Think you can handle a $700 portable shower?
Hot showers can feel like a luxury we often overlook—until you’ve spent a few nights at a music festival, a week working in the backcountry, or a summer overlanding adventure. Suddenly, the thought of investing in a portable shower doesn’t seem so crazy, especially when you’re dealing with an itchy scalp and the lingering scent of warm clams.
I’ve been putting the Hottap Go from Joolca to the test while living the van life, using it to rinse off after surfing and clean up post-cooking. This portable shower boasts a 12L integrated water tank, a significant upgrade over other models that rely on external containers and cumbersome hoses that can trip you up. The Hottap Go also recirculates water until it hits your desired temperature. While this may take a bit longer than “instant” showers, it conserves water by avoiding that initial blast of cold that usually ends up on the ground.
The Hottap Go is priced at $554 and requires a 12V power source. In the US, you can grab a 12V / 5A power bank from Joolca for $165, which magnetically attaches to the unit. In Europe, I had to source my own with an €85 (around $100) power bank from Amazon. The result is a fully self-contained hot water system that’s ready for any adventure.
To clarify, the Hottap Go needs electricity to run the water pump and display, but it heats the water using propane gas. It’s compatible with standard 1lb propane canisters right out of the box, and you can use larger tanks with a hose and regulator that you provide.
One of my favorite features of the Hottap Go is that all the hoses, battery, showerhead, and gas canister can be neatly stored inside the water tank when not in use, making it super portable. The flow-adjustable showerhead also comes with a magnetic holder. With its recirculation method for preheating water, it’s clear that Joolca has addressed the common issues found in many portable propane showers.
Setting up the shower is straightforward: attach the quick-release hoses for gas and the showerhead, plug it into a 12V power source (like a power bank, power station, or your car’s cigarette lighter), select your desired temperature, and wait. The unit will heat and recirculate the water until it beeps to let you know it’s ready. I was able to heat tap water to a steamy 47°C (117°F) in just four minutes, giving me enough time to gather my shower essentials while maintaining my modesty.
On a particularly windy day at the beach, I noticed the Hottap Go struggled to stay lit, showing an E3 error message on the display. However, repositioning it out of the wind solved the issue. The top handle makes it easy to move, and the lid’s seal prevents water from spilling onto the ground or your power bank. Overall, the Hottap Go consistently lit and stayed lit during my testing.
Joolca claims the Hottap Go can provide two “great showers” or one “long, luxurious shower.” I managed to take two satisfying showers from the full 12L (3.2 gal) tank, using the on/off switch on the showerhead to conserve water while lathering up.
The water flow is decent, even at maximum. It’s strong enough to wash long hair but might not blast away the dirt from a mountain bike. The magnetic holder is sturdy, and the showerhead feels comfortable in hand, with a conveniently placed on/off switch. Adjusting the flow rate requires two hands, but I mostly left it on max.
If you only plan to use a portable shower once or twice a year, spending over $554 on the Hottap Go might not be the best choice, especially when there are tankless options available for half the price. However, I prefer the Hottap Go’s recirculating water tank, performance, and overall convenience. I do wish the optional $165 magnetic power bank was included in the price. Still, for vanlifers or anyone who frequently spends time away from plumbing, the $719 investment can be justified for what could be the best portable hot water shower on the market.
—
Specifications:
* Tank: 12L (3.2 gal), ~2 showers
* Water flow rate: 1.5 – 3.5 L/min (0.4 – 0.9 gal/min)
* Shower hose: 3m (9.8 ft)
* Showerhead has an integrated magnetic mount and controls to turn off the water and adjust its flow
* Two-stage filter lets you use creek water
* Cigarette socket power cable: 5m (16.4 ft), 12V DC
* Power draw: 45W
* Max temp: 60°C (140°F), pre-heats in ~5 min
* Gas: 0.45 kg (1 lb) canister, ~15 showers
* Gas flow rate: 20MJ/hr (18,956 BTU/hr)
* Weight: 9.5 kg (20.9 lb) without water
* Size: 495 x 359 x 180 mm (19.5 x 14.1 x 7.1 in), designed to fit most jerry can holders
