Hot showers, much like electricity, count as a comfort people often overlook until it becomes unavailable. This realization hits after multiple nights at a music festival, extended work at a remote site, or months of overlanding in isolated areas. An itchy scalp and lingering odors quickly turn the notion of investing hundreds in a portable shower into a practical consideration.

I tested the Hottap Go by Joolca from Australia during van life trips for post-surf rinses and post-cooking cleanups. It includes a built-in 12L water tank, which improves on rival models needing separate containers and awkward hoses prone to tripping hazards. The system recirculates water to reach the selected temperature. This process takes slightly longer than instant models but avoids wasting water by preventing cold initial bursts from draining away.

The Hottap Go costs $554 and needs an external 12V power supply. In the US, Joolca offers a matching 12V / 5A power bank for $165 that attaches magnetically to the unit. In Europe, I assembled a similar setup using a roughly $100 power bank from online retailers. The outcome delivers a complete, independent hot water setup ready for any location.

Verge Score

$554

The Good

Complete package for hot showers in any setting
Integrated tank holds enough water for two showers
All parts and accessories fit within the main unit
Recirculation prevents water waste unlike other options
Consistent temperature control throughout use

The Bad

High price point
Optional battery mounts externally on the case
Requires several minutes for heating
Water pressure remains moderate at best

Clarifying operation immediately: the Hottap Go uses electricity for the pump and controls while propane handles water heating. It accepts standard 1lb propane canisters directly and supports larger tanks via an added hose and regulator.

A standout feature involves storing the hoses, battery, showerhead, and gas canister inside the water tank for compact transport. The adjustable showerhead includes a magnetic mount for easy placement. Combined with the recirculation approach, these elements show how Joolca addressed common issues found in other portable propane showers.

Setup begins by connecting the quick-release gas and showerhead hoses, linking to a 12V source such as a power bank or vehicle outlet, selecting the target temperature, and waiting for the alert. The unit heats and recirculates until ready. Starting with tap water, it reached 47C / 117F in four minutes, providing time to prepare for an outdoor shower beside the van.

A temporary shower area set up between van rear doors. The Hottap Go reaches temperature by the time preparations finish.

The unit doubles as an outdoor station for cleaning dishes away from living quarters.

The magnetic showerhead holder offers flexible positioning on the unit or vehicle surfaces at various angles.

An on/off control on the showerhead helps save water during lathering, while the dial manages flow rate.

During a windy beach session, the unit needed repeated reignition despite protected venting and eventually showed an E3 error. Moving it out of the wind resolved the issue. The top handle aids relocation, and the lid seal prevents spills onto the ground or power source. In all other tests, ignition and flame stability remained reliable.

Joolca rates the Hottap Go for two solid showers or one extended session. With the full 12L tank, I completed two effective showers by using the showerhead switch to limit flow during soaping.

1/11

All components including hoses, canister, showerhead, and battery store neatly inside for transport.

Flow rate stays moderate even at the highest setting. It handles shampooing thick hair effectively but lacks power for heavy cleaning tasks like bike maintenance. The magnetic holder remains secure, and the showerhead offers comfortable handling with a well-placed switch. Flow adjustment requires two hands, though maximum setting sufficed for most uses.

For occasional use only a couple times yearly, the $554 price may not justify purchase when simpler tankless models like those from BougeRV cost less. The Hottap Go provides superior recirculation, reliability, and ease overall, though including the $165 power bank would improve value. For frequent van life users or those spending extended periods without access to facilities, the total around $719 supports the case for one of the top portable hot water options available.

Specifications:

Tank capacity: 12L (3.2 gal), suitable for about 2 showers
Water flow: 1.5 to 3.5 L/min (0.4 to 0.9 gal/min)
Shower hose length: 3m (9.8 ft)
Showerhead includes magnetic mount plus controls for on/off and flow adjustment
Two-stage filter supports use with creek water
Power cable with cigarette socket: 5m (16.4 ft), 12V DC
Power consumption: 45W
Maximum temperature: 60C (140F), preheats in about 5 minutes
Propane: 0.45 kg (1 lb) canister supports around 15 showers
Gas flow: 20MJ/hr (18,956 BTU/hr)
Weight: 9.5 kg (20.9 lb) empty
Dimensions: 495 x 359 x 180 mm (19.5 x 14.1 x 7.1 in), fits standard jerry can holders

Photos / The Verge