Totally get what you mean about the weight—lugging a full stainless tank isn’t my idea of a relaxing weekend either. I’ve been eyeing those HDPE setups but was worried about leaks, so your experience is good to know. Do you notice any difference in how fast the water heats up with plastic vs. metal? I keep wondering if the lighter material means less heat retention, or if it’s just not a big deal for a quick shower.
I’ve noticed the plastic tanks heat up pretty quick, but yeah, they don’t hold the heat as long as metal—especially once the sun dips. For a fast rinse, it’s usually fine, but if you’re hoping for a hot shower after sunset, metal definitely wins. Ever tried wrapping your tank in one of those cheap windshield reflectors? I’ve had decent luck with that for keeping temps up a bit longer... Curious if anyone else has found a better hack for heat retention?