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If you’ve spent any amount of time camping, overlanding, or living the van life, you know one thing for sure: having access to hot water is a game-changer. The rise of portable hot water systems has really flipped the whole outdoor living niche on its head, and in this space, Joolca’s HOTTAP V2 Nomad Kit has been making its mark for a minute now.
The HOTTAP V2 Nomad is another entry in the portable water heater market, but it goes beyond that by being, at least personally, arguably one of the most feature-rich options on the market today (but we’ll get to that in a minute).
Compact, modular, and powerful, it’s designed to make you forget you’re miles from home. But as with any product claiming to deliver this level of comfort, there’s the inevitable question: Is it worth the price tag? In this review, I’ll explore what makes the HOTTAP V2 Nomad a standout, discuss where it might fall short, and help you decide if it belongs in your outdoor kit.
Editor’s Choice Awards
Every year, we scoure the niches and spaces that we know best looking for products that are really top quality and also truly innovative. With so much stuff being brought to market every week, it can be hard to cut through the noise and figure out what is worth your time, space in your kit, and your money. While I will be spending the majority of this article diving into the details of this, I wanted to let you know here that the Joolca HOTTAP V2 Nomad Kit is one of the better products I used this year.
This makes me all the more bumed that all the custom images that I had taken for it were lost when my phone was recently stolen. We had taken the Joolca HOTTAP V2 Nomad Kit out around Mount Hood, out to Bend, Suttle Lake, and a handful of other spots and had snagged some great imagery for this review that all went down the drain when my phone was stolen. So please pardon the lack of original art, something I always pride myself on in these reviews, but I promise there’s a good reason.
Build Quality and Design
Let’s start with the basics: the HOTTAP V2 Nomad Kit is impressively compact for what it does.
The central unit is small enough to carry with one hand and doesn’t take up much space when packed. It’s designed for portability, and the modular accessories like the sink and shower tent pack down neatly into the sink itself and fits into most kits and setups.
Durability is another area in which Joolca has done its homework.
I really think that the HOTTAP system is built to last – at least, it feels that way after using it for the last few months and throughout multiple camping trips around Mount Hood – with components that inspire confidence when you’re miles from the nearest repair shop. The few times that I took this thing out in the rain while camping, I found that the IPX3-rated pump could handle exposure to rain and splashy conditions, and the hoses are sturdy enough to withstand frequent setups and teardowns. The water filter, designed for use in natural water sources like creeks and lakes, adds peace of mind when clean water isn’t guaranteed but not something I personally would rely upon to hydrate my family during a long weekend in the woods.
One of the most appealing things about the HOTTAP is its modularity.
Quick-connect fittings let you snap components together in seconds, making it easy to switch between the showerhead and faucet. The magnetic mounts for the showerhead are a nice touch, allowing me to position it wherever it’s most convenient and reposition it if my toddler gets a little messy while camping and needs a shower. These little details show that Joolca has thought about how people actually use their gear. Still, I can see where frequent use in harsh conditions might cause some wear on connectors over time. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning heavy use.
Performance and Usability
Performance is where the HOTTAP V2 Nomad really shines.
Setting it up is super simple, even for someone who’s never used a portable hot water system. The Quick Connect fittings for the hoses and propane line meant that I wasn’t fumbling with the threads or worrying about leaks, which was a game changer when I was camping in the rain, and colder conditions where my hands got a little stiff and operating these types of gear gets finicky. Once the pump and propane are hooked up, getting hot water takes just a flip of a switch.
The 37,500-BTU burner is a powerhouse capable of delivering hot water in seconds, which was one of the most impressive things about this shower and one of the first things I usually tell my friends when flexing about this shower. Temperature control is precise, with dials for both water flow and heat. You can crank it up for a steaming shower or dial it back to wash delicate camping gear. The system maxes out at 122°F (50°C), which is plenty for most outdoor uses and includes a safety cutoff to prevent overheating. I personally didn’t feel comfortable pushing it to its max limits, but it easy got more than hot enough to be toasty warm even when it was raining outside.
The water flow is damn impressive too.
