You return to the car after a wet autumn hike. The jacket is dripping, your hands are dirty, and dry clothes are waiting inside the vehicle. If you change directly on the seat, you carry moisture and mud inside. A small changing and washing area at the campsite makes the order easier: first take off the wet layers, then clean your hands, and finally get in dry.
The process: privacy, water, dry change of clothes
Plan three separate areas: a private place to change, a washing station on solid ground, and a dry place for clean clothes and toiletries. Only set everything up where you can stand safely and use the equipment in accordance with the regulations. Fresh water and a container for wastewater should be in the vehicle before the tour. After the hike, washing your hands and changing is often enough for a short break; an extended shower is not necessary.
1. Changing without prying eyes: Which tent is right?
If your vehicle has a suitable Rhino-Rack rack and you want to use the space directly next to the car, the Rhino-Rack Shower Tent with Holder is a solution. It is mounted on a suitable rack system and creates a shielded cabin for changing. Storage compartments and a towel holder help keep dry items off the ground. Rhino-Rack lists Pioneer Platform, Reconn-Deck, Vortex, and Sportz, among others, as compatible systems. Check your specific rack model, the space on the side of the vehicle, and the mounting instructions before purchasing. According to the product description, the transport bag is weather-resistant but not waterproof; check it for moisture after rain.
Without a suitable roof rack, the BOXIO TENT is the freestanding alternative. The pop-up tent has a base area of approximately 1 × 1 meter and is about 2 meters high. According to the manufacturer, stakes, tie-down straps, a rain cover, and a removable base plate are included. Find a level surface and secure the tent as intended. For cold autumn days, it provides privacy, not a heated changing room. After use, you should let it dry completely before storing it permanently in the transport bag.
Decision aid: The Rhino-Rack tent requires a suitable rack and stays on the vehicle. The BOXIO TENT stands independently on the ground. For a changing area, you normally only need one of the two options.
2. Wash your hands and rinse off briefly
With the BOXIO WASH PLUS, you have a mobile sink with a hand pump. According to the manufacturer, the set includes one 5-liter canister each for fresh and wastewater, as well as an interchangeable shower head and a mirror. The pump does not require an electrical connection. This allows you to wash your hands after the tour and use the shower head for a quick personal cleaning if needed. The shower head is already included in the PLUS set; you do not need to order the BOXIO SHOWER separately.
Important for practical use: Water collected in the basin drains into the designated wastewater canister. If you use the shower head outside the basin, you must collect the draining water separately. Empty wastewater at a suitable location and do not simply let soap or dirty water run onto the ground. Fill the system with clean water, keep the containers hygienic, and protect them from frost.
3. Keep toiletries close at hand
A toothbrush, soap, and a small towel can easily get lost in a large vehicle bag. The ARB Toiletries Bag organizes small toiletries in six mesh compartments. A mirror and hanging hooks are integrated. Hang it in a suitable, sturdy place so that the most important items remain within reach while changing. The toiletry bag is intended for toiletries, not a complete set of change of clothes. Unpack damp contents and the bag to dry after the tour.
How to put together your set
- With a suitable Rhino-Rack rack: Choose the Rhino-Rack Shower Tent for the space directly next to the vehicle. Check the mounting and clearance before ordering.
- Without a suitable rack: Take the freestanding BOXIO TENT and plan for a level surface that can be secured safely.
- For the washing station: Add the BOXIO WASH PLUS if you want a basin and shower head in one set. Pack a suitable collection container in case shower water is collected outside the basin.
- For organization: Store small toiletries in the ARB Toiletries Bag; dry clothes should be kept separately and protected from rain.
After changing, you should not place wet shoes and clothes between dry luggage. How to separate them for the return journey is shown in our guide “Storing Wet Equipment After an Autumn Tour”. If you are looking for a rinsing solution for the evening at camp rather than personal cleaning, the article on the Autumn Camping Kitchen will help you. For further preparation for cold, damp nights, you will find tips in the Roof Tent Guide for Autumn.
Ready for the next tour? First decide whether you need a privacy screen mounted on the vehicle or a freestanding one. Then add the washing station and a bag for your toiletries. Take a look at the BOXIO WASH PLUS and check the tent mounting against your vehicle before putting together your set.