as an agitator.
The lavario washing machine comes with comprehensive instructions and a sample of detergent. The only part you need to assemble is the handle, which is easy to put in place.
You can use this appliance to clean a sizeable load of clothes. It is gentle on clothes but tough on dirt.
Unlike the electric washing machines, lavario is ecofriendly. It uses little water and detergent to clean your clothes.
Besides, you can use the same water to wash other clothes. If you are deep in the forest where there is little water, Lavario portable clothes washer will sort you out. Forget about machines that will use like 60 liters to clean your clothes.
Key features
- Assembled dimensions (L x W x H): 19.00 x 19.00 x 31.00 Inches
- Patented and made in the USA.
- Non-electric relies on hand power.
- It can be used for both delicate and non-delicate clothes.
- Top-loading portable washing machine.
- Incredible cleaning power.
Specifications
Brand: Lavario Portable Clothes Washer
Model: 1204
Weight: 14 lbs.
Pros
- It is eco-friendly.
- Simple to operate.
- Easy to carry around.
- It doesn’t require electricity, and this makes it convenient for outdoor activities.
- Uses little water and detergent.
Cons
- It is manual, so it might be cumbersome for some people.
- Long intervals between washing and rinsing clothes.
3. SUPER DEAL Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine
SUPER DEAL is a small yet powerful washing machine and dryer. If you are traveling with a family or a group of friends, this machine can be very useful, as it washes a larger load than the previous two. It is an excellent gadget for travelers and camping enthusiasts.
The machine is small in size, which makes it easy to move from one place to another.
It comes in a compact design. With twin tubs, the appliance helps you wash and spin clothes at the same time.
Although it is small in size, the SUPER DEAL features a powerful performance for excellent washing results. The product features a unique system of pulsating water through the machine to produce less wrinkled clothes. Also, it provides good cleaning results with less power.
Key Features
- Top loading portable washing machine.
- It has a washer and a spinner.
- 8 pounds washing capacity and 5 pounds of spinning capacity.
- 5 washing timers and 5 spinning timers
- It is bottom-heavy, and this makes it stable.
- Powerful 1300 RPM motor, which delivers a 60Hz max. Frequency.
- Can wash and spin at the same time.
- Water inlet hosepipe
- Offers 3 washings modes; soft, drain, and standard.
Specifications
Brand: SUPER DEAL
Model: SD2304
Weight: 26.5 pounds
Pros
- Easy to carry around.
- Dual functioning; wash and dry at the same time.
- Simple to operate.
- It is Affordable
- Uses less water and detergent.
- It dries your clothes well.
Cons
- Ideal for light clothes only.
4. Best Choice Products Portable Compact Twin Tub Laundry Machine & Spin Cycle w/Hose, 13lbs Capacity
The twin tub of the portable washing machine is made of plastic to reduce wear and tear. The device is designed in a way that it can fit anywhere.
It is not only ideal for camping trips but also for tight spaces such as apartments and dorms.
The gadget has a washer and a drying tub. This means that it can wash and dry at the same time.
The machine might be small, but it has a large washing and drying capacity.
It can deliver excellent washing and drying of up to 13lb load of laundry. With a control timer of up to 15 minutes and a spin cycle of 5 minutes, you can wash clothes while doing other things.
The quiet yet powerful machine runs on a 1300 RPM motor that delivers a 60Hz frequency.
Key features
- Timer control function.
- Twin tub compact design.
- Made of heavy-duty plastic material.
- Washer and spinner dry combo.
- Powerful 1300 RPM motor speed with 60Hz frequency.
- Dimension: 23-inches x 13.5-inches x 26-inches
- Top loading portable washing machine.
- Requires 110 volts
- 8 pounds washing capacity and 5 pounds of washing capacity.
Specifications
Brand: Best Choice Products
Model: SKY2767
Weight: 23.9 pounds
Pros
- You can set a wash timer.
- Saves time; can wash and dry at the same time.
- Lightweight and highly portable.
- Less noise
- It has a stainless steel tub, so there is no mildew buildup
Cons
- Small spinner
- Can only be used in places with electricity.
5. Panda 3200 rpm Portable Spin Dryer 110V/22lbs Stainless Steel
The portable panda dryer is another option for those who travel a lot.
The dryer operates on a 3200 RPM motor speed. So it will dry your laundry in a matter of minutes because it has a high-speed spinner cycle. With a 110 voltage, the machine guarantees a smooth operation.
No one wants to move around with a heavy machine. The compact design of the portable panda dryer will allow you to lift it easily.
You don’t have to worry about space; a mini dryer occupies a small space. So it is ideal for RV vans and camping.
The machine is constructed using stainless steel material, which makes it more durable and sturdy. The mini dryer doesn’t have any damage-causing heat features for drying the laundry.
It has a gravity drain that helps you to wash from anywhere, even in areas with no drainage system. If you are planning a camping trip, you should consider the Panda portable mini dryer.
Key Features
- Product Dimensions; 13.5 x 13.5 x 25.5 inches
- Requires 110 volts.
- Spin speed of 3200 RPM
- Gravity drain
- Maximum of 16-22 pounds capacity.
- Stainless steel tub
- Spin disc
- Top loading
Specifications
Brand: Panda
Model: PANSP22
Weight: 26 pounds
Pros
- Easy to store
- Simple to operate.
- Saves time
- Easily moved from one place to another.
- Long-lasting due to the stainless steel.
Cons
- It is difficult to find spare parts.
- Not for the regular load of laundry.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Portable Washing Machine for Camping
Convenience
The machine should be convenient to use.
If you are planning for a camping trip, then you should buy a washing machine that requires less or no installation.
A washing machine with a transparent lid is an added advantage. It allows you to keep an eye on the laundry and water levels. The lid should be flexible for practical purposes.
Two in One Product
Apart from being a portable washing machine, it should have a dryer. You can agree with me that carrying a washer and a dryer is cumbersome.
Consider a unit that has a twin tub. One tub for washing clothes and another one for drying. The two tubs should work simultaneously to provide you with clean and dry clothes.
Also, a material with a powerful motor is essential. It doesn’t take much time to dry clothes.
Size
It is important to consider the size of the portable washing machine before buying it. You don’t want a machine that cannot fit in the RV van.
Start with checking the available space then consider the product dimensions. Also, consider the weight of the machine. The smaller the machine, the easier it is to move from one place to another.
Energy Efficient
Some washing machines require a lot of energy. While some portable washing machines use electricity, others rely on human power.
Try to look for a washer that efficiently cleans your clothes while consuming less electricity. If possible, consider a mini-washing machine that relies on human power. They are the best option for remote areas. They are also ecofriendly.
Water Usage
A portable washing machine for camping should be water efficient. If you are traveling to places you are not sure about water supply, consider a water-efficient washer.
The gadget should effectively clean your clothes using less water. Don’t go for washers that use like 80 liters of water to wash your clothes.
Final Word
Well, that’s it about the best portable washing machines for camping. The units I have talked about will allow you to wash and dry your clothes on the go.
Some of them are electric, while others are non electric.
If you don’t have access to power, you should really consider a non electric unit, but if you have power, an electric washer would be the better choice.
I’ll say it again. The machines can be a great companion for people who travel a lot. You can use them to wash delicate baby clothes, washable baby diapers, and non-delicate clothes like jeans and sweaters.