With a maximum rate of 1.6 gallons per minute, the HOTTAP delivers a steady stream that feels more like home plumbing than a campsite hack. This makes it versatile for various tasks—rinsing off a dog, cleaning a cast-iron pan, or taking a long, hot shower. During testing on a multi-day overlanding trip, I found the system could handle back-to-back showers and dishwashing without skipping a beat. However, relying on propane and a 12V power source means planning. Running out of fuel or battery power could leave you without hot water, so it’s worth carrying spares.
The HOTTAP’s real-life usability is where it won my group of camping friends over.
Water Source Compatibility and Filtration
One of the HOTTAP’s most impressive features is its ability to work with various water sources. From jerry cans to creeks, the self-priming pump ensures you can draw water from anywhere. It can lift water up to 100 feet and push it through the system, making it adaptable for uneven terrain or distant water sources. This kind of versatility is a huge plus for overlanders and remote campers who don’t always have the luxury of a tap nearby.
The two-stage filtration system is a thoughtful addition that sets the HOTTAP apart from some competitors. The primary filter catches larger debris, while the secondary filter ensures finer particles don’t. Maintenance is straightforward—just rinse the filter and you’re good to go.
That said, heavily silted water can clog the filter faster, requiring more frequent cleaning. I was camping in the rain post-summer and also in the middle of fire season out in eastern Oregon, so I had to take particular care to clean it really well as to avoid sediment and light ash build-up in the small parts of it.
Accessories and Bundles
Joolca offers the HOTTAP system in three bundles, each catering to different needs.
The Essentials Kit is the entry-level option, including the heater, basic plumbing, and connectors. It’s great for those with a pump or plan to use pressurized water sources. The Outing Kit adds a self-priming pump and filtration system, making it more versatile for off-grid use. Finally, the Nomad Kit is the most comprehensive, including everything from the Outing Kit plus the foldable sink and Ensuite Single shower tent.
The sink is a standout accessory, doubling as a storage container for the entire kit. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and practical for dishwashing or bathing small children. The Ensuite Single tent we used for most of my camping season adds a layer of privacy and comfort, with features like silver-lined fabric for insulation and integrated drainage to prevent pooling water. These extras can make a big difference in convenience for families or groups.
Of course, all these features come at a cost. At $549, the Nomad Kit isn’t cheap, and it is worth considering whether you’ll use all the accessories included. For those on a tighter budget, the Essentials Kit offers a more affordable entry point, though it lacks some of the features that make the Nomad Kit so versatile.
Who It’s For
Campers, overlanders, and van lifers will appreciate its ability to provide hot water for showers, dishwashing, and other tasks. It’s beneficial for families or groups who need a reliable solution for hygiene and cooking while off the grid.
That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all product.
Backpackers or ultralight campers will likely find the system too bulky. Its reliance on propane and a 12V power source means it’s best suited for vehicle-based trips. This might not be the right fit if you’re looking for a minimalist setup.
Pricing and Availability
The HOTTAP V2 Nomad Kit is priced at $549, with the Essentials Kit starting at $299 and the Outing Kit at $449. While the upfront cost might seem steep, the system’s performance and versatility justify the investment for frequent users. Joolca sweetens the deal with financing options like Afterpay and a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the product without much risk.
Shipping is free on orders over $99, and returns are free if you’re unsatisfied. However, it’s worth noting that additional costs like propane tanks, extended hoses, or replacement filters can add up over time.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Joolca HOTTAP V2 Nomad Kit is a best in class in the niche space of portable hot water systems. Its compact design, robust performance, and thoughtful accessories make it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re rinsing off after a day on the trails or tackling a stack of greasy dishes, the HOTTAP delivers hot water on demand with minimal hassle.
That said, it’s not perfect. The high price tag, dependence on propane, and occasional filter maintenance might give some users pause but it was far from a deal breaker for me. But for those who camp frequently or spend extended time off-grid, these minor inconveniences are far outweighed by the system’s comfort and convenience.
If you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor setup and don’t mind investing in quality, the HOTTAP V2 Nomad Kit is well worth considering. For those on a budget, the Essentials Kit offers a more affordable entry point, though you’ll miss out on some of the extras that make the Nomad Kit truly shine. Ultimately, the HOTTAP proves that roughing it doesn’t have to mean giving up the comforts of home.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
