We love washing up time at campsites. It’s a chance to chat to fellow campers. But you do need a decent washing up bowl that you can carry over to the sinks…or use when wild camping.
We love washing up time at campsites. It’s a chance to chat to fellow campers. But you do need a decent Here are the best camping sinks we’ve found. Avoid the impractical round folding bowls and collapsing (when-you-don’t-want-them-to) buckets unless you really need super-lightweight.
Don’t forget to look at our recommended water carriers too.
Sea to Summit Ultrasil
The tiniest, lightest sink you’ll find. 10-litre capacity and perfect for backpackers. It opens up to a round bowl with a wire rim. Really needs to be full to hold its shape, but if weight (just 49g) is important to you, it’s ideal. Around £23.
Folding drainer
A collapsible drainer NOT a sink. Around £10. There are draining holes in the base and no drip tray so you can’t stand it on a decent surface.Folds to just 5cm. Size 31x36x13cm when in use.
Multipurpose box
Really Useful boxes are...really useful. This 18l one with a lid makes a great sink and you can store your stuff in it while travelling. Around £11. 48x48x20cm
Outwell Collaps
This Outwell Collaps washing bowl comes in a few colours and costs around £16. Slightly small at 12x38x28cm, but simple and handy...and part of a range of other Collaps goodies.
Orbit folding sink
Not much to choose between this collapsible folding bowl and the Outwell one, except that this is half the price! Around £7.
See-through wash bowl
We like this one. Use it as a sink or to carry stuff. Lightweight but with support rods so it doesn't lose its rectangular shape or collapse under the water's weight. Handles and a mesh pocket. Folds almost flat. 18l. Around £15
Joseph+Joseph beauty
This one has a drain rack inside and a cutlery holder. Around £32 Only for single campers or couples as it’s (but beautiful). 25x38x20cm
J+J drain sink
A bit simpler than the white one, this portable sink has a plug for draining. The square shape is handy. Around £28 and in a choice of colours. 31x31x20cm
A sturdy washing bowl
Strong and practical, the Yachticon has handles, folds flat and costs around £28. Not so big at 15l and 33x33x17cm, though. Pretty robust for carrying camping kit when you're not washing up.
Kampa basics
Cheap and OK at £7, but not terribly strong or big. 30x30x17cm. They tend to collapse as you fill them with hot water, so not our number one (or two!) choice.
A real sink?
Definitely a bit of overkill unless you're camping in one spot for three months! Connect your water and a canister to collect the waste. Would you, really? Around £50.
Stainless camping sink
And then you can go a step even further with a stainless steel outdoor sink for nearly £100. Barbecue area in the garden maybe? Well, we just had to show you!
Beldray wash and drain
A cheap version of the Joseph+Joseph washing bowl. This one costs around £8. 34x24x17cm and a rather small 8l capacity. Use it as a colander too, though.
The Friendly Swede
The Friendly Swede has a folding bucket in three colours. We find these a bit unstable, but they're useful for lots of things apart from dishwashing. Around £17 and in a choice of 10l or 16l.
Clothes washing by hand
For washing clothes when camping, the Scrubba bag is an ingenious sort of wet drybag with a scrubbing area inside. Fill it with water and clothes and get agitating! From £40. There's a wash and dry camping kit too.
