An All-in-One Hot Water System for the Great Outdoors
Hot showers are a modern convenience that most people rarely think about — until they find themselves days away from plumbing. Whether camping at a music festival, working at a remote job site, or living the vanlife dream, the absence of running hot water quickly turns from a minor inconvenience into a pressing need. Enter the Hottap Go, a portable hot water system from Australian company Joolca that aims to bring the comfort of a warm shower to virtually anywhere.
Unlike many portable showers that rely on an external water container and a long, cumbersome hose, the Hottap Go features an integrated 12-liter (3.2-gallon) tank. This all-in-one design eliminates tripping hazards and makes the unit significantly more portable. The system also recirculates water internally until it reaches the user's chosen temperature, avoiding the wasteful blast of cold water that typical portable showers expel onto the ground before warming up.
Power, Propane, and Portability
The Hottap Go requires electricity to operate its integrated water pump and display, while heating is handled by propane gas. Out of the box, it works with standard 1-pound propane canisters, and larger tanks can be connected using a user-supplied hose and regulator. A single 1-pound canister provides approximately 15 showers.
For power, the unit needs an external 12V source. In the United States, Joolca sells a 12V/5A magnetic power bank for $165 that attaches to the outside of the case. In Europe, the reviewer used a third-party power bank costing around €85 (approximately $100). The unit can also draw power from a portable power station or a vehicle's cigarette lighter socket via the included 5-meter (16.4-foot) cable. Power draw is rated at 45 watts.
One of the standout design features is that all hoses, the battery, showerhead, and gas canister can be stored inside the water tank when not in use. The unit weighs 9.5 kilograms (20.9 pounds) without water and measures 495 x 359 x 180 millimeters, designed to fit most standard jerry can holders. A handle on top makes it easy to carry, and a seal around the lid prevents water from sloshing out during transport.
Real-World Performance
Operating the Hottap Go is straightforward. After attaching the quick-release hoses for gas and the showerhead, connecting a 12V power source, and setting the desired temperature, the unit begins heating and recirculating the water. A series of beeps signals when the target temperature is reached. During testing, tap water was heated to 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) in exactly four minutes. The system can reach a maximum temperature of 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit), with a typical pre-heating time of around five minutes.
Joolca claims the tank is sufficient for two comfortable showers or one extended, luxurious rinse. In practice, the reviewer confirmed that two satisfying showers were achievable from a full tank, particularly when using the on/off switch on the showerhead to conserve water while lathering. The showerhead itself features a magnetic mount and an integrated flow control, though adjusting the flow rate dial requires two hands.